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Congress

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

  • Representative Eric Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, and moved to Dublin, California, where he attended middle and high school. Swalwell was first elected in 2012, defeating 20-term incumbent Democrat Pete Stark after California moved to a “top-two” primary. He has made gun violence prevention a central part of his campaign and has also campaigned on economic issues in support of workforce training, infrastructure investment, and student loan debt relief. 

    As a college student, Rep. Swalwell interned for California Democrat Ellen Tauscher and went on to complete his law degree at the University of Maryland School of Law. After law school, he returned to California to serve as a deputy district attorney for Alameda County. He was elected for Dublin City Council in 2011 before running for Congress.  

    Rep. Swalwell currently serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Chair of the Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee and a member of the House Judiciary Committee. He previously served on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 

    Rep. Swalwell has been vocal in both committees on issues pertaining to election security and the Mueller investigations, as well as the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Citing his prosecutorial experience, he wrote an op-ed in The Atlantic calling for an impeachment inquiry of the president. He is a strong advocate and has presented legislation for commonsense reforms to prevent gun violence and is working to address domestic terrorism. He is also a staunch supporter of women’s rights and protecting access to abortions. He co-sponsored the EACH Woman Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment, and supported The EqualityAct. 

    He has recently expressed support for the Green New Deal, however, we’re still waiting for Rep. Swalwell to embrace Medicare for All. 

    Eric Swalwell is being challenged by Samantha Campbell (D), Austin E. Intal (D), Tuan Phan (D), Alison Hayden (R), Peter Yuan Liu (R), and Don Grundmann (NPP). Given the district’s strong democratic leaning, and Swalwell’s record and strong progressive support, he is the best choice for progressive leadership in the district. 
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Eric Swalwell

    Representative Eric Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, and moved to Dublin, California, where he attended middle and high school. Swalwell was first elected in 2012, defeating 20-term incumbent Democrat Pete Stark after California moved to a “top-two” primary.

    Representative Eric Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, and moved to Dublin, California, where he attended middle and high school. Swalwell was first elected in 2012, defeating 20-term incumbent Democrat Pete Stark after California moved to a “top-two” primary. He has made gun violence prevention a central part of his campaign and has also campaigned on economic issues in support of workforce training, infrastructure investment, and student loan debt relief. 

    As a college student, Rep. Swalwell interned for California Democrat Ellen Tauscher and went on to complete his law degree at the University of Maryland School of Law. After law school, he returned to California to serve as a deputy district attorney for Alameda County. He was elected for Dublin City Council in 2011 before running for Congress.  

    Rep. Swalwell currently serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Chair of the Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee and a member of the House Judiciary Committee. He previously served on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. 

    Rep. Swalwell has been vocal in both committees on issues pertaining to election security and the Mueller investigations, as well as the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Citing his prosecutorial experience, he wrote an op-ed in The Atlantic calling for an impeachment inquiry of the president. He is a strong advocate and has presented legislation for commonsense reforms to prevent gun violence and is working to address domestic terrorism. He is also a staunch supporter of women’s rights and protecting access to abortions. He co-sponsored the EACH Woman Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment, and supported The EqualityAct. 

    He has recently expressed support for the Green New Deal, however, we’re still waiting for Rep. Swalwell to embrace Medicare for All. 

    Eric Swalwell is being challenged by Samantha Campbell (D), Austin E. Intal (D), Tuan Phan (D), Alison Hayden (R), Peter Yuan Liu (R), and Don Grundmann (NPP). Given the district’s strong democratic leaning, and Swalwell’s record and strong progressive support, he is the best choice for progressive leadership in the district. 
     

    Eric Swalwell

    Representative Eric Swalwell was born in Sac City, Iowa, and moved to Dublin, California, where he attended middle and high school. Swalwell was first elected in 2012, defeating 20-term incumbent Democrat Pete Stark after California moved to a “top-two” primary.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
    Endorsed by Courage California
  • Esmeralda Soria was born and raised in the central San Joaquin Valley, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers. She continues to live in the Valley, where she currently represents Council District 1 on the Fresno City Council. According to campaign materials, Councilmember Soria is running to represent CD 16 because she believes it's time for new leadership that will make Congress work for Central Valley families -- not corporations and powerful special interests.

