David Mills
State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier has won another term, defeating his Republican challenger, Mark Meuser. in the newly drawn 7th state Senate district.
The district stretches from Concord in the north and through Walnut Creek Lamorinda and the San Ramon Valley to the communities of Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin.
With all 779 precincts reporting, DeSaulnier more than 60 percent of the vote.
The state senator said he looks forward to another four years in the state Senate.
“I’m very happy. I love my job, despite its challenges,” said DeSaulnier.
The senator said he’ll miss representing the western portion of Contra Costa County but welcomes the opportunity to represent Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore and other communities in the new district.
DeSaulnier said he will focus on local transportation issues as chairman of the Senate’s transportation committee during the next couple years.
He added school issues will also be a pressing matter, especially if Prop. 30 does not win.
“We’ll have to roll up our sleeves,” said DeSaulnier. “This will be very tough.”
Meuser said he was grateful for this campaign experience.
“This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I have no regrets.”
DeSaulnier, a former mayor of Concord and Contra Costa County supervisor, has been in the state Senate since 2008, when he won election with 66 percent of the vote.
Meuser is an attorney and a small business owner. He has never held elected office. He did serve as chief of staff for a Missouri senator.