SAN DIEGO -- Voters are gearing up to cast their votes in the 2024 election, which includes choosing who will represent San Diego County in the State Assembly. Early voting is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 7 via mail, drop box and at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa. The final day to cast a vote in the election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5. MORE: Your Local Election Headquarters 2024 What does the State Assembly do? The State Assembly, often referred to as the lower house of a state's legislature, plays a crucial role in the lawmaking process at the state level. Those appointed to the State Assembly work to shape policies, ensuring that the voices of constituents are heard and that government operates transparently and effectively. Through its lawmaking, oversight and representative functions, the State Assembly not only influences governance at the state level but also impacts the daily lives of residents, making it an essential component of democracy in action. Some of its key functions include drafting and voting on proposed law changes, advocating for the interests of their constituents, approving the state budget, providing oversight into the state's executive branch and providing constituent services. Who are the candidates? Here are the candidates, listed by district and in alphabetical order. District 74 This seat represents coastal southern Orange County and northern San Diego County, including areas like San Clemente, Dana Point, Oceanside, Vista and Fallbrook. Asm. Laurie Davies, a Republican, is running for re-election to the swing seat — registered Democrats and Republicans both account for about 35% of the district's population, according to state data. Democratic San Clemente City Councilmember Chris Duncan is challenging her bid. Laurie Davies (Republican) District 74 State Assembly candidate Laurie Davies. (Courtesy photo) Incumbent Laurie Davies was born in Wisconsin but knew she wanted to move to the Golden State since she was a child, according to her campaign website. She eventually moved west to attend Cal State Long Beach where she received a Bachelor's degree and then started a wedding and event planning company. Later in her career, Davies was the mayor of Laguna Niguel and a member of the Laguna Niguel City Council. She was eventually elected to the State Assembly in 2020 after beating out incumbent Republican Bill Brough in the primary and Democratic businessman Scott Reinhart in the general election. When it comes to the issues, Davies says she seeks to make California more affordable for everyone; keep beaches, parks and green spaces clean; keep the community safe; reduce traffic, get rid of dangerous nuclear waste; treat every taxpayer dollar with respect; demand clean government and decency from elected officials; and reduce homelessness firmly but fairly. Davies is endorsed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association, Peace Officer Research Association, Crime Survivors PAC, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, CA Professional Firefighters, San Diego Lincoln Club, Orange County Lincoln Club, Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego, San Diego Police Officer’s Association, among several other organization and elected officials. Laurie Davies will be interviewed on KUSI on Oct. 10 at 7:40 a.m. Chris Duncan (Democrat) District 74 State Assembly candidate Chris Duncan. (Courtesy photo) Chris Duncan, a San Clemente resident, holds law degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University Law Center and the University of Hawaii School of Law. He also graduated with honors from Boston College. His wife runs a small business in the area. Duncan is former federal prosecutor in the Department of Homeland Security, a career that lasted over 16 years. During that time he prosecuted child predators, drug smugglers and human traffickers. He was also Assistant Chief Counsel at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Currently, he serves as a San Clemente City Councilmember. When it comes to the issues, Duncan's focus -- if elected -- would be on public safety, women's right to choose, housing and homelessness, environment and climate, job creation and the economy, enhancing educational resources, reducing the tax burden, gun safety, as well as government waste and corruption. Chris Duncan will be interviewed on KUSI on Oct. 9 at 7:40 a.m. District 75 This seat represents inland San Diego County, a more rural area that reaches east from conservative-leaning suburbs like Poway and Santee. According to CalMatters, 29.4% of voters in this district are registered as Democratic, 41.5% are Republican and 21.0% have no party preference. The race for the District 75 seat on the State Assembly is down to two Republicans: Carl DeMaio and Andrew Hayes, both small business owners. The pair are vying to succeed termed-out Asm. Marie Waldron. Carl DeMaio (Republican) District 75 State Assembly candidate Carl DeMaio. (Courtesy photo) Carl DeMaio was born in Dubuque, Iowa. At age 14, his father abandoned his family and his mother passed just two weeks later. From there, he was taken in by Jesuits -- a male religious order in the Catholic Church. He went on to study at Georgetown University, where he earned a bachelor's degree. In present, the conservative activist is a talk radio