    Councilmember Soria was elected to the Fresno City Council in 2014 and became the first Latina in the history of the City of Fresno to be elected as Council President in 2018. During her tenure, Councilmember Soria focused on creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for Fresno's families. She helped create thousands of jobs, expanded Fresno City College campuses in the city's two most low-income neighborhoods, and brought the first universally accessible park to the Central California region.

    She has been a notable positive influence in other areas as well, including housing and homelessness, where she has worked with community members and developers to bring hundreds of new housing units to Fresno. At the same time, some constituents have raised thoughtful concerns over those votes, viewing them as too friendly to local developers.

    Soria has proclaimed to be "unapologetically progressive," but her opposition has suggested otherwise pointing to her "business friendly" votes, and lack of support for Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. While she supports the major principles of both and acknowledges the need for progressive healthcare and environmental policies, she believes alternative solutions would better serve Californians.

    In 2019, Councilmember Soria was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on California's newly created Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force where she is one of six elected officials overseeing California's new $1 billion budget to solve homelessness in California. Councilmember Soria is also a professor at Fresno City College, and chair of the Redevelopment Agency and the Fresno Revitalization Corporation.

    Councilmember Soria is challenging incumbent Representative Jim Costa (D), who has consistently opposed progressive priorities -- siding with corporate lobbyists and failing his constituents on immigration and the environment. In fact, Rep. Costa is the fifth most Trump-friendly Democrat in all of Congress according to FiveThirtyEight.com's analysis of his voting record, supporting Trump's priorities far more often than his constituents. He is also known for having co-authored Costa-Hawkins, the state rent control ban from the 1990s that has exacerbated CA's affordable housing crisis.

    Other candidates in this race include Kevin Cookingham (R), and Kimberley Elizabeth Williams (D). While Williams is more ideologically aligned with Courage California given her clear unequivocal support for Medicare-for-All and the Green New Deal, polling data shows there is no path for her to make the top-two in the March 2020 primary. Councilmember Soria is the only strong, viable Democratic challenger who can unseat Rep. Costa in this election cycle. Based on extensive conversations with local grassroots activists and organizations such as Dolores Huerta, Communities for a New California Action Fund, the Central Valley Progressive PAC, and Valley Forward, we believe Councilmember Soria is noteworthy in a crowded field as the strongest choice for progressive support. Her track record as a champion for Central Valley families and as an advocate for her region's priorities in California's gubernatorial administration is very strong.

    Voting for Councilmember Soria is an opportunity to elect a legislator who will dramatically improve the representation of her district in Congress. Courage California strongly endorses Councilmember Soria for Congress.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Esmeralda Soria

    Esmeralda Soria was born and raised in the central San Joaquin Valley, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers. She continues to live in the Valley, where she currently represents Council District 1 on the Fresno City Council.

    Esmeralda Soria was born and raised in the central San Joaquin Valley, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers. She continues to live in the Valley, where she currently represents Council District 1 on the Fresno City Council. According to campaign materials, Councilmember Soria is running to represent CD 16 because she believes it's time for new leadership that will make Congress work for Central Valley families -- not corporations and powerful special interests.

    Councilmember Soria was elected to the Fresno City Council in 2014 and became the first Latina in the history of the City of Fresno to be elected as Council President in 2018. During her tenure, Councilmember Soria focused on creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for Fresno's families. She helped create thousands of jobs, expanded Fresno City College campuses in the city's two most low-income neighborhoods, and brought the first universally accessible park to the Central California region.

    She has been a notable positive influence in other areas as well, including housing and homelessness, where she has worked with community members and developers to bring hundreds of new housing units to Fresno. At the same time, some constituents have raised thoughtful concerns over those votes, viewing them as too friendly to local developers.

