Skip to main content

Congress

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

  • 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.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation

  • Rep. Ro Khanna was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Chicago and Yale Law School. Khanna served the Obama Administration in Washington D.C. from 2009-2011; afterwards he accepted a position at a law firm and moved to Silicon Valley. He is the incumbent in the district, having served in this position since 2017. He is running for re-election on a platform supporting the Green New Deal, internet privacy reforms, Medicare for All, immigration reform, and economic growth.

    In Congress, Khanna has been outspoken in support of legislation to fight climate change, including the Green New Deal. He has called for various online and cybersecurity reforms, including helping to draft an Internet Bill of Rights. He sponsored the VALOR Act, which became law in 2019 and makes it easier for employers to create apprenticeship programs for veterans. He is a member of the No PAC Caucus, which has pledged to not take donations from any PACs.

    He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, House Budget Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Prior to the election in 2016, Rep. Khanna was an attorney at Wilson Sonsini, and taught Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and San Francisco State University. From 2009-2011, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce and in 2012, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the California Workforce Investment Board.

    Khanna is being challenged by Stephen Forbes (D), Joe Dehn (L) and Ritesh Tandon (R). Khanna has consistently demonstrated a commitment to progressive values, and a willingness to challenge the corporate power in his district. According to our analysis, Khanna is the strongest choice for continued progressive leadership in office.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Rep. Ro Khanna was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Chicago and Yale Law School. Khanna served the Obama Administration in Washington D.C. from 2009-2011; afterwards he accepted a position at a law firm and moved to Silicon Valley. He is the incumbent in the district, having served in this position since 2017. He is running for re-election on a platform supporting the Green New Deal, internet privacy reforms, Medicare for All, immigration reform, and economic growth.

    In Congress, Khanna has been outspoken in support of legislation to fight climate change, including the Green New Deal. He has called for various online and cybersecurity reforms, including helping to draft an Internet Bill of Rights. He sponsored the VALOR Act, which became law in 2019 and makes it easier for employers to create apprenticeship programs for veterans. He is a member of the No PAC Caucus, which has pledged to not take donations from any PACs.

    He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, House Budget Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Prior to the election in 2016, Rep. Khanna was an attorney at Wilson Sonsini, and taught Stanford University, Santa Clara University, and San Francisco State University. From 2009-2011, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce and in 2012, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the California Workforce Investment Board.

    Khanna is being challenged by Stephen Forbes (D), Joe Dehn (L) and Ritesh Tandon (R). Khanna has consistently demonstrated a commitment to progressive values, and a willingness to challenge the corporate power in his district. According to our analysis, Khanna is the strongest choice for continued progressive leadership in office.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Rep. Eshoo was born in Connecticut, and moved to California after high school. She is the incumbent, having served in Congress since 1993; after the 2012 redistricting the district was renumbered from the 14th to the 18th. Her campaign materials highlight her commitment to gun violence prevention, taking action on climate change, protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring net neutrality, as well as immigration reform.

    In Congress Eshoo has worked to pass legislation to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, lower prescription drug prices, and authored an op-ed with Rep. Adam Schiff on the need to reduce American dependence on drugs produced overseas. She supports universal healthcare, but has stopped short of supporting Medicare for All, citing concerns about how it would be funded. She has opposed Trump’s immigration policies, including the Muslim ban, detention centers, the border wall, separating families at the border and making it harder for immigrants to obtain public services, like food stamps. She has fought to protect net neutrality, end robocalls, and worked with Rep. Lofgren on new data and privacy protections.

    Eshoo is being challenged by Rishi Kumar (D), Bob Goodwyn (L), Richard Fox (R), and Phil Reynolds (R). According to our analysis, Eshoo is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Anna Eshoo

    Rep. Eshoo was born in Connecticut, and moved to California after high school. She is the incumbent, having served in Congress since 1993; after the 2012 redistricting the district was renumbered from the 14th to the 18th.

    Rep. Eshoo was born in Connecticut, and moved to California after high school. She is the incumbent, having served in Congress since 1993; after the 2012 redistricting the district was renumbered from the 14th to the 18th. Her campaign materials highlight her commitment to gun violence prevention, taking action on climate change, protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring net neutrality, as well as immigration reform.

    In Congress Eshoo has worked to pass legislation to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, lower prescription drug prices, and authored an op-ed with Rep. Adam Schiff on the need to reduce American dependence on drugs produced overseas. She supports universal healthcare, but has stopped short of supporting Medicare for All, citing concerns about how it would be funded. She has opposed Trump’s immigration policies, including the Muslim ban, detention centers, the border wall, separating families at the border and making it harder for immigrants to obtain public services, like food stamps. She has fought to protect net neutrality, end robocalls, and worked with Rep. Lofgren on new data and privacy protections.

    Eshoo is being challenged by Rishi Kumar (D), Bob Goodwyn (L), Richard Fox (R), and Phil Reynolds (R). According to our analysis, Eshoo is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Anna Eshoo

    Rep. Eshoo was born in Connecticut, and moved to California after high school. She is the incumbent, having served in Congress since 1993; after the 2012 redistricting the district was renumbered from the 14th to the 18th.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation

  • Rep. Lofgren was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attending Stanford and Santa Clara Law School. Lofgren is the incumbent, having served in the House of Representatives since 1995. According to campaign materials she is running for re-election to protect dreamers, end gun violence, protect the free and open internet, and getting dirty money out of politics.

    In Congress, she helped pass the DREAM Act of 2019 (and 2010), and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, and has called for an end to the detention centers, and for foreign aid to end the instability in Central America that leads to people fleeing their homes. As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on Internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. Lofrgen has been a strong supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, LGBTQ equity and has led the implementation of the House of Representatives' mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination trainings.

    Prior to her role as Congresswoman, she was an immigration lawyer, taught at Santa Clara Law School, and served as Staff Assistant to Congressman Don Edwards.

    Lofgren is being challenged by Ivan Torres (D), Justin Aguilera (R), Ignacio Cruz (R), and Jason Mallory (NPP).

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05


    Rep. Lofgren was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attending Stanford and Santa Clara Law School. Lofgren is the incumbent, having served in the House of Representatives since 1995. According to campaign materials she is running for re-election to protect dreamers, end gun violence, protect the free and open internet, and getting dirty money out of politics.

