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Courage California (formerly Courage Campaign) believes that California must be a beacon of progressive, equitable, and truly representative democracy. As the 5th largest economy in the world -- and the United States' largest and most diverse state -- California is uniquely positioned to serve as a model for the country.
We must prove that democracy in the US can still solve the thorniest problems facing our state, our nation, and the world, while also serving ALL of our people -- regardless of race, gender, or economic status. To do so, Californians must have the information and infrastructure they need to hold elected officials accountable when they are not working for the public’s benefit, instead prioritizing corporate lobbyists and campaign contributors.
Courage California, driven by our 1.4 million members, helps our great state reach its potential by calling out institutional corruption and oppression, improving coordination and collaboration between progressive organizations, and demanding that our state and local representatives be both accountable to and reflective of the Californians they seek to serve.
Esteen is a registered nurse, working mother, and community activist, and has lived in the East Bay for nearly two decades. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to champion working families and to ensure that corporations and special interests pay their fair share so that communities have access to affordable housing, health care, and quality education. Esteen has not run for office previously. Esteen is an Emerge California Alumnus, having undergone leadership training to better represent the communities she wants to serve. She has local governing experience as a member of the Eden Municipal Area Council.
Her experience as a psychiatric nurse in the San Francisco General Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Room, and seeing firsthand the cycle that patients experience from diminished funding for mental-health care, galvanized her to organize for better access to health care. While serving on a steering committee on mental health in San Francisco, she put together a plan to put a progressive tax on the CEO’s income to fund mental-health services, which passed with voter support. After working five years in the Behavioral Health Center, she fought alongside residents to stop the closure of 41 permanent board and care beds in the Adult Residential Facility. It was after saving those beds that she was appointed vice president of organizing for SEIU 1021.
As a state legislator, Esteen intends to address racial disparities and racial injustice through concrete measures, such as repealing the Ellis Act and Costa Hawkins. She also aims to champion policies that create stronger tenant protections, a living wage that covers more than just housing and food costs, and worker protections for low-wage and gig workers.
As secretary and treasurer of the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Housing Conservatorship Working Group in San Francisco, Esteen also advocates for affordable housing and an equitable health-care system.
Esteen has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, BART Director Lateefah Simon, #BlackLivesMatter Co-founder Alicia Garza, SEIU California, California Working Families Party, and Bay Rising Action.
Based on our analysis, Ortega’s and Esteen’s track records and policy positions demonstrate that both will be a progressive champions for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Esteen is a registered nurse, working mother, and community activist, and has lived in the East Bay for nearly two decades. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to champion working families and to ensure that corporations and special interests pay their fair share so that communities have access to affordable housing, health care, and quality education. Esteen has not run for office previously. Esteen is an Emerge California Alumnus, having undergone leadership training to better represent the communities she wants to serve. She has local governing experience as a member of the Eden Municipal Area Council.
Her experience as a psychiatric nurse in the San Francisco General Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Room, and seeing firsthand the cycle that patients experience from diminished funding for mental-health care, galvanized her to organize for better access to health care. While serving on a steering committee on mental health in San Francisco, she put together a plan to put a progressive tax on the CEO’s income to fund mental-health services, which passed with voter support. After working five years in the Behavioral Health Center, she fought alongside residents to stop the closure of 41 permanent board and care beds in the Adult Residential Facility. It was after saving those beds that she was appointed vice president of organizing for SEIU 1021.
As a state legislator, Esteen intends to address racial disparities and racial injustice through concrete measures, such as repealing the Ellis Act and Costa Hawkins. She also aims to champion policies that create stronger tenant protections, a living wage that covers more than just housing and food costs, and worker protections for low-wage and gig workers.
As secretary and treasurer of the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Housing Conservatorship Working Group in San Francisco, Esteen also advocates for affordable housing and an equitable health-care system.
Esteen has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, BART Director Lateefah Simon, #BlackLivesMatter Co-founder Alicia Garza, SEIU California, California Working Families Party, and Bay Rising Action.
Based on our analysis, Ortega’s and Esteen’s track records and policy positions demonstrate that both will be a progressive champions for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Esteen is a registered nurse, working mother, and community activist, and has lived in the East Bay for nearly two decades. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to champion working families and to ensure that corporations and special interests pay their fair share so that communities have access to affordable housing, health care, and quality education. Esteen has not run for office previously. Esteen is an Emerge California Alumnus, having undergone leadership training to better represent the communities she wants to serve. She has local governing experience as a member of the Eden Municipal Area Council.
Her experience as a psychiatric nurse in the San Francisco General Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Room, and seeing firsthand the cycle that patients experience from diminished funding for mental-health care, galvanized her to organize for better access to health care. While serving on a steering committee on mental health in San Francisco, she put together a plan to put a progressive tax on the CEO’s income to fund mental-health services, which passed with voter support. After working five years in the Behavioral Health Center, she fought alongside residents to stop the closure of 41 permanent board and care beds in the Adult Residential Facility. It was after saving those beds that she was appointed vice president of organizing for SEIU 1021.
As a state legislator, Esteen intends to address racial disparities and racial injustice through concrete measures, such as repealing the Ellis Act and Costa Hawkins. She also aims to champion policies that create stronger tenant protections, a living wage that covers more than just housing and food costs, and worker protections for low-wage and gig workers.
As secretary and treasurer of the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Housing Conservatorship Working Group in San Francisco, Esteen also advocates for affordable housing and an equitable health-care system.
Esteen has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, BART Director Lateefah Simon, #BlackLivesMatter Co-founder Alicia Garza, SEIU California, California Working Families Party, and Bay Rising Action.
Based on our analysis, Ortega’s and Esteen’s track records and policy positions demonstrate that both will be a progressive champions for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Ortega, a labor leader, grew up in the Bay Area. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help level the playing field to help opportunities that have become increasingly out of reach be more accessible for working families. In particular, if elected, Ortega would prioritize the expansion and institutionalization of paid sick leave, securing health-care protections, and expanding affordable housing. Ortega has not run for office previously.
Liz Ortega has more than two decades of experience in labor leadership and in working with progressive Democratic leaders and community organizations. As statewide political director for AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California’s largest employee union, Ortega ensured the passage of state legislation to preserve and protect essential service jobs at every UC campus. She is the first Latina elected as executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, and in this role has fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. As a member of the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, she helped job-seekers develop workplace skills and find employment.
Ortega serves on the Alameda County Vaccine Equity Task Force, where she secured paid sick leave and hazard pay for essential public safety, health providers, and frontline workers. During the pandemic, she focused her work on testing and vaccination efforts to ensure the safety of frontline workers.
Ortega has extensive experience in coalition-building, and has demonstrated the commitment and the strategies necessary to build relationships and bring together the unions working in a broad range of jobs across the public and private sectors. She was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee in 2014, and in the two years that she served in that role, facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members.
