Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Courage California
Christy Smith photo
Democrat

Christy Smith

Website Endorsements

According to our analysis, Christy Smith is the strongest choice to represent Congressional District 25. She is a strong advocate who can bring people together in order to advance progressive initiatives, which is exactly what Congressional District 25 needs.

About the Race

This is a special election on May 12th to fill the seat left vacant in October 2019 after a scandal-driven resignation by Katie Hill (D). Assembly Representative Christy Smith is running against Mike Garcia (R), an Iraq War veteran and a top executive at a leading defense contractor. The winner will serve the remainder of Hill’s term through 2020. Republicans are highly invested in the outcome of this race, have poured a lot of resources into it, and are relying on low voter turnout to pull off a win.

About the District

Congressional District 25 covers most of northern Los Angeles County and part of eastern Ventura County. It includes the cities of Palmdale and Santa Clarita, most of Lancaster and Simi Valley, and part of the northern San Fernando Valley. The district was held by Republicans for over 25 years before it was flipped in 2018 by progressive Democrat Hill. Hill’s win helped Democrats win back a majority in Congress; as a result District 25 is not only one of the most competitive Congressional districts in California but in the nation. 

About the Opponent

Mike Garcia (R) is an Iraq War veteran and an executive at Raytheon, a leading defense contractor. Garcia isn’t the leader our community needs right now. We deserve someone who will fight to expand healthcare, not oppose it (as Garcia had done with the Affordable Care Act). Despite the continual blunders and fatal missteps made by the federal government in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Garcia fully supports the president and has stated that he believes the administration has done a decent job addressing the public health crisis. 

We recommend that you cast your vote for Christy Smith, who currently serves in the State Assembly and has earned a reputation for championing progressive childcare and education initiatives. 

Candidate Background

Rep. Christy Smith is a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running to represent Congressional District 25 to improve public education, make healthcare more affordable and available, and end corruption in Washington. Rep. Smith currently serves in the State Assembly representing Assembly District 38, which includes portions of LA and Ventura Counties. Prior to her election, she worked as an analyst at the US Department of Education, founded the Valencia Valley Technological Education Foundation, and served as president of the Newman School District.

Candidate Record

In the State Assembly, Rep. Smith has taken progressive stances on childcare and education and has authored legislation to protect children and human trafficking victims. These include AB 543, which makes school sexual harassment resources accessible, AB 629, which authorizes the Victim Compensation Board to provide compensation equal to loss of income or support to human trafficking victims, and AB 1336, which funds more childhood unintentional injury prevention programs.

In 2019, Rep. Smith scored a 48 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. This is largely due to unfavorable votes on issues including affordable housing, economic justice, workers rights, racial justice, and political accountability. Of particular concern were her no votes on AB362, which allows the state to contract safe-injection site operators in the Bay Area, and AB1215 which bans biometric surveillance and facial recognition from use in police body cameras for three years. A low Courage Score is not atypical for a legislator representing a historically Republican-led district such as Assembly District 38, and based on our analysis, Rep. Smith’s votes move her district in a progressive direction.

Candidate Viability and Support

Progressive allies on the ground in the district, especially those working with marginalized communities, are strongly aligned behind Rep. Smith. Though we disagree with some of Smith’s stances and votes outlined above, her electoral support and substantial list of endorsements in a recently flipped district indicates progressive consensus. Rep. Smith’s record in the State Assembly also shows she can win in competitive districts where Republicans have traditionally dominated. Her 2018 election was a signal victory for Democrats and flipped Assembly District 38, which had been held by Republicans since 1978.

How to Vote in this Election

The May 12 election encompasses only the 25th Congressional District and is being administered by the Registrar of Voters in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. To be counted, completed ballots must be received at your County Registrar of Voters office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

Register to Vote 

You must register to vote by April 27, 2020 to receive a Vote By Mail ballot in the mail. After the April 27th deadline, you can still register and vote under Conditional Voter Registration (CVR), also known as Same Day Voter Registration. Contact your county elections office to learn more about CVR.

Vote in LA County

In LA County, voting by mail or voting in person at a participating Vote Center are the two ways to vote in this election. 

