Heather
Hadwick

A California election guide published by a Jefferson Public Radio affiliate listed the race as Republican incumbent Hadwick versus Democrat Dianna James, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance's calendar listed both Hadwick and James for a virtual 'Meet the Candidates' breakfast forum on this date. No report or recording confirming what was said was found in the sources reviewed.

The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board endorsed Hadwick for another term, citing her town halls across the district. The paper noted June primary results of 48.7% for Hadwick and 38.5% for James.

An October 3 report based on Hadwick's newsletter confirmed that eight of her 12 bills were signed into law and two were vetoed during her first full legislative session.

AB 1555, one of Hadwick's bills, was signed into law, expanding College of the Siskiyous tuition exemptions for up to 200 eligible Oregon-border students.

The Fresno Bee described the district as heavily Republican and reported June primary results of 50.4% for Hadwick, 36.6% for James, and 13% for Republican Darin Hale. Hadwick's stated priorities include small-business support, suspending the state gas tax, resources for farmers, and wildfire-mitigation funding.

Hadwick was named one of the Assembly leaders of a new bipartisan, bicameral California Food Caucus focused on food production, economic development, food access and insecurity. The caucus was established in August.

The Nevada County League of Women Voters said Hadwick had accepted a forum invitation but opponent Dianna James was unable to schedule, leaving no District 1 forum set at that time.

Hadwick announced more than $120 million in 2026 state budget funding priorities she said she advocated for in District 1, as well as an extension to protect the goat- and sheep-herding industry.

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick's office reported that 12 of her bills were on the governor's desk following the close of the 2026 legislative session.