Ortega has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, activist Dolores Huerta, AFSCME California, UFCW 5, and California Teachers Association.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Ortega, a labor leader, grew up in the Bay Area. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help level the playing field to help opportunities that have become increasingly out of reach be more accessible for working families. In particular, if elected, Ortega would prioritize the expansion and institutionalization of paid sick leave, securing health-care protections, and expanding affordable housing. Ortega has not run for office previously.
Liz Ortega has more than two decades of experience in labor leadership and in working with progressive Democratic leaders and community organizations. As statewide political director for AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California’s largest employee union, Ortega ensured the passage of state legislation to preserve and protect essential service jobs at every UC campus. She is the first Latina elected as executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, and in this role has fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. As a member of the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, she helped job-seekers develop workplace skills and find employment.
Ortega serves on the Alameda County Vaccine Equity Task Force, where she secured paid sick leave and hazard pay for essential public safety, health providers, and frontline workers. During the pandemic, she focused her work on testing and vaccination efforts to ensure the safety of frontline workers.
Ortega has extensive experience in coalition-building, and has demonstrated the commitment and the strategies necessary to build relationships and bring together the unions working in a broad range of jobs across the public and private sectors. She was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee in 2014, and in the two years that she served in that role, facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members.
Ortega has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, activist Dolores Huerta, AFSCME California, UFCW 5, and California Teachers Association.
Ortega, a labor leader, grew up in the Bay Area. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help level the playing field to help opportunities that have become increasingly out of reach be more accessible for working families. In particular, if elected, Ortega would prioritize the expansion and institutionalization of paid sick leave, securing health-care protections, and expanding affordable housing. Ortega has not run for office previously.
Liz Ortega has more than two decades of experience in labor leadership and in working with progressive Democratic leaders and community organizations. As statewide political director for AFSCME Local 3299, the University of California’s largest employee union, Ortega ensured the passage of state legislation to preserve and protect essential service jobs at every UC campus. She is the first Latina elected as executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, and in this role has fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. As a member of the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, she helped job-seekers develop workplace skills and find employment.
Ortega serves on the Alameda County Vaccine Equity Task Force, where she secured paid sick leave and hazard pay for essential public safety, health providers, and frontline workers. During the pandemic, she focused her work on testing and vaccination efforts to ensure the safety of frontline workers.
Ortega has extensive experience in coalition-building, and has demonstrated the commitment and the strategies necessary to build relationships and bring together the unions working in a broad range of jobs across the public and private sectors. She was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee in 2014, and in the two years that she served in that role, facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members.
Ortega has the endorsement of many progressive leaders and groups, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, activist Dolores Huerta, AFSCME California, UFCW 5, and California Teachers Association.
Reelect State Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats have held this district since 2012. Of the registered voters in this district, 50% are Democrat and 15% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-25 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 41 points.
The Race
Assm. Alex Lee is running for reelection to this seat, which he won in 2020. He is being challenged by a former assemblymember, Democrat Kansen Chu, a current at-large member of the Berryessa Union School District Board of School Trustees who held this seat from 2014 to 2020. Lee’s campaign has raised more than $450,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. While Chu received a Courage Score of 100 in 2021, Chu’s campaign is funded by police, corporate, and insurance money.
In 2020, Chu abstained from voting on a measure that allows voters to decide whether the state’s ban on affirmative action should be repealed.
Our Endorsement
Assm. Lee, a past legislative policy advisor in the California State Senate and Assembly, has called the South Bay home for all his life. According to campaign materials, Assm. Lee is running for reelection to continue to challenge entrenched special interests and to combat the housing affordability crisis. Assm. Lee won his 2020 election against a Republican challenger by 49 points, even as he was outspent 15 to one.
Assm. Lee’s priorities for his current AD-25 district this year have included eight bills protecting consumers and residents; seven of them have successfully passed the Assembly. Six have passed the Senate and been signed into law. He currently serves on the Public Safety, Transportation, and Education Committees. He scores a 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. Most notably, on his first day in office, Lee introduced AB 20, the Clean Money Act, which will eliminate corporate special-interest money in elections. He has sponsored legislation in favor of environmental protection and cosponsored legislation in furtherance of consumer protection, rent stabilization, and limiting police militarization.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of public safety, education, housing, and seniors.
Assm. Lee has received the endorsement of a number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, State Assemblymember Ash Kalra, State Senator Scott Weiner, and the API and LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucuses. He also has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, such as Sunrise Silicon Valley, South Bay Progressive Alliance, and East Bay for Everyone. Based on our analysis, Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Reelect State Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats have held this district since 2012. Of the registered voters in this district, 50% are Democrat and 15% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-25 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 41 points.
The Race
Assm. Alex Lee is running for reelection to this seat, which he won in 2020. He is being challenged by a former assemblymember, Democrat Kansen Chu, a current at-large member of the Berryessa Union School District Board of School Trustees who held this seat from 2014 to 2020. Lee’s campaign has raised more than $450,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. While Chu received a Courage Score of 100 in 2021, Chu’s campaign is funded by police, corporate, and insurance money.
In 2020, Chu abstained from voting on a measure that allows voters to decide whether the state’s ban on affirmative action should be repealed.
Our Endorsement
Assm. Lee, a past legislative policy advisor in the California State Senate and Assembly, has called the South Bay home for all his life. According to campaign materials, Assm. Lee is running for reelection to continue to challenge entrenched special interests and to combat the housing affordability crisis. Assm. Lee won his 2020 election against a Republican challenger by 49 points, even as he was outspent 15 to one.
Assm. Lee’s priorities for his current AD-25 district this year have included eight bills protecting consumers and residents; seven of them have successfully passed the Assembly. Six have passed the Senate and been signed into law. He currently serves on the Public Safety, Transportation, and Education Committees. He scores a 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. Most notably, on his first day in office, Lee introduced AB 20, the Clean Money Act, which will eliminate corporate special-interest money in elections. He has sponsored legislation in favor of environmental protection and cosponsored legislation in furtherance of consumer protection, rent stabilization, and limiting police militarization.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of public safety, education, housing, and seniors.
Assm. Lee has received the endorsement of a number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, State Assemblymember Ash Kalra, State Senator Scott Weiner, and the API and LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucuses. He also has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, such as Sunrise Silicon Valley, South Bay Progressive Alliance, and East Bay for Everyone. Based on our analysis, Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Reelect State Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats have held this district since 2012. Of the registered voters in this district, 50% are Democrat and 15% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-25 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 41 points.
