Linda Sánchez
Re-elect Congressional Representative Linda Sánchez to keep CA-38 on the right track.
About the Position
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
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Voting has changed in Orange County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Orange County? Find out how to vote in Orange County.
The President of the United States is the head of the Executive branch of the federal government, and the Commander-in-Chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
As of October 12th, Democratic challenger Vice President Joe Biden is leading Republican incumbent President Donald Trump in the polls by an average national margin of 9.2% (as of 10/24/20). Ten days before Election Day in 2016, Secretary Hillary Clinton held an average 4.9% polling lead over Donald Trump. Vice President Biden’s campaign has raised $952 million (as of 10/14/20) and is not funded by fossil fuel money. While his platform commits to establishing meaningful campaign finance reform, his 2020 campaign has received donations from special interest, corporate PAC, and lobbyist organizations. President Donald Trump has raised $601 million (as of 10/14/20) and has not taken any fundraising pledges. President Trump is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Citizens United, Proud Boys, and a variety of law enforcement organizations.
Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Claymont, DE with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, DE, for most of his adult life. Vice President Biden came of age during the 1960s Civil Rights movement, which he cites as his inspiration for majoring in political science at the University of Delaware before earning his law degree at Syracuse University. His political career began in 1970 when he was elected to the New Castle County Council. Just two years later, at age 29, Vice President Biden ran for the Delaware Senate seat, and became one of the youngest people ever elected to the United States Senate. A few weeks after his election, his wife and infant daughter were killed in a car accident, and his two sons were badly injured. This personal tragedy shaped Vice President Biden’s public image as an empathetic leader and committed family man.
Vice President Biden spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He is often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill, and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which American government is built.
Vice President Biden has also been directly accused of unwanted contact by several women over the course of his career. Most of the accusations came to light as part of the #MeToo movement, and related to invasions of personal space that included the touching of shoulders, caressing of hair, and close whispering. He has apologized publicly for this behavior, and stated an understanding of his responsibility to conform to more modern social norms in his interactions with women.
Vice President Biden launched two unsuccessful campaigns for President during his time in the Senate, in 1988 and 2008. After ending his 2008 campaign, he was chosen by President Barack Obama to join his ticket as Vice President, and they served together for two terms. As Vice President, he was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. In 2015, his oldest son, Beau Biden, lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 46. Since leaving office in 2016, Vice President Biden has dedicated substantial resources to cancer research.
Although he was rarely a trailblazer, Vice President Biden’s record does demonstrate a consistent liberal evolution on many issues throughout his career. After voting in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, he was the first member of the Obama Administration to advocate for marriage equality in 2012. After presiding over the Anita Hill hearings in 1991, he was the architect of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, and led the Obama Administration’s effort to reduce campus sexual assault through the It’s On Us campaign. After supporting the 1994 Crime Bill and aligning with the racist ‘tough on crime’ approach of that era, his current platform supports criminal justice reform, abolishing private prisons, and decriminalizing marijuana.
Vice President Biden has long been committed to building relationships with colleagues across the aisle, and bridging intra-party policy differences to establish compromise legislation for the American people. This commitment to civility resulted in Vice President Biden maintaining problematic working relationships with segregationist Senators James Eastland and Herman Talmadge during his time in the Senate. During the 2020 primary, Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Kamala Harris, both Black candidates running for President, were outward in their critique of what they viewed as Vice President Biden’s defense of the reputations and decency of these segregationists. However, Vice President Biden has not apologized for his continued defense of collaborating with these segregationist colleagues, and maintains broad support in the Black community.
Vice President Biden’s commitment to compromise has extended to the left in recent months, and updates to his campaign platform are reflective of his interest in connecting with progressive voters. While he was a more moderate candidate in the larger 2020 field, he has been conscientious about including the popular perspectives of his progressive rivals, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders, in his platform. He has recently issued proposals that include middle-class tax cuts, lowering Medicare eligibility to age 60, new benchmarks for greenhouse gas emission limits, free college tuition for families making less than $125,000 annually, and clean energy investments. While these proposals do not embrace the full scope of progressive ideals, they are an important indicator of his capacity for collaboration.
The Biden/Harris campaign is endorsed by many progressive groups in the country. While the Biden/Harris platform is the most progressive platform ever adopted by a major party ticket, we encourage progressive advocates to continue to hold their administration accountable, and work to encourage progressive legislation throughout the country. With consideration to their records in public service, we unequivocally recommend Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The Vice President is the second-highest office in the Executive branch of the federal government. The officeholder is the first in the line of succession to the presidency and holds legislative authority as the president of the Senate. In this role, the Vice President presides over Senate deliberations and can cast a tie-breaking vote in close decisions. A Vice Presidential candidate is selected directly by a Presidential nominee who has won the democratic primary process. Vice Presidential candidates are elected indirectly as a part of the Presidential ticket in the general election. A Vice President serves four year terms, and there is no term limit for this position.
As of October 12th, Democratic challenger Vice President Joe Biden is leading Republican incumbent President Donald Trump in the polls by an average national margin of 9.2% (as of 10/24/20). Ten days before Election Day in 2016, Secretary Hillary Clinton held an average 4.9% polling lead over Donald Trump. Vice President Biden’s campaign has raised $952 million (as of 10/14/20) and is not funded by fossil fuel money. While his platform commits to establishing meaningful campaign finance reform, his 2020 campaign has received donations from special interest, corporate PAC, and lobbyist organizations. President Donald Trump has raised $601 million (as of 10/14/20) and has not taken any fundraising pledges. President Trump is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Citizens United, Proud Boys, and a variety of law enforcement organizations.
Senator Kamala Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and now resides in Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamiacan father and an Indian mother who both emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s, and established themselves as activists in the Civil Rights movement in Oakland. Sen. Harris’ interest in justice and equal rights was instilled at a young age when she participated in civil rights protests in Oakland alongside her activist parents, and was further shaped when she was included in the second class of students to be bussed as part of Berkley’s efforts toward school integration. She attended Howard University, one of America’s HBCU institutions, for undergraduate studies, and completed her law degree at the University of California, Hastings.
After working for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for 8 years, Sen. Harris transitioned to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. Sen. Harris’ political career began in 2003 when she won her bid to become District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco. She served two terms in San Francisco before being elected as the Attorney General for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. In representing the needs and interests of Californians in each of these roles, Sen. Harris’ record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education and workforce reentry program designed to diminish recidivism. Similarly, as Attorney General, she declined to defend Proposition 8, a proposition to make same-sex marriage illegal in California, in court and officiated the first wedding in the state when marriage equality was restored in 2013.
In 2016, Sen. Harris became the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate. Sen. Harris has sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Sen. Harris sits on four committees: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Budget, Judiciary, and Select Committee on Intelligence. She has been an outspoken opponent of the Trump Administration, and has deftly used her position on the Senate Judiciary Committee to question judicial nominees and interrogate the hypocrisy of her Republican colleagues.
Sen. Harris formally launched her campaign for President in January 2019 at an Oakland rally with an estimated attendance of 20,000 supporters. As a candidate, she pushed forward a platform that opposed Medicare for All, supported expansion of the Affordable Care Act, sought to expand tax benefits for middle and low-income families, supported citizenship for Dreamers, and favored a ban on assault weapons. She ended her campaign in December 2019, and was tapped to join Vice President Joe Biden’s ticket ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August 2020.
The Biden/Harris campaign is endorsed by many progressive groups in the country. While the Biden/Harris platform is the most progressive platform ever adopted by a major party ticket, we encourage progressive advocates to continue to hold their administration accountable, and work to encourage progressive legislation throughout the country. With consideration to their records in public service, we unequivocally recommend Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 38th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Democrats have held this district since 2002. This district has strongly supported Democrat candidates in recent state and federal elections, providing Gavin Newsom with 65 percent of the vote in 2018, and Hillary Clinton with 67 percent of the vote in 2016.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Linda Sánchez led Democrat challenger Michael Tolar by a margin of 55.4 percent. Rep. Sánchez’s campaign has received corporate PAC donations from a variety of donors, including Microsoft, FedEx, Entergy, and Charles Schwab. She has also received donations from Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, but has not yet taken the no police money or no fossil fuel money pledges. Tolar’s campaign has not committed to any pledges, and his fundraising has been insignificant, with no donation receipts yet formally filed with the FEC.
Rep. Sánchez, a 17-year congressional incumbent, is from Orange, CA. According to campaign materials, Rep. Sánchez is running for re-election to continue to improve the lives of working families in her district through her legislative efforts on issues like labor, economic growth, and taxes.
Rep. Sánchez’s priorities for CA-38 this year have included animal welfare, improving school safety and social-emotional supports, and elder protections. She currently sits on the Ways and Means Committee. This year, Rep. Sánchez has voted 100 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Sánchez voted in favor of the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, and in agreement with the National Defense Authorization Act for FY20. Rep. Sánchez has sponsored 32 bills about education and school supports, labor protections, and elder services. Nearly all of those bills are currently referred to committee.
Rep. Sánchez is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. She is the highest-ranking Latina in Congress, and she has used her influence to speak out about the importance of moving the party in a more progressive direction for the next generation. According to our analysis, Rep. Sánchez is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 39th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Republicans held this district from 2011 to 2018, when Gil Cisneros won and flipped CA-39 from red to blue. In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton won this district by an 8.6 percent margin. In 2018, Republican John Cox won this district in the gubernatorial general election by a narrow margin of 0.8 percent.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Gil Cisneros trailed Republican challenger Young Kim by a margin of 1.4 percent. Cisneros’s campaign has pledged not to take fossil fuel money and has followed through on that commitment. He also pledged not to take corporate PAC funding, but he did attend a fundraiser hosted by corporate lobbyists. Kim’s campaign is backed by the Republican Super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund, which is dedicated to winning a Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Cisneros, a veteran and education advocate, is from Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, Rep. Cisneros is running for re-election to ensure that future generations have access to a ladder of opportunities similar to what was available to him through the Navy.
Rep. Cisneros’s priorities for CA-39 this year have included advocating for Small Business Development Centers, education programs that serve Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institutions, students with disabilities and English language learners, Emergency Solutions Grants to prevent homelessness and the Community Development Block Grants, and funding for public health agencies. He currently sits on two committees: Veterans' Affairs (ranks 11th) and Armed Services (ranks 20th). This year, Rep. Cisneros has voted 100 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 93 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His divergence from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez included votes in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, and appropriations for the Department of the Interior. Rep. Cisneros has sponsored 15 bills about armed forces, national security, and immigration this year. Of those bills, five have been referred to committee, eight are in committee, and two have been received by the Senate.