    Soria has proclaimed to be "unapologetically progressive," but her opposition has suggested otherwise pointing to her "business friendly" votes, and lack of support for Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. While she supports the major principles of both and acknowledges the need for progressive healthcare and environmental policies, she believes alternative solutions would better serve Californians.

    In 2019, Councilmember Soria was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on California's newly created Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force where she is one of six elected officials overseeing California's new $1 billion budget to solve homelessness in California. Councilmember Soria is also a professor at Fresno City College, and chair of the Redevelopment Agency and the Fresno Revitalization Corporation.

    Councilmember Soria is challenging incumbent Representative Jim Costa (D), who has consistently opposed progressive priorities -- siding with corporate lobbyists and failing his constituents on immigration and the environment. In fact, Rep. Costa is the fifth most Trump-friendly Democrat in all of Congress according to FiveThirtyEight.com's analysis of his voting record, supporting Trump's priorities far more often than his constituents. He is also known for having co-authored Costa-Hawkins, the state rent control ban from the 1990s that has exacerbated CA's affordable housing crisis.

    Other candidates in this race include Kevin Cookingham (R), and Kimberley Elizabeth Williams (D). While Williams is more ideologically aligned with Courage California given her clear unequivocal support for Medicare-for-All and the Green New Deal, polling data shows there is no path for her to make the top-two in the March 2020 primary. Councilmember Soria is the only strong, viable Democratic challenger who can unseat Rep. Costa in this election cycle. Based on extensive conversations with local grassroots activists and organizations such as Dolores Huerta, Communities for a New California Action Fund, the Central Valley Progressive PAC, and Valley Forward, we believe Councilmember Soria is noteworthy in a crowded field as the strongest choice for progressive support. Her track record as a champion for Central Valley families and as an advocate for her region's priorities in California's gubernatorial administration is very strong.

    Voting for Councilmember Soria is an opportunity to elect a legislator who will dramatically improve the representation of her district in Congress. Courage California strongly endorses Councilmember Soria for Congress.
     

    Esmeralda Soria

    Esmeralda Soria was born and raised in the central San Joaquin Valley, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers. She continues to live in the Valley, where she currently represents Council District 1 on the Fresno City Council.

State Assembly

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

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Phil Ting is from southern California and has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he believes in the importance of California’s continued technological innovation to build a cleaner economy, promote education reform, and increase equity across the state.

    In the State Assembly, Ting has worked on legislation that helps more students access Cal Grants, provides bathroom and tax protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and improves healthy food access for food stamp recipients. Ting has also been outspoken on clean energy issues, pushing for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, encouraging the installation of electric car charging stations, and helping homeowners invest in water and energy technologies. He serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and sits on three additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Ting worked as the Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, and was appointed to serve as the Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco. In this role, he increased solar power use in the city, and completed the assessment backlog to bring in millions in unpaid property taxes.

    Ting is being challenged by John McDonnell (R). He scores a lifetime 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Ting has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Phil Ting

    Phil Ting is from southern California and has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he believes in the importance of California’s continued technological innovation to build a cleaner economy, promote education reform, and increase equity across the state.

    In the State Assembly, Ting has worked on legislation that helps more students access Cal Grants, provides bathroom and tax protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and improves healthy food access for food stamp recipients. Ting has also been outspoken on clean energy issues, pushing for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, encouraging the installation of electric car charging stations, and helping homeowners invest in water and energy technologies. He serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and sits on three additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Ting worked as the Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, and was appointed to serve as the Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco. In this role, he increased solar power use in the city, and completed the assessment backlog to bring in millions in unpaid property taxes.

    Ting is being challenged by John McDonnell (R). He scores a lifetime 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Ting has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Phil Ting is from southern California and has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he believes in the importance of California’s continued technological innovation to build a cleaner economy, promote education reform, and increase equity across the state.

