INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – State Assemblyman Mike Morrell appears to have captured the vacant state Senate seat in the 23rd District.

Morrell, a Republican from Rancho Cucamonga, easily out-polled four other candidates in Tuesday’s special election. Democrat Ronald O’Donnell was a distant second.

Preliminary returns left Ameenah Fuller, Crystal Ruiz and Jeff Hewitt in single digits.

Morrell needed half of all votes cast to avoid a June run-off.

The special election cost San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties nearly $1 million dollars. Voter turnout was light.

Morrell’s campaign advertising focused on his opposition to the Democrats tax and spend philosophy.

Story Date: March 27, 2014