The Race
Assm. Alex Lee is running for reelection to this seat, which he won in 2020. He is being challenged by a former assemblymember, Democrat Kansen Chu, a current at-large member of the Berryessa Union School District Board of School Trustees who held this seat from 2014 to 2020. Lee’s campaign has raised more than $450,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. While Chu received a Courage Score of 100 in 2021, Chu’s campaign is funded by police, corporate, and insurance money.
In 2020, Chu abstained from voting on a measure that allows voters to decide whether the state’s ban on affirmative action should be repealed.
Our Endorsement
Assm. Lee, a past legislative policy advisor in the California State Senate and Assembly, has called the South Bay home for all his life. According to campaign materials, Assm. Lee is running for reelection to continue to challenge entrenched special interests and to combat the housing affordability crisis. Assm. Lee won his 2020 election against a Republican challenger by 49 points, even as he was outspent 15 to one.
Assm. Lee’s priorities for his current AD-25 district this year have included eight bills protecting consumers and residents; seven of them have successfully passed the Assembly. Six have passed the Senate and been signed into law. He currently serves on the Public Safety, Transportation, and Education Committees. He scores a 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. Most notably, on his first day in office, Lee introduced AB 20, the Clean Money Act, which will eliminate corporate special-interest money in elections. He has sponsored legislation in favor of environmental protection and cosponsored legislation in furtherance of consumer protection, rent stabilization, and limiting police militarization.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of public safety, education, housing, and seniors.
Assm. Lee has received the endorsement of a number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, State Assemblymember Ash Kalra, State Senator Scott Weiner, and the API and LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucuses. He also has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, such as Sunrise Silicon Valley, South Bay Progressive Alliance, and East Bay for Everyone. Based on our analysis, Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Pilar Schiavo to push AD-40 in the right direction.
The Position
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s new 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Republicans held this district (previously AD-38) from 1973 to 2018 and have held it again since 2020. Republican registration in the district is strong, but has been trending downward. Of registered voters in this district, 34% are Democrat and 34% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 13% Asian, and 4% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-40 is 6% more Democratic than the old AD-38 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-40 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 10 points.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including incumbent Representative Suzette Martinez Valladares, a Republican. Schiavo’s campaign has raised more than $385,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Opponent Valladares’s campaign is funded by police, fossil fuel, and real estate money. Valladares has voted against expanding gun control and against restricting police officers from being transferred to other departments following misconduct convictions.
Our Endorsement
Pilar Schiavo, a longtime community advocate and Organizer for Healthy California Now, is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help build the healthy communities needed after the economic fragility revealed and worsened by COVID-19. In particular, she aims to continue fighting for Medicare for all by passing AB 1400, the single-payer bill that follows the old SB 562. Schiavo has not run for office previously.
Schiavo has worked in the labor movement for two decades and for the California Nurses Association (CNA) for almost 13 years, which she does to uplift working families and ensure that all people have access to housing, health care, and a good paying job. In her labor-organizing work, she served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. While with the CNA, she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562.
Schiavo’s last three years with the CNA involved her working as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricanes, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley. Schiavo also co-founded the West Valley People’s Alliance to advocate for racial justice, affordable housing, and environmental justice.
Schiavo has extensive experience in organizations outside her district as well, including organizing for Healthy California Now, and Medicare for All in California. Moreover, she has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, as well as with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council.
Schiavo has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive lawmakers and groups, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, AFSCME California, UNITE HERE! California, Stonewall Democratic Club, Daybreak PAC, and Project Super Bloom. Based on our analysis, Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Pilar Schiavo to push AD-40 in the right direction.
The Position
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s new 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Republicans held this district (previously AD-38) from 1973 to 2018 and have held it again since 2020. Republican registration in the district is strong, but has been trending downward. Of registered voters in this district, 34% are Democrat and 34% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 13% Asian, and 4% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-40 is 6% more Democratic than the old AD-38 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-40 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 10 points.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including incumbent Representative Suzette Martinez Valladares, a Republican. Schiavo’s campaign has raised more than $385,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Opponent Valladares’s campaign is funded by police, fossil fuel, and real estate money. Valladares has voted against expanding gun control and against restricting police officers from being transferred to other departments following misconduct convictions.
Our Endorsement
Pilar Schiavo, a longtime community advocate and Organizer for Healthy California Now, is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help build the healthy communities needed after the economic fragility revealed and worsened by COVID-19. In particular, she aims to continue fighting for Medicare for all by passing AB 1400, the single-payer bill that follows the old SB 562. Schiavo has not run for office previously.
Schiavo has worked in the labor movement for two decades and for the California Nurses Association (CNA) for almost 13 years, which she does to uplift working families and ensure that all people have access to housing, health care, and a good paying job. In her labor-organizing work, she served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. While with the CNA, she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562.
Schiavo’s last three years with the CNA involved her working as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricanes, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley. Schiavo also co-founded the West Valley People’s Alliance to advocate for racial justice, affordable housing, and environmental justice.
Schiavo has extensive experience in organizations outside her district as well, including organizing for Healthy California Now, and Medicare for All in California. Moreover, she has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, as well as with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council.
Schiavo has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive lawmakers and groups, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, AFSCME California, UNITE HERE! California, Stonewall Democratic Club, Daybreak PAC, and Project Super Bloom. Based on our analysis, Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Pilar Schiavo to push AD-40 in the right direction.
The Position
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s new 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Republicans held this district (previously AD-38) from 1973 to 2018 and have held it again since 2020. Republican registration in the district is strong, but has been trending downward. Of registered voters in this district, 34% are Democrat and 34% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 13% Asian, and 4% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-40 is 6% more Democratic than the old AD-38 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-40 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 10 points.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including incumbent Representative Suzette Martinez Valladares, a Republican. Schiavo’s campaign has raised more than $385,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Opponent Valladares’s campaign is funded by police, fossil fuel, and real estate money. Valladares has voted against expanding gun control and against restricting police officers from being transferred to other departments following misconduct convictions.
Our Endorsement
Pilar Schiavo, a longtime community advocate and Organizer for Healthy California Now, is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to help build the healthy communities needed after the economic fragility revealed and worsened by COVID-19. In particular, she aims to continue fighting for Medicare for all by passing AB 1400, the single-payer bill that follows the old SB 562. Schiavo has not run for office previously.
Schiavo has worked in the labor movement for two decades and for the California Nurses Association (CNA) for almost 13 years, which she does to uplift working families and ensure that all people have access to housing, health care, and a good paying job. In her labor-organizing work, she served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. While with the CNA, she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562.
Schiavo’s last three years with the CNA involved her working as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricanes, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley. Schiavo also co-founded the West Valley People’s Alliance to advocate for racial justice, affordable housing, and environmental justice.
Schiavo has extensive experience in organizations outside her district as well, including organizing for Healthy California Now, and Medicare for All in California. Moreover, she has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, as well as with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council.
