San Rafael, CA – Assemblyman and State Senator-Elect Mark Leno, the first gay man elected to the State Senate, secured the distinction of earning both the greatest number of raw votes cast and largest percentage win of any California State Senate candidate – Democrat or Republican – on the ballot in Tuesday's general election.

"I am truly honored and humbled by both the support and confidence the voters of Marin, San Francisco, and Sonoma Counties have placed in me to serve them in the State Senate," declared State Senator-Elect Leno.  "I eagerly await the opportunity to serve all the people of the 3rd Senate District starting December 1st," continued Leno.

As of Thursday evening and with all 675 precincts in the 3rd Senate District reporting their initial returns, Leno received more than 239,900 votes, which equates to nearly 80% of all votes cast in the race. The raw vote total is expected to increase as remaining absentee and provisional ballots are counted by county elections officials before being submitted to Secretary of State Debra Bowen for certification of the final results. 

"Mark Leno entered this race 20 months ago offering himself as the best choice for change," stated Tom Higgins, Leno's campaign manager.  "It is clear that Mark Leno's message coupled with his record of accomplishment and approach to public service resonate with the people of California's 3rd State Senate District," continued Higgins.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen must certify the results of Tuesday's general election within 28 days of the election.  Leno will be sworn into the State Senate on December 1st.

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