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  • Jackie Speier was born and raised in San Francisco. She has been a lifelong public servant, having first been elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1980. She won a special primary election for the 14th Congressional District on April 8, 2008 and has run on platforms advocating for gender equity, gun violence prevention, and LGBTQ equality.

    Speier began her political career as a congressional staffer for Congressman Leo Ryan. While a congressional staffer for Congressman Leo Ryan, Speier went on a fact finding mission to investigate the Jonestown settlement, where she sustained five gunshot wounds during the massacre. She has co-sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation on gun violence prevention in her time in office since.

    Speier has long fought for women’s rights as well as LGBTQ equality. She supports adding LGBTQ protections to ENDA, Title IX protections, gender pay equity, the Equal Rights Amendment, the #MeToo movement, and abortion protections. She has opposed discrimination on the basis of religious protection, and Trump’s Transgender Military Service Ban.

    In Congress, Speier also helped secure funding for the district’s CalTrain services, and been active on legislation to address climate change. She supports the Green New Deal and policies to develop renewable energies and make them more accessible.

    Jackie Speier is being challenged by Cristos Goodrow (D), Ran S. Petel (R), and Eric Taylor (NPP). Based on our analysis, Speier has consistently been a strong progressive voice in Congress and is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Jackie Speier was born and raised in San Francisco. She has been a lifelong public servant, having first been elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1980. She won a special primary election for the 14th Congressional District on April 8, 2008 and has run on platforms advocating for gender equity, gun violence prevention, and LGBTQ equality.

    Speier began her political career as a congressional staffer for Congressman Leo Ryan. While a congressional staffer for Congressman Leo Ryan, Speier went on a fact finding mission to investigate the Jonestown settlement, where she sustained five gunshot wounds during the massacre. She has co-sponsored and supported numerous pieces of legislation on gun violence prevention in her time in office since.

    Speier has long fought for women’s rights as well as LGBTQ equality. She supports adding LGBTQ protections to ENDA, Title IX protections, gender pay equity, the Equal Rights Amendment, the #MeToo movement, and abortion protections. She has opposed discrimination on the basis of religious protection, and Trump’s Transgender Military Service Ban.

    In Congress, Speier also helped secure funding for the district’s CalTrain services, and been active on legislation to address climate change. She supports the Green New Deal and policies to develop renewable energies and make them more accessible.

    Jackie Speier is being challenged by Cristos Goodrow (D), Ran S. Petel (R), and Eric Taylor (NPP). Based on our analysis, Speier has consistently been a strong progressive voice in Congress and is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.

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  • Bill Quirk has lived in the Hayward area since 1978. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to build on his experiences combining his understanding of scientific research with public and community service.

    In the State Assembly, Quirk has introduced legislation to have every child in California tested for lead poisoning, was part of a group of officials who proposed 10 new gun violence prevention measures in 2018, and has worked to make other environmental improvements around water recycling, and hazardous waste facilities. He currently serves as Chair of the Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, and as Chair of the Select Committee on California’s Clean Energy Economy. Quirk sits on an additional four committees, including Appropriations, Public Safety, Revenue & Taxation, Utilities & Energy. Prior to serving in the State Assembly, Quirk worked as a climate scientist at NASA before moving over to the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Quirk participated in the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty negotiations, and was a physics teacher at Columbia, Caltech, and UC Davis. Quirk also has a long history of community service, and was actively involved in the PTA, Hayward Rotary, Hayward Library Commission, and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency. Quirk’s career in public service began in 2004 when he was elected to the Hayward City Council, where he worked to apply a scientific perspective to issues of local safety, economic revitalization, and transit-oriented housing projects.

    Quirk is being challenged by Vipan Singh Bajwa (D), Alexis Villalobos (D), and Son Nguyen (R). In 2020 he scored an 88 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk has consistently shown great courage by advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

    According to our analysis, Bill Quirk is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Bill Quirk

    Bill Quirk has lived in the Hayward area since 1978. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to build on his experiences combining his understanding of scientific research with public and community service.

