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  • Democrat

    Evan Low

    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.
     

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. 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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 one of the below school races on your ballot.

  • Dr. George McKenna is from New Orleans. His is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to the LAUSD School Board to continue to create a system of education that promotes positive change through emphasizing justice, equal opportunities, and cultivating non-violent learning spaces.

    As Vice President of the LAUSD Board of Education, Dr. McKenna has implemented reforms to that aim to boost inclusive learning environments and improve student achievement. Prior to his election to the School Board, Dr. McKenna received a PhD in Education and has worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent where developed a reputation for his innovative education solutions that decreased violence in inner-city schools, addressed low-achievement, increased community engagement and college enrollment. He has also authored legislation that allows parents to receive time off of work so that they are able to attend students’ activities.

    Dr. McKenna is running unopposed and is the best progressive choice because of his track record of fighting for students and teachers, which he has received wide national recognition from Time magazine to The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as a movie documenting his accomplishments and educational approaches titled “The George McKenna Story.”

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

     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dr. George J. McKenna

    Dr. George McKenna is from New Orleans. His is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014.

    Dr. George McKenna is from New Orleans. His is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to the LAUSD School Board to continue to create a system of education that promotes positive change through emphasizing justice, equal opportunities, and cultivating non-violent learning spaces.

    As Vice President of the LAUSD Board of Education, Dr. McKenna has implemented reforms to that aim to boost inclusive learning environments and improve student achievement. Prior to his election to the School Board, Dr. McKenna received a PhD in Education and has worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent where developed a reputation for his innovative education solutions that decreased violence in inner-city schools, addressed low-achievement, increased community engagement and college enrollment. He has also authored legislation that allows parents to receive time off of work so that they are able to attend students’ activities.

    Dr. McKenna is running unopposed and is the best progressive choice because of his track record of fighting for students and teachers, which he has received wide national recognition from Time magazine to The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as a movie documenting his accomplishments and educational approaches titled “The George McKenna Story.”

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

     

    Dr. George J. McKenna

    Dr. George McKenna is from New Orleans. His is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2014.

  • Scott Schmerelson is a career educator with over 30 years of experience with LAUSD. He is the School Board District 3 incumbent, having served in this position since 2015. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to reduce class size, support and improve public schools, ensure classrooms and teachers have the resources they require while maintaining a responsible budget, and to make certain that schools are led by individuals who reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

    On the School Board, Schmerelson has been an outspoken supporter of teachers and their demands, as well as a leading voice to reduce class size so that students have the attention required for an effective learning environment and quality education. Prior to Schmerelson’s election to the School Board, he worked as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and principal where he accomplished increasing test scores and boosting the morale of students, teachers, and parents.

    Schmerelson is running against Marilyn Koziatek and Elizabeth Bartels-Badger. Schmerelson is the best progressive choice because of his career-long dedication to improving education throughout LAUSD and his track record of fighting to make sure that children have access to the quality education they deserve.

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

     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Scott Mark Schmerelson

    Scott Schmerelson is a career educator with over 30 years of experience with LAUSD. He is the School Board District 3 incumbent, having served in this position since 2015.

    Scott Schmerelson is a career educator with over 30 years of experience with LAUSD. He is the School Board District 3 incumbent, having served in this position since 2015. According to campaign materials, he is running for re-election to reduce class size, support and improve public schools, ensure classrooms and teachers have the resources they require while maintaining a responsible budget, and to make certain that schools are led by individuals who reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

    On the School Board, Schmerelson has been an outspoken supporter of teachers and their demands, as well as a leading voice to reduce class size so that students have the attention required for an effective learning environment and quality education. Prior to Schmerelson’s election to the School Board, he worked as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, and principal where he accomplished increasing test scores and boosting the morale of students, teachers, and parents.

    Schmerelson is running against Marilyn Koziatek and Elizabeth Bartels-Badger. Schmerelson is the best progressive choice because of his career-long dedication to improving education throughout LAUSD and his track record of fighting to make sure that children have access to the quality education they deserve.

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

     

    Scott Mark Schmerelson

    Scott Schmerelson is a career educator with over 30 years of experience with LAUSD. He is the School Board District 3 incumbent, having served in this position since 2015.

  • Jackie Goldberg is from Los Angeles and has resided in Echo Park, CA, for nearly 40 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be the School Board’s progressive voice and ensure that students interests always come first.