Rep. Cisneros is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district. He is also endorsed by the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Kim’s potential policies greatly outweighs Cisneros’s moderate voting record and inaction on campaign financing. According to our analysis, Rep. Cisneros is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 45th Congressional District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically held this district until 2018, when Katie Porter won and flipped CA-45 from red to blue. The most recent election results show 49.8 percent of AD-45 voted for Clinton for president in 2016, and 50.6 percent of the district voted for Cox for governor in 2018.
Following the March 3 primary election, Democrat incumbent Representative Katie Porter is leading Republican challenger Greg Raths by a margin of 32.9 percent. Rep. Porter’s campaign has pledged to refuse fossil fuel money; the campaign has yet to pledge to refuse corporate PAC and police money. Rep. Porter’s campaign is funded by California universities, Democratic Party–aligned groups, and corporate money. Raths’ campaign has not pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money and is funded in large part by insurance companies and financial interests.
Representative Katie Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to hold Republicans and their special interests in Washington accountable.
In Congress, Rep. Porter has played an instrumental role in advancing reforms that have helped American families have a fair economic opportunity by helping to pass legislation to fight against abusive credit card fees. Toward the end of 2019, she gained a position on the Committee on Oversight and Reform due to her expert questioning style in congressional hearings. She also sits on the Committee on Financial Services, where she serves on the Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, as well as the Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets subcommittees. Prior to Rep. Porter’s election to Congress, she was a law professor at UC Irvine and a consumer rights advocate, where she defended working families against predatory banking practices.
Rep. Porter’s priorities for CA-45 this year have included improving patient safety and helping working families during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing student borrower relief, and pushing for more accountability from the Pentagon. She currently sits on two committees: the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Oversight and Reform. This year, Rep. Porter has voted 99 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 92 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Significant legislation they’ve disagreed on is the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border, which Rep. Porter voted for and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez against. Rep. Porter has co-sponsored four bills to increase accountability from the police, to protect the USPS, and to require Trump to obtain congressional approval before engaging in military action against Iran this year, all of which have successfully passed the House but remain in the Senate.
Rep. Porter is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district. According to our analysis, Rep. Porter is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 46th Congressional District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans held this district until 2012, when district lines were redrawn and Loretta Sanchez won and flipped CA-46 from red to blue. In recent years, this district has voted for Democratic state and federal candidates, with 63 percent of the vote for Gavin Newsom in 2018, and 66 percent of the vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Lou Correa led Republican challenger James Waters by a margin of 30.8 percent. Rep. Correa’s campaign has not pledged to refuse fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC money. Correa has received donations from several oil and gas companies, including Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Phillips 66. He has also received donations from Everytown for Gun Safety AF Inc. PAC. Waters’ campaign has not committed to any pledges and has recorded insignificant fundraising to date, with all raised funds coming directly from his family.
Rep. Correa, who has held elected office for over 20 years, is from Anaheim, CA. According to campaign materials, Rep. Correa is running for re-election to continue to improve quality of life and middle-class access for district residents.
Rep. Correa’s priorities for CA-46 this year have included grants to support community placement of police recruits, highlighting mental-health care and minority health disparities, and providing support to military veterans. He currently sits on two committees: Homeland Security (ranks 7th), and Judiciary (ranks 16th). This year, Rep. Correa has voted 99 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 94 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Correa voted in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, and in agreement with the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for 2020. Rep. Correa has sponsored 29 bills about veteran’s support, cannabis research and protections, and mental-health care access this year. Of those bills, two have been received in the Senate, and all remaining are in committee or referred to committee.
Rep. Correa is primarily endorsed by local unions, and does not have substantial endorsements from progressive organizations. He is also endorsed by a variety of law-enforcement organizations in the district, including California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Santa Ana Police Officers Association, and Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. However, the threat of Republican challenger James Waters’ potential policies greatly outweighs Rep. Correa’s moderate voting record and association with law-enforcement organizations. According to our analysis, Rep. Correa is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 47th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Republicans held this district until 2002, when district lines were redrawn and Loretta Sanchez won and flipped CA-47 from red to blue. In recent years, this district has voted for Democratic candidates in state and federal elections, supporting Gavin Newsom with 61 percent in 2018, and Hillary Clinton with 62 percent in 2016.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Alan Lowenthal led Republican challenger John Briscoe by a margin of 28.6 percent. Rep. Lowenthal has not taken any funding pledges for this election cycle. He has accepted corporate funds from several entities, including Crowley Maritime Corporation, Amazon, and AES Corporation. Challenger Briscoe’s campaign has not committed to any pledges, and is sustained entirely through self-funding.
Rep. Lowenthal, a former city council member and California state senator, is a longtime resident of Long Beach, CA. According to campaign materials, Rep. Lowenthal is running for re-election to continue his human rights advocacy on behalf of his diverse constituency, and to push for further progress on climate change.
Rep. Lowenthal’s priorities for CA-47 this year have included funding STEM education, reinstating humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and Armenia, and reducing plastic pollution. He currently sits on two committees: Natural Resources (ranks 6th), and Transportation and Infrastructure (ranks 19th). This year, Rep. Lowenthal has voted 97 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Lowenthal voted in favor of making appropriations to the Department of State and the Department of Defense, and of the passage of the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. This year, Rep. Lowenthal has sponsored 22 bills about public land and natural resources, human rights protections, and transportation and public works. Of those bills, the majority are in committee or have been referred to committee.
Rep. Lowenthal is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. According to our analysis, Rep. Lowenthal is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 48th Congressional District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically held this district until 2018, when Harley Rouda won and flipped CA-48 from red to blue. Recent state and federal elections have shown close margins in CA-48. This district voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, with 47.9 percent. However, CA-48 voted in favor of Republican candidate John Cox in the 2018 gubernatorial election, with 52.1 percent.
Following the March 3 primary election, Democrat incumbent Representative Rouda is leading Republican challenger Michelle Steel by a margin of 11.8 percent. Rep. Rouda’s campaign is not funded by fossil fuel money or corporate PAC money. While he has not taken the police money pledge, he has not received any donations from police organizations. Rep. Rouda has been financially backed by a variety of progressive organization PACs, including Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, Equality, and End Citizens United. Challenger Steel’s campaign has not committed to refusing police money, fossil fuel money, or corporate PAC money. She is funded by several right-wing and libertarian organizations, including the Liberty Fund and the Lincoln Club of Orange County. Steel has also donated $1.25 million of her own money to the campaign. Although Rep. Rouda bested challenger Steel by a double-digit margin in the March primary, the four Republican candidates in that race earned a combined total of 50.6 percent of the vote, confirming the likelihood of a close race in November.
Rep. Rouda, a former attorney and real estate executive, is from Ohio and has lived in Laguna Beach, CA, since 2007. According to campaign materials, Rep. Rouda is running for re-election to continue his bipartisan efforts to improve life in Orange County by revitalizing the economy, reducing taxation, and improving the affordability of prescription drugs.
Rep. Rouda’s priorities for CA-48 this year have included allocating federal dollars to combat climate change, protections for refugees of the Vietnam War, mental-health services for veterans, and support for homeless individuals and low-income home ownership. He currently sits on two committees: Oversight and Reform (ranks 9th), and Transportation and Infrastructure (ranks 37th). This year, Rep. Rouda has voted 100 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 92 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Rouda voted in favor of passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, and the motion to concur on Senate amendments to the DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act. Rep. Rouda has sponsored 24 bills about environmental and coastal protections, infrastructure improvements, and small-business support. Of those bills, one has been received in the Senate, and the majority of the others are in committee or referred to committee.
Rep. Rouda is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district. The threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Michelle Steel’s potential policies greatly outweighs the moderating effect of Rep. Rouda’s bipartisan approach to the legislative process. According to our analysis, Rep. Rouda is the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives. There is no term limit for this position.
California's 49 Congressional District includes parts of San Diego and Orange Counties. Republicans held this district from 2002 to 2018, when Mike Levin won and flipped CA-49 from red to blue. In recent state and federal elections, this district has voted for democratic candidates by a slim margin. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won 50.7 percent of the vote, and in 2018, Gavin Newsom won 51.5 percent of the vote.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Levin led Republican challenger Brian Maryott by a margin of 13.2 percent. Rep. Levin’s campaign has not pledged to refuse police money, but has publicly refused to accept corporate PAC donations and fossil fuel money. He has received donations from several progressive organization PACs, including End Citizens United, Planned Parenthood, and Human Rights Campaign. Challenger Maryott’s campaign has not committed to refusing police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC money. He has been endorsed by Oceanside Police Officers’ Association, and has received funding from Build the Wall PAC.
Rep. Levin, an attorney and former director of the Democratic Party of Orange County, lives in San Juan Capistrano. According to campaign materials, Rep. Levin is running for re-election to continue his environmental protection efforts and improve the lives of the families in the district.
Rep. Levin’s priorities for CA-49 this year have included removing nuclear waste, researching the gun violence epidemic, and a variety of land and water conservation projects in the district. He currently sits on three committees: Natural Resources (ranks 10th), Veterans’ Affairs (ranks 5th), and Climate Crisis (ranks 7th). This year, Rep. Levin has voted 100 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 94 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Levin voted in favor of passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, in support of making emergency appropriations during the 2019 fiscal year, and in favor of Restoring the Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. Rep. Levin has sponsored 22 bills about armed forces and veterans’ affairs, environmental protections, and education this year. Of these bills, two have been referred to the Senate, and the rest are either in committee or referred to committee.
Rep. Levin is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district, including End Citizens United, Indivisible 49, and Human Rights Campaign. He is also endorsed by the Peace Officers Research Association of California and the San Diego Police Officers Association. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Maryott’s potential policies greatly outweighs Rep. Levin’s moderate voting record and connection to police organizations. According to our analysis, Rep. Levin is the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 55th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show 49.9 percent of AD-55 voted for Clinton for president in 2016, and 52.1 percent of the district voted for Cox for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Representative Rodriguez trailed Republican challenger Phillip Chen by a margin of 12.4 percent. Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $559,650.25. His campaign has not pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and police money, and has accepted funds from a police group. Opponent Chen’s campaign has raised $774,814.84 and has also not pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and police money. Some of Chen’s biggest donors are police and corporate PACs.
Andrew Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of the City of Walnut and the 55th State Assembly District. According to campaign materials, he is running for the position to be an accessible, transparent, and effective representative for his community in Sacramento.
