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The Courage California Voter Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility. Please share this guide with your friends and family.
Voting has changed in Orange County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Orange County? Find out how to vote in Orange County.
47th Congressional District
Representative Alan Lowenthal is from Queens, NY, and moved to Long Beach, CA, in 1969. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to advocate for his community’s needs and to defend all of his constituents’ rights and dignity.
In Congress, Rep. Lowenthal has advanced initiatives to address climate change and pushed for adopting sustainable renewable energy. Throughout his tenure, he has also continuously fought for everyone’s human rights, increasing access to quality education, and reinvesting in the nation’s infrastructure. He currently serves on the House Committees on Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as seven subcommittees. Prior to his election to Congress, he served on the Long Beach City Council, in the California State Legislature, and as a psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach.
Rep. Lowenthal is being challenged by Peter Mathews (D), Jalen Dupree McLeod (D), John Briscoe (R), Sou Moua (R), and Amy Phan West (R). According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Rep. Lowenthal is the progressive choice because of his track record defending human rights and his leadership position in the fight against climate change.
According to our analysis, Rep. Lowenthal is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Representative Alan Lowenthal is from Queens, NY, and moved to Long Beach, CA, in 1969. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to advocate for his community’s needs and to defend all of his constituents’ rights and dignity.
In Congress, Rep. Lowenthal has advanced initiatives to address climate change and pushed for adopting sustainable renewable energy. Throughout his tenure, he has also continuously fought for everyone’s human rights, increasing access to quality education, and reinvesting in the nation’s infrastructure. He currently serves on the House Committees on Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as seven subcommittees. Prior to his election to Congress, he served on the Long Beach City Council, in the California State Legislature, and as a psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach.
Rep. Lowenthal is being challenged by Peter Mathews (D), Jalen Dupree McLeod (D), John Briscoe (R), Sou Moua (R), and Amy Phan West (R). According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Rep. Lowenthal is the progressive choice because of his track record defending human rights and his leadership position in the fight against climate change.
According to our analysis, Rep. Lowenthal is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Representative Alan Lowenthal is from Queens, NY, and moved to Long Beach, CA, in 1969. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to advocate for his community’s needs and to defend all of his constituents’ rights and dignity.
In Congress, Rep. Lowenthal has advanced initiatives to address climate change and pushed for adopting sustainable renewable energy. Throughout his tenure, he has also continuously fought for everyone’s human rights, increasing access to quality education, and reinvesting in the nation’s infrastructure. He currently serves on the House Committees on Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as seven subcommittees. Prior to his election to Congress, he served on the Long Beach City Council, in the California State Legislature, and as a psychology professor at California State University, Long Beach.
Rep. Lowenthal is being challenged by Peter Mathews (D), Jalen Dupree McLeod (D), John Briscoe (R), Sou Moua (R), and Amy Phan West (R). According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Rep. Lowenthal is the progressive choice because of his track record defending human rights and his leadership position in the fight against climate change.
According to our analysis, Rep. Lowenthal is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
State Assembly
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly, 68th District
Melissa Fox is from Orange County and currently resides in Irvine, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Assembly to be the leader her district needs to represent their interests and values in the capital.
Fox currently serves on the Irvine City Council and on the board of the Orange County Fire Authority, where she strives to improve the quality of life and safety of those in her community. Fox has also served as Chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, Vice Chair of the Orange County Great Park, and was the founder of The Fox Firm. Through these positions she has increased access to affordable housing, successfully represented businesses in court, and fought fraudulent activities.
Fox is running against Steven “Steve” Choi (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Eugene Fields (D), and Benjamin Yu (R). According to recent election results, it's difficult for Democrats to win this seat. Fox is the best progressive choice because of her vision to enact progressive policies that will grow the middle-class, preserve the environment, addressing public safety concerns, and hold government accountable.
According to our analysis, Fox is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Melissa Fox is from Orange County and currently resides in Irvine, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Assembly to be the leader her district needs to represent their interests and values in the capital.
Fox currently serves on the Irvine City Council and on the board of the Orange County Fire Authority, where she strives to improve the quality of life and safety of those in her community. Fox has also served as Chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, Vice Chair of the Orange County Great Park, and was the founder of The Fox Firm. Through these positions she has increased access to affordable housing, successfully represented businesses in court, and fought fraudulent activities.
Fox is running against Steven “Steve” Choi (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Eugene Fields (D), and Benjamin Yu (R). According to recent election results, it's difficult for Democrats to win this seat. Fox is the best progressive choice because of her vision to enact progressive policies that will grow the middle-class, preserve the environment, addressing public safety concerns, and hold government accountable.