host, broadcasting "The DeMaio Report" on KOGO in San Diego. He's been pitching himself to voters as an "aggressive new model to revive the Republican brand." As noted on his campaign website, he also serves as chairman of Reform California -- a statewide grassroots political movement that is "dedicated to taking back California from the far-Left politicians and special interests." Career-wise, DeMaio founded two businesses: the Performance Institute, a government reform think tank, and American Strategic Management Institute, which provides training in corporate financial and performance management. When it comes to his stance on the issues, DeMaio is a self-described advocate for taxpayers and seeks to lower the cost of living for Californians by blocking tax hikes. He's also running on the issue of accountability reform. In a recent interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, he mentioned a desire to restore election integrity, bolster law enforcement, as well as cut regulations to attract housing investment in the state. DeMaio has been endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. DeMaio will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Oct. 8 at 6:30 a.m. Andrew Hayes (Republican) District 75 State Assembly candidate Andrews Hayes. (Courtesy photo) Andrew Hayes is a lifelong resident of the 75th District in East County. He attended El Capitan High School in Lakeside before earning two bachelor’s degrees from the University of San Diego. He hopped right into politics from there, serving as a legislative aide for former California State Senator Joel Anderson and eventually becoming District Director for Senator Brian Jones. Hayes was later elected to the Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustees in 2018 and now serves as as President of the Board. According to his campaign website, while in this role he has been working to improve the mental health of school kids, support parents and teachers, and decrease tax hikes. When it comes to the issues, Hayes' main focuses -- if elected -- would be fixing California’s insurance market, protecting communities from sex offenders, addressing homelessness, boosting the economy, creating jobs, reducing state debt, combating inflation, securing the borders, removing costly regulations, among other concerns. Hayes has been endorsed by the California Republican Party, San Diego County Republican Party, Peace Officers Research Association of California, California ProLife Council and California Labor Federation. Hayes will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Oct. 10 at 6:30 a.m. District 76 This seat represents the northern tip of San Diego through the inland suburbs, including Escondido, San Marcos, and Camp Pendleton. According to CalMatters, 37.6%  of voters in this district are registered as Democratic, 30.6% are Republican and 24.6% have no party preference. The race for the District 76 seat on the State Assembly is between Democrat Darshana Patel and Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane. The pair are vying to succeed termed-out Asm. Brian Maienschein. Kristie Bruce-Lane (Republican) District 76 State Assembly candidate Kristie Bruce-Lane. (Courtesy photo) Kristie Bruce-Lane was raised in an agricultural family in California. After college, she started a career in agricultural and health care before later serving on a regional task force focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of homelessness. She is now a 4S Ranch resident. The candidate founded The Thumbprint Project Foundation, which aids in the transitioning of homeless children who have been impacted by childhood domestic violence. She also serves on the Salvation Army Metropolitan Board and the Impact Committee that focuses on those experiencing homelessness. After years of volunteers work, Bruce-Lane was selected to serve on the San Diego Water Board as a Director of Division 4 Olivenhain Municipal Water. When it comes to the issues, her main priorities are reducing the cost of living, solving homelessness, keeping communities safe, restoring excellence in education, environmental innovation, and addressing the fentanyl crisis. Bruce-Lane has been endorsed by National Federation of Independent Business California, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Bruce-Lane was interviewed on KUSI's Good Evening San Diego on Sept. 30. Darshana Patel (Democrat) District 76 State Assembly candidate Darshana Patel. (Courtesy photo) Darshana Patel is the daughter of immigrants who moved to California when she was a teenager. After loosing her mother at 14, she took interest in the medical and health research fields. This led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at Occidental College and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, Irvine. Later in 2016, Patel ran for school board in the Poway Unified School District, where she was elected and then re-elected. She also serves on the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, as President of the San Diego County School Boards Association, as a member of the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee, as a CADEM Delegate, and as a member of the SDPD Northeastern Division Captain’s Advisory Board.  