Orange County

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. 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.  

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard to keep CA-40 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. 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.  

About the District

California's 40th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Republicans held this district until 2012, when Lucille Roybal-Allard won and flipped CA-40 from red to blue. The most recent election results show 82.2 percent of AD-40 voted for Clinton for president in 2016, and 80.5 percent of the district voted for Newsom for governor in 2018.

About the Race

In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard led Republican challenger C. Antonio Delgado by a margin of 37.3 percent. Neither candidate has pledged to refuse corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or police money. Most of Roybal-Allard’s campaign donations come from organized labor, but there are also contributions from corporate PACs and fossil fuel money. Opponent Delgado has not made any FEC filings.

About the Candidate

Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard is from Los Angeles. She is the incumbent, having served in Congress since 1993. According to campaign materials, Rep. Royal-Allard is running for Congress to support small businesses, protect seniors, and improve access to health care and quality education.

In Congress, she has been a voice for marginalized communities, and has worked to advance policies to benefit American families. Rep. Roybal-Allard was also an original co-author of the Dream Act and used her position as vice chair on the House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee to secure funds for local health needs.  Prior to her election to Congress, she served in the State Assembly.

Rep. Roybal-Allard’s priorities for CA-40 this year have included obtaining FEMA grants for the state in fighting COVID-19, strengthening maternity care, and protecting DACA. She currently sits on the Committee on Appropriations. This year, Rep. Roybal-Allard has voted 100 percent of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 95 percent of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Rep. Roybal-Allard has co-sponsored five bills, including those on expanding childcare and providing for more police accountability this year, all of which have successfully passed the House but remain in the Senate.

Rep. Roybal-Allard is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district. According to our analysis, Rep. Roybal-Allard is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Katie Porter to keep CA-45 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. 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.  

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Lou Correa to keep CA-46 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. 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.  

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Alan Lowenthal to keep CA-47 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. 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.  

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mike Levin to keep CA-49 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. 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.  

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Re-elect State Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer to keep AD-59 on the right track.

About the Position

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.

About the District

California's 59th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-59 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018.

About the Race

In the primary, Democrat incumbent Representative Reggie Jones-Sawyer trailed Democratic challenger Efren Martinez by a margin of 5.7 percent. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $1,210,039 and has not committed to any campaign finance pledges. Martinez’s campaign has raised $492,225, not committed to any pledges, and is endorsed by the Peace Officer Research Association of California. In a 2017 Los Angeles Times article, Martinez was connected to Huntington Park councilwoman Karina Macias, who has been accused of multiple ethics violations, having rewarded donors with political favors. Martinez paid commissions to Macias as a fundraiser for prospective campaigns in 2012 and 2016. On both occasions, Martinez did not use the money raised to run for office.

About the Candidate

Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, a former labor organizer and lifelong public servant, is from Little Rock, AR, and has lived in South Los Angeles for many decades. According to campaign materials, Rep. Jones-Sawyer is running for re-election to further expand public services and continue serving working-class families in the district he has long called home.

Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-59 this year include fighting mass incarceration and police brutality, supporting renters’ and immigrants’ rights, and continuing to push his introduced legislation for free public college. He currently sits on five committees: the Public Safety (chair), Agriculture, Budget, Governmental Organization, and Labor and Employment Committees. Rep. Jones-Sawyer sponsored 242 bills on such topics as expanding public housing, eliminating admin fees for inmates seeking medical care, and tightening regulations on the use of deadly force by police this year, of which over 10 percent have successfully passed. He scores a lifetime 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Rep. Jones-Sawyer supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote during the 2019–2020 legislative year, abstaining from only one vote, requiring debt collectors to leave a final $1,724 in a bank account.

Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer was the vice president of SEIU's (Local 721) Los Angeles Professional Managers Association, and has served as director of Asset Management for the City of Los Angeles, assistant deputy mayor for the City of Los Angeles, chair of the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, and statewide secretary of the California Democratic Party. His legislative accomplishments include securing nearly $100 million in grants to assist formerly incarcerated people in acquiring employment and education, prohibiting criminal records from being used as the basis for housing decisions, and prioritizing funding campus intervention workers, counselors, and other mental-health professionals over campus police. Jones-Sawyer is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, serving as chair from 2015–2016, and is a longtime supporter of immigrants’ rights, recidivism prevention through rehabilitation, and empowering social workers and other public servants.

Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups in the district. He is also backed by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, PG&E, and the California Apartment Association. However, the threat of the extremely pro–law enforcement Efren Martinez’s potential policies greatly outweighs Jones-Sawyer’s lack of campaign finance pledges. According to our analysis, Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.

About Courage California’s Endorsement

After a comprehensive interview with Reggie Jones-Sawyer, we have determined that he is committed to criminal justice reform, environmental justice, racial equity and justice, and immigrant rights. His track record as the founder and Chair of the California Progressive Caucus demonstrates his dedication to advancing progressive legislation. Jones-Sawyer announced he is no longer taking any more money from big tobacco, oil, and police money. He recently gave $4,700 back to the CA Correctional Supervisors Organization. One of the first policies Jones-Sawyer said he will champion in the 2021 legislative session is passing a statewide law around police decertification. Courage California is proud to endorse Reggie Jones-Sawyer for AD-59.