    In the State Assembly, Ting has worked on legislation that helps more students access Cal Grants, provides bathroom and tax protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and improves healthy food access for food stamp recipients. Ting has also been outspoken on clean energy issues, pushing for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, encouraging the installation of electric car charging stations, and helping homeowners invest in water and energy technologies. He serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and sits on three additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Ting worked as the Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, and was appointed to serve as the Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco. In this role, he increased solar power use in the city, and completed the assessment backlog to bring in millions in unpaid property taxes.

    Ting is being challenged by John McDonnell (R). He scores a lifetime 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Ting has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Phil Ting

    Phil Ting is from southern California and has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he believes in the importance of California’s continued technological innovation to build a cleaner economy, promote education reform, and increase equity across the state.

    In the State Assembly, Ting has worked on legislation that helps more students access Cal Grants, provides bathroom and tax protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and improves healthy food access for food stamp recipients. Ting has also been outspoken on clean energy issues, pushing for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, encouraging the installation of electric car charging stations, and helping homeowners invest in water and energy technologies. He serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and sits on three additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Ting worked as the Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, and was appointed to serve as the Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco. In this role, he increased solar power use in the city, and completed the assessment backlog to bring in millions in unpaid property taxes.

    Ting is being challenged by John McDonnell (R). He scores a lifetime 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Ting has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

No Good Choices


Adam Gray is the incumbent, having served as Assembly District Representative since 2012. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Gray has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

Democrat Adam Gray is running for reelection in 2020 unopposed. Gray is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions. Gray scored just 9 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat.

There is no progressive choice on the ballot. We encourage you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.
 

No Recommendation - AD 21


Adam Gray is the incumbent, having served as Assembly District Representative since 2012. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Gray has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

Democrat Adam Gray is running for reelection in 2020 unopposed. Gray is not serving his constituents with progressive solutions. Gray scored just 9 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat.

There is no progressive choice on the ballot. We encourage you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.
 

No Good Choices


Jim Patterson is the incumbent, having served as State Senator for District 23 since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Patterson has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. Patterson scored 0 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records.

Patterson has no challengers in this race. According to recent election results, Democrat do not usually win this seat.

Our analysis shows that there isn’t a progressive candidate that is likely to advance to the general election in this race. We encourage you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.
 

No Recommendation - AD 23


Jim Patterson is the incumbent, having served as State Senator for District 23 since 2013. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Patterson has shown that he does NOT advocate for the needs of constituents or face down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. Patterson scored 0 out of 100 on this year’s Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records.

Patterson has no challengers in this race. According to recent election results, Democrat do not usually win this seat.

Our analysis shows that there isn’t a progressive candidate that is likely to advance to the general election in this race. We encourage you to write in a candidate of your choice to show support for progressives in this district. Keep reading for progressive recommendations in other key races and on ballot measures where your vote can make a critical difference.
 

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

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress

  • Josh Becker has lived in Menlo Park for 20 years. According to campaign materials he is running for State Senate because he hopes to build on his extensive track record leveraging the intersection of technology and public policy to create community systems and social change.

    Becker is an attorney and public policy innovator, which allows him to invest in community organizations that are working to support public infrastructures like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. He was appointed and served five years on the California Workforce Development Board, and acted as the CEO of Lex Machina where he supported efforts to create more transparency in the law. Becker has also co-founded several companies and organizations focused on social responsibility: Full Circle Fund, New Cycle Capital, Stanford Board Fellows, and a cancer research biotech company.

    Becker is running against Shelly Masur (D), Sally Lieber (D), Mike Brownrigg (D), Annie Oliva (D), Alexander Glew (R), and John Webster (L) for this open State Senate seat. Shelly Masur presents a strong progressive challenge to Becker’s campaign. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Becker is a notable progressive choice because of his proven track record of creating infrastructures to support social innovation.

    According to our analysis, Josh Becker is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Josh Becker


    Josh Becker has lived in Menlo Park for 20 years. According to campaign materials he is running for State Senate because he hopes to build on his extensive track record leveraging the intersection of technology and public policy to create community systems and social change.