When it comes to the issues, Patel's main focuses are cost of living, enhancing educational resources by increasing funding, promoting job creation, protecting the environment, gun safety measures, expanding healthcare coverage, lowering prescription drug prices, addressing homelessness, and reproductive rights, among other issues. Patel has been endorsed by CA YIMBY, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, California Teachers Association, California Labor Federation, Sierra Club California and the California Democratic Party. Patel will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m. District 77 This seat represents much of coastal San Diego County. It stretches from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, the coastal communities of La Jolla, and all the way down to Coronado and Imperial Beach. This comes after redistricting went into effect in December 2022. Democrat Tasha Boerner is the incumbent in the race, while Republican James Brown is looking to oust her. According to state party registration data, the district is left-leaning, with 42% registered as Democratic, 26% registered as Republicans and 25% with no party preference. Tasha Boerner (Democrat) District 77 State Assembly candidate Tasha Boerner. (Courtesy photo) Tasha Boerner is a fourth-generation San Diego County resident. She received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She also earned a Master's degree in International Studies from Claremont Graduate University Institute of Politics and Policy. Career-wise, Boerner has worked for global Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and higher-education institutions. She also served as a member of the city’s planning commission prior to her election to the Encinitas City Council in 2016. Boerner was first elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2018 and re-elected for her third term in November of 2022. When it comes the issues, she is pushing for legislation such as blue carbon projects in coastal developments, Medi-Cal transportation reimbursement, e-bike safety training, fairness for senior and disabled homeowners, broadband and digital equity, utility rate adjustments, cybersecurity, clean up of contaminated sites, and preventing healthcare coverage gaps, among other issues. Boerner is endorsed by American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299; California Environmental Voters and California Federation of Teachers. A date has not yet been set for an interview with Boerner on FOX 5/KUSI. James Brown (Republican) District 77 State Assembly candidate James Browne. (Courtesy photo) James Browne was born in New Britain, Connecticut. He earned an Associate degree from Tunxis Community College in 2017 and a Bachelor's degree from Abraham Lincoln University in 2022. His career experience includes working as a banker, licensed real estate agent, licensed loan officer and law student. If elected, the issues Browne would focus on includes reducing homelessness, creating transparency on government, supporting veterans, keeping neighborhoods safe, protecting children, protecting the environment, improving transportation, helping small businesses grow, and creating living wages and safe working conditions, among other issues. Browne is endorsed by the California Pistol and Rifle Association. James Browne will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. District 79 This seat represents southeastern San Diego and its closest eastern suburbs. This includes areas like Bonita, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City and San Diego. Two Democrats, Colin Parent and LaShae Sharp-Collins, are in the race to succeed Asm. Akilah Weber as the District 79 representative as she seeks an office in the State Senate. The district is predominately Democratic, with nearly 47% registered to the party, according to state data. Republicans make up 20% of district party registrations, while a quarter do not have a stated party preference. Colin Parent (Democrat) District 79 State Assembly candidate Colin Parent. (Courtesy photo) Colin Parent was born and raised in San Diego County. He became Eagle Scout with Troop 362 in El Cajon. Later in life, he was elected to the La Mesa City Council in 2016 and again in 2020. Additionally, Parent serves as the executive director of Circulate San Diego, a nonprofit committed to public transit, walkable and safe neighborhoods. Plus, he co-founded the San Diego Leadership Alliance and served as a board member of the League of Conservation Voters San Diego. When it comes to the issues, Parent told The San Diego Union-Tribune that his three focuses are education for the community's youth, housing affordability, transportation, climate concerns, and homelessness. He's also a supporter of Proposition 1. Parent is endorsed by San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, San Diego County Young Democrats, Peace Officers Research Association of California, the San Diego Police Officers Association, La Mesa Police Officers Association, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, IBEW Local Union 569, CAL Fire Local 2881, YIMBY Action, California YIMBY YIMBY Democrats of San Diego, Southwestern Carpenters Local 619, among other organizations and elected officials. Parent was interviewed on the FOX 5 News at 5 on Oct. 3. LaShae Sharp-Collins (Democrat) District 79 State Assembly candidate LaShae Sharp-Collins. (Courtesy photo) LaShae Sharp-Collins was born and raised in the 79th Assembly District to a family with a long line of union