    In Congress, she helped pass the DREAM Act of 2019 (and 2010), and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, and has called for an end to the detention centers, and for foreign aid to end the instability in Central America that leads to people fleeing their homes. As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on Internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. Lofrgen has been a strong supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, LGBTQ equity and has led the implementation of the House of Representatives' mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination trainings.

    Prior to her role as Congresswoman, she was an immigration lawyer, taught at Santa Clara Law School, and served as Staff Assistant to Congressman Don Edwards.

    Lofgren is being challenged by Ivan Torres (D), Justin Aguilera (R), Ignacio Cruz (R), and Jason Mallory (NPP).

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

State Assembly

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

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.
 

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
  • Marc Berman was raised in Palo Alto. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2017. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to use his long history of public service to continue to push California forward on election security and higher education accessibility.

    In the State Assembly, Berman has authored bills that sought to improve election cybersecurity and campaign finance disclosure, improve the census process for 2020, and ease the food stamp and public housing verification process. Berman has also been deliberate in working to ensure that California students have access to the public university system in the state regardless of their socioeconomic status. He currently serves as the Chair of the Elections & Redistricting Committee, Chair of the Select Committee on Master Plan for Higher Education in California, and Chair of the Select Committee on Census, and is also an acting member of two additional committees. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Berman worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to support efforts to close the achievement gap through STEM education in Silicon Valley. Berman was then an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council where he worked to develop public infrastructure projects, and increase the city’s financial transparency.

    Berman is being challenged by Peter Ohtaki (R) and Kennita Watson (L). He scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Berman 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, Marc Berman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Marc Berman

    Marc Berman was raised in Palo Alto. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2017. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to use his long history of public service to continue to push California forward on election security and higher education accessibility.

    In the State Assembly, Berman has authored bills that sought to improve election cybersecurity and campaign finance disclosure, improve the census process for 2020, and ease the food stamp and public housing verification process. Berman has also been deliberate in working to ensure that California students have access to the public university system in the state regardless of their socioeconomic status. He currently serves as the Chair of the Elections & Redistricting Committee, Chair of the Select Committee on Master Plan for Higher Education in California, and Chair of the Select Committee on Census, and is also an acting member of two additional committees. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Berman worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to support efforts to close the achievement gap through STEM education in Silicon Valley. Berman was then an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council where he worked to develop public infrastructure projects, and increase the city’s financial transparency.

    Berman is being challenged by Peter Ohtaki (R) and Kennita Watson (L). He scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Berman 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, Marc Berman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Marc Berman was raised in Palo Alto. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2017. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to use his long history of public service to continue to push California forward on election security and higher education accessibility.

    In the State Assembly, Berman has authored bills that sought to improve election cybersecurity and campaign finance disclosure, improve the census process for 2020, and ease the food stamp and public housing verification process. Berman has also been deliberate in working to ensure that California students have access to the public university system in the state regardless of their socioeconomic status. He currently serves as the Chair of the Elections & Redistricting Committee, Chair of the Select Committee on Master Plan for Higher Education in California, and Chair of the Select Committee on Census, and is also an acting member of two additional committees. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Berman worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to support efforts to close the achievement gap through STEM education in Silicon Valley. Berman was then an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council where he worked to develop public infrastructure projects, and increase the city’s financial transparency.

    Berman is being challenged by Peter Ohtaki (R) and Kennita Watson (L). He scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Berman 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, Marc Berman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Marc Berman

    Marc Berman was raised in Palo Alto. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2017. According to campaign materials he is running for re-election because he wants to use his long history of public service to continue to push California forward on election security and higher education accessibility.

    In the State Assembly, Berman has authored bills that sought to improve election cybersecurity and campaign finance disclosure, improve the census process for 2020, and ease the food stamp and public housing verification process. Berman has also been deliberate in working to ensure that California students have access to the public university system in the state regardless of their socioeconomic status. He currently serves as the Chair of the Elections & Redistricting Committee, Chair of the Select Committee on Master Plan for Higher Education in California, and Chair of the Select Committee on Census, and is also an acting member of two additional committees. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Berman worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to support efforts to close the achievement gap through STEM education in Silicon Valley. Berman was then an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council where he worked to develop public infrastructure projects, and increase the city’s financial transparency.

    Berman is being challenged by Peter Ohtaki (R) and Kennita Watson (L). He scores a lifetime 92 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Berman 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, Marc Berman is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

  • Alex Lee has lived in the South Bay all his life. According to campaign materials he is running for State Assembly because he wants to build on his experience as a legislative staff to advocate for Bay Area residents on issues of housing, education, and climate change as an elected official.

    Lee has spent his short career working as a legislative aide to state officials, which he does to act as a constituent liaison who can bridge the gap between community needs and the legislative process. He began in the office of State Senator Henry Stern and then transitioned to be a field representative for Assemblymember Evan Low. Lee has been active on issues around homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety, and has promised to prioritize solving the housing crisis if he is elected. Prior to entering state politics, Lee was Student Body President at UC-Davis where he worked to advocate for improved student benefits around tuition and housing. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Alex Lee

    Alex Lee has lived in the South Bay all his life. According to campaign materials he is running for State Assembly because he wants to build on his experience as a legislative staff to advocate for Bay Area residents on issues of housing, education, and climate change as an elected official.

    Lee has spent his short career working as a legislative aide to state officials, which he does to act as a constituent liaison who can bridge the gap between community needs and the legislative process. He began in the office of State Senator Henry Stern and then transitioned to be a field representative for Assemblymember Evan Low. Lee has been active on issues around homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety, and has promised to prioritize solving the housing crisis if he is elected. Prior to entering state politics, Lee was Student Body President at UC-Davis where he worked to advocate for improved student benefits around tuition and housing. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Alex Lee has lived in the South Bay all his life. According to campaign materials he is running for State Assembly because he wants to build on his experience as a legislative staff to advocate for Bay Area residents on issues of housing, education, and climate change as an elected official.

    Lee has spent his short career working as a legislative aide to state officials, which he does to act as a constituent liaison who can bridge the gap between community needs and the legislative process. He began in the office of State Senator Henry Stern and then transitioned to be a field representative for Assemblymember Evan Low. Lee has been active on issues around homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety, and has promised to prioritize solving the housing crisis if he is elected. Prior to entering state politics, Lee was Student Body President at UC-Davis where he worked to advocate for improved student benefits around tuition and housing. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Alex Lee

    Alex Lee has lived in the South Bay all his life. According to campaign materials he is running for State Assembly because he wants to build on his experience as a legislative staff to advocate for Bay Area residents on issues of housing, education, and climate change as an elected official.