Elect Fatima Iqbal-Zubair to push AD-64 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

California's 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-64 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018.

About the Race

In the primary, Democratic challenger Fatima Iqbal-Zubair trailed Democratic incumbent Representative Mike Gipson by a margin of 35 percent. Iqbal-Zubair’s campaign has pledged not to accept money from law enforcement or the fossil fuel industry. Gipson’s campaign has not committed to any such pledges and is backed by Chevron, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Phillips 66, Valero, Tesoro, Gilead, DaVita Inc., and many more problematic organizations.

About the Candidate

Fatima Iqbal-Zubair is from Dubai and has lived in the United States since her teenage years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to challenge systemic racism and ensure that progressive values are taken seriously in Sacramento. Her goals for the district include holding politicians responsible for serving oil and tobacco companies above their constituents, increasing funding for public schools and achieving free public college, cleaning the water supply, and securing housing as a right for all.

Fatima Iqbal-Zubair is an educator, having taught in the Watts public school system at both the high school and college levels. During her time in Watts’s high school system, she served as science department chair and started the first ever robotics team in the district, winning several team awards in the process. Teaching college courses introduced Iqbal-Zubair to students who were in foster care or homeless, and she discovered that the football field contained traces of toxic chemicals, spurring her move into politics to address the obvious disparities between neighborhoods in Los Angeles. She served as commissioner for her opponent, Rep. Mike Gipson, and says of her experience, “When I challenged the status quo and the way he voted, my voice wasn’t welcome. In this capacity, I saw that the voices of community activists were not truly heard or accounted for, in a way that could lead to real, systemic change.”

Fatima Iqbal-Zubair is endorsed by many local progressive groups in the district. Rep. Mike Gipson’s tenure in AD-64 has included numerous problematic votes and endorsements, earning him a lifetime 72 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. According to our analysis, Fatima Iqbal-Zubair is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.

About Courage California’s Endorsement

After a comprehensive interview with Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, we have determined that she is committed to criminal justice reform, environmental justice, racial equity and justice, and immigrant rights. Her experience in the community and pledges to refuse money from corporate PACs, police, and the fossil fuel industry are in alignment with the progressive future Courage California hopes to achieve in which special interests have no place in politics. Iqbal-Zubair’s ideas and proposals are thoroughly well-thought out and demonstrate her strong, structural grasp on the issues Californians face. We are confident that she will co-govern in the interests of all Californians and actively fight for anti-racist legislation. Courage California is proud to endorse Fatima Iqbal-Zubair for AD-64. 

Elect Melissa Fox to push AD-68 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Liz Lavertu to push AD-71 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

California's 71st Assembly District includes parts of San Diego and Riverside Counties. Republicans typically hold this district. The most recent election results show AD-71 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2016 and John H. Cox for governor in 2018.

About the Race

In the primary, Democratic challenger Liz Lavertu trailed Republican incumbent Representative Randy Voepel by a margin of 22.2 percent. Lavertu’s campaign has raised $28,821 and has pledged not to accept money from the fossil fuel industry. Voepel’s campaign has raised $140,304, has not committed to any such pledges, and is funded by Chevron, PG&E, Altria Tobacco, Philip Morris, the Peace Officers Association of California, Deputy Sheriffs of San Diego County, the Riverside Sheriffs Association Public Education Fund, the California Institute of Highway Patrolmen, DaVita Inc., and many more problematic organizations and interest groups.

About the Candidate

Liz Lavertu is originally from Wisconsin and has been active as a community organizer in San Diego County for over twenty years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to focus on affordable housing and rent control, establish health care as a universal right, and guarantee increased funding for public schools.

Liz Lavertu is co-chair of the Spring Valley Community Planning Group and a former volunteer with the Girl Scouts and AIDS Research Center. Through her work in education, she has prevented local arts programs from being subject to budget cuts, and helped to secure over $100,000 for the installation of an outdoor fitness circuit at Jamacha Elementary. Her time with the Spring Valley Community Planning Group has seen an increased investment in public infrastructure maintenance.

Liz Lavertu is endorsed by many local progressive groups in the district and her financial disclosures reveal no problematic backers. According to our analysis, Liz Lavertu is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office.

Elect Diedre Nguyen to push AD-72 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect State Assemblymember Scott Rhinehart to push AD-73 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Dave Min to push SD-37 in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Farrah Khan as mayor to push Irvine in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the City

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect City Council Member Tammy Kim to push Irvine in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Vicente Sarmiento as mayor to push Santa Ana in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the City

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Aaruni Thakur to push Fullerton City Council in the right direction.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Race

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.

About the Candidate

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.

Elect Tiger Kennedy Cosmos to keep Orange Unified School District on the right track.

About the Position

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.

About the District

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.

About the Candidate

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.