workers. She graduated from Lincoln High School before attending San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies, a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling, and an Ed.D in Education Leadership. Career-wise, LaShae works as the San Diego County Office of Education’s Community Engagement Specialist, where she works strengthens curriculums in 42 school districts. She was also the district director for former Asm. Dr. Shirley N. Weber, who is now California Secretary of State. She has also served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, the San Diego NAACP, the San Diego Urban League, the Educational Enrichment System, and the Association of African American Educators, and is a founding member of the Black Women Institute for Leadership Development and a former member of the San Diego BAPAC.  When it comes to the issues, she seeks to protect woman's right to reproductive freedom, prioritize equity in education, deliver environmental justice, address the homelessness crisis, deliver affordable housing and equitable transportation, expand healthcare, create a stronger economy, and build "a more just" California. LaShae is endorsed by Administrators Association San Diego City Schools, AAPI Democratic Club San Diego, Association of California School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers Local 1931, Black Women Organized for Political Action, California Faculty Association, California Medical Association, Evolve California, among several other organizations and elected officials. A date has not yet been set for an interview with Sharp-Collins on FOX 5/KUSI. District 80 This seat represents the southern parts of urban San Diego County, including areas like Chula Vista, National City, Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights and San Diego. This district runs up against the Mexico border. Democratic Asm. David Alvarez is the incumbent in the race. Republican Michael Williams is challenging his bid for re-election. According to state registration data, the 80th assembly district is heavily Democratic with 47% of residents registered to the party. Republicans make up 20% of the district and no party preference accounts for about 27% of residents. David Alvarez (Democrat) District 80 State Assembly candidate David Alvarez. (Courtesy photo) David Alvarez was elected to the California State Assembly in June of 2022 and is now vying to keep his seat in District 80. He's the son of Mexican immigrants and is the first in is family to receive a college education. Alvarez earned a Bachelor's degree with Distinction in Psychology from San Diego State University. Prior to being elected he was a small business owner. Alvarez serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance and the Select Committee on Reconnecting Communities. He's also a member of the following legislative committees: Budget, Education, Insurance Military and Veterans Affairs, as well as Water, Parks, and Wildlife. Additionally, the lawmaker is a member of the Select Committee on California’s Lithium Economy, Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs, Select Committee on Downtown Recovery, Select Committee on Permitting Reform, Select Committee on Retail Theft and Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy. When it comes to the issues, some legislation that he seeks to push includes in-home supportive services, recreational vehicle parks, water quality at the cross-border river, housing projects, land use, enhancing educational resources, equitable access to zero-emissions vehicles, streaming storm water channel maintenance, among other issues. Alvarez will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Oct. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Michael W. Williams (Republican) District 80 State Assembly candidate Michael W. Williams. (Courtesy photo) Michael W. Williams has spent most of his life in San Diego County, with nearly 30 years in the South Bay. He graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., and then completed the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidates School in Pensacola, Fla. and subsequently became a Naval Intelligence Officer. After retiring from the Navy, he gained business experience with start-up international trade and analysis companies. Once he found his way back San Diego, he entered public service as a Policy Analyst/Council Representative with the San Diego City Council working in both Council Districts 1 and 2. After 9/11, he returned to military service as a civilian analyst with Navy Special Warfare for three years and then joined the FBI as a national security/counterterrorism Intelligence Analyst with the San Diego Field Office. He retired after ten years. When it comes to the issues, Williams key focuses --if elected -- would be public safety, reducing the power of government, improving the business climate, transportation, education, water quality, homelessness, the environment, and taxes, among other issues. Williams is endorsed by California GOP, San Diego Young Republicans, American Independent Party, Lexist San Diego, California Rifle & Pistol Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, Republican Party of San Diego, San Diego County Gun Owners, and the Republican National Hispanic Assembly San Diego County. Michael W. Williams will be interviewed on KUSI on Oct. 7 at 6:40 a.m.