    Lee has spent his short career working as a legislative aide to state officials, which he does to act as a constituent liaison who can bridge the gap between community needs and the legislative process. He began in the office of State Senator Henry Stern and then transitioned to be a field representative for Assemblymember Evan Low. Lee has been active on issues around homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety, and has promised to prioritize solving the housing crisis if he is elected. Prior to entering state politics, Lee was Student Body President at UC-Davis where he worked to advocate for improved student benefits around tuition and housing. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

  • Anna Song has lived in Santa Clara County for over 20 years. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly to leverage her two decades of county experience to provide leadership and direction in the statehouse. 

    Anna Song is an insurance agent, and the current Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Education. She does this work to use her aptitude for critical thinking and collaboration to advocate for positive outcomes for students across the county. She has been a strong voice for families and vulnerable members of the education community during her 20 years on the Board. Song has a background in non-profit management, with particular attention to domestic violence and fair housing advocacy. She has also served four terms on the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Central Committee and has been honored with an award for her work by the California Democratic Party. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Anna Song

    Anna Song has lived in Santa Clara County for over 20 years. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly to leverage her two decades of county experience to provide leadership and direction in the statehouse. 

    Anna Song is an insurance agent, and the current Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Education. She does this work to use her aptitude for critical thinking and collaboration to advocate for positive outcomes for students across the county. She has been a strong voice for families and vulnerable members of the education community during her 20 years on the Board. Song has a background in non-profit management, with particular attention to domestic violence and fair housing advocacy. She has also served four terms on the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Central Committee and has been honored with an award for her work by the California Democratic Party. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Anna Song has lived in Santa Clara County for over 20 years. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly to leverage her two decades of county experience to provide leadership and direction in the statehouse. 

    Anna Song is an insurance agent, and the current Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Education. She does this work to use her aptitude for critical thinking and collaboration to advocate for positive outcomes for students across the county. She has been a strong voice for families and vulnerable members of the education community during her 20 years on the Board. Song has a background in non-profit management, with particular attention to domestic violence and fair housing advocacy. She has also served four terms on the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Central Committee and has been honored with an award for her work by the California Democratic Party. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

    Anna Song

    Anna Song has lived in Santa Clara County for over 20 years. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly to leverage her two decades of county experience to provide leadership and direction in the statehouse. 

    Anna Song is an insurance agent, and the current Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Education. She does this work to use her aptitude for critical thinking and collaboration to advocate for positive outcomes for students across the county. She has been a strong voice for families and vulnerable members of the education community during her 20 years on the Board. Song has a background in non-profit management, with particular attention to domestic violence and fair housing advocacy. She has also served four terms on the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Central Committee and has been honored with an award for her work by the California Democratic Party. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 
     

  • Anne Kepner was raised in San Jose and has lived in Santa Clara for over 20 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Assembly to bring her community and professional experience to the statehouse to shift policy on issues of education, economic opportunity, and housing. 

    Kepner is an attorney, which she does to advocate for marginalized communities in cases relating to predatory and negligent behavior from companies and institutions. She is a past President of the West Valley-Mission Community College Board, currently serves as the Board Chair for the Mission City Community Fund and is the PTA President at Buchser Middle School. As a lifelong resident of the area, Kepner has observed the economic shift of the region over her lifetime and hopes to establish comprehensive wrap-around services for residents as an Assemblymember. Her agenda leans heavily on plans to eliminate barriers to access to housing and education that make life in the region challenging for working families. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Anne Kepner

    Anne Kepner was raised in San Jose and has lived in Santa Clara for over 20 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Assembly to bring her community and professional experience to the statehouse to shift policy on issues of education, economic opportunity, and housing. 

    Kepner is an attorney, which she does to advocate for marginalized communities in cases relating to predatory and negligent behavior from companies and institutions. She is a past President of the West Valley-Mission Community College Board, currently serves as the Board Chair for the Mission City Community Fund and is the PTA President at Buchser Middle School. As a lifelong resident of the area, Kepner has observed the economic shift of the region over her lifetime and hopes to establish comprehensive wrap-around services for residents as an Assemblymember. Her agenda leans heavily on plans to eliminate barriers to access to housing and education that make life in the region challenging for working families. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 

    Anne Kepner was raised in San Jose and has lived in Santa Clara for over 20 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Assembly to bring her community and professional experience to the statehouse to shift policy on issues of education, economic opportunity, and housing. 

    Kepner is an attorney, which she does to advocate for marginalized communities in cases relating to predatory and negligent behavior from companies and institutions. She is a past President of the West Valley-Mission Community College Board, currently serves as the Board Chair for the Mission City Community Fund and is the PTA President at Buchser Middle School. As a lifelong resident of the area, Kepner has observed the economic shift of the region over her lifetime and hopes to establish comprehensive wrap-around services for residents as an Assemblymember. Her agenda leans heavily on plans to eliminate barriers to access to housing and education that make life in the region challenging for working families. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 

    Anne Kepner

    Anne Kepner was raised in San Jose and has lived in Santa Clara for over 20 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Assembly to bring her community and professional experience to the statehouse to shift policy on issues of education, economic opportunity, and housing. 

    Kepner is an attorney, which she does to advocate for marginalized communities in cases relating to predatory and negligent behavior from companies and institutions. She is a past President of the West Valley-Mission Community College Board, currently serves as the Board Chair for the Mission City Community Fund and is the PTA President at Buchser Middle School. As a lifelong resident of the area, Kepner has observed the economic shift of the region over her lifetime and hopes to establish comprehensive wrap-around services for residents as an Assemblymember. Her agenda leans heavily on plans to eliminate barriers to access to housing and education that make life in the region challenging for working families. 

    According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. 

  • Drew Phelps is a fourth generation Tularean. According to campaign materials, he is running for Assembly District 26 to offer transparent leadership and tailored solutions to the issues that affect Tulare, Inyo and Kern counties.

    Phelps works in land use and project manager for Granville Homes, a Valley-based residential development company that builds energy efficient homes for local working and middle-class families. He has advocated for justice as a journalist and a grassroots organizer for Citizens for Hospital Accountability. Phelps’s commitment to community health goes beyond holding providers accountable. He served as the Director of Grant Oversight with the Manuel Torrez Family Resource Center, bringing in funding for the Center’s “Healthy Families, Happy Kids” initiative, as well as helping organize the program’s annual mobile health clinic and fair.