Rodriguez is mayor pro tem of the city of Walnut. In this position, he has advocated for more housing in the district and smart growth strategies for the city, and he completed a general plan land-use update for the city for the first time in forty years. He has also worked as a land-use planner in the San Gabriel Valley and on several political campaigns, including then Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s successful U.S. Senate bid.
Rodriguez’s priorities for AD-55 this year include strengthening public education, expanding economic opportunity, and addressing housing and homelessness.
When he was sworn in as mayor of Walnut, Rodriguez was the youngest councilmember serving in Los Angeles County. During his term, Andrew and the city council have balanced the city's budget annually, and have worked to make Walnut one of the safest cities in California. In 2019, Walnut was ranked as one of the financially healthiest cities in California by the State Controller's Office.
Andrew Rodriguez is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. Assemblymember Chen has shown that he does not represent the needs of constituents in facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. According to our analysis, Andrew Rodriguez is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 55th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show 49.9 percent of AD-55 voted for Clinton for president in 2016, and 52.1 percent of the district voted for Cox for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Representative Rodriguez trailed Republican challenger Phillip Chen by a margin of 12.4 percent. Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $559,650.25. His campaign has not pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and police money, and has accepted funds from a police group. Opponent Chen’s campaign has raised $774,814.84 and has also not pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and police money. Some of Chen’s biggest donors are police and corporate PACs.
Andrew Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of the City of Walnut and the 55th State Assembly District. According to campaign materials, he is running for the position to be an accessible, transparent, and effective representative for his community in Sacramento.
Rodriguez is mayor pro tem of the city of Walnut. In this position, he has advocated for more housing in the district and smart growth strategies for the city, and he completed a general plan land-use update for the city for the first time in forty years. He has also worked as a land-use planner in the San Gabriel Valley and on several political campaigns, including then Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s successful U.S. Senate bid.
Rodriguez’s priorities for AD-55 this year include strengthening public education, expanding economic opportunity, and addressing housing and homelessness.
When he was sworn in as mayor of Walnut, Rodriguez was the youngest councilmember serving in Los Angeles County. During his term, Andrew and the city council have balanced the city's budget annually, and have worked to make Walnut one of the safest cities in California. In 2019, Walnut was ranked as one of the financially healthiest cities in California by the State Controller's Office.
Andrew Rodriguez is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. Assemblymember Chen has shown that he does not represent the needs of constituents in facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. According to our analysis, Andrew Rodriguez is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 65th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. This is a historically red district that flipped blue when Sharon Quirk-Silva won in 2012. It went back to red in 2014, when she lost her incumbency, and then back to blue when she won again in 2016. The most recent election results show AD-65 voted for Clinton for president in 2016 and Newsom for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Sharon Quirk-Silva led Republican challenger Cynthia Thacker by a margin of 15.4 percent. Quirk-Silva’s campaign has raised $529,123.99. Her campaign has not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money, and has accepted funds from all three groups. No FEC filings have been made for Thacker’s campaign, and she is endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County and the California Republican Party.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva moved to Fullerton when she was two, attended Orange County public schools, earned her bachelor's degree from Fullerton College and UCLA, and her teaching credential from CSU Fullerton. Quirk-Silva defeated a Republican incumbent for this seat in 2012, but lost her bid for re-election in 2014 to Republican Young Kim. She ran again in 2016, defeated Kim, and has served in this seat since. According to campaign materials, Quirk-Silva is running to keep working on education, climate, and economic issues that affect the state of California.
In the State Assembly, Quirk-Silva authored a fee waiver bill that allows the homeless to receive an ID and a copy of their birth certificate without paying for them. Quirk Silva served as chair of the Assembly Jobs Committee and secured $23 million for small businesses. Quirk-Silva currently sits on the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the Communications and Conveyance Committee. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Quirk-Silva served on the Fullerton City Council starting in 2004 and was elected mayor in 2007.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s priorities for AD-65 this year include increased funding for schools, expanding the economy, public safety, and expanding access to affordable health care. She currently sits on thirteen committees, including the standing committee on Housing and Community Development and the select committees on Foster Care and Student Debt. Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva has sponsored two bills about housing and homelessness this year. She scores 49 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk-Silva generally votes progressive for bills that address California’s education system and climate change. That said, she has abstained from voting on policies that could help solve other issues, including police transparency.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva worked as a teacher in the Fullerton School District. She is a longtime supporter of affordable housing, quality education, and access to physical and mental-health services.
Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. That said, she is also endorsed by police groups. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Thacker’s potential policies greatly outweighs Quirk-Silva’s moderate voting record and decisions regarding police accountability. Although we disagree with her relationships with the police, her district is vulnerable to flipping red. According to our analysis, Sharon Quirk-Silva is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 65th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. This is a historically red district that flipped blue when Sharon Quirk-Silva won in 2012. It went back to red in 2014, when she lost her incumbency, and then back to blue when she won again in 2016. The most recent election results show AD-65 voted for Clinton for president in 2016 and Newsom for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Sharon Quirk-Silva led Republican challenger Cynthia Thacker by a margin of 15.4 percent. Quirk-Silva’s campaign has raised $529,123.99. Her campaign has not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money, and has accepted funds from all three groups. No FEC filings have been made for Thacker’s campaign, and she is endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County and the California Republican Party.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva moved to Fullerton when she was two, attended Orange County public schools, earned her bachelor's degree from Fullerton College and UCLA, and her teaching credential from CSU Fullerton. Quirk-Silva defeated a Republican incumbent for this seat in 2012, but lost her bid for re-election in 2014 to Republican Young Kim. She ran again in 2016, defeated Kim, and has served in this seat since. According to campaign materials, Quirk-Silva is running to keep working on education, climate, and economic issues that affect the state of California.
In the State Assembly, Quirk-Silva authored a fee waiver bill that allows the homeless to receive an ID and a copy of their birth certificate without paying for them. Quirk Silva served as chair of the Assembly Jobs Committee and secured $23 million for small businesses. Quirk-Silva currently sits on the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the Communications and Conveyance Committee. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Quirk-Silva served on the Fullerton City Council starting in 2004 and was elected mayor in 2007.
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s priorities for AD-65 this year include increased funding for schools, expanding the economy, public safety, and expanding access to affordable health care. She currently sits on thirteen committees, including the standing committee on Housing and Community Development and the select committees on Foster Care and Student Debt. Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva has sponsored two bills about housing and homelessness this year. She scores 49 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk-Silva generally votes progressive for bills that address California’s education system and climate change. That said, she has abstained from voting on policies that could help solve other issues, including police transparency.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Quirk-Silva worked as a teacher in the Fullerton School District. She is a longtime supporter of affordable housing, quality education, and access to physical and mental-health services.
Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. That said, she is also endorsed by police groups. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Thacker’s potential policies greatly outweighs Quirk-Silva’s moderate voting record and decisions regarding police accountability. Although we disagree with her relationships with the police, her district is vulnerable to flipping red. According to our analysis, Sharon Quirk-Silva is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 68th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-68 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 by a margin of 4.8 percent, and John H. Cox for governor in 2018 by a margin of 2.8 percent.
In the primary, Democratic challenger Melissa Fox trailed Republican incumbent Representative Steven Choi by a margin of 10.3 percent. Fox’s campaign has raised $757,248 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. Choi’s campaign has raised $443,957, has not committed to any campaign finance pledges, and is funded by Phillip Morris, Altria Tobacco, the California Independent Petroleum Association, PG&E, Koch Industries, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the Apartment Association of Orange County, the California Association of Realtors, and DaVita Inc.
Melissa Fox is an Orange County native currently serving on the Irvine City Council. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to secure financial assistance for small businesses and renters who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, uplift working families, and continue her family’s tradition of civil service.
Melissa Fox is an Irvine City Councilmember and attorney whose family has been involved in various aspects of civil service for decades. Her time in office includes awards for fiscal responsibility, government transparency, public safety, creating affordable housing, and sustainability achievements. Fox worked to reinstate the Green Ribbon Environmental Committee, expanded the iShuttle to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and implemented a $19 million plan to reduce traffic congestion. She has also served on the OC Fire Authority board and as chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, building affordable housing for working families, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Melissa Fox is endorsed by many local progressive groups in the district, and the threat of Republican incumbent and strong Trump supporter Steven Choi’s potential and past policies greatly outweighs Fox’s lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Rep. Melissa Fox is the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 68th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-68 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 by a margin of 4.8 percent, and John H. Cox for governor in 2018 by a margin of 2.8 percent.
In the primary, Democratic challenger Melissa Fox trailed Republican incumbent Representative Steven Choi by a margin of 10.3 percent. Fox’s campaign has raised $757,248 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. Choi’s campaign has raised $443,957, has not committed to any campaign finance pledges, and is funded by Phillip Morris, Altria Tobacco, the California Independent Petroleum Association, PG&E, Koch Industries, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the Apartment Association of Orange County, the California Association of Realtors, and DaVita Inc.
Melissa Fox is an Orange County native currently serving on the Irvine City Council. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to secure financial assistance for small businesses and renters who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, uplift working families, and continue her family’s tradition of civil service.
Melissa Fox is an Irvine City Councilmember and attorney whose family has been involved in various aspects of civil service for decades. Her time in office includes awards for fiscal responsibility, government transparency, public safety, creating affordable housing, and sustainability achievements. Fox worked to reinstate the Green Ribbon Environmental Committee, expanded the iShuttle to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and implemented a $19 million plan to reduce traffic congestion. She has also served on the OC Fire Authority board and as chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, building affordable housing for working families, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Melissa Fox is endorsed by many local progressive groups in the district, and the threat of Republican incumbent and strong Trump supporter Steven Choi’s potential and past policies greatly outweighs Fox’s lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Rep. Melissa Fox is the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 69th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County and the cities of Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-69 voted for Clinton for president in 2016 and Newsom for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Daly led Republican challenger Jon Paul White by a margin of 47.8 percent. Daly’s campaign has raised $658,495.02. Daly has not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money, and his campaign has accepted all three. Challenger White has not reported any campaign fundraising this cycle, and his campaign has also not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money.
Assemblymember Tom Daly is from Anaheim, CA, and is a lifelong resident of Orange County. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, Daly is running for re-election to ensure a balanced budget, maintain and improve statewide infrastructure, and reduce bureaucratic red tape while promoting government efficiency.
In the State Assembly, Assemblymember Daly has been responsible for a variety of bills that have been signed into law that protect Californians and reduce barriers to opportunity for them. In 2019, Daly authored legislation that protects homeowners’ access to insurance policies in high or very high fire hazard severity zones and eliminates fees for Californians who have been involved in the juvenile-justice system to request the sealing of their juvenile records. He currently serves as chair of the Insurance Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs, and Transportation Committees, among others.