Schiavo has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive lawmakers and groups, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, AFSCME California, UNITE HERE! California, Stonewall Democratic Club, Daybreak PAC, and Project Super Bloom. Based on our analysis, Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Rick Chavez Zbur to push AD-51 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 12% are Republican and 58% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-51 is 5% more Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 64 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Rick Chavez Zbur and Democrat Louis Abramson. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $856,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Abramson’s campaign has raised $125,000, and is entirely funded by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Rick Chavez Zbur, a longtime civil rights leader and environmental advocate, is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to bring equitable leadership and bold change to the issues of homelessness, economic recovery, and civil rights in the district. Chavez Zbur ran for Congress in 1996, but lost the election to the Republican incumbent by a ten-point margin.
Chavez Zbur is an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to work that would more directly benefit social service access for underserved populations. His work with Equality California dovetailed with the organization’s transition to civil rights advocacy, and he supported the passage of over 90 bills related to LGBTQIA+ justice during his time in leadership. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community would benefit him as a legislative leader.
Beyond civil rights issues, Chavez Zbur is a strong supporter of workers’ rights and economic reform, and views this as a gateway to more equitable access to housing, health care, education, and public services. His platform supports further increases to minimum wage, collective bargaining, and supported overtime, and lays out an ambitious vision of establishing a youth corps to connect homeless individuals with wraparound resources. He has also served as president and chair of California Environmental Voters, and would be a strong supporter of statewide efforts to curb the use of fossil fuels, subsidies to transition away from natural gas, and the governor’s goal of reducing gas-powered vehicles. Chavez Zbur also currently serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and has taken a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his organizational work.
Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Heart of LA Democratic Club, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, California Labor Federation, California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of state and local leaders, including L.A. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressmember Katie Porter, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Based on our analysis, Chavez Zbur’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused work demonstrates that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Rick Chavez Zbur to push AD-51 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 12% are Republican and 58% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-51 is 5% more Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 64 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Rick Chavez Zbur and Democrat Louis Abramson. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $856,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Abramson’s campaign has raised $125,000, and is entirely funded by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Rick Chavez Zbur, a longtime civil rights leader and environmental advocate, is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to bring equitable leadership and bold change to the issues of homelessness, economic recovery, and civil rights in the district. Chavez Zbur ran for Congress in 1996, but lost the election to the Republican incumbent by a ten-point margin.
Chavez Zbur is an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to work that would more directly benefit social service access for underserved populations. His work with Equality California dovetailed with the organization’s transition to civil rights advocacy, and he supported the passage of over 90 bills related to LGBTQIA+ justice during his time in leadership. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community would benefit him as a legislative leader.
Beyond civil rights issues, Chavez Zbur is a strong supporter of workers’ rights and economic reform, and views this as a gateway to more equitable access to housing, health care, education, and public services. His platform supports further increases to minimum wage, collective bargaining, and supported overtime, and lays out an ambitious vision of establishing a youth corps to connect homeless individuals with wraparound resources. He has also served as president and chair of California Environmental Voters, and would be a strong supporter of statewide efforts to curb the use of fossil fuels, subsidies to transition away from natural gas, and the governor’s goal of reducing gas-powered vehicles. Chavez Zbur also currently serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and has taken a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his organizational work.
Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Heart of LA Democratic Club, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, California Labor Federation, California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of state and local leaders, including L.A. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressmember Katie Porter, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Based on our analysis, Chavez Zbur’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused work demonstrates that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Rick Chavez Zbur to push AD-51 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 12% are Republican and 58% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-51 is 5% more Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 64 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Rick Chavez Zbur and Democrat Louis Abramson. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $856,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Abramson’s campaign has raised $125,000, and is entirely funded by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Rick Chavez Zbur, a longtime civil rights leader and environmental advocate, is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to bring equitable leadership and bold change to the issues of homelessness, economic recovery, and civil rights in the district. Chavez Zbur ran for Congress in 1996, but lost the election to the Republican incumbent by a ten-point margin.
Chavez Zbur is an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to work that would more directly benefit social service access for underserved populations. His work with Equality California dovetailed with the organization’s transition to civil rights advocacy, and he supported the passage of over 90 bills related to LGBTQIA+ justice during his time in leadership. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community would benefit him as a legislative leader.
Beyond civil rights issues, Chavez Zbur is a strong supporter of workers’ rights and economic reform, and views this as a gateway to more equitable access to housing, health care, education, and public services. His platform supports further increases to minimum wage, collective bargaining, and supported overtime, and lays out an ambitious vision of establishing a youth corps to connect homeless individuals with wraparound resources. He has also served as president and chair of California Environmental Voters, and would be a strong supporter of statewide efforts to curb the use of fossil fuels, subsidies to transition away from natural gas, and the governor’s goal of reducing gas-powered vehicles. Chavez Zbur also currently serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and has taken a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his organizational work.
Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Heart of LA Democratic Club, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, California Labor Federation, California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of state and local leaders, including L.A. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressmember Katie Porter, and Governor Gavin Newsom. Based on our analysis, Chavez Zbur’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused work demonstrates that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Tina McKinnor to push AD-62 and AD-61 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s current 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. After the 2021 redistricting process, 88% of AD-62 is now in the newly drawn AD-61 district. There are two elections on the June 7 ballot: a special election runoff to fill the vacant seat for the current AD-62 district through November 2022, and a primary election in the newly drawn AD-61 district for the 2022–2024 term.
California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 63% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-62 is 3% more Democratic than AD-62 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 67 points.
The Race
Assemblymember Autumn Burke announced her resignation in February after representing AD-62 since 2014. Assm. Burke’s resignation leaves this seat open through the end of the term in November 2022. A special election was held on April 5 with two candidates, Democrats Tina McKinnor and Robert Pullen-Miles, advancing to a runoff special election to be held on June 7. Pullen-Miles received 37% of the vote, and McKinnor received 35% of the vote. The winner of the June special election vote will serve the remainder of the term through November 2022.
The primary election for the 2022–2024 cycle will also appear on the June 7 ballot, with the newly redrawn district represented as AD-61. There are five candidates running in this race, including Democrats Georgette Gomez, David Alvarez, Angie Reyes English, and Nico Ruderman, and Republican James Arlandus Spencer. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $228,000, and has not received donations from corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, or real estate organizations. Pullen-Miles’s campaign has raised $163,000, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel organizations. He is endorsed by former Assemblymember Burke. Reyes English has raised $69,000, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel money. Ruderman has raised $135,000, and is funded primarily by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Tina McKinnor, a community organizer and activist, has lived in Los Angeles for 28 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to infuse legislation with her decades-long commitment to transformative justice. McKinnor worked as a legislative staffer in Sacramento for five years, but has not run for office previously.
