A progressive candidate, Randy Villegas, has advanced to the runoff election for a California State Assembly seat, defeating a more moderate opponent. Villegas, who has publicly characterized Israel as a “genocidal regime,” secured a spot in the November election. His rival, Jasmeet Bains, received significant financial backing from Democratic Majority for Israel, a pro-Israel lobbying group. The race highlighted a growing divide within the California Democratic party regarding U.S. policy towards Israel. Bains’ campaign focused on a more centrist platform and benefited from substantial external funding. Villegas’ success indicates potential support for more critical stances on Israel among some California voters. The runoff election is expected to be closely watched as a test of these competing ideologies within the state’s political landscape.