Roger Niello leads early vote against Paula Villescaz in suburban Sacramento Senate race

Republican Roger Niello held a solid lead Wednesday over Democrat Paula Villescaz in the state Senate District 6 race to represent a large swath of communities surrounding Sacramento.

Early unofficial results showed Niello, a former Assemblyman and car dealership owner, with 56.7% of the vote and legislative advocate Villescaz with 43.5%, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Associated Press estimated about 28% of votes have been counted.

Niello and Villescaz are competing to replace term-limited Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen of Tehama, who has represented the district since 2013.

Senate District 6 contains parts of Sacramento and Placer counties, including Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Galt.

Villescaz is hoping to flip the district blue. She has campaigned by contrasting her more progressive views — including her support for abortion rights and the LGBTQ community — with Niello’s more conservative opinions.

Niello wants to pursue a series of Republican goals, such as reforming the California Environmental Quality Act, suspending the gas tax and supporting charter schools.

This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:39 PM.