    In the State Assembly, Quirk has introduced legislation to have every child in California tested for lead poisoning, was part of a group of officials who proposed 10 new gun violence prevention measures in 2018, and has worked to make other environmental improvements around water recycling, and hazardous waste facilities. He currently serves as Chair of the Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, and as Chair of the Select Committee on California’s Clean Energy Economy. Quirk sits on an additional four committees, including Appropriations, Public Safety, Revenue & Taxation, Utilities & Energy. Prior to serving in the State Assembly, Quirk worked as a climate scientist at NASA before moving over to the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Quirk participated in the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty negotiations, and was a physics teacher at Columbia, Caltech, and UC Davis. Quirk also has a long history of community service, and was actively involved in the PTA, Hayward Rotary, Hayward Library Commission, and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency. Quirk’s career in public service began in 2004 when he was elected to the Hayward City Council, where he worked to apply a scientific perspective to issues of local safety, economic revitalization, and transit-oriented housing projects.

    Quirk is being challenged by Vipan Singh Bajwa (D), Alexis Villalobos (D), and Son Nguyen (R). In 2020 he scored an 88 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk has consistently shown great courage by advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

    According to our analysis, Bill Quirk is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Bill Quirk has lived in the Hayward area since 1978. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to build on his experiences combining his understanding of scientific research with public and community service.

    In the State Assembly, Quirk has introduced legislation to have every child in California tested for lead poisoning, was part of a group of officials who proposed 10 new gun violence prevention measures in 2018, and has worked to make other environmental improvements around water recycling, and hazardous waste facilities. He currently serves as Chair of the Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, and as Chair of the Select Committee on California’s Clean Energy Economy. Quirk sits on an additional four committees, including Appropriations, Public Safety, Revenue & Taxation, Utilities & Energy. Prior to serving in the State Assembly, Quirk worked as a climate scientist at NASA before moving over to the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Quirk participated in the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty negotiations, and was a physics teacher at Columbia, Caltech, and UC Davis. Quirk also has a long history of community service, and was actively involved in the PTA, Hayward Rotary, Hayward Library Commission, and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency. Quirk’s career in public service began in 2004 when he was elected to the Hayward City Council, where he worked to apply a scientific perspective to issues of local safety, economic revitalization, and transit-oriented housing projects.

    Quirk is being challenged by Vipan Singh Bajwa (D), Alexis Villalobos (D), and Son Nguyen (R). In 2020 he scored an 88 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk has consistently shown great courage by advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

    According to our analysis, Bill Quirk is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Bill Quirk

    Bill Quirk has lived in the Hayward area since 1978. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to build on his experiences combining his understanding of scientific research with public and community service.

    In the State Assembly, Quirk has introduced legislation to have every child in California tested for lead poisoning, was part of a group of officials who proposed 10 new gun violence prevention measures in 2018, and has worked to make other environmental improvements around water recycling, and hazardous waste facilities. He currently serves as Chair of the Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee, and as Chair of the Select Committee on California’s Clean Energy Economy. Quirk sits on an additional four committees, including Appropriations, Public Safety, Revenue & Taxation, Utilities & Energy. Prior to serving in the State Assembly, Quirk worked as a climate scientist at NASA before moving over to the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Quirk participated in the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty negotiations, and was a physics teacher at Columbia, Caltech, and UC Davis. Quirk also has a long history of community service, and was actively involved in the PTA, Hayward Rotary, Hayward Library Commission, and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency. Quirk’s career in public service began in 2004 when he was elected to the Hayward City Council, where he worked to apply a scientific perspective to issues of local safety, economic revitalization, and transit-oriented housing projects.

    Quirk is being challenged by Vipan Singh Bajwa (D), Alexis Villalobos (D), and Son Nguyen (R). In 2020 he scored an 88 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Quirk has consistently shown great courage by advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

    According to our analysis, Bill Quirk is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

  • Elena Condes an LGBTQ+ Latinx attorney who has been in private practice in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Her practice offers criminal defense, work-related crimes, clearing criminal records, and other services. In her campaign materials, she says she will bring together all of her experiences to provide “equal access to justice” for all. 

