February 2, 1999: Special State Assembly Election
Now there was a special election for the 16th Assembly district, which covered most of Oakland, Piedmont, and Alameda. Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris (who had represented the district from 1977-1991 in the state Assembly) entered the race, and was heavily supported by the California Democratic Party establishment. But Oakland lawyer Frank Russo, a Democrat, also entered the race and received significant support from Democrats who were disenchanted with Harris. Audie Bock, a Green Party candidate, also entered the race.
On February 2, with a 19.5 percent voter turnout, Harris finished first with 49% of the vote. But 49% of the vote is short of the simple majority to avoid a run-off election. Frank Russo came in second place with 37%, and Audie Bock received 8.7% of the vote.
Again, like the State Senate election, California law required a run-off election between the top finishers of each political party. Therefore, because Russo was a Democrat like Harris, he was eliminated.
A special run-off election was called for Tuesday, March 30, 1999 between Elihu Harris as the Democratic Party candidate, and Audie Bock as the Green Party candidate.
Read more about this topic: Special Election Musical Chairs
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