    Josh Becker has lived in Menlo Park for 20 years. According to campaign materials he is running for State Senate because he hopes to build on his extensive track record leveraging the intersection of technology and public policy to create community systems and social change.

    Becker is an attorney and public policy innovator, which allows him to invest in community organizations that are working to support public infrastructures like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. He was appointed and served five years on the California Workforce Development Board, and acted as the CEO of Lex Machina where he supported efforts to create more transparency in the law. Becker has also co-founded several companies and organizations focused on social responsibility: Full Circle Fund, New Cycle Capital, Stanford Board Fellows, and a cancer research biotech company.

    Becker is running against Shelly Masur (D), Sally Lieber (D), Mike Brownrigg (D), Annie Oliva (D), Alexander Glew (R), and John Webster (L) for this open State Senate seat. Shelly Masur presents a strong progressive challenge to Becker’s campaign. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Becker is a notable progressive choice because of his proven track record of creating infrastructures to support social innovation.

    According to our analysis, Josh Becker is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Josh Becker


    Josh Becker has lived in Menlo Park for 20 years. According to campaign materials he is running for State Senate because he hopes to build on his extensive track record leveraging the intersection of technology and public policy to create community systems and social change.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation

  • Shelly Masur has lived in Redwood City for 15 years. According to campaign materials she is a strong advocate for women and family issues and is running for State Senate so that she can build on her accomplishments in affordable housing, childcare, and community outreach.

    Masur has served on the Redwood City Council since 2015, and is currently the Redwood City Vice Mayor. As Vice Mayor, she leverages her experience and Master of Public Health to create social benefits around issues related to equity and access. In this role, she has spearheaded efforts to increase minimum wage, and improve access to affordable housing. Masur has also sat on several internal and regional committees, including Finance & Audit, Charter, and Redwood City 2020. Prior to serving in City Council, Masur acted as the CEO of the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, served three terms on the Redwood City School Board, and as President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association.

    Masur is running against Josh Becker (D), Sally Lieber (D), Mike Brownrigg (D), Annie Oliva (D), Alexander Glew (R), and John Webster (L) for this open seat. Josh Becker presents a strong progressive challenge to Masur’s campaign. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Masur is a notable progressive choice because of her demonstrated commitment to working to increase equity for marginalized populations in housing, healthcare, and education.

    According to our analysis, Shelly Masur is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Shelly Masur


    Shelly Masur has lived in Redwood City for 15 years. According to campaign materials she is a strong advocate for women and family issues and is running for State Senate so that she can build on her accomplishments in affordable housing, childcare, and community outreach.


    Shelly Masur has lived in Redwood City for 15 years. According to campaign materials she is a strong advocate for women and family issues and is running for State Senate so that she can build on her accomplishments in affordable housing, childcare, and community outreach.

    Masur has served on the Redwood City Council since 2015, and is currently the Redwood City Vice Mayor. As Vice Mayor, she leverages her experience and Master of Public Health to create social benefits around issues related to equity and access. In this role, she has spearheaded efforts to increase minimum wage, and improve access to affordable housing. Masur has also sat on several internal and regional committees, including Finance & Audit, Charter, and Redwood City 2020. Prior to serving in City Council, Masur acted as the CEO of the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, served three terms on the Redwood City School Board, and as President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association.

    Masur is running against Josh Becker (D), Sally Lieber (D), Mike Brownrigg (D), Annie Oliva (D), Alexander Glew (R), and John Webster (L) for this open seat. Josh Becker presents a strong progressive challenge to Masur’s campaign. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Masur is a notable progressive choice because of her demonstrated commitment to working to increase equity for marginalized populations in housing, healthcare, and education.

    According to our analysis, Shelly Masur is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Shelly Masur


    Shelly Masur has lived in Redwood City for 15 years. According to campaign materials she is a strong advocate for women and family issues and is running for State Senate so that she can build on her accomplishments in affordable housing, childcare, and community outreach.

  • 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.