Assemblymember Daly has also championed increased efficiency through the modernization of technology and record-keeping, improving access for veterans and businesses. That said, he often abstains from taking positions on key progressive bills in areas that include affordable housing, criminal-justice reform, and worker protections. Assemblymember Daly has a lifetime score of only 32 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting records. Daly’s priorities for AD-69 this year include government efficiency. As an assemblymember, Daly has co-sponsored one bill expanding worker protections to cover COVID-19 illness or death this year. He scores 32 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Daly has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Daly has not supported key legislation for economic justice or consumer and environmental protection.
Assemblymember Daly is endorsed by labor organizations in the district. He is also endorsed by police groups and Crime Victims United, a group that pushes for stronger punishments for offenders. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Jon Paul White’s potential policies greatly outweighs Daly’s moderate voting record. Though we disagree with Assemblymember Daly's stance on the many issues named above, and know that a stronger progressive candidate would more accurately represent the 69th district, Daly is the most progressive candidate on the ballot. That said, we encourage more progressive candidates that will better reflect this community’s needs to run in future cycles.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 69th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County and the cities of Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-69 voted for Clinton for president in 2016 and Newsom for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Daly led Republican challenger Jon Paul White by a margin of 47.8 percent. Daly’s campaign has raised $658,495.02. Daly has not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money, and his campaign has accepted all three. Challenger White has not reported any campaign fundraising this cycle, and his campaign has also not committed to refusing corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money.
Assemblymember Tom Daly is from Anaheim, CA, and is a lifelong resident of Orange County. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, Daly is running for re-election to ensure a balanced budget, maintain and improve statewide infrastructure, and reduce bureaucratic red tape while promoting government efficiency.
In the State Assembly, Assemblymember Daly has been responsible for a variety of bills that have been signed into law that protect Californians and reduce barriers to opportunity for them. In 2019, Daly authored legislation that protects homeowners’ access to insurance policies in high or very high fire hazard severity zones and eliminates fees for Californians who have been involved in the juvenile-justice system to request the sealing of their juvenile records. He currently serves as chair of the Insurance Committee, and also serves on the Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs, and Transportation Committees, among others.
Assemblymember Daly has also championed increased efficiency through the modernization of technology and record-keeping, improving access for veterans and businesses. That said, he often abstains from taking positions on key progressive bills in areas that include affordable housing, criminal-justice reform, and worker protections. Assemblymember Daly has a lifetime score of only 32 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting records. Daly’s priorities for AD-69 this year include government efficiency. As an assemblymember, Daly has co-sponsored one bill expanding worker protections to cover COVID-19 illness or death this year. He scores 32 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Daly has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Daly has not supported key legislation for economic justice or consumer and environmental protection.
Assemblymember Daly is endorsed by labor organizations in the district. He is also endorsed by police groups and Crime Victims United, a group that pushes for stronger punishments for offenders. However, the threat of Republican challenger and strong Trump supporter Jon Paul White’s potential policies greatly outweighs Daly’s moderate voting record. Though we disagree with Assemblymember Daly's stance on the many issues named above, and know that a stronger progressive candidate would more accurately represent the 69th district, Daly is the most progressive candidate on the ballot. That said, we encourage more progressive candidates that will better reflect this community’s needs to run in future cycles.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California’s 72nd Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Notable cities include Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and Seal Beach. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-72 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and John Cox for governor in 2018. The district has a significant Asian population, primarily Vietnamese. Although previous Vietnamese Democratic candidates have tried to push the region in a more progressive direction, the district remains largely conservative.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Diedre Nguyen trailed Republican Representative Janet Nguyen by a margin of 8.3 percent. Diedre Nguyen’s campaign has raised upwards of $278,000. She has not received fossil fuel or corporate money; however, she has received law-enforcement funding. Republican opponent Janet Nguyen has received significant fossil fuel, corporation, and law-enforcement money.
Diedre Nguyen is from Saigon, Vietnam, and has resided in Garden Grove, CA, since 1995. According to campaign materials, she is running for Assembly to represent her community’s working-class interests by fighting to increase access to economic opportunities. Her campaign promotes investing in education, health care, and environmental protections, to increase the quality of life for the citizens of AD-72. Diedre Nguyen has taken firm stances in support of women’s reproductive rights, as well as LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities.
Diedre Nguyen a laboratory cancer scientist, which she does to advance cancer research, and is a member of the Garden Grove City Council, to improve access to quality education, spur local business growth, increase job opportunities, and address public safety concerns. Diedre Nguyen has also served on the boards of the Lunar New Year TET Parade, Vietnamese Young Marines, and as vice chair of the Hurricane Haiyan Philippines Fundraiser. She has also been appointed to various other Vietnamese community positions where she successfully worked to bring her community together to solve issues and promote diversity.
Diedre Nguyen has received endorsements from a number of community organizations, including Equality CA, Sierra Club, CA Teachers Association, and Planned Parenthood. She has also received an endorsement from local law enforcement.
Diedre Nguyen is running against Republican Janet Nguyen. Janet Nguyen has received endorsements from the California Pro-Life Council, National Rifle Association, and multiple law-enforcement associations. She has received a 0 percent rating from Planned Parenthood CA, a 15 percent rating from the ACLU, and a 20 percent rating from Sierra Club CA. Throughout her political career, she has voted against a number of key progressive legislation, particularly in relation to criminal-justice reform, gun safety, immigrant protections, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental protections.
Diedre Nguyen is the best progressive choice because of her track record of community service in the Garden Grove community, as well as her vision to fight for an economy that works for everyone in her district, not just those at the top. According to our analysis, Diedre Nguyen is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California’s 72nd Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Notable cities include Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, and Seal Beach. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-72 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and John Cox for governor in 2018. The district has a significant Asian population, primarily Vietnamese. Although previous Vietnamese Democratic candidates have tried to push the region in a more progressive direction, the district remains largely conservative.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Diedre Nguyen trailed Republican Representative Janet Nguyen by a margin of 8.3 percent. Diedre Nguyen’s campaign has raised upwards of $278,000. She has not received fossil fuel or corporate money; however, she has received law-enforcement funding. Republican opponent Janet Nguyen has received significant fossil fuel, corporation, and law-enforcement money.
Diedre Nguyen is from Saigon, Vietnam, and has resided in Garden Grove, CA, since 1995. According to campaign materials, she is running for Assembly to represent her community’s working-class interests by fighting to increase access to economic opportunities. Her campaign promotes investing in education, health care, and environmental protections, to increase the quality of life for the citizens of AD-72. Diedre Nguyen has taken firm stances in support of women’s reproductive rights, as well as LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities.
Diedre Nguyen a laboratory cancer scientist, which she does to advance cancer research, and is a member of the Garden Grove City Council, to improve access to quality education, spur local business growth, increase job opportunities, and address public safety concerns. Diedre Nguyen has also served on the boards of the Lunar New Year TET Parade, Vietnamese Young Marines, and as vice chair of the Hurricane Haiyan Philippines Fundraiser. She has also been appointed to various other Vietnamese community positions where she successfully worked to bring her community together to solve issues and promote diversity.
Diedre Nguyen has received endorsements from a number of community organizations, including Equality CA, Sierra Club, CA Teachers Association, and Planned Parenthood. She has also received an endorsement from local law enforcement.
Diedre Nguyen is running against Republican Janet Nguyen. Janet Nguyen has received endorsements from the California Pro-Life Council, National Rifle Association, and multiple law-enforcement associations. She has received a 0 percent rating from Planned Parenthood CA, a 15 percent rating from the ACLU, and a 20 percent rating from Sierra Club CA. Throughout her political career, she has voted against a number of key progressive legislation, particularly in relation to criminal-justice reform, gun safety, immigrant protections, women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental protections.
Diedre Nguyen is the best progressive choice because of her track record of community service in the Garden Grove community, as well as her vision to fight for an economy that works for everyone in her district, not just those at the top. According to our analysis, Diedre Nguyen is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 73rd Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-73 voted for Trump for president in 2016 and Cox for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Rhinehart trailed Republican opponent Laurie Davies by a margin of 3.2 percent. Rhinehart’s campaign has raised $85,376.58 and pledged to refuse fossil fuel money. While he has not pledged to refuse police or corporate PAC money, Rhinehart’s campaign has not received such funds. Rhinehart’s donor base consists mainly of individual donors. Opponent Davies’s campaign has raised $101,012 and has not committed to refuse police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC money. Her donor base also consists mainly of individual donors, but also includes property development companies.
Scott Rhinehart is from West Virginia and has lived in Orange County for 16 years. According to campaign materials, he is running for State Assembly to be an advocate for his community and to increase access to economic opportunities, quality health care, and preserve the environment.
Rhinehart owns his own real estate brokerage. His firm provides programs for first-time buyers, seniors, and veterans, which help address the hardships middle-class families and small businesses face in today’s economy. Rhinehart has also worked as a political advocate, where he successfully helped beat the Briggs Initiative, an effort to ban members of the LGBTQIA+ community from being employed in California’s public schools, and to increase investments for HIV and AIDS prevention.
Rhinehart’s priorities for AD-73 this year include fighting for affordable and accessible health care, protecting the district’s beaches, air, and water, and championing equality for every Californian.
Rhinehart has been involved in political advocacy, including working to defeat the Briggs Initiative, Proposition 8 (the anti-gay California Marriage Protection Act) and fought to increase funding for HIV/AIDS prevention. He is a longtime supporter of equal rights for all Americans, particularly workers’ and women’s rights.
Rhinehart is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat, although Rhinehart has a strong chance. Rhinehart is the best progressive choice because of his track record of fighting for all Americans’ rights and his vision of creating an economy that works for everyone, ensuring that people have health-care coverage and addressing issues of climate change. According to our analysis, Scott Rhinehart is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State Assembly Members form part of the California State Legislature, and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a four-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California's 73rd Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-73 voted for Trump for president in 2016 and Cox for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Rhinehart trailed Republican opponent Laurie Davies by a margin of 3.2 percent. Rhinehart’s campaign has raised $85,376.58 and pledged to refuse fossil fuel money. While he has not pledged to refuse police or corporate PAC money, Rhinehart’s campaign has not received such funds. Rhinehart’s donor base consists mainly of individual donors. Opponent Davies’s campaign has raised $101,012 and has not committed to refuse police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC money. Her donor base also consists mainly of individual donors, but also includes property development companies.