  • Vote By Mail: All registered voters in the May 12 Congressional District 25 Special General Election have been mailed a Vote by Mail ballot starting April 13th.
  • Vote In Person: Voters have 10 consecutive days and Election Day to vote in-person at ANY participating Vote Center in the County. Safe and secure Vote Centers throughout the District will follow all COVID-19 related public health and safety guidelines. During the voting period, Vote Centers will be open from 8 AM to 5 PM during the 10 days prior to Election Day. On Election Day, all Vote Centers will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Please note that voting early at the LA County Registrar Headquarters will not be available during the COVID-19 Stay at Home order. 
  • Accessible Voting: The international symbol of access is used on every sample ballot pamphlet to indicate if a polling place is accessible to voters using wheelchairs. Presently, 95% of L.A. County polls are accessible. To find the nearest accessible polling place with the same ballot as your precinct, call (800) 815-2666, option 4 or use the Polling Place Lookup on the County Elections website.
  • Los Angeles County Elections Website: https://locator.lavote.net/locations/vc/?id=4178
Vote in Ventura County

In Ventura County, voting by mail is the only way to vote in this election and every eligible registered voter will receive a vote by mail ballot. There will be no in-person polling locations. 

  • Vote By Mail: Voted ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Elections Division no later than three days after Election Day. No postage is necessary. Ballots dropped off in person must be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voted ballots may be dropped off at a 24/7, outside, secured drop box at the office of the Simi Valley City Clerk or in ballot drop boxes available in front of the Hall of Administration and Hall of Justice Buildings of the Ventura County Government Center. 
  • Accessible Voting: Voters with differing abilities can receive access to Remote Accessible Vote By Mail (RAVBM). The RAVBM system allows voters with differing abilities to download and mark their ballot privately and independently using their own assistive technology. To sign up for RAVBM, call (805) 654-2664 or email VenturaVoterRegistration@ventura.org.

Ventura County Elections Website: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections/

According to our analysis, Christy Smith is the strongest choice to represent Congressional District 25. She is a strong advocate who can bring people together in order to advance progressive initiatives, which is exactly what Congressional District 25 needs.

About the Race

This is a special election on May 12th to fill the seat left vacant in October 2019 after a scandal-driven resignation by Katie Hill (D). Assembly Representative Christy Smith is running against Mike Garcia (R), an Iraq War veteran and a top executive at a leading defense contractor. The winner will serve the remainder of Hill’s term through 2020. Republicans are highly invested in the outcome of this race, have poured a lot of resources into it, and are relying on low voter turnout to pull off a win.

About the District

Congressional District 25 covers most of northern Los Angeles County and part of eastern Ventura County. It includes the cities of Palmdale and Santa Clarita, most of Lancaster and Simi Valley, and part of the northern San Fernando Valley. The district was held by Republicans for over 25 years before it was flipped in 2018 by progressive Democrat Hill. Hill’s win helped Democrats win back a majority in Congress; as a result District 25 is not only one of the most competitive Congressional districts in California but in the nation. 

About the Opponent

Mike Garcia (R) is an Iraq War veteran and an executive at Raytheon, a leading defense contractor. Garcia isn’t the leader our community needs right now. We deserve someone who will fight to expand healthcare, not oppose it (as Garcia had done with the Affordable Care Act). Despite the continual blunders and fatal missteps made by the federal government in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Garcia fully supports the president and has stated that he believes the administration has done a decent job addressing the public health crisis. 

We recommend that you cast your vote for Christy Smith, who currently serves in the State Assembly and has earned a reputation for championing progressive childcare and education initiatives. 

Candidate Background

Rep. Christy Smith is a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, CA. According to campaign materials, she is running to represent Congressional District 25 to improve public education, make healthcare more affordable and available, and end corruption in Washington. Rep. Smith currently serves in the State Assembly representing Assembly District 38, which includes portions of LA and Ventura Counties. Prior to her election, she worked as an analyst at the US Department of Education, founded the Valencia Valley Technological Education Foundation, and served as president of the Newman School District.

Candidate Record

In the State Assembly, Rep. Smith has taken progressive stances on childcare and education and has authored legislation to protect children and human trafficking victims. These include AB 543, which makes school sexual harassment resources accessible, AB 629, which authorizes the Victim Compensation Board to provide compensation equal to loss of income or support to human trafficking victims, and AB 1336, which funds more childhood unintentional injury prevention programs.