According to our analysis, Fox is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: California Democratic Party
,
California Federation of Teachers
,
California Nurses Association
,
California Teachers Association
,
NARAL Pro-Choice California
,
National Union of Healthcare Workers
,
Orange County Democrats
,
SEIU CA
,
Sierra Club California
,
Sierra Club - LA Chapter
,
United Domestic Workers
Melissa Fox is from Orange County and currently resides in Irvine, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Assembly to be the leader her district needs to represent their interests and values in the capital.
Fox currently serves on the Irvine City Council and on the board of the Orange County Fire Authority, where she strives to improve the quality of life and safety of those in her community. Fox has also served as Chair of the Irvine Community Land Trust, Vice Chair of the Orange County Great Park, and was the founder of The Fox Firm. Through these positions she has increased access to affordable housing, successfully represented businesses in court, and fought fraudulent activities.
Fox is running against Steven “Steve” Choi (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Eugene Fields (D), and Benjamin Yu (R). According to recent election results, it's difficult for Democrats to win this seat. Fox is the best progressive choice because of her vision to enact progressive policies that will grow the middle-class, preserve the environment, addressing public safety concerns, and hold government accountable.
According to our analysis, Fox is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: California Democratic Party
,
California Federation of Teachers
,
California Nurses Association
,
California Teachers Association
,
NARAL Pro-Choice California
,
National Union of Healthcare Workers
,
Orange County Democrats
,
SEIU CA
,
Sierra Club California
,
Sierra Club - LA Chapter
,
United Domestic Workers
State Assembly, 74th District
Representative Cottie Petrie-Norris is from San Diego County and currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2018. According to campaign materials, she is running to keep her seat to address quality of life issues and support her community in the State Legislature.
In the State Assembly, she has authored bills that have been signed into law that aimed to improve access to water, elderly support services, and establish environmental protections. Rep. Petrie-Norris currently serves as Chair on the Accountability & Administrative Review Committee. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she worked in finance and technology for startups, small companies, and Fortune 500 corporations.
Rep. Petrie-Norris has progressive economic, education, environment, and healthcare stances. That said, she has voted against key progressive bills on increasing access to affordable housing and issues pertaining to criminal justice reform.
Rep. Petrie-Norris is being challenged by Diane Dixon (R) and Kelly Ernbym (R). In 2020 she scored a 34 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat. Though we disagree with Rep. Petrie-Norris’ stance on affordable housing and reforms to our criminal justice system, her relationships with partners and strong base in a recently flipped district helps advance progressive policies and makes her a strong choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Representative Cottie Petrie-Norris is from San Diego County and currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2018. According to campaign materials, she is running to keep her seat to address quality of life issues and support her community in the State Legislature.
In the State Assembly, she has authored bills that have been signed into law that aimed to improve access to water, elderly support services, and establish environmental protections. Rep. Petrie-Norris currently serves as Chair on the Accountability & Administrative Review Committee. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she worked in finance and technology for startups, small companies, and Fortune 500 corporations.
Rep. Petrie-Norris has progressive economic, education, environment, and healthcare stances. That said, she has voted against key progressive bills on increasing access to affordable housing and issues pertaining to criminal justice reform.
Rep. Petrie-Norris is being challenged by Diane Dixon (R) and Kelly Ernbym (R). In 2020 she scored a 34 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat. Though we disagree with Rep. Petrie-Norris’ stance on affordable housing and reforms to our criminal justice system, her relationships with partners and strong base in a recently flipped district helps advance progressive policies and makes her a strong choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: California Democratic Party
,
California Federation of Teachers
,
California Nurses Association
,
California Teachers Association
,
NARAL Pro-Choice California
,
National Union of Healthcare Workers
,
Orange County Democrats
,
SEIU CA
,
Sierra Club California
,
Sierra Club - LA Chapter
,
United Domestic Workers
Representative Cottie Petrie-Norris is from San Diego County and currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2018. According to campaign materials, she is running to keep her seat to address quality of life issues and support her community in the State Legislature.
In the State Assembly, she has authored bills that have been signed into law that aimed to improve access to water, elderly support services, and establish environmental protections. Rep. Petrie-Norris currently serves as Chair on the Accountability & Administrative Review Committee. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she worked in finance and technology for startups, small companies, and Fortune 500 corporations.
Rep. Petrie-Norris has progressive economic, education, environment, and healthcare stances. That said, she has voted against key progressive bills on increasing access to affordable housing and issues pertaining to criminal justice reform.
Rep. Petrie-Norris is being challenged by Diane Dixon (R) and Kelly Ernbym (R). In 2020 she scored a 34 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat. Though we disagree with Rep. Petrie-Norris’ stance on affordable housing and reforms to our criminal justice system, her relationships with partners and strong base in a recently flipped district helps advance progressive policies and makes her a strong choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: California Democratic Party
,
California Federation of Teachers
,
California Nurses Association
,
California Teachers Association
,
NARAL Pro-Choice California
,
National Union of Healthcare Workers
,
Orange County Democrats
,
SEIU CA
,
Sierra Club California
,
Sierra Club - LA Chapter
,
United Domestic Workers
State Senator, 37th District
There are two well-qualified candidates in this race who have received broad support from progressive advocates and leaders: Katrina Foley and Dave Min. After extensive research, we believe both are good choices. Read the full descriptions of each candidate to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for State Senate District 37.