    Condes is currently the treasurer for East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association, which she has been a member of for 18 years. She also served on the board of Women Defenders, a professional organization of women criminal defense attorneys and served on the Executive Committee of Alameda County Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP). 

    Condes received the sole endorsement from the East Bay Times, who said Condes “stands out as the best experienced and most familiar with the workings of Alameda County courts. Condes’ practice focuses on courtroom advocacy that’s a key part of the day-to-day operations of the local judicial system.” Condes has been endorsed by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Carol Brosnahan, the judge who is retiring and leaving this seat open. 

    Condes received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. 

    Condes is being challenged by Mark Fickes, a partner at Partner, Cannata O’Toole Fickes & Olson, who previously worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lilla Julia Szelenyi, an administrative law judge for the state workers compensation agency.


    Based on our analysis, Elena Condes is the best choice for judge in Alameda County. 

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Elena Condes

    Elena Condes an LGBTQ+ Latinx attorney who has been in private practice in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Her practice offers criminal defense, work-related crimes, clearing criminal records, and other services.

    Elena Condes an LGBTQ+ Latinx attorney who has been in private practice in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Her practice offers criminal defense, work-related crimes, clearing criminal records, and other services. In her campaign materials, she says she will bring together all of her experiences to provide “equal access to justice” for all. 

    Condes is currently the treasurer for East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association, which she has been a member of for 18 years. She also served on the board of Women Defenders, a professional organization of women criminal defense attorneys and served on the Executive Committee of Alameda County Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP). 

    Condes received the sole endorsement from the East Bay Times, who said Condes “stands out as the best experienced and most familiar with the workings of Alameda County courts. Condes’ practice focuses on courtroom advocacy that’s a key part of the day-to-day operations of the local judicial system.” Condes has been endorsed by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Carol Brosnahan, the judge who is retiring and leaving this seat open. 

    Condes received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. 

    Condes is being challenged by Mark Fickes, a partner at Partner, Cannata O’Toole Fickes & Olson, who previously worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lilla Julia Szelenyi, an administrative law judge for the state workers compensation agency.


    Based on our analysis, Elena Condes is the best choice for judge in Alameda County. 

    Elena Condes

    Elena Condes an LGBTQ+ Latinx attorney who has been in private practice in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Her practice offers criminal defense, work-related crimes, clearing criminal records, and other services.

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.

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  • Bob Wieckowski is from the Bay Area and is a longtime resident of Fremont. According to campaign materials, he is running for the Board of Supervisors to use his accumulated experience in city and state government to benefit Alameda residents and address challenges such as income inequality, climate change, and housing affordability. 

    Wieckowski is currently the State Senator for the 10th district, where he advocates for progressive policies that provide diverse benefits to Californians. He has had a variety of legislative successes, including authoring a bill to eliminate the barriers to constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, working to advance consumer protections, and championing climate research and a clean energy economy. Wieckowski has also been an advocate for college students, working to increase grant funding for tuition, and has pushed back against abusive lenders. Prior to his Senate election, Wieckowski’s public service included time in the State Assembly, on the Fremont City Council, and a term as Vice Mayor.

    Wieckowski is running against Dublin Mayor David Haubert, Fremont Councilmember Vinnie Bacon, and Dublin Vice Mayor Melissa Hernandez. While Melissa Hernandez is a strong challenger, Courage California cannot support her because she cast a decisive vote as Vice Mayor of Dublin to deny a request from a gay City Councilman to raise a rainbow flag over City Hall during Pride month. As State Senator, Wieckowski scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. He stands out as the progressive choice because of his track record of working to eliminate barriers that create systemic inequality in housing, education, and the economy. 

    According to our analysis, Bob Wieckowski is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Bob Wieckowski

    Bob Wieckowski is from the Bay Area and is a longtime resident of Fremont. According to campaign materials, he is running for the Board of Supervisors to use his accumulated experience in city and state government to benefit Alameda residents and address challenges such as income inequality, climate change, and housing affordability. 