Scott Rhinehart is from West Virginia and has lived in Orange County for 16 years. According to campaign materials, he is running for State Assembly to be an advocate for his community and to increase access to economic opportunities, quality health care, and preserve the environment.
Rhinehart owns his own real estate brokerage. His firm provides programs for first-time buyers, seniors, and veterans, which help address the hardships middle-class families and small businesses face in today’s economy. Rhinehart has also worked as a political advocate, where he successfully helped beat the Briggs Initiative, an effort to ban members of the LGBTQIA+ community from being employed in California’s public schools, and to increase investments for HIV and AIDS prevention.
Rhinehart’s priorities for AD-73 this year include fighting for affordable and accessible health care, protecting the district’s beaches, air, and water, and championing equality for every Californian.
Rhinehart has been involved in political advocacy, including working to defeat the Briggs Initiative, Proposition 8 (the anti-gay California Marriage Protection Act) and fought to increase funding for HIV/AIDS prevention. He is a longtime supporter of equal rights for all Americans, particularly workers’ and women’s rights.
Rhinehart is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district. According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat, although Rhinehart has a strong chance. Rhinehart is the best progressive choice because of his track record of fighting for all Americans’ rights and his vision of creating an economy that works for everyone, ensuring that people have health-care coverage and addressing issues of climate change. According to our analysis, Scott Rhinehart is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State assembly members form part of the California State Legislature and work alongside the governor to establish laws and a state budget. They hold the power to pass bills that affect public policy, set state spending levels, raise and lower taxes, and uphold or override the governor’s vetoes. The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 61 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats. One seat is held by an Independent, and one seat is currently vacant.
California’s 74th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Notable cities within the district include portions of Huntington Beach and Irvine, as well as Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Republicans held this district until 2018, when Assemblymember Petrie-Norris flipped AD-74 blue. The most recent election results show AD-74 voted for Hillary Clinton for President in 2016, and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018. AD-74 has one of the highest median family income and property values in the nation. The district is largely white, with a notable Latinx population of about 15 percent.
In the primary, Democrat incumbent Cottie Petrie-Norris led Republican challenger Diane Dixon by a margin of 27.1 percent. Petrie-Norris’s campaign has raised upwards of $720,000, and is largely funded through numerous law enforcement, corporate, and fossil fuel donors. Republican challenger Diane Dixon’s campaign has raised upwards of $328,000 and is largely funded through individual contributions, as well as some law-enforcement money.
Representative Cottie Petrie-Norris is the incumbent, having served as assemblymember since 2018. She has failed to take a stance on a number of progressive issues, including criminal-justice reform, environmental protections, and affordable housing.
Norris holds a noticeably regressive voting record. She has voted against key progressive bills on increasing access to affordable housing and issues pertaining to criminal-justice reform. In 2019, she voted against AB 1279, AB 1482, and SB 329, which proposed rent caps and the production of affordable housing and prevented housing discrimination. Norris has also voted against numerous criminal-justice reform legislation, including ACA 6, which restored voting rights for people on parole; SB 310, which allowed formerly incarcerated people to serve on juries; AB 965, which allowed incarcerated youth to earn time off their earliest parole date, and AB 901, which limited youth criminalization. Norris has also abstained from casting a vote for SB 132, which would establish protections for trans individuals who are incarcerated.
In 2020 alone, Norris has voted No on AB 1950 to limit the length of probation terms, and has chosen not to vote on legislation aimed at expanding COVID-19 medical leave protections for workers and amending oil-drilling laws. She has received a Courage Score of 34 out of 100, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Representative Cottie Petri-Norris has voted against key legislation aimed at increasing police accountability. These include AB 1215, which bans facial-recognition technology from use in police body cameras; AB 1600, which expedites the process to obtain police misconduct records in a criminal trial; and SB 1185, which establishes civilian oversight of county sheriff departments. She has received numerous law-enforcement endorsements, including the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, the largest law-enforcement organization in the state.
Representative Petri-Norris has also made concerning statements against the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC), citing “negative stereotypes of Israel.” She has stated that the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement--a movement that pressures Israel to comply with international law--as “a single, divisive viewpoint.” In the same letter, Norris stated that she is against “the definition of capitalism as a system of oppression.”
Representative Petrie-Norris’s funding is an area of significant concern. She has received significant corporate, fossil fuel, and law-enforcement money. Corporate donations include AT&T, Walgreens, Facebook, Nike, and Walmart. She has received funding from numerous local police departments and associations, as well as the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, and Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC. Representative Norris’s campaign is also significantly funded through fossil fuel money, and she has received funding from such fossil fuel giants as Sempra Energy, Southern California Edison, and Edison International.
Neither demonstrates a commitment to equitable or representative leadership. Because the Democratic candidate in this race is considered to be a safe win in this district, we feel comfortable providing no recommendation in this race. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws. The California State Senate has 40 congressional districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 11 seats.
California's 29th Senate District includes parts of Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties. Republicans held this district from 1992 to 2016, when Josh Newman won and flipped SD-29 from red to blue. The most recent election results show SD-29 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Josh Newman trailed Republican incumbent Ling Ling Chang by a margin of 13.9 percent. Newman’s campaign has pledged not to accept money from the fossil fuel industry. Rep. Chang’s campaign has not committed to any such pledges and is backed by Pacific Gas and Electric, Chevron, and Phillips 66. Furthermore, Rep. Chang took office in 2018 only after spending hundreds of thousands of her own dollars on a campaign to recall Josh Newman after he defeated her in 2016. Republican Councilmember Carl DeMaio said Josh Newman was targeted due to his narrow margin of victory.
Josh Newman currently resides in Fullerton, CA, and, according to campaign materials, is running for election to strengthen veterans’ services, promote mental-health care, and ensure transparency in state-level politics.
Before running for office, Josh Newman founded and ran ArmedForce2Workforce, an organization that aims to integrate combat veterans back into their Southern California homes and workplaces. He is the former vice chair of the California Democratic Party Veterans Caucus and has been a longtime supporter of public education and health care, infrastructure improvement, and renewable energy.
Josh Newman is endorsed by a strong majority of local progressive groups in the district. The threat of Republican opponent and strong Trump supporter Ling Ling Chang’s potential policies greatly outweighs Newman’s moderate record. According to our analysis, Josh Newman is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district at the California State Capitol.
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws. The California State Senate has 40 congressional districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the State Senate and Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 11 seats.
California’s 37th Senate District encompasses parts of Orange County. Notable cities include Anaheim, Irvine, and Laguna Beach. Republicans typically hold this district, and it is considered one of the most GOP in California. However, Democratic voter registration has increased recently, particularly in the “artist colony,” which includes Laguna Beach, Tustin, and Irvine. The most recent election results show SD-37 voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Gavin Newsom in 2018, both with relatively small victory margins.
In the primary, Democrat challenger Dave Min trailed Republican incumbent John M. W. Moorlach by a margin of 19.3 percent. Min’s campaign has raised $507,000, and is largely funded through individual and candidate contributions. Min has received notable donations from teacher, labor, and conservation associations, including the California Federation of Teachers and California Teachers Association. Min’s campaign has not received fossil fuel, corporation, or police funding; however, he has not committed to the #NoCopMoneyCA pledge. Opponent Moorlach’s campaign has raised $425,000, and has received substantial fossil fuel and corporate funding.
Dave Min is a California native and longtime resident of Irvine. According to campaign materials, he is running for State Senate District 37 because he wants to continue to build on the foundational ideal of American innovation, as well as to improve economic equity, environmental progress, and public education. Min’s campaign focuses on fighting for quality health care, championing quality education, and combating climate change.
Min is a law professor at UC Irvine and has focused his research on building an economy that works for people of all backgrounds. Min spent his early career working for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to break up fraud operations, was a senior policy advisor to Senator Chuck Schumer, and served as deputy staff director on the Joint Economic Committee. This congressional work was a reflection of his commitment to establishing a policy that allows markets to operate more fairly for everyone.
Min is endorsed by a strong majority of local progressive groups in the district. These include the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, California Teachers Association, and United Domestic Workers of America. Additionally, he has received endorsements from many city council members, state senate representatives, and congressional representatives, as well as U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla.
Opposing candidate John Moorlach scored just 2 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. His past voting record reflects opposition to health-care expansions and environmental protections. Senator Moorlach has promoted dangerous COVID-19 rhetoric in opposition to statewide “social distancing” measures. Additionally, he has expressed support of Donald Trump. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Moorlach has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents, nor does he face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. In summary, Senator Moorlach is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions. According to our analysis, Dave Min is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district at the California State Capitol.
Proposition 14 asks voters to authorize a total of $5.5 billion in state general obligation bonds to continue the California stem cell agency that funds research, therapy, and grants to educational, nonprofit, and private entities for Alzheimer’s, Parkison’s, epilepsy, strokes, and other central nervous system and brain conditions and diseases. Prop 14 is an extension of Prop 71, which created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) in 2004. The CIRM ran out of the original Prop 71 funds in 2019 and has not been funding new projects since then.
Vote YES to continue the CIRM, a state agency that has distributed a significant source of funding to scientific research programs and enterprises across the state, both nonprofit and for-profit.
Vote NO to not authorize the sale of $5.5 billion in state bonds for the CIRM and eliminate a financially burdensome stem cell research program that no longer has significant impact on medical research.
Robert N. Klein II, a Silicon Valley real estate developer and the top donor for Prop 14, was also the chief author of Proposition 71, which authorized $3 billion in bonds to create and maintain the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine in 2004. There is no registered financial opposition.
There is no notable misinformation about Proposition 14.
Proposition 15 asks California voters to raise an estimated $6.4 billion to $11.5 billion in funding for local schools and governments by increasing property taxes on commercial and industrial properties based on current market value instead of the price they were purchased for. Based on the most recent report by Blue Sky Consulting Group, 10% of the biggest corporate property owners will pay 92% of the funding and more than 75% of total revenues will come from properties that have not been reassessed since prior to 1990 -- just 2% of all commercial and industrial properties! Proposition 15 will maintain the existing commercial and industrial property tax at a 1% limit and will also maintain existing exemptions for small businesses, homeowners, agricultural lands, and renters.
Prop 15’s main opponents include realty and industrial property owners, while the California Teachers Association and SEIU California State Council are main supporters.
Proposition 15 asks California voters to raise an estimated $6.4 billion to $11.5 billion in funding for local schools and governments
Proposition 16 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to repeal Prop 209’s restrictions on local and state governments from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. If passed, Prop 16 will permit governments to consider those protected categories in order to promote inclusive hiring and admissions programs in California’s public universities, government, and public agencies.
