Sen. Feinstein cruises to 4th term

Democrat Dianne Feinstein, California’s senior U.S. senator, won an easy reelection victory over nonprofit executive Elizabeth Emken, her underfunded, little-known Republican challenger.

Feinstein, 78, was running for her fourth full term against Emken, 49, an autism activist from Danville whose only previous run was a failed primary bid for a congressional seat.

Emken had support, but received little financial help, from the California Republican Party.

She raised just $677,000 to Feinstein’s more than $9.1 million, filings with the federal government show.

Emken’s challenge was heightened by the Republican Party’s registration slide in California and Feinstein’s popularity and reputation for political moderation.

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jean.merl@latimes.com