    Phelps is running against incumbent Devon Mathis (R), who has held the seat since 2014 and scored a 0 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to wins. Phelps, however, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong and tangible goals for Tulare’s future, and the impact he’s had on his community so far, without yet holding a public office.

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Drew Phelps

    Drew Phelps is a fourth generation Tularean. According to campaign materials, he is running for Assembly District 26 to offer transparent leadership and tailored solutions to the issues that affect Tulare, Inyo and Kern counties.

    Phelps works in land use and project manager for Granville Homes, a Valley-based residential development company that builds energy efficient homes for local working and middle-class families. He has advocated for justice as a journalist and a grassroots organizer for Citizens for Hospital Accountability. Phelps’s commitment to community health goes beyond holding providers accountable. He served as the Director of Grant Oversight with the Manuel Torrez Family Resource Center, bringing in funding for the Center’s “Healthy Families, Happy Kids” initiative, as well as helping organize the program’s annual mobile health clinic and fair.

    Phelps is running against incumbent Devon Mathis (R), who has held the seat since 2014 and scored a 0 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to wins. Phelps, however, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong and tangible goals for Tulare’s future, and the impact he’s had on his community so far, without yet holding a public office.

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

    Drew Phelps is a fourth generation Tularean. According to campaign materials, he is running for Assembly District 26 to offer transparent leadership and tailored solutions to the issues that affect Tulare, Inyo and Kern counties.

    Phelps works in land use and project manager for Granville Homes, a Valley-based residential development company that builds energy efficient homes for local working and middle-class families. He has advocated for justice as a journalist and a grassroots organizer for Citizens for Hospital Accountability. Phelps’s commitment to community health goes beyond holding providers accountable. He served as the Director of Grant Oversight with the Manuel Torrez Family Resource Center, bringing in funding for the Center’s “Healthy Families, Happy Kids” initiative, as well as helping organize the program’s annual mobile health clinic and fair.

    Phelps is running against incumbent Devon Mathis (R), who has held the seat since 2014 and scored a 0 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to wins. Phelps, however, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong and tangible goals for Tulare’s future, and the impact he’s had on his community so far, without yet holding a public office.

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

    Drew Phelps

    Drew Phelps is a fourth generation Tularean. According to campaign materials, he is running for Assembly District 26 to offer transparent leadership and tailored solutions to the issues that affect Tulare, Inyo and Kern counties.

    Phelps works in land use and project manager for Granville Homes, a Valley-based residential development company that builds energy efficient homes for local working and middle-class families. He has advocated for justice as a journalist and a grassroots organizer for Citizens for Hospital Accountability. Phelps’s commitment to community health goes beyond holding providers accountable. He served as the Director of Grant Oversight with the Manuel Torrez Family Resource Center, bringing in funding for the Center’s “Healthy Families, Happy Kids” initiative, as well as helping organize the program’s annual mobile health clinic and fair.

    Phelps is running against incumbent Devon Mathis (R), who has held the seat since 2014 and scored a 0 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. According to recent election results, this is a challenging seat for Democrats to wins. Phelps, however, is a notable progressive choice because of his strong and tangible goals for Tulare’s future, and the impact he’s had on his community so far, without yet holding a public office.

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

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Evan Low was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, as a young member of the Assembly, he is running to continue to build his career of serving his home community and working toward equitable solutions for his constituents.

    In the State Assembly, he has worked to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ community, pushed for more affordable housing, and has passed bills to protect victims of crime and human trafficking. Low has been a responsive legislator, working to improve college admissions reforms since early 2019, and establishing the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus. Low currently serves as Chair of the Business & Professions Committee and is a member of five additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Low was the first Asian-American and openly gay person to be elected to the Campbell City Council. He later served as Mayor of Campbell and was a community college instructor at De Anza Community College.

    Low has progressive positions on LGBTQ protections, the importance of continued technological innovation in the state, and improving the number of affordable housing units in the state. That said, he has voted against bills that provide public access to police misconduct records, that increase employer responsibility in preventing workplace harassment, and that limit the establishment and continued operation of charter schools in the state. In 2018, he was included on a list of lawmakers who had accepted gifts of access, receiving a pricey concert ticket from AT&T. As an advocate for continued technological advancement in the state, this action raised questions about a conflict of interest with a large tech company.

    Low is being challenged by Sam Ross (NPP), and Carlos Rafael Cruz (R). He scores a lifetime 74 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Though we disagree with Low’s stance on the issues named above, his work to build influence on most progressive issues and relationships in the community will advance progressive policies and makes him the strongest choice in this race.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Evan Low

    Evan Low was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, as a young member of the Assembly, he is running to continue to build his career of serving his home community and working toward equitable solutions for his constituents.

    In the State Assembly, he has worked to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ community, pushed for more affordable housing, and has passed bills to protect victims of crime and human trafficking. Low has been a responsive legislator, working to improve college admissions reforms since early 2019, and establishing the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus. Low currently serves as Chair of the Business & Professions Committee and is a member of five additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Low was the first Asian-American and openly gay person to be elected to the Campbell City Council. He later served as Mayor of Campbell and was a community college instructor at De Anza Community College.

    Low has progressive positions on LGBTQ protections, the importance of continued technological innovation in the state, and improving the number of affordable housing units in the state. That said, he has voted against bills that provide public access to police misconduct records, that increase employer responsibility in preventing workplace harassment, and that limit the establishment and continued operation of charter schools in the state. In 2018, he was included on a list of lawmakers who had accepted gifts of access, receiving a pricey concert ticket from AT&T. As an advocate for continued technological advancement in the state, this action raised questions about a conflict of interest with a large tech company.

    Low is being challenged by Sam Ross (NPP), and Carlos Rafael Cruz (R). He scores a lifetime 74 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Though we disagree with Low’s stance on the issues named above, his work to build influence on most progressive issues and relationships in the community will advance progressive policies and makes him the strongest choice in this race.
     

    Evan Low was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, as a young member of the Assembly, he is running to continue to build his career of serving his home community and working toward equitable solutions for his constituents.

