2000 United States Senate election in California

The 2000 U.S. Senate election in California was held on November 7, 2000. Incumbent Democrat Dianne Feinstein won her second full term.

Candidates

 * Dianne Feinstein, incumbent Senator since 1992
 * Michael Schmier, Emeryville attorney and candidate for California Attorney General in 1998

Candidates

 * John M. Brown
 * Tom Campbell, U.S. Representative from Campbell
 * Linh Dao
 * James Peter Gough
 * Bill Horn, San Diego County Supervisor
 * Ray Haynes, State Senator from Murrieta

Campaign
Despite touting his service as a moderate Republican representing a strongly Democratic district, Campbell was underfunded and a decided underdog against the popular, heavily financed Feinstein. By February, he spent barely $1 million without any PAC money. Campbell has generally supported gay rights and abortion. He also opposes the War on Drugs and calls himself a "maverick", similar to U.S. Senator John McCain. Campbell was easily defeated, losing by over 19 points.

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, October 24, 2000
 * Complete video of debate, October 27, 2000

Results breakdown
Final results from the Secretary of State of California.

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

 * Fresno (largest town: Fresno)
 * Imperial (largest municipality: El Centro)
 * Kings (largest municipality: Avenal)
 * Lake (largest municipality: Clearlake)
 * Merced (largest community: Merced)
 * Riverside (largest city: Riverside)
 * San Bernardino (largest town: San Bernardino)
 * San Diego (largest community: San Diego)
 * San Joaquin (largest city: Stockton)
 * Stanislaus (largest community: Modesto)
 * Ventura (largest city: Ventura)

Green Party candidate Medea Susan Benjamin finished second (ahead of Republican Tom Campbell) in six Northern California municipalities, most of which are in the San Francisco Bay Area: Oakland (10.18%), Emeryville (13.35%), Albany (14.37%), Fairfax (15.99%), Berkeley (22.23%), and Arcata (26.77%). She tied with Jones for second place in Point Arena with 21.71% of the vote.