Final Results: Bloom Beats Butler

The Los Angeles County Clerk's office confirmed that Richard Bloom beat Betsy Butler in the race for the 50th Assembly District seat by 1,705 votes, according to the final tally released Tuesday.

“I look forward to working on the issues that matter to my constituents,” Bloom said on his website. “Education, jobs, the economy and protecting the environment.”

Bloom, who is currently the mayor of Santa Monica, previously held a lead of 888 votes on Nov. 26. On election night, he was ahead by 218 votes, and his lead widened with every vote tally update except for the Nov. 20 results. 

This closely-contested race was unique as it is the only one in the 28 contested state legislative and congressional districts in California to have candidates from the same party—both are Democrats.

Incumbent Betsy Butler raised more than $1 million in campaign funds, about twice as much as Bloom.

District 50 encompasses Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Carthay Square, West Hollywood, much of Hollywood, Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, as well as Pacific Palisades, Topanga, part of the Santa Monica Mountains and Agoura Hills.