    In the State Assembly, he has worked to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ community, pushed for more affordable housing, and has passed bills to protect victims of crime and human trafficking. Low has been a responsive legislator, working to improve college admissions reforms since early 2019, and establishing the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus. Low currently serves as Chair of the Business & Professions Committee and is a member of five additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Low was the first Asian-American and openly gay person to be elected to the Campbell City Council. He later served as Mayor of Campbell and was a community college instructor at De Anza Community College.

    Low has progressive positions on LGBTQ protections, the importance of continued technological innovation in the state, and improving the number of affordable housing units in the state. That said, he has voted against bills that provide public access to police misconduct records, that increase employer responsibility in preventing workplace harassment, and that limit the establishment and continued operation of charter schools in the state. In 2018, he was included on a list of lawmakers who had accepted gifts of access, receiving a pricey concert ticket from AT&T. As an advocate for continued technological advancement in the state, this action raised questions about a conflict of interest with a large tech company.

    Low is being challenged by Sam Ross (NPP), and Carlos Rafael Cruz (R). He scores a lifetime 74 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Though we disagree with Low’s stance on the issues named above, his work to build influence on most progressive issues and relationships in the community will advance progressive policies and makes him the strongest choice in this race.
     

    Evan Low

    Evan Low was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, as a young member of the Assembly, he is running to continue to build his career of serving his home community and working toward equitable solutions for his constituents.

    In the State Assembly, he has worked to strengthen protections for the LGBTQ community, pushed for more affordable housing, and has passed bills to protect victims of crime and human trafficking. Low has been a responsive legislator, working to improve college admissions reforms since early 2019, and establishing the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus. Low currently serves as Chair of the Business & Professions Committee and is a member of five additional committees. Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Low was the first Asian-American and openly gay person to be elected to the Campbell City Council. He later served as Mayor of Campbell and was a community college instructor at De Anza Community College.

    Low has progressive positions on LGBTQ protections, the importance of continued technological innovation in the state, and improving the number of affordable housing units in the state. That said, he has voted against bills that provide public access to police misconduct records, that increase employer responsibility in preventing workplace harassment, and that limit the establishment and continued operation of charter schools in the state. In 2018, he was included on a list of lawmakers who had accepted gifts of access, receiving a pricey concert ticket from AT&T. As an advocate for continued technological advancement in the state, this action raised questions about a conflict of interest with a large tech company.

    Low is being challenged by Sam Ross (NPP), and Carlos Rafael Cruz (R). He scores a lifetime 74 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Though we disagree with Low’s stance on the issues named above, his work to build influence on most progressive issues and relationships in the community will advance progressive policies and makes him the strongest choice in this race.
     

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
  • Mark Stone lives in Scotts Valley. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to protect the most vulnerable Californians.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Stone has led reform in criminal justice, youth and education, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Last year, his bill to eliminate copayments for medical and dental visits for incarcerated people became law, as well as a bill that allowed more incarcerated people to qualify to earn parole credits. He also introduced a Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights, and the Coastal Adaptation, Access, and Resilience Program (CAARP) to fund climate adaptation projects. He currently chairs the Judiciary Committee. Prior to their election to the State Assembly, he served two terms on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

    Mark Stone is being challenged by Shomir Banerjee (R). He scores a lifetime 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Mark Stone has consistently shown great courage in advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mark Stone

    Mark Stone lives in Scotts Valley. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to protect the most vulnerable Californians.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Stone has led reform in criminal justice, youth and education, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Last year, his bill to eliminate copayments for medical and dental visits for incarcerated people became law, as well as a bill that allowed more incarcerated people to qualify to earn parole credits. He also introduced a Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights, and the Coastal Adaptation, Access, and Resilience Program (CAARP) to fund climate adaptation projects. He currently chairs the Judiciary Committee. Prior to their election to the State Assembly, he served two terms on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

    Mark Stone is being challenged by Shomir Banerjee (R). He scores a lifetime 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Mark Stone has consistently shown great courage in advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Mark Stone lives in Scotts Valley. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to protect the most vulnerable Californians.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Stone has led reform in criminal justice, youth and education, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Last year, his bill to eliminate copayments for medical and dental visits for incarcerated people became law, as well as a bill that allowed more incarcerated people to qualify to earn parole credits. He also introduced a Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights, and the Coastal Adaptation, Access, and Resilience Program (CAARP) to fund climate adaptation projects. He currently chairs the Judiciary Committee. Prior to their election to the State Assembly, he served two terms on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

    Mark Stone is being challenged by Shomir Banerjee (R). He scores a lifetime 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Mark Stone has consistently shown great courage in advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

    Mark Stone

    Mark Stone lives in Scotts Valley. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election because he wants to continue to protect the most vulnerable Californians.

    In the State Assembly, Rep. Stone has led reform in criminal justice, youth and education, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. Last year, his bill to eliminate copayments for medical and dental visits for incarcerated people became law, as well as a bill that allowed more incarcerated people to qualify to earn parole credits. He also introduced a Student Borrower’s Bill of Rights, and the Coastal Adaptation, Access, and Resilience Program (CAARP) to fund climate adaptation projects. He currently chairs the Judiciary Committee. Prior to their election to the State Assembly, he served two terms on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

    Mark Stone is being challenged by Shomir Banerjee (R). He scores a lifetime 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Mark Stone has consistently shown great courage in advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.

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

State Senate

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.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Ann Ravel was born in Chile, moved to San Jose when she was 11 years old, and raised her family in District 15. According to campaign materials, she is running to bring her lifetime of advocacy and social justice experience to the State Senate to continue to work for the protection and empowerment of marginalized communities.

    Ravel is an accomplished attorney, which she says allows her to hold special interest groups accountable and improve equity for Californians. Ravel’s interest in activism began before she completed her law degree, when she worked to improve labor conditions by helping to unionize the wait staff at a restaurant where she worked. After completing her J.D., Ravel acted as the Santa Clara County Counsel for over a decade, working to restrict Big Tobacco and Big Banks, challenge Prop 8, protect children from lead paint, and create the Educational Rights Project to protect youth living in foster care. Ravel then served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice, where she continued her work to hold corporations accountable, including BP and the pharmaceutical industry. Ravel was then appointed by Governor Brown to serve as the Chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission, where she led efforts to push back against the dark money being used to push through Proposition 32. After demonstrating her ethics in this role, she was selected by President Obama to serve on the Federal Election Commission and was confirmed with a unanimous Senate vote. Today, Ravel is suing Google to adjust their practices around sexual misconduct and retaliation against female employees.