In 2019, Rep. Smith scored a 48 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislator's progressive voting records. This is largely due to unfavorable votes on issues including affordable housing, economic justice, workers rights, racial justice, and political accountability. Of particular concern were her no votes on AB362, which allows the state to contract safe-injection site operators in the Bay Area, and AB1215 which bans biometric surveillance and facial recognition from use in police body cameras for three years. A low Courage Score is not atypical for a legislator representing a historically Republican-led district such as Assembly District 38, and based on our analysis, Rep. Smith’s votes move her district in a progressive direction.

Candidate Viability and Support

Progressive allies on the ground in the district, especially those working with marginalized communities, are strongly aligned behind Rep. Smith. Though we disagree with some of Smith’s stances and votes outlined above, her electoral support and substantial list of endorsements in a recently flipped district indicates progressive consensus. Rep. Smith’s record in the State Assembly also shows she can win in competitive districts where Republicans have traditionally dominated. Her 2018 election was a signal victory for Democrats and flipped Assembly District 38, which had been held by Republicans since 1978.

How to Vote in this Election

The May 12 election encompasses only the 25th Congressional District and is being administered by the Registrar of Voters in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. To be counted, completed ballots must be received at your County Registrar of Voters office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, or be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after Election Day.

Register to Vote 

You must register to vote by April 27, 2020 to receive a Vote By Mail ballot in the mail. After the April 27th deadline, you can still register and vote under Conditional Voter Registration (CVR), also known as Same Day Voter Registration. Contact your county elections office to learn more about CVR.

Vote in LA County

In LA County, voting by mail or voting in person at a participating Vote Center are the two ways to vote in this election. 

  • Vote By Mail: All registered voters in the May 12 Congressional District 25 Special General Election have been mailed a Vote by Mail ballot starting April 13th.
  • Vote In Person: Voters have 10 consecutive days and Election Day to vote in-person at ANY participating Vote Center in the County. Safe and secure Vote Centers throughout the District will follow all COVID-19 related public health and safety guidelines. During the voting period, Vote Centers will be open from 8 AM to 5 PM during the 10 days prior to Election Day. On Election Day, all Vote Centers will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Please note that voting early at the LA County Registrar Headquarters will not be available during the COVID-19 Stay at Home order. 
  • Accessible Voting: The international symbol of access is used on every sample ballot pamphlet to indicate if a polling place is accessible to voters using wheelchairs. Presently, 95% of L.A. County polls are accessible. To find the nearest accessible polling place with the same ballot as your precinct, call (800) 815-2666, option 4 or use the Polling Place Lookup on the County Elections website.
  • Los Angeles County Elections Website: https://locator.lavote.net/locations/vc/?id=4178
Vote in Ventura County

In Ventura County, voting by mail is the only way to vote in this election and every eligible registered voter will receive a vote by mail ballot. There will be no in-person polling locations. 

  • Vote By Mail: Voted ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Elections Division no later than three days after Election Day. No postage is necessary. Ballots dropped off in person must be received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Voted ballots may be dropped off at a 24/7, outside, secured drop box at the office of the Simi Valley City Clerk or in ballot drop boxes available in front of the Hall of Administration and Hall of Justice Buildings of the Ventura County Government Center. 
  • Accessible Voting: Voters with differing abilities can receive access to Remote Accessible Vote By Mail (RAVBM). The RAVBM system allows voters with differing abilities to download and mark their ballot privately and independently using their own assistive technology. To sign up for RAVBM, call (805) 654-2664 or email VenturaVoterRegistration@ventura.org.

Ventura County Elections Website: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/elections/

Endorsed By: California Democratic Party , California Federation of Teachers , California League of Conservation Voters , California Teachers Association , Equality California , LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO , NARAL Pro-Choice California , National Union of Healthcare Workers , Planned Parenthood Action Fund , SEIU CA , Sierra Club California , Stonewall Democratic Club , Los Angeles Times, International Association of Fire Fighters, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Central Coast Labor Council (CCLC), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1277, American Federation of Music (AFM) Local 47, Teamsters Joint Council 42, International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Southern California District Council, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) AFL-CIO, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 36, LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council, California IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Council, UNITE HERE Local 11, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 40, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 675, Teamsters Local 399, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 12, Laborers (LiUNA) Local 300, Plumbers & Fitters United Association (UA) Local 761, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), California School Employees Association (CSEA), EMILY's List, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), National Organization of Women (NOW), National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), League of Conservation Voters (LCV), Climate Hawks VOTE, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC, End Citizens United (ECU), Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Giffords PAC, Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region, Indivisible, Indivisible Conejo, Indivisible CA-25 Simi Valley/Porter Ranch, California Young Democrats (CYD), Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP), Ventura County Democratic Party, Ventura County Young Democrats, Heart of LA Democratic Club, Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley (DP/SFV), Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles, Democratic Alliance for Action of Santa Clarita, North Valley Democratic Club, Simi Valley Democratic Club, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, Simi Valley Democratic Club, Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD)

