Special elections today for two Los Angeles-area legislative seats

Voters in two Southern California legislative districts go to the polls Tuesday to fill vacancies created when lawmakers won election to the Los Angeles City Council earlier this year.

The special elections are being held to fill the 45th Assembly District seat left open by Robert Blumenfield of Woodland Hills and the 26th Senate District seat formerly held by Curren Price of Los Angeles.

Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) is favored to win the Senate seat, facing a challenge from perenial Democratic candidate Mervin Evans.

With no Republicans on that ballot, the election is guaranteed to increase the supermajority already held by Democrats in the Senate.

The contest for the Assembly seat is crowded and therefore likely to require a runoff election for the top two vote-getters. The district includes portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Those vying for the Assembly seat include seven Democrats: business owner Elizabeth Badger of West Hills, council policy analyst Damian Carroll of Encino, congressional chief deputy Matt Dababneh of Encino, businessman/financial consultant Dennis de Young of Northridge, council member’s valley director Jeff Ebenstein of Encino, California government teacher Andra Hoffman of Sherman Oaks and businessman Dan McCrory of Northridge.

There are three Republicans competing for the seat: accountant/political consultant Armineh Chelebian of Winnentka, professional engineer/educator Chris Kolski of West Hills, and author/publisher Susan Shelley of Woodland Hills.

Those contending for the Assembly seat also include neighborhood council president Eric Lewis of Winnetka, who has no party preference.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com