McKinnor is the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She does this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. McKinnor led LA Voice’s work in successfully advocating for the passing and implementation of SB 2 to increase police accountability. She also led LA Voice Action’s electoral campaigns to help elect Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell and District Attorney George Gascón. McKinnor founded and runs the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, nonprofits, lobbyists, and other political groups. Previously, McKinnor was the operational director for the California Democratic Party, and served as a district director and chief of staff in the State Assembly, where she guided significant legislation, including a bill that ensured that minority, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+ businesses would be given equal consideration as state contractors. She has also served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and from groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Tina McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, including Equality California, NARAL Pro-Choice California, and Black Women for Wellness Action Project. She also has the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin, Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Based on our analysis, McKinnor’s track record of serving her community and listening to people most affected across issues demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Tina McKinnor to push AD-62 and AD-61 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s current 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. After the 2021 redistricting process, 88% of AD-62 is now in the newly drawn AD-61 district. There are two elections on the June 7 ballot: a special election runoff to fill the vacant seat for the current AD-62 district through November 2022, and a primary election in the newly drawn AD-61 district for the 2022–2024 term.
California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 63% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-62 is 3% more Democratic than AD-62 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 67 points.
The Race
Assemblymember Autumn Burke announced her resignation in February after representing AD-62 since 2014. Assm. Burke’s resignation leaves this seat open through the end of the term in November 2022. A special election was held on April 5 with two candidates, Democrats Tina McKinnor and Robert Pullen-Miles, advancing to a runoff special election to be held on June 7. Pullen-Miles received 37% of the vote, and McKinnor received 35% of the vote. The winner of the June special election vote will serve the remainder of the term through November 2022.
The primary election for the 2022–2024 cycle will also appear on the June 7 ballot, with the newly redrawn district represented as AD-61. There are five candidates running in this race, including Democrats Georgette Gomez, David Alvarez, Angie Reyes English, and Nico Ruderman, and Republican James Arlandus Spencer. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $228,000, and has not received donations from corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, or real estate organizations. Pullen-Miles’s campaign has raised $163,000, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel organizations. He is endorsed by former Assemblymember Burke. Reyes English has raised $69,000, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel money. Ruderman has raised $135,000, and is funded primarily by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Tina McKinnor, a community organizer and activist, has lived in Los Angeles for 28 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to infuse legislation with her decades-long commitment to transformative justice. McKinnor worked as a legislative staffer in Sacramento for five years, but has not run for office previously.
McKinnor is the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She does this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. McKinnor led LA Voice’s work in successfully advocating for the passing and implementation of SB 2 to increase police accountability. She also led LA Voice Action’s electoral campaigns to help elect Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell and District Attorney George Gascón. McKinnor founded and runs the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, nonprofits, lobbyists, and other political groups. Previously, McKinnor was the operational director for the California Democratic Party, and served as a district director and chief of staff in the State Assembly, where she guided significant legislation, including a bill that ensured that minority, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+ businesses would be given equal consideration as state contractors. She has also served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and from groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Tina McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, including Equality California, NARAL Pro-Choice California, and Black Women for Wellness Action Project. She also has the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin, Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Based on our analysis, McKinnor’s track record of serving her community and listening to people most affected across issues demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Tina McKinnor to push AD-62 and AD-61 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s current 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. After the 2021 redistricting process, 88% of AD-62 is now in the newly drawn AD-61 district. There are two elections on the June 7 ballot: a special election runoff to fill the vacant seat for the current AD-62 district through November 2022, and a primary election in the newly drawn AD-61 district for the 2022–2024 term.
California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 63% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-62 is 3% more Democratic than AD-62 was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 67 points.
The Race
Assemblymember Autumn Burke announced her resignation in February after representing AD-62 since 2014. Assm. Burke’s resignation leaves this seat open through the end of the term in November 2022. A special election was held on April 5 with two candidates, Democrats Tina McKinnor and Robert Pullen-Miles, advancing to a runoff special election to be held on June 7. Pullen-Miles received 37% of the vote, and McKinnor received 35% of the vote. The winner of the June special election vote will serve the remainder of the term through November 2022.
The primary election for the 2022–2024 cycle will also appear on the June 7 ballot, with the newly redrawn district represented as AD-61. There are five candidates running in this race, including Democrats Georgette Gomez, David Alvarez, Angie Reyes English, and Nico Ruderman, and Republican James Arlandus Spencer. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $228,000, and has not received donations from corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, or real estate organizations. Pullen-Miles’s campaign has raised $163,000, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel organizations. He is endorsed by former Assemblymember Burke. Reyes English has raised $69,000, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel money. Ruderman has raised $135,000, and is funded primarily by individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Tina McKinnor, a community organizer and activist, has lived in Los Angeles for 28 years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to infuse legislation with her decades-long commitment to transformative justice. McKinnor worked as a legislative staffer in Sacramento for five years, but has not run for office previously.
McKinnor is the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She does this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. McKinnor led LA Voice’s work in successfully advocating for the passing and implementation of SB 2 to increase police accountability. She also led LA Voice Action’s electoral campaigns to help elect Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell and District Attorney George Gascón. McKinnor founded and runs the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, nonprofits, lobbyists, and other political groups. Previously, McKinnor was the operational director for the California Democratic Party, and served as a district director and chief of staff in the State Assembly, where she guided significant legislation, including a bill that ensured that minority, women-owned, and LGBTQIA+ businesses would be given equal consideration as state contractors. She has also served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and from groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Tina McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups in the district, including Equality California, NARAL Pro-Choice California, and Black Women for Wellness Action Project. She also has the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin, Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Los Angeles Supervisor Holly Mitchell. Based on our analysis, McKinnor’s track record of serving her community and listening to people most affected across issues demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Elizabeth Alcantar to push AD-64 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 17% are Republican and 54% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-64 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 32 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Elizabeth Alcantar and other Democrat challengers Blanca Pacheco, Ana Valencia, Roberto “Rob” Cancio, and Republican challenger Raul Ortiz, Jr. Ortiz’s platform includes anti-abortion positions and vaccine-conspiracy theories.
Our Endorsement
Elizabeth Alcantar, a community organizer and mayor of Cudahy City, is a lifelong resident of Southeast Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to fight for the needs of Southeast Los Angeles communities and to work for an equitable future for all Californians. Alcantar was elected to Cudahy City Council in 2018, was consequently named vice mayor, and in 2020, she was appointed mayor. She is the first Latina and the youngest person to serve as mayor of Cudahy.
