David Couch
Republican
Candidate Biography:
Born: August 17, 1958, in Bakersfield, CA
University: San Jose State University (B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting)
1999-2012: Member, Bakersfield City Council
2013-Present: Member, Kern County Board of Supervisors
2026: Early Primary Candidate for SD-12 (withdrew)
- LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: In 2026, Couch was the only candidate to file to appear in his contest on both the primary and general election ballots. Based on a review of Primary and General Election records back to 1950, Count is the first new lawmaker elected to a first term in the state legislature without facing a single opponent in at least 75 years.