California

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Election Day February 25, 2025
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State Assembly, 32nd District

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

Member of the State Assembly

Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone photo
Democrat

Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone

Website Endorsements

Elect Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone for State Assembly to put AD-32 on the right track for progress. 



Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-32 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Dr. Cruz-Boone has the endorsement of some groups, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Democratic Women of Kern, and Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association. 

Electoral history: Dr. Cruz-Boone has run for office previously, and won her 2020 race for Bakersfield City School District Board of Education by 14 points. She won reelection in 2024 in an uncontested race that did not appear on the ballot. 

Top issues: Education and special education services, water access and management, environmental protections, community safety, and drug prevention and awareness.

Governance and community leadership experience: Dr. Cruz-Boone has been a lecturer and professor in the California State University system for nearly 20 years, and has also recently started her second term as a trustee of the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education. Raised by a single mother, Dr. Cruz-Boone credits Bakersfield’s public education system with providing her with ample access to opportunity, and has embarked on a career in education to give back to her San Joaquin Valley community. She is a longtime supporter of education policy that centers teachers, students, and parents, and increases the accessibility of the classroom experience for all learners. 

Other background: Dr. Cruz-Boone is from Bakersfield and is a lifelong resident of Kern County.

The Race


Primary election: There are four candidates running in the February 25 primary, including Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone (D), Stan Ellis (R), Holli Willibey (R), and William Brown, Jr (L). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on April 29 if no candidate receives a majority of the votes. This seat was held by former Assemblymember Vince Fong, who won his race for CD-20, and was sworn in to Congress in June 2024. 

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Dr. Cruz-Boone’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican Stan Ellis
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ellis’s campaign has raised $39,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Holli Willibey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Willibey’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Libertarian William Brown, Jr.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brown’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

The District


Counties in district: California’s 32nd Assembly District includes parts of Kern and Tulare Counties.

Voter registration: 25% Democrat, 48% Republican, and 18% No Party Preference. Democrats held this seat until 2020, when Republicans won and flipped it red. 

District demographics: 25% Latino, 5% Asian, and 3% Black. 

Recent election results: AD-32 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2024 by 33 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 42 points.

The Position


State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 59 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is vacant.

Elect Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone for State Assembly to put AD-32 on the right track for progress. 



Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-32 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Dr. Cruz-Boone has the endorsement of some groups, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Democratic Women of Kern, and Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association. 

Electoral history: Dr. Cruz-Boone has run for office previously, and won her 2020 race for Bakersfield City School District Board of Education by 14 points. She won reelection in 2024 in an uncontested race that did not appear on the ballot. 

Top issues: Education and special education services, water access and management, environmental protections, community safety, and drug prevention and awareness.

Governance and community leadership experience: Dr. Cruz-Boone has been a lecturer and professor in the California State University system for nearly 20 years, and has also recently started her second term as a trustee of the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education. Raised by a single mother, Dr. Cruz-Boone credits Bakersfield’s public education system with providing her with ample access to opportunity, and has embarked on a career in education to give back to her San Joaquin Valley community. She is a longtime supporter of education policy that centers teachers, students, and parents, and increases the accessibility of the classroom experience for all learners. 

Other background: Dr. Cruz-Boone is from Bakersfield and is a lifelong resident of Kern County.

The Race


Primary election: There are four candidates running in the February 25 primary, including Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone (D), Stan Ellis (R), Holli Willibey (R), and William Brown, Jr (L). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on April 29 if no candidate receives a majority of the votes. This seat was held by former Assemblymember Vince Fong, who won his race for CD-20, and was sworn in to Congress in June 2024. 

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Dr. Cruz-Boone’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican Stan Ellis
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ellis’s campaign has raised $39,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Holli Willibey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Willibey’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Libertarian William Brown, Jr.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brown’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

The District


Counties in district: California’s 32nd Assembly District includes parts of Kern and Tulare Counties.

