36th Assembly District

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Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

41st Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

  • Mark Takano photo
    Democrat

    Mark Takano

    Website
    Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation


  • Representative Mark Takano is from Riverside, CA. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to continue to fight for his district’s progressive priorities and be an advocate for veterans, seniors, students, local businesses and hardworking families.

    In Congress, Rep. Takano has authored and advanced legislation to limit for-profit colleges’ abusive practices, protect veterans earned benefits, and increase access to vocational training programs. He currently serves as Chairman on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and sits on the Education and Workforce Committee, as well as four additional subcommittees. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Takano served on the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees, where he increased access to higher education and job skills training programs for adults seeking new careers. Furthermore, Rep. Takano’s public service in the Riverside community includes positions on the Community Advisory Board of the Children’s Spine Foundation, as well as the mayor of Riverside’s Task Force on the Digital Divide, and he served as Chairman for the Asain Pacific Islander Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

    Rep. Takano is being challenged by Grace Williams (D) and Aja Smith (R). Rep. Takano stands out as the best progressive choice because of his track record of public service in Riverside county and his reputation of successfully advancing his district’s progressive priorities.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Takano is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Representative Mark Takano is from Riverside, CA. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to continue to fight for his district’s progressive priorities and be an advocate for veterans, seniors, students, local businesses and hardworking families.

    In Congress, Rep. Takano has authored and advanced legislation to limit for-profit colleges’ abusive practices, protect veterans earned benefits, and increase access to vocational training programs. He currently serves as Chairman on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and sits on the Education and Workforce Committee, as well as four additional subcommittees. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Takano served on the Riverside Community College District’s Board of Trustees, where he increased access to higher education and job skills training programs for adults seeking new careers. Furthermore, Rep. Takano’s public service in the Riverside community includes positions on the Community Advisory Board of the Children’s Spine Foundation, as well as the mayor of Riverside’s Task Force on the Digital Divide, and he served as Chairman for the Asain Pacific Islander Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

    Rep. Takano is being challenged by Grace Williams (D) and Aja Smith (R). Rep. Takano stands out as the best progressive choice because of his track record of public service in Riverside county and his reputation of successfully advancing his district’s progressive priorities.

    According to our analysis, Rep. Takano is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.

48th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

  • Harley Rouda photo
    Democrat

    Harley Rouda

    Website Endorsements
    Builds Power
    Builds Progress


  • Rep. Harley Rouda has lived in California since 2007 and is a resident of Laguna Beach. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, Rep. Rouda is running for re-election to be a Congressional representative who is accessible and unifying, and to provide leadership that is puts country over party and service above self.

    In Congress, Rep. Rouda has authored legislation to protect vulnerable coastal communities impacted by the climate crisis, ensure fair lending to LGBTQ-owned businesses, and to hold manufacturing polluters accountable for water contamination. He currently serves as Chair of the Oversight and Reform’s Subcommittee on Environment. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Rouda worked as a lawyer and was an active supporter of Orange County charities working to address issues including domestic violence and homelessness.

    Rep. Rouda is being challenged by John Thomas Schuesler (R), Michelle Steel (R), Richard Mata (AI), Brian Burley (R), and James Brian Griffin (R). According to recent election results, it's rare that Democrats wins this seat, as Rep. Rouda did in 2018. In fact, he is the first Democrat to win since the district was created in 1992.

    Rep. Rouda’s track record of fighting for important environmental protections, his work to protect communities under attack, and his strong base in the district he managed to flip in 2018 make him the strongest choice for progressive leadership in this race.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Rep. Harley Rouda has lived in California since 2007 and is a resident of Laguna Beach. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, Rep. Rouda is running for re-election to be a Congressional representative who is accessible and unifying, and to provide leadership that is puts country over party and service above self.

    In Congress, Rep. Rouda has authored legislation to protect vulnerable coastal communities impacted by the climate crisis, ensure fair lending to LGBTQ-owned businesses, and to hold manufacturing polluters accountable for water contamination. He currently serves as Chair of the Oversight and Reform’s Subcommittee on Environment. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Rouda worked as a lawyer and was an active supporter of Orange County charities working to address issues including domestic violence and homelessness.

    Rep. Rouda is being challenged by John Thomas Schuesler (R), Michelle Steel (R), Richard Mata (AI), Brian Burley (R), and James Brian Griffin (R). According to recent election results, it's rare that Democrats wins this seat, as Rep. Rouda did in 2018. In fact, he is the first Democrat to win since the district was created in 1992.

    Rep. Rouda’s track record of fighting for important environmental protections, his work to protect communities under attack, and his strong base in the district he managed to flip in 2018 make him the strongest choice for progressive leadership in this race.
     

State Assembly, 36th District

Member of the State Assembly

  • Johnathon Ervin photo
    Democrat

    Johnathon Ervin

    Website Endorsements
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation

  • Johnathon Ervin, a veteran, is from Flint, MI, and has lived in the Antelope Valley for 17 years and currently resides in Lancaster, CA. According to campaign materials he is running for Assembly because his “district needs someone that is ready to fight for them.”

    Ervin is an Engineering Manager and serves in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he cultivates innovation while serving his country. Prior to being honorably discharged in 2007, he was in the United States Air Force for 10 and a half years. While enlisted, he completed two degrees in Electronics and Technology. Ervin has also worked as a Planning Commissioner for Lancaster, CA, and a School Board member on Muroc Joint Unified School District.