Alcantar works with the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights, where she educates and organizes the community around immigration and ensures that immigrant community members know their rights. Throughout her studies, she worked with students and alumni to host educational workshops on applying to college and obtaining financial aid, and she fundraised for scholarships for Cudahy students. She continued her advocacy work alongside car-wash workers and went on to serve as a field deputy for Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, former secretary of labor.
As mayor of Cudahy, she led the city through the Delta fuel dump and the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Cudahy City Council, Alcantar has worked on local city ordinances that promote environmental justice and housing justice issues, including rent stabilization, anti-eviction, and anti-displacement. She is a founding member of the Southeast Los Angeles United (SELA United) coalition of elected officials representing cities in Southeast Los Angeles that came together to gain access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for their residents. Alcantar represents the City of Cudahy on the Gateway Council of Governments, the Hub Cities Job Joint Powers Authority, and AQMD’s AB617 Community Steering Committee, while serving on the board of directors for California League of Cities, Women’s Caucus.
Alcantar has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders, including ACCE, Action, Communities for a Better Environment Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, California Teachers Association, LA Federation of Labor, SEIU CA, UFCW Local 324, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus. She is also endorsed by many local elected leaders in Bell City, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Ana, South Gate City, and Compton. Based on our analysis, Alcantar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-64 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Elizabeth Alcantar to push AD-64 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 17% are Republican and 54% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-64 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 32 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Elizabeth Alcantar and other Democrat challengers Blanca Pacheco, Ana Valencia, Roberto “Rob” Cancio, and Republican challenger Raul Ortiz, Jr. Ortiz’s platform includes anti-abortion positions and vaccine-conspiracy theories.
Our Endorsement
Elizabeth Alcantar, a community organizer and mayor of Cudahy City, is a lifelong resident of Southeast Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to fight for the needs of Southeast Los Angeles communities and to work for an equitable future for all Californians. Alcantar was elected to Cudahy City Council in 2018, was consequently named vice mayor, and in 2020, she was appointed mayor. She is the first Latina and the youngest person to serve as mayor of Cudahy.
Alcantar works with the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights, where she educates and organizes the community around immigration and ensures that immigrant community members know their rights. Throughout her studies, she worked with students and alumni to host educational workshops on applying to college and obtaining financial aid, and she fundraised for scholarships for Cudahy students. She continued her advocacy work alongside car-wash workers and went on to serve as a field deputy for Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, former secretary of labor.
As mayor of Cudahy, she led the city through the Delta fuel dump and the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Cudahy City Council, Alcantar has worked on local city ordinances that promote environmental justice and housing justice issues, including rent stabilization, anti-eviction, and anti-displacement. She is a founding member of the Southeast Los Angeles United (SELA United) coalition of elected officials representing cities in Southeast Los Angeles that came together to gain access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for their residents. Alcantar represents the City of Cudahy on the Gateway Council of Governments, the Hub Cities Job Joint Powers Authority, and AQMD’s AB617 Community Steering Committee, while serving on the board of directors for California League of Cities, Women’s Caucus.
Alcantar has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders, including ACCE, Action, Communities for a Better Environment Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, California Teachers Association, LA Federation of Labor, SEIU CA, UFCW Local 324, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus. She is also endorsed by many local elected leaders in Bell City, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Ana, South Gate City, and Compton. Based on our analysis, Alcantar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-64 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Elizabeth Alcantar to push AD-64 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 17% are Republican and 54% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. The most recent election results show that AD-64 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 32 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Elizabeth Alcantar and other Democrat challengers Blanca Pacheco, Ana Valencia, Roberto “Rob” Cancio, and Republican challenger Raul Ortiz, Jr. Ortiz’s platform includes anti-abortion positions and vaccine-conspiracy theories.
Our Endorsement
Elizabeth Alcantar, a community organizer and mayor of Cudahy City, is a lifelong resident of Southeast Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to fight for the needs of Southeast Los Angeles communities and to work for an equitable future for all Californians. Alcantar was elected to Cudahy City Council in 2018, was consequently named vice mayor, and in 2020, she was appointed mayor. She is the first Latina and the youngest person to serve as mayor of Cudahy.
Alcantar works with the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights, where she educates and organizes the community around immigration and ensures that immigrant community members know their rights. Throughout her studies, she worked with students and alumni to host educational workshops on applying to college and obtaining financial aid, and she fundraised for scholarships for Cudahy students. She continued her advocacy work alongside car-wash workers and went on to serve as a field deputy for Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, former secretary of labor.
As mayor of Cudahy, she led the city through the Delta fuel dump and the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Cudahy City Council, Alcantar has worked on local city ordinances that promote environmental justice and housing justice issues, including rent stabilization, anti-eviction, and anti-displacement. She is a founding member of the Southeast Los Angeles United (SELA United) coalition of elected officials representing cities in Southeast Los Angeles that came together to gain access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for their residents. Alcantar represents the City of Cudahy on the Gateway Council of Governments, the Hub Cities Job Joint Powers Authority, and AQMD’s AB617 Community Steering Committee, while serving on the board of directors for California League of Cities, Women’s Caucus.
Alcantar has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders, including ACCE, Action, Communities for a Better Environment Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, California Teachers Association, LA Federation of Labor, SEIU CA, UFCW Local 324, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus. She is also endorsed by many local elected leaders in Bell City, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Santa Ana, South Gate City, and Compton. Based on our analysis, Alcantar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-64 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Fatima Iqbal-Zubair to push AD-65 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 62% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-65 is 3% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-65 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 65 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 63 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Iqbal-Zubair and incumbent Representative Mike Gipson. Iqbal-Zubair’s campaign has raised over $214,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC or fossil fuel money. Her campaign funding consists almost entirely of individual contributions. Gipson’s campaign has raised over $850,000 and is funded by police groups, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel money.
Our Endorsement
Iqbal-Zubair, a community advocate and teacher, immigrated from Dubai and moved to the United States to eventually teach in Watts. According to campaign materials, she is running for election because she sees the struggles faced by her students and the district and because she believes in a government that works for all, not just a select few. Iqbal-Zubair ran for this same office previously and lost that race against incumbent Gipson by 35 points.
Iqbal-Zubair is a chemistry and environmental sciences teacher, a role in which she cultivates a strong relationship with her students and builds community. She founded an award-winning FIRST Robotics team and served as director of the Department of Science. Iqbal-Zubair became an advocate for the environment when she and her students studied air pollution from local refineries, water pollution from contaminated pipes, and soil contamination in gardens, play areas, and their own football field. She is active in local organizations, such as the Watts Rising Leadership Council. After performing well in the 2020 elections, she was appointed to the executive board of the California Democratic Party. If elected, Iqbal-Zubair will prioritize equitable education, clean air and water, affordable housing, and universal health care for all.