    Ravel is running against candidate Nora Campos (D), Dave Cortese (D), Ken Del Valle (R), Robert Howell(R), Johnny Khamis (NPP), and Tim Gildersleeve (NPP) in this open race. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Ravel is a noteable progressive choice because of her lifelong commitment to working to improve the experience of Californians by holding powerful entities accountable.

    According to our analysis, Ann Ravel is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ann Ravel

    Ann Ravel was born in Chile, moved to San Jose when she was 11 years old, and raised her family in District 15.

    Ann Ravel was born in Chile, moved to San Jose when she was 11 years old, and raised her family in District 15. According to campaign materials, she is running to bring her lifetime of advocacy and social justice experience to the State Senate to continue to work for the protection and empowerment of marginalized communities.

    Ravel is an accomplished attorney, which she says allows her to hold special interest groups accountable and improve equity for Californians. Ravel’s interest in activism began before she completed her law degree, when she worked to improve labor conditions by helping to unionize the wait staff at a restaurant where she worked. After completing her J.D., Ravel acted as the Santa Clara County Counsel for over a decade, working to restrict Big Tobacco and Big Banks, challenge Prop 8, protect children from lead paint, and create the Educational Rights Project to protect youth living in foster care. Ravel then served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice, where she continued her work to hold corporations accountable, including BP and the pharmaceutical industry. Ravel was then appointed by Governor Brown to serve as the Chair of the Fair Political Practices Commission, where she led efforts to push back against the dark money being used to push through Proposition 32. After demonstrating her ethics in this role, she was selected by President Obama to serve on the Federal Election Commission and was confirmed with a unanimous Senate vote. Today, Ravel is suing Google to adjust their practices around sexual misconduct and retaliation against female employees.

    Ravel is running against candidate Nora Campos (D), Dave Cortese (D), Ken Del Valle (R), Robert Howell(R), Johnny Khamis (NPP), and Tim Gildersleeve (NPP) in this open race. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Ravel is a noteable progressive choice because of her lifelong commitment to working to improve the experience of Californians by holding powerful entities accountable.

    According to our analysis, Ann Ravel is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Ann Ravel

    Ann Ravel was born in Chile, moved to San Jose when she was 11 years old, and raised her family in District 15.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
  • Dave Cortese is from East San Jose and is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County. According to campaign materials, he is running for State Senate because he has a long history of public service at the local level that has provided him with a strong understanding of the unique challenges of the region. Cortese hopes to build on his progressive foundation by continuing to legislate on affordable housing, homelessness, and environmental protections.

    Cortese has been a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors since 2008, which he does to bring increased social equity and justice to his community. Cortese served as Board President for four years, and has several accomplishments as a member, including addressing and reducing homelessness in the region, advocating for changes to criminal justice custody operations, and decreasing the number of children involved in the child welfare system. Prior to his election to the Board, Cortese ran a large family agriculture and real estate business, served as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Valley Transportation Authority, and as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District. In each of these roles, Cortese worked to build funding for capital projects intended to support local communities.

    Cortese is running against Nora Campos (D), Ann Ravel (D), Ken Del Valle (R), Robert Howell(R), Johnny Khamis (NPP), and Tim Gildersleeve (NPP) in this open race. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Cortese is a noteable progressive choice because of his long career in public service and his track record of pushing for policies that benefit vulnerable populations, and improve the wellbeing of the community.

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dave Cortese

    Dave Cortese is from East San Jose and is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.

    Dave Cortese is from East San Jose and is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County. According to campaign materials, he is running for State Senate because he has a long history of public service at the local level that has provided him with a strong understanding of the unique challenges of the region. Cortese hopes to build on his progressive foundation by continuing to legislate on affordable housing, homelessness, and environmental protections.

    Cortese has been a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors since 2008, which he does to bring increased social equity and justice to his community. Cortese served as Board President for four years, and has several accomplishments as a member, including addressing and reducing homelessness in the region, advocating for changes to criminal justice custody operations, and decreasing the number of children involved in the child welfare system. Prior to his election to the Board, Cortese ran a large family agriculture and real estate business, served as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Valley Transportation Authority, and as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District. In each of these roles, Cortese worked to build funding for capital projects intended to support local communities.

    Cortese is running against Nora Campos (D), Ann Ravel (D), Ken Del Valle (R), Robert Howell(R), Johnny Khamis (NPP), and Tim Gildersleeve (NPP) in this open race. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Cortese is a noteable progressive choice because of his long career in public service and his track record of pushing for policies that benefit vulnerable populations, and improve the wellbeing of the community.

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

    Dave Cortese

    Dave Cortese is from East San Jose and is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.

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

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Kansen Chu is from Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1976. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to bring government, business, local community leaders, and organizations together to solve critical issues. 

    Kansen Chu currently serves in the State Assembly, where he works to promote economic development, increase access to quality education, and advance environmental preservations. While in the State Assembly, Chu has used his position as Chair of the Health and Human Services committee to ensure vulnerable communities have access to efficient support services. Chu has fought to improve child welfare programs, the foster care system, and other support services such as Cal-Works and Cal-Fresh. Chu has also worked as an electronics engineer and served on the San Jose City Council and Berryessa School Board. 

    Kansen Chu is running against Magdalena Carrasco, Otto Lee, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. In 2019, Chu scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Kansen Chu has consistently shown great courage in standing up for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. 

    According to our analysis, Kansen Chu is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Kansen Chu

    Kansen Chu is from Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1976. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to bring government, business, local community leaders, and organizations together to solve critical issues. 

    Kansen Chu currently serves in the State Assembly, where he works to promote economic development, increase access to quality education, and advance environmental preservations. While in the State Assembly, Chu has used his position as Chair of the Health and Human Services committee to ensure vulnerable communities have access to efficient support services. Chu has fought to improve child welfare programs, the foster care system, and other support services such as Cal-Works and Cal-Fresh. Chu has also worked as an electronics engineer and served on the San Jose City Council and Berryessa School Board. 

    Kansen Chu is running against Magdalena Carrasco, Otto Lee, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. In 2019, Chu scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Kansen Chu has consistently shown great courage in standing up for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. 

    According to our analysis, Kansen Chu is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Kansen Chu is from Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1976. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to bring government, business, local community leaders, and organizations together to solve critical issues. 