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 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 the 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.
Dave Min is running against John Moorlach (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2015, and Katrina Foley (D). According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat.
According to our analysis, Dave Min would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
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 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 the 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.
Dave Min is running against John Moorlach (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2015, and Katrina Foley (D). According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat.
According to our analysis, Dave Min would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
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 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 the 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.
Dave Min is running against John Moorlach (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2015, and Katrina Foley (D). According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat.
According to our analysis, Dave Min would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Katrina Foley is a Democrat who is serving her second term as mayor of Costa Mesa, in Orange County. She is running on a platform to address the homeless crisis, climate change, education, and healthcare.
Foley previously served on Costa Mesa's City Council and Newport Mesa Unified School District Board of Trustees from November 2010 to November 2014. She is an attorney and owns her own practice, The Foley Group.
During her tenure as mayor, Foley ended a lawsuit that followed attempts to enforce anti-encampment laws by agreeing to build a 50 person homeless shelter. A temporary shelter was constructed, and a permanent one is being built near John Wayne Airport. On her campaign site, Foley has stated she would push for renewable energy, Community Choice Energy, and more electric car charging stations, particularly in low-income areas, and better fuel efficiency standards. While campaigning, Foley has spoken against Schools & Communities First, a November 2020 statewide ballot measure to increase funding for schools and other local government services by reforming California's broken commercial property tax system. We strongly disagree with her position. (Please note: Schools & Communities First will not affect the residential property tax system.)
Foley has support from other elected leaders in Orange County as well as labor organizations such as the California Labor Federation, the Orange County Labor Federation (OCLF), the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) and the California State Council of Laborers (LiUNA), among others. She is also endorsed by EMILY's List and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
According to our analysis, Katrina Foley would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Katrina Foley is a Democrat who is serving her second term as mayor of Costa Mesa, in Orange County. She is running on a platform to address the homeless crisis, climate change, education, and healthcare.
Foley previously served on Costa Mesa's City Council and Newport Mesa Unified School District Board of Trustees from November 2010 to November 2014. She is an attorney and owns her own practice, The Foley Group.
During her tenure as mayor, Foley ended a lawsuit that followed attempts to enforce anti-encampment laws by agreeing to build a 50 person homeless shelter. A temporary shelter was constructed, and a permanent one is being built near John Wayne Airport. On her campaign site, Foley has stated she would push for renewable energy, Community Choice Energy, and more electric car charging stations, particularly in low-income areas, and better fuel efficiency standards. While campaigning, Foley has spoken against Schools & Communities First, a November 2020 statewide ballot measure to increase funding for schools and other local government services by reforming California's broken commercial property tax system. We strongly disagree with her position. (Please note: Schools & Communities First will not affect the residential property tax system.)
Foley has support from other elected leaders in Orange County as well as labor organizations such as the California Labor Federation, the Orange County Labor Federation (OCLF), the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) and the California State Council of Laborers (LiUNA), among others. She is also endorsed by EMILY's List and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
According to our analysis, Katrina Foley would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Katrina Foley is a Democrat who is serving her second term as mayor of Costa Mesa, in Orange County. She is running on a platform to address the homeless crisis, climate change, education, and healthcare.
Foley previously served on Costa Mesa's City Council and Newport Mesa Unified School District Board of Trustees from November 2010 to November 2014. She is an attorney and owns her own practice, The Foley Group.
During her tenure as mayor, Foley ended a lawsuit that followed attempts to enforce anti-encampment laws by agreeing to build a 50 person homeless shelter. A temporary shelter was constructed, and a permanent one is being built near John Wayne Airport. On her campaign site, Foley has stated she would push for renewable energy, Community Choice Energy, and more electric car charging stations, particularly in low-income areas, and better fuel efficiency standards. While campaigning, Foley has spoken against Schools & Communities First, a November 2020 statewide ballot measure to increase funding for schools and other local government services by reforming California's broken commercial property tax system. We strongly disagree with her position. (Please note: Schools & Communities First will not affect the residential property tax system.)
Foley has support from other elected leaders in Orange County as well as labor organizations such as the California Labor Federation, the Orange County Labor Federation (OCLF), the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) and the California State Council of Laborers (LiUNA), among others. She is also endorsed by EMILY's List and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
According to our analysis, Katrina Foley would be a strong choice in this purple district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Statewide Ballot Measures
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.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
There are two well-qualified candidates in this race who have received broad support from progressive advocates and leaders: Katrina Foley and Dave Min. After extensive research, we believe both are good choices. Read the full descriptions of each candidate to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for State Senate District 37.