Iqbal-Zubair has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Communities for a Better Environment Action, California Progressive Alliance, Courage to Change, Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles, Ground Game LA, Daybreak PAC, Health Care for All LA, and Project Super Bloom PAC. Based on our analysis, Iqbal-Zubair’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-65 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Fatima Iqbal-Zubair to push AD-65 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 62% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-65 is 3% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-65 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 65 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 63 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Iqbal-Zubair and incumbent Representative Mike Gipson. Iqbal-Zubair’s campaign has raised over $214,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC or fossil fuel money. Her campaign funding consists almost entirely of individual contributions. Gipson’s campaign has raised over $850,000 and is funded by police groups, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel money.
Our Endorsement
Iqbal-Zubair, a community advocate and teacher, immigrated from Dubai and moved to the United States to eventually teach in Watts. According to campaign materials, she is running for election because she sees the struggles faced by her students and the district and because she believes in a government that works for all, not just a select few. Iqbal-Zubair ran for this same office previously and lost that race against incumbent Gipson by 35 points.
Iqbal-Zubair is a chemistry and environmental sciences teacher, a role in which she cultivates a strong relationship with her students and builds community. She founded an award-winning FIRST Robotics team and served as director of the Department of Science. Iqbal-Zubair became an advocate for the environment when she and her students studied air pollution from local refineries, water pollution from contaminated pipes, and soil contamination in gardens, play areas, and their own football field. She is active in local organizations, such as the Watts Rising Leadership Council. After performing well in the 2020 elections, she was appointed to the executive board of the California Democratic Party. If elected, Iqbal-Zubair will prioritize equitable education, clean air and water, affordable housing, and universal health care for all.
Iqbal-Zubair has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Communities for a Better Environment Action, California Progressive Alliance, Courage to Change, Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles, Ground Game LA, Daybreak PAC, Health Care for All LA, and Project Super Bloom PAC. Based on our analysis, Iqbal-Zubair’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-65 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Fatima Iqbal-Zubair to push AD-65 in the right direction.
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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 9% are Republican and 62% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-65 is 3% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-65 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 65 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 63 points.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Iqbal-Zubair and incumbent Representative Mike Gipson. Iqbal-Zubair’s campaign has raised over $214,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC or fossil fuel money. Her campaign funding consists almost entirely of individual contributions. Gipson’s campaign has raised over $850,000 and is funded by police groups, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel money.
Our Endorsement
Iqbal-Zubair, a community advocate and teacher, immigrated from Dubai and moved to the United States to eventually teach in Watts. According to campaign materials, she is running for election because she sees the struggles faced by her students and the district and because she believes in a government that works for all, not just a select few. Iqbal-Zubair ran for this same office previously and lost that race against incumbent Gipson by 35 points.
Iqbal-Zubair is a chemistry and environmental sciences teacher, a role in which she cultivates a strong relationship with her students and builds community. She founded an award-winning FIRST Robotics team and served as director of the Department of Science. Iqbal-Zubair became an advocate for the environment when she and her students studied air pollution from local refineries, water pollution from contaminated pipes, and soil contamination in gardens, play areas, and their own football field. She is active in local organizations, such as the Watts Rising Leadership Council. After performing well in the 2020 elections, she was appointed to the executive board of the California Democratic Party. If elected, Iqbal-Zubair will prioritize equitable education, clean air and water, affordable housing, and universal health care for all.
Iqbal-Zubair has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups, including Communities for a Better Environment Action, California Progressive Alliance, Courage to Change, Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles, Ground Game LA, Daybreak PAC, Health Care for All LA, and Project Super Bloom PAC. Based on our analysis, Iqbal-Zubair’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-65 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Bulmaro Vicente to push AD-68 in the right direction.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 68th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 21% are Republican and 51% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 56% Latino, 12% Asian, and 2% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-68 is 4% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-68 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 31 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bulmaro Vicente, Democrat Avelino Valencia and Republicans James Wallace and Mike Tardif. Bulmaro’s campaign has raised over $8,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate money. Valencia’s campaign has not yet filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State, but he has taken money from police groups in the past.
Our Endorsement
Bulmaro Vicente, a former Police Review Commissioner for the City of Berkeley, was born and raised in Santa Ana. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to be a champion for real change in the district, including around labor, the environment, and housing. Bulmaro has not run for office previously.
Bulmaro is the current policy director for Chispa, an organization for young Latinx people in Orange County. He has been involved in district issues since high school, including interning with labor unions to fight for better worker wages, and he has worked in housing, immigration, and police accountability, as well as in local and state fights to protect tenants. He helped pass a historic police decertification bill (SB2) and helped lead the Santa Ana People’s Budget Platform in 2020. If elected, Vicente pledges to advocate for COVID-19 sick pay and better worker protections as well as to reinstate the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.
Bulmaro has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders in the district, including Orange County Civic Engagement Table Action, Mijente, California Working Families Party, Orange County Lavender Democrats, and Anaheim City Councilmember José Moreno. Based on our analysis, Bulmaro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-68 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Bulmaro Vicente to push AD-68 in the right direction.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 68th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 21% are Republican and 51% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 56% Latino, 12% Asian, and 2% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-68 is 4% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-68 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 31 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bulmaro Vicente, Democrat Avelino Valencia and Republicans James Wallace and Mike Tardif. Bulmaro’s campaign has raised over $8,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate money. Valencia’s campaign has not yet filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State, but he has taken money from police groups in the past.
Our Endorsement
Bulmaro Vicente, a former Police Review Commissioner for the City of Berkeley, was born and raised in Santa Ana. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to be a champion for real change in the district, including around labor, the environment, and housing. Bulmaro has not run for office previously.
Bulmaro is the current policy director for Chispa, an organization for young Latinx people in Orange County. He has been involved in district issues since high school, including interning with labor unions to fight for better worker wages, and he has worked in housing, immigration, and police accountability, as well as in local and state fights to protect tenants. He helped pass a historic police decertification bill (SB2) and helped lead the Santa Ana People’s Budget Platform in 2020. If elected, Vicente pledges to advocate for COVID-19 sick pay and better worker protections as well as to reinstate the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.
Bulmaro has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders in the district, including Orange County Civic Engagement Table Action, Mijente, California Working Families Party, Orange County Lavender Democrats, and Anaheim City Councilmember José Moreno. Based on our analysis, Bulmaro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-68 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Bulmaro Vicente to push AD-68 in the right direction.
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 two-thirds supermajority of 56 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats. One seat is held by an Independent and four seats are currently vacant.
The District
California’s 68th Assembly District includes parts of Orange County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 21% are Republican and 51% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 56% Latino, 12% Asian, and 2% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, AD-68 is 4% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that AD-68 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 31 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bulmaro Vicente, Democrat Avelino Valencia and Republicans James Wallace and Mike Tardif. Bulmaro’s campaign has raised over $8,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate money. Valencia’s campaign has not yet filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State, but he has taken money from police groups in the past.