    Kansen Chu currently serves in the State Assembly, where he works to promote economic development, increase access to quality education, and advance environmental preservations. While in the State Assembly, Chu has used his position as Chair of the Health and Human Services committee to ensure vulnerable communities have access to efficient support services. Chu has fought to improve child welfare programs, the foster care system, and other support services such as Cal-Works and Cal-Fresh. Chu has also worked as an electronics engineer and served on the San Jose City Council and Berryessa School Board. 

    Kansen Chu is running against Magdalena Carrasco, Otto Lee, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. In 2019, Chu scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Kansen Chu has consistently shown great courage in standing up for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. 

    According to our analysis, Kansen Chu is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

    Kansen Chu

    Kansen Chu is from Taiwan and moved to the United States in 1976. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to bring government, business, local community leaders, and organizations together to solve critical issues. 

    Kansen Chu currently serves in the State Assembly, where he works to promote economic development, increase access to quality education, and advance environmental preservations. While in the State Assembly, Chu has used his position as Chair of the Health and Human Services committee to ensure vulnerable communities have access to efficient support services. Chu has fought to improve child welfare programs, the foster care system, and other support services such as Cal-Works and Cal-Fresh. Chu has also worked as an electronics engineer and served on the San Jose City Council and Berryessa School Board. 

    Kansen Chu is running against Magdalena Carrasco, Otto Lee, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. In 2019, Chu scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Kansen Chu has consistently shown great courage in standing up for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians. 

    According to our analysis, Kansen Chu is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
     

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Magdalena Carrasco grew up in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to be a voice for the voiceless and strengthen her community.  

    Carrasco currently serves on the San Jose City Council, which she does to improve the quality of life for the residents of East San Jose and the rest of the city. She has helped to pass the city’s Women’s Bill of Rights, which increased resources to support survivors of domestic abuse, as well as improved policies to combat human trafficking, and increased access to economic opportunities. Also, while on the city council, she has developed clean energy programs, promoted infrastructure improvements, increased access to affordable housing, been a champion for labor rights, and increased access to educational opportunities. Carrasco has also served as Vice Mayor of San Jose where she focused on increasing representation of women and people of color in all levels of government. 

    Carrasco is running against Kansen Chu, Otto Lee, and John Leyba candidate for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Carrasco stands out as a progressive choice because of her track record of successfully advancing progressive initiatives and increasing political representation in all levels of government. 

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Magdalena Carrasco

    Magdalena Carrasco grew up in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to be a voice for the voiceless and strengthen her community.  

    Carrasco currently serves on the San Jose City Council, which she does to improve the quality of life for the residents of East San Jose and the rest of the city. She has helped to pass the city’s Women’s Bill of Rights, which increased resources to support survivors of domestic abuse, as well as improved policies to combat human trafficking, and increased access to economic opportunities. Also, while on the city council, she has developed clean energy programs, promoted infrastructure improvements, increased access to affordable housing, been a champion for labor rights, and increased access to educational opportunities. Carrasco has also served as Vice Mayor of San Jose where she focused on increasing representation of women and people of color in all levels of government. 

    Carrasco is running against Kansen Chu, Otto Lee, and John Leyba candidate for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Carrasco stands out as a progressive choice because of her track record of successfully advancing progressive initiatives and increasing political representation in all levels of government. 

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

    Magdalena Carrasco grew up in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to be a voice for the voiceless and strengthen her community.  

    Carrasco currently serves on the San Jose City Council, which she does to improve the quality of life for the residents of East San Jose and the rest of the city. She has helped to pass the city’s Women’s Bill of Rights, which increased resources to support survivors of domestic abuse, as well as improved policies to combat human trafficking, and increased access to economic opportunities. Also, while on the city council, she has developed clean energy programs, promoted infrastructure improvements, increased access to affordable housing, been a champion for labor rights, and increased access to educational opportunities. Carrasco has also served as Vice Mayor of San Jose where she focused on increasing representation of women and people of color in all levels of government. 

    Carrasco is running against Kansen Chu, Otto Lee, and John Leyba candidate for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Carrasco stands out as a progressive choice because of her track record of successfully advancing progressive initiatives and increasing political representation in all levels of government. 

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

    Magdalena Carrasco

    Magdalena Carrasco grew up in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to be a voice for the voiceless and strengthen her community.  

    Carrasco currently serves on the San Jose City Council, which she does to improve the quality of life for the residents of East San Jose and the rest of the city. She has helped to pass the city’s Women’s Bill of Rights, which increased resources to support survivors of domestic abuse, as well as improved policies to combat human trafficking, and increased access to economic opportunities. Also, while on the city council, she has developed clean energy programs, promoted infrastructure improvements, increased access to affordable housing, been a champion for labor rights, and increased access to educational opportunities. Carrasco has also served as Vice Mayor of San Jose where she focused on increasing representation of women and people of color in all levels of government. 

    Carrasco is running against Kansen Chu, Otto Lee, and John Leyba candidate for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Carrasco stands out as a progressive choice because of her track record of successfully advancing progressive initiatives and increasing political representation in all levels of government. 

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

  • Courage Score: https://couragescore.org
  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Otto Lee is from Hong Kong and immigrated to California at 15 years old with his family. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to continue his public service and to use his experience to address challenges his community faces, such as the increased cost of housing and traffic congestion. 

    Lee is an intellectual property attorney, where he fosters economic development by protecting the rights’ of innovators. Lee has served on the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, the Sunnyvale City Council, and as Mayor, where he championed environmental issues such as banning single-use plastic bags, successfully promoting solar energy, and ensuring that development projects are environmentally sustainable. He has also served as a Democratic National Committee member and in the US Navy, where he received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal for his honorable service. 

    Otto Lee is running against Kansen Chu, Magdalena Carrasco, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Lee stands out as a progressive choice because of his strong environmental track record and his vision to address issues that directly impact his community, such as the rising unhoused population and the need to invest in sustainable infrastructure. 

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Otto Lee

    Otto Lee is from Hong Kong and immigrated to California at 15 years old with his family. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to continue his public service and to use his experience to address challenges his community faces, such as the increased cost of housing and traffic congestion. 

    Lee is an intellectual property attorney, where he fosters economic development by protecting the rights’ of innovators. Lee has served on the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, the Sunnyvale City Council, and as Mayor, where he championed environmental issues such as banning single-use plastic bags, successfully promoting solar energy, and ensuring that development projects are environmentally sustainable. He has also served as a Democratic National Committee member and in the US Navy, where he received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal for his honorable service. 