Proposition 16 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to repeal Prop 209’s restrictions on local and state governments from considering race, sex, color,
Proposition 17 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to restore voting rights to persons who have been disqualified from voting while on parole. If passed, Prop 17 will restore voting rights to approximately 50,000 Californians currently on parole.
There are no contributions recorded for support or opposition to Prop 17.
Proposition 17 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to restore voting rights to persons who have been disqualified from voting while on parole.
Proposition 18 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to allow 17-year-olds to vote in the primary election if they will turn 18 by the following general election. At the age of 18, Californians are technically given the right to vote in all elections. However, those who are not 18 by the time of the primary are not able to have input on who would or would not appear on their ballot in the general election. A YES vote on Prop 18 solves this problem.
There are no recorded contributions in support of or opposition to Prop 18.
There is no prominent misinformation about Prop 18.
Proposition 18 asks California voters to amend the Constitution of California to allow 17-year-olds to vote in the primary election if they
Proposition 19 asks voters to amend sections of 1978’s Proposition 13 to increase the number of times a property tax base can be transferred to three times for longtime homeowners. Prop 19 is almost exactly the same as Proposition 5, which was on the 2018 California ballot and overwhelmingly defeated by voters, with 60 percent having voted against the proposition. The main difference in the proposition this year is that Prop 19 includes an additional amendment to Prop 13 that narrows an existing inheritance property tax break and promises to distribute any revenue generated from that amendment toward fire protection agencies and schools.
Realtor associations have contributed $36,270,000 in support of Prop 19. There is no registered financial opposition.
There is no prominent misinformation about Proposition 19.
Proposition 19 asks voters to amend sections of 1978’s Proposition 13 to increase the number of times a property tax base can be transferred to three times for long
If passed, Prop 20 increases penalties for low-level offenses and would create a state database that collects DNA samples from persons convicted of specified misdemeanors for use in cold cases by repealing parts of Props 47 and 57. Prop 20 would expand the list of offenses that disqualify inmates from a parole program, consider an individual’s collective criminal history and not just their most recent offense, and impose stronger restrictions for a nonviolent offender’s parole program. Additionally, Prop 20 would reclassify theft between $250 and $950 as a felony.
If passed, Prop 20 increases penalties for low-level offenses and would create a state database that collects DNA samples from persons convicted of specified misdemeanors for us
Proposition 21 asks voters to amend state law in order to allow (not require) local governments at the city and county levels to establish and regulate rent control on residential properties. This proposition would affect residential properties over 15 years old and exempts individuals who own up to two residential properties. Additionally, Prop 21 would allow rent in rent-controlled properties to increase up to 15 percent over a period of three years with the start of a new tenancy. Prop 21 is more or less the same proposition voters rejected in 2018.
California has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation, which can be attributed to the overwhelmingly high median rates for rent throughout the state forcing residents to pay 50 percent of their income just toward rent.
The Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act prohibits rent control on residential properties built after February 1, 1995. Since then, housing built in California has become accessible only to those who can afford uncontrolled rent increases, and low-income families have largely been shut out from newer housing developments.
According to a Stanford study, those who lived in rent-controlled properties when Costa-Hawkins passed ended up saving a cumulative total of $7 billion over 18 years, which confirms that rent control is an effective way to prevent displacement from the city.
Proposition 21 asks voters to amend state law in order to allow (not require) local governments at the city and county levels to establish and regulate rent control on residential p
Proposition 22 asks voters to exempt companies like Lyft, Postmates, Uber, DoorDash, and others from a recently implemented state worker protection law, Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), so they can classify gig economy drivers from ride-share and delivery companies as independent contractors, not as employees. Additionally, Prop 22 would restrict local regulation of app-based drivers and would criminalize the impersonation of drivers.
By classifying workers as contractors and not employees, companies like Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash are exempted by state employment laws from ensuring basic protections to their workforce including minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation.
Currently, rideshare and delivery workers are entitled under AB 5 to labor rights that every other employee in California receives, such as the right to organize, health insurance, and Social Security benefits. Prop 22 would take those rights away.
AB 5 also guarantees paid family leave, paid sick days, and unemployment insurance to those classified as gig employees. Proposition 22 asks voters to make gig-economy employees exempt from this law and replaces their rights with fewer benefits of much less value to their workers.
More than 2,000 drivers have filed claims against Uber and Lyft for over $630 million in damages, expenses, and lost wages. Prop 22 will codify Uber and Lyft’s abilities to systematically steal wages from drivers.
Uber and Lyft currently owe California $413 million in unemployment insurance contributions due to misclassifying drivers as independent contractors under AB 5. If Prop 22 passes, Uber and Lyft would get away with not paying what they owe.
"Prop 22 will guarantee 120% of minimum wage to all drivers." -- FALSE. The UC Berkeley Labor Center released a report that estimates Prop 22’s “pay guarantee” for their Uber and Lyft drivers would only end up being $5.64 per hour after accounting for all the expenses that drivers are responsible for themselves. At that rate, even if an individual worked 10 hour days, 7 days a week under Prop 22, they would be living below the California poverty line.
"Prop 22 will give health insurance to all drivers." -- FALSE. Under Prop 22, companies do not pay for health insurance, but instead provide a stipend to drivers. This stipend is valued at only 82% of the minimum coverage provided by state law, and is actually worth even less because workers would owe state and federal income taxes on the stipend. Prop 22 forces drivers to work more than 39 hours a week to qualify for the health stipend, so many workers would never even qualify for the stipend. For drivers who do qualify, Health Access California estimates that the health stipend would be just a couple hundred dollars—and could be just tens of dollars for younger workers—not enough for drivers to cover the purchase of their own health insurance.
If Prop 22 is passed, all future labor legislation surrounding Uber and Lyft would have to be approved by 7/8 of the total California State Legislature. Making this happen is virtually impossible considering Uber and Lyft have donated $2 million to the California Republican Party campaign committee. This is why Uber and Lyft are spending millions of dollars: to make their operations virtually untouchable in terms of regulation.
Proposition 22 asks voters to exempt companies like Lyft, Postmates, Uber, DoorDash, and others from a recently implemented state worker protection law, Assembly Bil
Prop 23 would add sections to the California Health and Safety Code about how dialysis facilities can operate, requiring a physician to be on-site at every dialysis clinic to oversee operations, and mandating that each chronic dialysis clinic submit quarterly reports on dialysis-related infections to the California Department of Health. The on-site physician would assume a non-caregiving role, as they would not be required to be specially trained in nephrology or interact with patients at all. Additionally, Prop 23 would prohibit discrimination against patients based on their coverage or care.
Prop 23 would add sections to the California Health and Safety Code about how dialysis facilities can operate, requiring a physician to be on-site at every di
Proposition 24 asks voters to amend the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) to include pay-for-privacy schemes, which provide better services and internet connection to those who pay more in order to protect their personal information while providing suboptimal services for Californians who cannot or do not want to pay more. Additionally, Prop 24 caters to tech companies by allowing them to upload a California resident’s personal information as soon as that resident’s device, computer, or phone leaves the state’s borders, and permits tech companies to completely ignore a programmable universal electronic “do not sell my information” signal. Under current law, privacy follows a Californian wherever they go, and businesses must honor the electronic signal.
Proposition 24 asks voters to amend the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) to include pay-for-privacy schemes, which provide better services and internet connection to those who pay more in order
Vote YES on Prop 25 to eliminate the use of cash bail in pretrial incarceration.
Proposition 25 is a referendum, which asks voters to directly weigh in on whether to keep or reject SB 10, a bill originally passed in 2018. Voting YES on Prop 25 will keep SB 10 in place and eliminate the cash bail system of pretrial incarceration in California, which is directly responsible for the disproportionate incarceration of Californians who cannot afford bail. The bail bond industry is directly responsible for placing Prop 25 on the ballot and calling SB 10 into question.
There are three major components to grassroots groups' objections to Prop 25. Here we provide our assessment of these concerns and how they can be addressed in the future if Prop 25 passes.
The bail bond industry has invested heavily in a No on the Prop 25 campaign in an attempt to spread misinformation and save the industry.
Vote YES on Prop 25 to eliminate the use of cash bail in pretrial incarceration.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Buena Park are elected for staggered terms of four years. The city’s charter does not specify a term limit for city council members.
Buena Park is Orange County’s 12th most populous city. The Buena Park City Council oversees the needs of 81,788 people and manages an estimated budget of $1.5 million annually. Buena Park is managed by a council-manager structured government. Buena Park’s population includes significant Latinx and Asian populations.
Susan Sonne’s campaign is endorsed by HONOR PAC, the Orange County Labor Federation, Women in Leadership, the president emeritus of the Orange County Firefighters, and a large number of local trade unions and representatives. There are two other candidates for this seat, Sharon Smith and Paul Gonzales. Due to the lack of a primary election, newspaper polls, or publicly available electronic campaign finance documents, we cannot offer any specific numbers at this time.
Susan Sonne, a Buena Park city commissioner, is a longtime resident of District 3. According to campaign materials, Sonne is running for election to foster a city hall environment that can lift Buena Park to a prosperous recovery.
Susan Sonne’s priorities for Buena Park this term include expanding access to childcare and the internet, decriminalizing poverty, sending medics and crisis workers to incidents where law enforcement is not required, distributing state-authorized rent relief funds, expanding food-distribution programs, establishing a citizen-engagement process for future development of the Buena Park Mall, transforming wasted space beneath power lines into parks and walking trails, and updating the city’s water system.
Susan Sonne boasts a forty-year career in IT, beginning as a programmer and working her way up to management. She currently serves as a city commissioner and previously served as chair of the Beautification-Environmental Commission. A longtime supporter of tree-planting initiatives and environmental preservation, she works as executive director of the Buena Park Collaborative and volunteered at the Buena Park Community Resource Center, advocating for her city’s urban forest. In her own words: “More trees, please!”
Susan Sonne is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district and is, according to our analysis, the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. As of 2010, city councilmembers in Fullerton are limited to three successive four-year terms and become ineligible to serve again until four years have passed.
Fullerton is Orange County’s sixth-most populous city. The Fullerton City Council oversees the needs of 135,161 people, according to the 2010 Census, and manages an estimated budget of $240 million annually. Fullerton is managed by a mayor-council structured government. Fullerton’s District 1 includes West Coyote Hills.