    Ervin is running against Tom Lackey (R) who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2014, as well as Lourdes Everett (D), Steve Fox (D), Diedra Greenaway (D), Ollie McCaulley (D), Eric Ohlsen (D), Michael Rives (D). According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to win. Ervin, though, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong vision to create good-paying jobs by incentivizing the current aerospace industry to expand, as well as investing in revitalizing the community's infrastructure. Furthermore, he pledges to fight to increase access to quality healthcare, invest in public education, and to preserve the environment.

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Johnathon Ervin

    Johnathon Ervin, a veteran, is from Flint, MI, and has lived in the Antelope Valley for 17 years and currently resides in Lancaster, CA. According to campaign materials he is running for Assembly because his “district needs someone that is ready to fight for them.”

    Ervin is an Engineering Manager and serves in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he cultivates innovation while serving his country. Prior to being honorably discharged in 2007, he was in the United States Air Force for 10 and a half years. While enlisted, he completed two degrees in Electronics and Technology. Ervin has also worked as a Planning Commissioner for Lancaster, CA, and a School Board member on Muroc Joint Unified School District.

    Ervin is running against Tom Lackey (R) who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2014, as well as Lourdes Everett (D), Steve Fox (D), Diedra Greenaway (D), Ollie McCaulley (D), Eric Ohlsen (D), Michael Rives (D). According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to win. Ervin, though, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong vision to create good-paying jobs by incentivizing the current aerospace industry to expand, as well as investing in revitalizing the community's infrastructure. Furthermore, he pledges to fight to increase access to quality healthcare, invest in public education, and to preserve the environment.

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

    Johnathon Ervin, a veteran, is from Flint, MI, and has lived in the Antelope Valley for 17 years and currently resides in Lancaster, CA. According to campaign materials he is running for Assembly because his “district needs someone that is ready to fight for them.”

    Ervin is an Engineering Manager and serves in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he cultivates innovation while serving his country. Prior to being honorably discharged in 2007, he was in the United States Air Force for 10 and a half years. While enlisted, he completed two degrees in Electronics and Technology. Ervin has also worked as a Planning Commissioner for Lancaster, CA, and a School Board member on Muroc Joint Unified School District.

    Ervin is running against Tom Lackey (R) who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2014, as well as Lourdes Everett (D), Steve Fox (D), Diedra Greenaway (D), Ollie McCaulley (D), Eric Ohlsen (D), Michael Rives (D). According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to win. Ervin, though, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong vision to create good-paying jobs by incentivizing the current aerospace industry to expand, as well as investing in revitalizing the community's infrastructure. Furthermore, he pledges to fight to increase access to quality healthcare, invest in public education, and to preserve the environment.

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

    Johnathon Ervin

    Johnathon Ervin, a veteran, is from Flint, MI, and has lived in the Antelope Valley for 17 years and currently resides in Lancaster, CA. According to campaign materials he is running for Assembly because his “district needs someone that is ready to fight for them.”

    Ervin is an Engineering Manager and serves in the United States Air Force Reserve, where he cultivates innovation while serving his country. Prior to being honorably discharged in 2007, he was in the United States Air Force for 10 and a half years. While enlisted, he completed two degrees in Electronics and Technology. Ervin has also worked as a Planning Commissioner for Lancaster, CA, and a School Board member on Muroc Joint Unified School District.

    Ervin is running against Tom Lackey (R) who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2014, as well as Lourdes Everett (D), Steve Fox (D), Diedra Greenaway (D), Ollie McCaulley (D), Eric Ohlsen (D), Michael Rives (D). According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to win. Ervin, though, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong vision to create good-paying jobs by incentivizing the current aerospace industry to expand, as well as investing in revitalizing the community's infrastructure. Furthermore, he pledges to fight to increase access to quality healthcare, invest in public education, and to preserve the environment.

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

State Senator, 19th District

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

Member of the State Senate

  • Monique Limón photo
    Democrat

    Monique Limón

    Website
    Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation

  • Monique Limón is a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Senate because she understands the values of the region and will use her public service experience to advocate for environmental protection, educational reforms, and improved healthcare access.

    Limón is a member of the California State Assembly, where she uses her understanding of her community to establish meaningful legislation to positively impact educational outcomes and environmental protections. She acted as the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Natural Disaster Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding, and worked to improve emergency communication and fire prevention. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Limón served two terms on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board, and acted as the Assistant Director for the McNair Scholars program at UCSB.

    Limón is running for this open seat against Gary J. Michaels (R), and Anastasia Stone (NPP). In 2019 she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, Democrats can win this seat but it's often a close race. Limón is the most progressive choice because of her track record of championing education reform, working toward stronger environmental protections, and pushing for improved emergency responses.

    According to our analysis, Monique Limón is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Monique Limón is a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Senate because she understands the values of the region and will use her public service experience to advocate for environmental protection, educational reforms, and improved healthcare access.

    Limón is a member of the California State Assembly, where she uses her understanding of her community to establish meaningful legislation to positively impact educational outcomes and environmental protections. She acted as the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Natural Disaster Response, Recovery, and Rebuilding, and worked to improve emergency communication and fire prevention. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Limón served two terms on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board, and acted as the Assistant Director for the McNair Scholars program at UCSB.

    Limón is running for this open seat against Gary J. Michaels (R), and Anastasia Stone (NPP). In 2019 she scored a 90 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, Democrats can win this seat but it's often a close race. Limón is the most progressive choice because of her track record of championing education reform, working toward stronger environmental protections, and pushing for improved emergency responses.

    According to our analysis, Monique Limón is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition #13

  • 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.