    Otto Lee is running against Kansen Chu, Magdalena Carrasco, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Lee stands out as a progressive choice because of his strong environmental track record and his vision to address issues that directly impact his community, such as the rising unhoused population and the need to invest in sustainable infrastructure. 

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

    Otto Lee is from Hong Kong and immigrated to California at 15 years old with his family. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to continue his public service and to use his experience to address challenges his community faces, such as the increased cost of housing and traffic congestion. 

    Lee is an intellectual property attorney, where he fosters economic development by protecting the rights’ of innovators. Lee has served on the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, the Sunnyvale City Council, and as Mayor, where he championed environmental issues such as banning single-use plastic bags, successfully promoting solar energy, and ensuring that development projects are environmentally sustainable. He has also served as a Democratic National Committee member and in the US Navy, where he received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal for his honorable service. 

    Otto Lee is running against Kansen Chu, Magdalena Carrasco, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Lee stands out as a progressive choice because of his strong environmental track record and his vision to address issues that directly impact his community, such as the rising unhoused population and the need to invest in sustainable infrastructure. 

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

    Otto Lee

    Otto Lee is from Hong Kong and immigrated to California at 15 years old with his family. According to campaign materials, he is running for Santa Clara Board of Supervisors to continue his public service and to use his experience to address challenges his community faces, such as the increased cost of housing and traffic congestion. 

    Lee is an intellectual property attorney, where he fosters economic development by protecting the rights’ of innovators. Lee has served on the Sunnyvale Planning Commission, the Sunnyvale City Council, and as Mayor, where he championed environmental issues such as banning single-use plastic bags, successfully promoting solar energy, and ensuring that development projects are environmentally sustainable. He has also served as a Democratic National Committee member and in the US Navy, where he received the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal for his honorable service. 

    Otto Lee is running against Kansen Chu, Magdalena Carrasco, and John Leyba for the open Board of Supervisors seat. Lee stands out as a progressive choice because of his strong environmental track record and his vision to address issues that directly impact his community, such as the rising unhoused population and the need to invest in sustainable infrastructure. 

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

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

    Vote YES On Prop 13, School and College Facilities Bond

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

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

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

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

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

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

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

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

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

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

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

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

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

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

    We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.

    CA Prop 13

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

Depending on where you live, you may have the below city district races on your ballot.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
  • David Cohen has resided in District Four for the past two decades. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to bring his community together and make his distinct a place people are happy to call home.

    Cohen is an engineer and serves on the Berryessa Union School District Board as trustee, which he does to contribute to innovation in high technology and build strong community relationships among families, teachers, staff, and students. While serving on the school board, Cohen has created a dual immersion program for Mandarin and Spanish speakers, pushed back against increases to class size, preserved art and science programs. Furthermore, he has worked to ensure that students have access to counselors and social workers, secured additional funding for local schools, and transformed Berryessa’s school's energy source off of fossil fuels to solar. Cohen has also served as Chair of the San Jose Library Commission, where he advocated for local libraries and led an effort to ensure that community libraries have sufficient funds to operate.

    Cohen is running against Lan Diep, who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Huy Tran. Cohen is a noteworthy progressive choice because of his track record of bringing his community together, his ability to find solutions to issues his community faces, as well as his support from local progressive partners. 

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    David Cohen

    David Cohen has resided in District Four for the past two decades. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to bring his community together and make his distinct a place people are happy to call home.

    David Cohen has resided in District Four for the past two decades. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to bring his community together and make his distinct a place people are happy to call home.

    Cohen is an engineer and serves on the Berryessa Union School District Board as trustee, which he does to contribute to innovation in high technology and build strong community relationships among families, teachers, staff, and students. While serving on the school board, Cohen has created a dual immersion program for Mandarin and Spanish speakers, pushed back against increases to class size, preserved art and science programs. Furthermore, he has worked to ensure that students have access to counselors and social workers, secured additional funding for local schools, and transformed Berryessa’s school's energy source off of fossil fuels to solar. Cohen has also served as Chair of the San Jose Library Commission, where he advocated for local libraries and led an effort to ensure that community libraries have sufficient funds to operate.

    Cohen is running against Lan Diep, who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Huy Tran. Cohen is a noteworthy progressive choice because of his track record of bringing his community together, his ability to find solutions to issues his community faces, as well as his support from local progressive partners. 

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

    David Cohen

    David Cohen has resided in District Four for the past two decades. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to bring his community together and make his distinct a place people are happy to call home.

  • Builds Power
    Builds Progress
    Builds Representation
  • Huy Tran is from Hawthorne, CA, and currently resides in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to be the voice his community needs to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents of San Jose. 

    Tran is a Steering Committee member on the Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition and serves on the board of Vietnamese American Roundtable, which he does to advocate and fight for working families. Furthermore, Tran is a co-founder of Justice at Work Law Group where he successfully represented the interests of working families on employment issues involving wage theft, cases of harassment, and discrimination. He was also appointed to the Housing and Community Development Commission for the City of San Jose by the incumbent, Lan Diep; through this experience, he gained further insight into the housing issues District Four is facing and the type of representative his community needs to advocate on their behalf. 

    Tran is running against Lan Diep who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as David Cohen. Tran is a notable progressive choice because of his dedication to real solutions to issues his community faces, such as access to affordable housing, as well as his support from local progressive partners. 

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Huy Tran

    Huy Tran is from Hawthorne, CA, and currently resides in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to be the voice his community needs to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents of San Jose. 

    Huy Tran is from Hawthorne, CA, and currently resides in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to be the voice his community needs to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents of San Jose. 

    Tran is a Steering Committee member on the Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition and serves on the board of Vietnamese American Roundtable, which he does to advocate and fight for working families. Furthermore, Tran is a co-founder of Justice at Work Law Group where he successfully represented the interests of working families on employment issues involving wage theft, cases of harassment, and discrimination. He was also appointed to the Housing and Community Development Commission for the City of San Jose by the incumbent, Lan Diep; through this experience, he gained further insight into the housing issues District Four is facing and the type of representative his community needs to advocate on their behalf. 

    Tran is running against Lan Diep who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as David Cohen. Tran is a notable progressive choice because of his dedication to real solutions to issues his community faces, such as access to affordable housing, as well as his support from local progressive partners. 

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

    Huy Tran

    Huy Tran is from Hawthorne, CA, and currently resides in San Jose, CA. According to campaign materials, he is running for City Council to be the voice his community needs to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents of San Jose.