Fred Jung’s campaign has raised $33,804 and is not funded by police unions, corporate PACs, or fossil fuels. Fellow challenger Andrew Cho’s campaign has raised $21,224, and neither candidate has committed to refusing police union or fossil fuel money. Cho is primarily funded by individual contributions. Cho is endorsed by Fullerton Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald and Republican State Senator Ling Ling Chang.
Fred Jung, a business owner and nonprofit director of Junior All American Bears, was born in Seoul, Korea. He has lived in West Fullerton since he was five years old. Jung was appointed as city commissioner on the Fullerton Traffic and Circulation Commission by Councilmember Bruce Whitaker. He is a longtime supporter of affordable housing. If elected, Jung will be Fullerton’s first Korean-American elected official and the first Asian American elected in 20 years. According to campaign materials, Jung is running for election to prioritize the community over special interests, hold leadership accountable, and innovate to support local businesses during a pandemic.
Jung’s priorities for Fullerton this term include implementing policies that make the city a leader in clean energy, affordable housing, educational excellence, and affordable housing. In an interview with the Fullerton Observer, Jung said he will bring about greater accountability and transparency in police reforms.
Jung is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups and elected officials in the district, such as the Democratic Party of Orange County, Orange County Labor Federation AFL-CIO, and current Fullerton Councilmembers Jesus Silva of District 3 and Ahmad Zahra of District 5. At this time, Jung does not have any problematic endorsements. The threat of Cho’s potential policies, especially his staunch support for police without reforms, greatly outweighs Jung’s lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Jung is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. As of 2010, city council members in Fullerton are limited to three successive four-year terms and become ineligible to serve again until four years have passed.
Fullerton is Orange County’s 6th most populous city. Fullerton City Council oversees the needs of 135,161 people, according to the 2010 Census and manages an estimated budget of $240 million annually. Fullerton is managed by a mayor-council structured government. Fullerton’s District 4 includes southwest Fullerton.
Aaruni Thakur’s campaign has raised $45,289 and has not pledged to refuse money from fossil fuels, corporate PACs, and police. His campaign is primarily funded by individual contributions. Incumbent Bruce Whitaker’s campaign has raised $11,288 this year and has also not committed to any pledges. Whitaker is primarily funded by individual contributions with a large $1,500 contribution from the Apartment Association of Orange County PAC. Whitaker is endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County.
Aaruni Thakur, an attorney and Fullerton School District board member, is a lifelong Fullerton resident. Thakur previously worked with the California State Senate and with the nonprofit Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, Inc., as a staff attorney. Additionally, he also served on both the Fullerton Library Board of Trustees and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He is a longtime supporter of modernizing schools and increasing property values and is a dedicated defender in workers’ compensation law. According to campaign materials, Thakur is running for election to give District 4 the representation it has never had.
Thakur’s priorities for Fullerton this term include offering compassionate solutions in the homelessness crisis, immediately repairing crumbling infrastructure, creating new parks, bringing in new businesses, and protecting public safety. Thakur is outspoken about supporting police reforms and calls for demilitarizing the police while also increasing civilian oversight of the police department.
Thakur is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups and local elected officials, such as the Orange County Employees Association, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Fullerton School Board President Jeanette Vasquez, and former Fullerton Mayor Jesus Silva. At this point in time, Thakur does not have any problematic endorsements. According to our analysis, Aaruni Thakur is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City councilmembers in Garden Grove are limited to two consecutive four-year terms and must take a two-year break if interested in serving again.
Garden Grove is Orange County’s fifth most populous city. Garden Grove City Council oversees the needs of 170,883 people, according to the 2010 Census, and manages an estimated budget of $255 million annually. Garden Grove is managed by a mayor-council structured government. Garden Grove’s District 2 includes North Garden Grove.
Julie Diep’s campaign has raised $13,774. The campaign has yet to pledge to refuse money from fossil fuels, corporate PACs, and police, but to date has not taken money from these sources, as her campaign is funded entirely by individual contributions. Incumbent and Mayor Pro Tem John O’Neill’s campaign has raised $7,250. He has not committed to any of the pledges and is funded by the Garden Grove Police Association PAC.
Julie Diep, a therapist and business owner, is from Garden Grove, CA. Diep is the founder and president of OC Autism Foundation, a nonprofit that provides resources, advocacy, workshops, and speech therapy to families and children with autism. She also worked as a speech-language pathologist for Garden Grove Unified School District and currently works as a clinical director for New Hope Therapy Center in Garden Grove. She is a longtime supporter of eliminating language barriers for Latino and Vietnamese families, she seeks resources for children with autism, and she received a 2019 Distinguished Women’s Award for her work by City Council Member Sergio Contreras. According to campaign materials, Diep is running for election to bring a fresh outlook on the issues that matter most, such as helping to support small-business development.
Diep’s priorities for Garden Grove this term include affordable housing, public safety, community resources during the pandemic, tourism, and small businesses.
Diep is endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County. At this time, she does not have any problematic endorsements. Incumbent Councilmember O’Neill’s problematic policies greatly outweigh Diep’s unfamiliarity with elected office and lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Julie Diep is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City councilmembers in Garden Grove are limited to two consecutive four-year terms and must take a two-year break if interested in serving again.
Garden Grove is Orange County’s 5th most populous city. Garden Grove City Council oversees the needs of 170,883 people, according to the 2010 Census, and manages an estimated budget of $255 million annually. Garden Grove is managed by a mayor-council structured government. Garden Grove’s District 5 includes Eastern Garden Grove.
Robert (Bob) Tucker’s campaign has raised $8,845 and is not funded by police, corporate PACs, or fossil fuels, though he has not taken any campaign finance pledges. Incumbent Stephanie Klopfenstein’s campaign has raised $20,175. She has not committed to any of the pledges we highlight, and is funded by several real estate corporations and the Garden Grove Police Association PAC. For the 2016 election, Klopfenstein signed a No Union Money pledge.
Bob Tucker, a former labor relations representative with California School Employees Association, is from Garden Grove, CA. Tucker also served as a board member and Youth Council chair for Santa Ana Workforce Investment Board, personnel commissioner for Garden Grove Unified School District, and as chapter President for CSEA. He is a longtime advocate for labor and health-care policy at both the state and local levels. According to campaign materials, Tucker is running for election to be Garden Grove’s local advocate and make sure the city’s budget reflects its values.
Tucker’s priorities for Garden Grove this term include reallocating funds from the police department to community support services, obtaining COVID-19 relief for families and businesses throughout the city, and increasing transparency and responsiveness within Garden Grove City Council.
Tucker is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups and elected officials, such as the Democratic Party of OC, OC Labor Federation, OC Civic Engagement Table, and Garden Grove City Councilmember for District 6 Kim Nguyen. At this time, he does not have any problematic endorsements. Incumbent Klopfenstein's policies greatly outweighs Tucker’s lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Bob Tucker is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council.
The mayor of Irvine is elected in a single at-large election in November of even-numbered years. The mayor is elected to a two-year term with no term limit specified. The city of Irvine uses a council-manager government. In this form of municipal government, the city council serves as the city's primary legislative body, while the mayor serves as the city's chief executive.
Irvine is Orange County’s 3rd most populous city. The mayor’s office of Irvine oversees the needs of an estimated 247,000 people and manages an estimated budget of $208 million annually. Demographic data reveals a significantly large (45 percent) Asian population.
Farrah Khan’s campaign has raised $42,743 and has pledged not to accept any money from fossil fuel organizations, which a review of her financial disclosure documents shows to be true. While mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan, Farrah Khan has stated a personal preference for the Democratic Party and has publicly defended her participation in local Black Lives Matter protests as patriotic. Incumbent Mayor Christina Shea, currently serving due to appointment rather than a public election, is officially associated with the Republican Party, having served on the Orange County Republican Central Committee. Due to the lack of a primary election or public polling data, we cannot offer specific percentages at this time.
Farrah Khan, an Irvine City Council member and former Community Services commissioner, moved to Irvine in 2005 to start a catering business with her husband. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to initiate a post-COVID-19 Economic Revitalization Committee featuring extensive community engagement, continuing the police reforms she has enacted as a city council member, and securing housing as a right for all.
As a city council member, Farrah Khan introduced a local eviction ban prior to California’s statewide order issued by Gavin Newsom in the wake of COVID-19’s impact on renters. During the widespread Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Khan and the city council analyzed the policies suggested by the 8 Can’t Wait campaign, pushing for further reform despite discovering that the Irvine Police Department met 7.5 of the requirements. The city council held town halls with the chief and assistant chief of police, involving concerned citizens in a transparent reformation process. Other accomplishments include creating 500 workforce housing units and 200 permanent affordable housing units for homeless people, veterans, disabled people, and senior citizens, and authoring an option for Community Choice Energy, a program that gives local residents control of where their energy comes from. Khan is chair of the Irvine Green Ribbon Environmental Committee and a longtime believer in preserving green spaces and transferring to renewable energy.
Endorsed by such organizations as Planned Parenthood, Honor PAC, and the National Women's Political Caucus, Farrah Khan stands out for her progressive service to Irvine thus far. According to our analysis, Khan is the strongest choice for representative and equitable leadership in office.
The mayor of Irvine is elected in a single at-large election in November of even-numbered years. The mayor is elected to a two-year term with no term limit specified.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Irvine are limited to two terms, or eight years in office total.
Irvine is Orange County’s 3rd most populous city. The Irvine City Council oversees the needs of 247,000 people and manages an estimated budget of $208 million annually. Irvine is managed by a council-manager structured government. City council members are elected at large and do not represent specific districts.
Tammy Kim’s campaign has raised $73,025 and has committed not to accept any money from the fossil fuel industry. She is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, EMILY’s List, Women in Leadership, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Democratic Party of Orange County, and a large number of local unions and elected representatives. Due to the lack of a primary election, newspaper polling, and an extremely large candidate field, we are not able to offer specific percentages at this time.
Tammy Kim, a nonprofit leader and local advocate, has lived and worked in Irvine for over fifteen years. According to campaign materials, Kim is running for election to serve the public interest, not special interests, with integrity, transparency, and respect.
Tammy Kim’s priorities for Irvine this term include moving Irving toward 100 percent energy independence, prioritizing a climate action plan that invests in local green space and renewable technology, creating workforce housing programs for local workers who are priced out of the housing market, expanding language access for civic proceedings, improving public transportation, and reenvisioning how the local economy is managed for a world beyond COVID-19.