    Wieckowski is currently the State Senator for the 10th district, where he advocates for progressive policies that provide diverse benefits to Californians. He has had a variety of legislative successes, including authoring a bill to eliminate the barriers to constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, working to advance consumer protections, and championing climate research and a clean energy economy. Wieckowski has also been an advocate for college students, working to increase grant funding for tuition, and has pushed back against abusive lenders. Prior to his Senate election, Wieckowski’s public service included time in the State Assembly, on the Fremont City Council, and a term as Vice Mayor.

    Wieckowski is running against Dublin Mayor David Haubert, Fremont Councilmember Vinnie Bacon, and Dublin Vice Mayor Melissa Hernandez. While Melissa Hernandez is a strong challenger, Courage California cannot support her because she cast a decisive vote as Vice Mayor of Dublin to deny a request from a gay City Councilman to raise a rainbow flag over City Hall during Pride month. As State Senator, Wieckowski scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. He stands out as the progressive choice because of his track record of working to eliminate barriers that create systemic inequality in housing, education, and the economy. 

    According to our analysis, Bob Wieckowski is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Bob Wieckowski is from the Bay Area and is a longtime resident of Fremont. According to campaign materials, he is running for the Board of Supervisors to use his accumulated experience in city and state government to benefit Alameda residents and address challenges such as income inequality, climate change, and housing affordability. 

    Wieckowski is currently the State Senator for the 10th district, where he advocates for progressive policies that provide diverse benefits to Californians. He has had a variety of legislative successes, including authoring a bill to eliminate the barriers to constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, working to advance consumer protections, and championing climate research and a clean energy economy. Wieckowski has also been an advocate for college students, working to increase grant funding for tuition, and has pushed back against abusive lenders. Prior to his Senate election, Wieckowski’s public service included time in the State Assembly, on the Fremont City Council, and a term as Vice Mayor.

    Wieckowski is running against Dublin Mayor David Haubert, Fremont Councilmember Vinnie Bacon, and Dublin Vice Mayor Melissa Hernandez. While Melissa Hernandez is a strong challenger, Courage California cannot support her because she cast a decisive vote as Vice Mayor of Dublin to deny a request from a gay City Councilman to raise a rainbow flag over City Hall during Pride month. As State Senator, Wieckowski scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. He stands out as the progressive choice because of his track record of working to eliminate barriers that create systemic inequality in housing, education, and the economy. 

    According to our analysis, Bob Wieckowski is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Bob Wieckowski

    Bob Wieckowski is from the Bay Area and is a longtime resident of Fremont. According to campaign materials, he is running for the Board of Supervisors to use his accumulated experience in city and state government to benefit Alameda residents and address challenges such as income inequality, climate change, and housing affordability. 

    Wieckowski is currently the State Senator for the 10th district, where he advocates for progressive policies that provide diverse benefits to Californians. He has had a variety of legislative successes, including authoring a bill to eliminate the barriers to constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, working to advance consumer protections, and championing climate research and a clean energy economy. Wieckowski has also been an advocate for college students, working to increase grant funding for tuition, and has pushed back against abusive lenders. Prior to his Senate election, Wieckowski’s public service included time in the State Assembly, on the Fremont City Council, and a term as Vice Mayor.

    Wieckowski is running against Dublin Mayor David Haubert, Fremont Councilmember Vinnie Bacon, and Dublin Vice Mayor Melissa Hernandez. While Melissa Hernandez is a strong challenger, Courage California cannot support her because she cast a decisive vote as Vice Mayor of Dublin to deny a request from a gay City Councilman to raise a rainbow flag over City Hall during Pride month. As State Senator, Wieckowski scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. He stands out as the progressive choice because of his track record of working to eliminate barriers that create systemic inequality in housing, education, and the economy. 

    According to our analysis, Bob Wieckowski is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

  • Courage Score: https://couragescore.org
  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES On Prop 13, School and College Facilities Bond

  • This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford. 

    The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments. 

    The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.

    Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water. 

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    CA Prop 13

    This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system.