Voter registration: 25% Democrat, 48% Republican, and 18% No Party Preference. Democrats held this seat until 2020, when Republicans won and flipped it red. 

District demographics: 25% Latino, 5% Asian, and 3% Black. 

Recent election results: AD-32 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2024 by 33 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 42 points.

The Position


State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 59 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is vacant.

State Senator, 36th District

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

Member of the State Senate

Jimmy Pham photo
Democrat

Jimmy Pham

Website Endorsements

Elect Jimmy Pham for State Senate to put SD-36 on the right track for progress. 



Jimmy Pham’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of SD-36 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Pham has the endorsement of a few groups, including Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club and Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club. He also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Rep. Dave Min, State Sen. Tom Umberg, Artesia Mayor Ali Taj, and several local school trustees. 

Electoral history: Pham has run for office previously, and lost his 2024 bid for AD-70 to a Republican challenger by 11 points. Prior to this run, he lost his 2022 race for Westminster City Council.

Top issues: Climate action and environmental protection, homelessness and housing, public safety, education, and wildfire preparedness and prevention.

Governance and community leadership experience: Pham is an immigration attorney. He has been a longtime supporter of immigration reform, and has advocated to improve conditions in immigration detention centers. While campaigning for Assembly in 2024, he has also called for increased funding for public safety, including for the police. He is an engaged member of his community and has been involved with many local organizations, including serving as the chair of the City of Westminster Traffic Commission, board secretary of the Vietnamese American Democratic Club, and member of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce. 

Other background: Pham is a lifelong resident of Orange County and a first-generation American. 

The Race


Primary election: There are four candidates running in the February 25 primary, including Jimmy Pham (D), Julie Diep (D),  John Briscoe (R), and Tony Strickland (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on April 29 if no candidate receives a majority of the votes. This seat was held by former Sen. Janet Nguyen until November 2024, when she was elected to serve on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Pham’s campaign has raised $300 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Julie Diep
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Diep’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican John Briscoe
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Briscoe’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican Tony Strickland
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Strickland’s campaign has raised $61,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

The District


Counties in district: California’s 36th State Senate District includes parts of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Voter registration: 34% Democrat, 37% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.

District demographics: 17% Latino, 26% Asian, and 2% Black. 

Recent election results: SD-36 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2024 by 4 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 8 points.

The Position


State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.

The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 30 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats and one seat is vacant.

Elect Jimmy Pham for State Senate to put SD-36 on the right track for progress. 



Jimmy Pham’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of SD-36 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Pham has the endorsement of a few groups, including Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club and Hubert Humphrey Democratic Club. He also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Rep. Dave Min, State Sen. Tom Umberg, Artesia Mayor Ali Taj, and several local school trustees. 

Electoral history: Pham has run for office previously, and lost his 2024 bid for AD-70 to a Republican challenger by 11 points. Prior to this run, he lost his 2022 race for Westminster City Council.

Top issues: Climate action and environmental protection, homelessness and housing, public safety, education, and wildfire preparedness and prevention.

Governance and community leadership experience: Pham is an immigration attorney. He has been a longtime supporter of immigration reform, and has advocated to improve conditions in immigration detention centers. While campaigning for Assembly in 2024, he has also called for increased funding for public safety, including for the police. He is an engaged member of his community and has been involved with many local organizations, including serving as the chair of the City of Westminster Traffic Commission, board secretary of the Vietnamese American Democratic Club, and member of the Westminster Chamber of Commerce. 

Other background: Pham is a lifelong resident of Orange County and a first-generation American. 

The Race


Primary election: There are four candidates running in the February 25 primary, including Jimmy Pham (D), Julie Diep (D),  John Briscoe (R), and Tony Strickland (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on April 29 if no candidate receives a majority of the votes. This seat was held by former Sen. Janet Nguyen until November 2024, when she was elected to serve on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Pham’s campaign has raised $300 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Julie Diep
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Diep’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican John Briscoe
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Briscoe’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the secretary of state as of January 2025.

Opposing candidate: Republican Tony Strickland
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Strickland’s campaign has raised $61,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

The District


Counties in district: California’s 36th State Senate District includes parts of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Voter registration: 34% Democrat, 37% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.

District demographics: 17% Latino, 26% Asian, and 2% Black. 

Recent election results: SD-36 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2024 by 4 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 8 points.

The Position


State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.

The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 30 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats and one seat is vacant.