Tammy Kim has served on the Irvine Global Village Festival Steering Committee, Irvine Census Complete Count Committee, and Education Advisory Committee for Cottie Petrie-Norris, and as chair of the Language Access Committee for the Orange County Registrar of Voters. Her time at these organizations has included promoting bilingual education and ethnic studies, expanding language access for voters, and working to ensure that Irvine receives its fair share of resources through full participation in the federal census. A former Fortune 500 company executive and business owner, Tammy seeks to bring her experience managing large budgets and complex legal issues in the private sector to public service on the city council.
Tammy Kim is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district and is, according to our analysis, the strongest choice for representative leadership in office.
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council.
The mayor of Santa Ana is elected in a single at-large election in November of even-numbered years. The mayor is elected to a two-year term and can serve no more than four terms.
Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city. The Santa Ana Mayor’s Office oversees the needs of 332,000 people and will manage an estimated budget of $669.9 million for 2020–2021. Santa Ana is managed by a mayor-council structured government.
Vicente Sarmiento’s campaign has raised $6,101 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. While mayoral elections are officially nonpartisan, Vicente Sarmiento is a registered Democrat. Due to the lack of a primary election or public polling data, we cannot offer specific percentages at this time.
Vicente Sarmiento, a longtime Santa Ana City Council member, has lived in Santa Ana all his life. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to increase park space, reduce homelessness, provide more affordable housing for working families, invest in youth programs, and establish alternatives to juvenile incarceration.
In addition to serving on the city council since 2007, Vicente Sarmiento works as an attorney, focusing on assisting individuals through bankruptcy and advising nonprofits. He has previously served as mayor pro tem and chaired the City Council Committees for Development, Transportation, and Legislation. During his extensive tenure on the city council, Sarmiento helped draft the Housing Opportunity Ordinance, created a fiscal reserve fund in the aftermath of the 2008 Economic Recession, and led the city council’s adoption of public policies to protect the rights of all immigrants in Santa Ana.
Endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County and a large number of local trade unions and representatives, Vicente Sarmiento stands out for his progressive service to Santa Ana thus far. According to our analysis, Sarmiento is the strongest choice for representative and equitable leadership in office.
The mayor of Santa Ana is elected in a single at-large election in November of even-numbered years.
Santa Ana, CA, is governed by a six-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City councilmembers in Santa Ana are limited to three consecutive terms of four years each.
Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city. The Santa Ana City Council oversees the needs of 332,000 people and will manage an estimated budget of $669.9 million dollars for 2020–21. Santa Ana is managed by a mayor-council structured government.
Jessie Lopez’s campaign has raised $4,658 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. Her campaign is endorsed by the Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood, the Orange County Young Democrats, and several local trade unions. Due to the lack of a primary election and 2020 being the first year when Santa Ana citizens will vote for city council representation by Ward, no polling data is publicly available.
Jessie Lopez, board member for the National Women’s Political Caucus and community organizer, is a lifelong Santa Ana resident. According to campaign materials, Lopez is running to represent Ward 3 in order to hold local government accountable and be a champion for Santa Ana families, youth, and seniors. Her priorities for Santa Ana include the retention of green spaces, access to affordable housing, enacting protections for renters, and increased community engagement.
Prior to her campaign for city council, Jessie Lopez served the 69th Assembly District as a central committee member within the Democratic Party of Orange County. She is a board member for the National Women’s Political Caucus, and volunteers with Planned Parenthood and the Public Law Center as a Spanish-language interpreter. She is also an active member of Rise Up Willowick, a coalition that fights for community-driven development in Santa Ana with a focus on preserving natural spaces.
Jessie Lopez is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district and is, according to our analysis, the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Santa Ana, CA, is governed by a six-person city council.
Elect Thai Viet Phan to represent Ward 1 to push Santa Ana in the right direction.
Santa Ana, CA, is governed by a six-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Santa Ana are limited to three consecutive terms of four years each.
Santa Ana is Orange County’s second most populous city. The Santa Ana City Council oversees the needs of 332,000 people and will manage an estimated budget of $669.9 million for 2020–21. Santa Ana is managed by a mayor-council structured government.
Thai Viet Phan’s campaign has raised $31,116 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. Her campaign is endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus, Women in Leadership, Indivisible OC, and a number of local trade unions. Due to the lack of a primary election and 2020 being the first year in which Santa Ana citizens will vote for city council representation by Ward, no polling data is publicly available.
Thai Viet Phan, an attorney and member of the Santa Ana Planning Commission, is originally from Thailand. She was born in a refugee camp to parents who were fleeing the Vietnam War. According to campaign materials, Phan is running to represent Ward 1 in order to be a vocal advocate and leader for disadvantaged and immigrant communities in Santa Ana. Her priorities for Santa Ana include promoting housing affordability by increasing non-luxury development and capturing in-lieu fees, helping small businesses and residents survive the coronavirus crisis by increasing in-language outreach and balanced distribution of federal funds, and reforming public safety, increasing trust in law-enforcement institutions via community policing. Phan supports a police-oversight commission with subpoena power as well as a comprehensive review of all investigative processes to see which reforms are necessary and if any pending changes are being ignored.
In addition to her work on the Santa Ana Planning Commission, Thai Viet Phan also serves on the board of directors of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California and the Heritage Museum of Orange County. As the first member of her family to complete high school, Phan imparts the importance of education on the youth in her community by acting as a student mentor with various local groups.
Thai Viet Phan is endorsed by many progressive groups in the district and is, according to our analysis, the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Elect Thai Viet Phan to represent Ward 1 to push Santa Ana in the right direction.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below races on your ballot.
Orange Unified School District contains 49 schools, and serves over 29,000 students annually. Members of the Orange Unified Board of Education are elected in an at-large race every even-numbered year. The term limit for this position is four years.
Orange Unified School District is located in Orange County, Southern California. The district oversees a budget of $250.6 million. The district is fairly diverse, with a 36 percent Latinx student population and 13 percent Asian student population.
Tiger Kennedy Cosmos, a senior manager at Hyundai Motor America and community volunteer, is from Orange County. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to improve the safety and quality of education in Orange County, ensure that Measure S funding is spent strategically, and prioritize a STEM curriculum.
As a first-generation college student, Cosmos is aware of the impact a quality education provides. He is focused on ensuring that students not only possess the resources they need to succeed today, but also a curriculum that prepares them for the modern workforce. He believes that raising the quality of education in the district will attract young families and stimulate economic growth in Orange County. Cosmos is especially focused on supporting students with special needs, as he has personal experience dealing with dyslexia.
Cosmos is an active member of the Orange Unified School District community. His experience with dyslexia has led him to devote time toward adult literacy programs and tutoring students with special needs. His community work includes leading STEM sessions for at-risk youth through the GRIP program, promoting autism awareness through organizations like Best Buddies, and installing fire alarms for low-income families through Sound the Alarm OC. Cosmos’s additional volunteer work includes with the American Red Cross and Read Across America. Cosmos serves on the board of Friendly Center, a community resource for families to overcome poverty. He has also chaired the selection committee for Autism Society of America’s 2018 and 2019 AutFest Film Festivals. He is the father of two daughters who are currently enrolled in the Orange Unified School District.
Tiger Kennedy Cosmos is endorsed by multiple progressive groups in the district, including Planned Parenthood Action, Democratic Party of Orange County, and Women for American Values and Ethics. According to our analysis, Cosmos is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.
Orange Unified School District contains 49 schools, and serves over 29,000 students annually.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below races on your ballot.
Dr. Alfonso Alvarez, the Santa Ana Unified School Board clerk and a Santa Ana native, is a social service worker who has been supporting young students for the past 25 years. He has worked in gang intervention and prevention and served on the board of directors of Santa Ana organizations the Foundation for Survivors of Human Trafficking and SER Jobs for Progress, Inc. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, he has been instrumental in ensuring that students are receiving supplemental services, such as remote-learning technology, food, and mental-health support. Rodriguez has long been an advocate for homeless students and is endorsed by the Santa Ana Teachers Union, California School Employees Association Chapter 41, and the Santa Ana Educators Association.
Dr. Alfonso Alvarez, the Santa Ana Unified School Board clerk and a Santa Ana native, is a social service worker who has been supporting young students for the past 25 years.
Carolyn Torres, a middle school teacher, is a lifelong Santa Ana resident whose family has been based in the area since the 1920s. She prioritizes expanding the use of classroom and remote-learning technology, budgeting for consistent and quality teacher training, and ensuring that classified staff can conduct their work in a safe environment. As a community activist, Torres has helped both students and parents understand their rights and navigate often complex government systems. As an educator, she has coordinated and run professional development courses on curriculum development and teaching strategies that create a welcoming and affirming class environment. Her thesis titled “Grassroots in Santa Ana: Conceptualizing Identity and Community,” gives a history of Santa Ana and highlights the role of schools in developing a strong community. The first in her family to graduate high school, college, and earn a master’s degree, Torres is endorsed by the Santa Ana Teachers Union, Planned Parenthood, the California School Employees Association, Chapter 41, and Walter Muneton, the Garden Grove Unified School Board President.
Carolyn Torres, a middle school teacher, is a lifelong Santa Ana resident whose family has been based in the area since the 1920s.
Dr. Rigoberto Rodriguez, president of the Santa Ana Unified School Board, is a professor of Latina/o Public Policy in the Department of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Cal State University Long Beach and 30-year community activist. He prioritizes equitable education across class boundaries, ensuring that students are holistically and mentally well, and providing an inclusive curriculum, fighting for ethnic studies to become a regular part of the syllabus. Rodriguez began his career in Santa Ana public service in 1993 at the Delhi Center, a nonprofit agency where he coordinated health, family, and neighborhood programs and participated in a neighborhood movement to construct the largest community center in Santa Ana. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Delhi Center, and has also served on the City of Santa Ana’s Community Redevelopment and Housing Commission and Planning Commission. Rodriguez is endorsed by the Santa Ana Educators Association, Community Action Fund of Planned Parenthood of Orange & San Bernardino, and the California School Employees Association, Chapter 41.
Dr. Rigoberto Rodriguez, president of the Santa Ana Unified School Board, is a professor of Latina/o Public Policy in the Department of Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies at Cal State University Long Beach and 30-year community activist.
Elect Alfonso Alvarez, Rigoberto Rodriguez, and Carolyn Torres to keep the Santa Ana Unified School District on the right track.
About the Position
Members of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board are elected in an at-large race and go on to serve three-year terms. No term-limit data is apparent on the school board website.
About the District
Santa Ana Unified School District is located in Orange County and includes nine high schools, nine middle schools, and 35 elementary schools, serving a population of roughly 58,000 students.