    On the School Board, she has worked to restore integrity and leadership to her seat following the corruption chargers from the previous occupant. In addition, she’s worked to reduce class size, establish a productive and reasonable budget, bring the community together to raise students’ achievement levels, improve schools learning conditions, increase the resources available to students and teachers, as well as defend LAUSD schools from ongoing federal attacks from the current administration. Golberg has also worked as a teacher, community activist, Ethics Deputy and Children’s Services Deputy, served on the Los Angeles City Council, California State Assembly, as well as served on the LAUSD school board from 1983 to 1991. Through these positions, Golberg has created a dual language education program, authored the first citywide ordnance on a living wage, instituted protections for LA renters, increased funding for LAUSD, authored the first citywide and statewide domestic partner legislation, and is a co-founder of LACER Afterschool Program which helps nearly 4,000 students annually in the Los Angeles area.

    Goldberg is running against Chistina Martinez Duran. Goldberg is the best progressive choice because of her career-long reputation of supporting students and underserved communities throughout the Los Angeles area.

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

     

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jackie Goldberg

    Jackie Goldberg is from Los Angeles and has resided in Echo Park, CA, for nearly 40 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019.

    Jackie Goldberg is from Los Angeles and has resided in Echo Park, CA, for nearly 40 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to continue to be the School Board’s progressive voice and ensure that students interests always come first.

    On the School Board, she has worked to restore integrity and leadership to her seat following the corruption chargers from the previous occupant. In addition, she’s worked to reduce class size, establish a productive and reasonable budget, bring the community together to raise students’ achievement levels, improve schools learning conditions, increase the resources available to students and teachers, as well as defend LAUSD schools from ongoing federal attacks from the current administration. Golberg has also worked as a teacher, community activist, Ethics Deputy and Children’s Services Deputy, served on the Los Angeles City Council, California State Assembly, as well as served on the LAUSD school board from 1983 to 1991. Through these positions, Golberg has created a dual language education program, authored the first citywide ordnance on a living wage, instituted protections for LA renters, increased funding for LAUSD, authored the first citywide and statewide domestic partner legislation, and is a co-founder of LACER Afterschool Program which helps nearly 4,000 students annually in the Los Angeles area.

    Goldberg is running against Chistina Martinez Duran. Goldberg is the best progressive choice because of her career-long reputation of supporting students and underserved communities throughout the Los Angeles area.

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

     

    Jackie Goldberg

    Jackie Goldberg is from Los Angeles and has resided in Echo Park, CA, for nearly 40 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2019.

  • Patricia Castellanos is from Carson, CA, and currently resides in San Pedro, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for School Board to bring her knowledge of building coalitions and alliances to the LAUSD to enact progressive education policies.

    Castellanos is the Workforce Deputy for L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, where she develops and implements economic policies that create job opportunities for members of her community. Prior to becoming a Workforce Deputy, she worked as the Director of Policy Training and Education for Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education, held an appointment as Port Commission by Mayor Eric Garcetti, and was Deputy Director for the L.A. Alliance for a New Economy. Furthermore, Castellanos led the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, where she secured a historic agreement to reduce emissions, and was also a co-founder of Reclaim Our Schools L.A., where she successfully created a coalition of community members to rally support for quality public education.

    Castellanos is running against Mike Lansing, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Silke M. Bradford, and Lydia A. Gutierrez. Castellanos is the progressive choice because of her track record of activism, service, and support to underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout the Los Angeles area. 

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

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Patricia Castellanos

    Patricia Castellanos is from Carson, CA, and currently resides in San Pedro, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for School Board to bring her knowledge of building coalitions and alliances to the LAUSD to enact progressive education policies.

    Patricia Castellanos is from Carson, CA, and currently resides in San Pedro, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for School Board to bring her knowledge of building coalitions and alliances to the LAUSD to enact progressive education policies.

    Castellanos is the Workforce Deputy for L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, where she develops and implements economic policies that create job opportunities for members of her community. Prior to becoming a Workforce Deputy, she worked as the Director of Policy Training and Education for Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education, held an appointment as Port Commission by Mayor Eric Garcetti, and was Deputy Director for the L.A. Alliance for a New Economy. Furthermore, Castellanos led the Coalition for Clean and Safe Ports, where she secured a historic agreement to reduce emissions, and was also a co-founder of Reclaim Our Schools L.A., where she successfully created a coalition of community members to rally support for quality public education.

    Castellanos is running against Mike Lansing, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Silke M. Bradford, and Lydia A. Gutierrez. Castellanos is the progressive choice because of her track record of activism, service, and support to underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout the Los Angeles area. 

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

    Patricia Castellanos

    Patricia Castellanos is from Carson, CA, and currently resides in San Pedro, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running for School Board to bring her knowledge of building coalitions and alliances to the LAUSD to enact progressive education policies.