Huntington Beach businessman Travis Allen came from behind to beat his fellow Republican, Troy Edgar, in the Nov. 6 general election. At one time Edgar was far ahead in polling and campaign contributions, as well as endorsements.
But Edgar waffled on signing the taxpayer protection pledge and he tried to advance a new utility tax in his City of Los Alamitos. And Allen wisely went after Democratic voters, garnering the endorsements of Joe Dovinh and Albert Ayala – the Democrats who lost in the 72nd AD primary election in June. Allen also picked up the support of Little Saigon leader Van Tran, himself a former state legislator.
With all precincts counted, Travis Allen garnered 55.7 percent of the vote, giving him an edge over Troy Edgar’s 44.3 percent, according to the Orange County Registrar of Voters. By the time all ballots were counted early Wednesday morning, Allen led Edgar by 12,334 votes — 60,732 to 48,398, according to The Fountain Valley Patch.
The 72nd Assembly District will represent Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Westminster and part of Santa Ana.