Our Endorsement
Bulmaro Vicente, a former Police Review Commissioner for the City of Berkeley, was born and raised in Santa Ana. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to be a champion for real change in the district, including around labor, the environment, and housing. Bulmaro has not run for office previously.
Bulmaro is the current policy director for Chispa, an organization for young Latinx people in Orange County. He has been involved in district issues since high school, including interning with labor unions to fight for better worker wages, and he has worked in housing, immigration, and police accountability, as well as in local and state fights to protect tenants. He helped pass a historic police decertification bill (SB2) and helped lead the Santa Ana People’s Budget Platform in 2020. If elected, Vicente pledges to advocate for COVID-19 sick pay and better worker protections as well as to reinstate the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.
Bulmaro has the endorsement of a strong majority of progressive groups and leaders in the district, including Orange County Civic Engagement Table Action, Mijente, California Working Families Party, Orange County Lavender Democrats, and Anaheim City Councilmember José Moreno. Based on our analysis, Bulmaro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of AD-68 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Dave Jones to push SD-08 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 11 seats.
The District
California’s 8th Senate District includes parts of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 20% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 22% Asian, and 11% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-08 is 3% more Republican than the previous SD-06 district was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-08 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 34 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Dave Jones, Angelique Ashby, Matt Burgess, and Rafael Garcia. Incumbent Richard Pan is termed out of this office. Jones’s campaign has raised $798,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or police money. Opponent Angelique Ashby, who is endorsed by incumbent Pan, has not committed to refusing fossil fuel money, has accepted police money, and in the past has received money from an anti–rent control PAC, and she received an endorsement from a local police union when she ran for her current office of mayor of Sacramento.
Our Endorsement
Dave Jones, a longtime public servant and former legal aid attorney with a nonprofit in Yolo County that serves low-income residents, has lived in Sacramento for over 20 years. Jones has an established record of public service that has brought tangible benefits to the communities he has served. He served on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004, during which time he brought substantial funding for improvements to historically African-American, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander neighborhoods that are historically neglected by the city. From 2004 to 2010, Jones served as State Assemblymember, during which time he authored and supported progressive legislation and ballot measures. From 2011 to 2019, Jones served as California’s Insurance Commissioner, when he issued numerous regulations to protect consumers, started enforcement actions against insurers, and defended consumers from rate increases, saving them over $3 billion. According to campaign materials, he is running for Senate District 6 to bring progressive change as well as social and economic justice to the district.
Dave Jones has worked to promote environmental and economic justice for over two decades, including through his elected offices. He is currently senior director of the Nature Conservancy and the director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE). In this capacity, he testifies before Congress and urges financial regulators to address the risks posed by climate change. Jones’s advocacy for low-income communities led to his receiving a White House Fellowship in 1995. He continued this advocacy by working as a legal aid lawyer after receiving his law degree, providing free services to low-income communities. In this capacity, he brought successful lawsuits against cities, counties, and developers that resulted in the expansion of affordable housing. As a Sacramento City Councilmember, Jones advanced progressive legislation, including authoring the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance, which created thousands of units of affordable housing. He also authored programs for the provision of parks, school improvements, community centers, and basic infrastructure for marginalized communities overlooked by previous councils. Jones has specific policy ideas to address significant issues, like homelessness, concrete plans for getting more progressive policies passed in the state legislature, and deep experience in working effectively with colleagues in Sacramento.
Jones has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including ACCE Action, California Environmental Voters, Indivisible Sacramento, several Sacramento County democratic clubs, and many labor unions. He also has the support of Dolores Huerta and local and state elected leaders. Based on our analysis, Jones’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Dave Jones to push SD-08 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 11 seats.
The District
California’s 8th Senate District includes parts of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 20% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 22% Asian, and 11% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-08 is 3% more Republican than the previous SD-06 district was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-08 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 34 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Dave Jones, Angelique Ashby, Matt Burgess, and Rafael Garcia. Incumbent Richard Pan is termed out of this office. Jones’s campaign has raised $798,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or police money. Opponent Angelique Ashby, who is endorsed by incumbent Pan, has not committed to refusing fossil fuel money, has accepted police money, and in the past has received money from an anti–rent control PAC, and she received an endorsement from a local police union when she ran for her current office of mayor of Sacramento.
Our Endorsement
Dave Jones, a longtime public servant and former legal aid attorney with a nonprofit in Yolo County that serves low-income residents, has lived in Sacramento for over 20 years. Jones has an established record of public service that has brought tangible benefits to the communities he has served. He served on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004, during which time he brought substantial funding for improvements to historically African-American, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander neighborhoods that are historically neglected by the city. From 2004 to 2010, Jones served as State Assemblymember, during which time he authored and supported progressive legislation and ballot measures. From 2011 to 2019, Jones served as California’s Insurance Commissioner, when he issued numerous regulations to protect consumers, started enforcement actions against insurers, and defended consumers from rate increases, saving them over $3 billion. According to campaign materials, he is running for Senate District 6 to bring progressive change as well as social and economic justice to the district.
Dave Jones has worked to promote environmental and economic justice for over two decades, including through his elected offices. He is currently senior director of the Nature Conservancy and the director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE). In this capacity, he testifies before Congress and urges financial regulators to address the risks posed by climate change. Jones’s advocacy for low-income communities led to his receiving a White House Fellowship in 1995. He continued this advocacy by working as a legal aid lawyer after receiving his law degree, providing free services to low-income communities. In this capacity, he brought successful lawsuits against cities, counties, and developers that resulted in the expansion of affordable housing. As a Sacramento City Councilmember, Jones advanced progressive legislation, including authoring the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance, which created thousands of units of affordable housing. He also authored programs for the provision of parks, school improvements, community centers, and basic infrastructure for marginalized communities overlooked by previous councils. Jones has specific policy ideas to address significant issues, like homelessness, concrete plans for getting more progressive policies passed in the state legislature, and deep experience in working effectively with colleagues in Sacramento.
Jones has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including ACCE Action, California Environmental Voters, Indivisible Sacramento, several Sacramento County democratic clubs, and many labor unions. He also has the support of Dolores Huerta and local and state elected leaders. Based on our analysis, Jones’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Dave Jones to push SD-08 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 11 seats.
The District
California’s 8th Senate District includes parts of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 20% are Republican, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 26% Latino, 22% Asian, and 11% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-08 is 3% more Republican than the previous SD-06 district was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-08 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 34 points.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Dave Jones, Angelique Ashby, Matt Burgess, and Rafael Garcia. Incumbent Richard Pan is termed out of this office. Jones’s campaign has raised $798,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or police money. Opponent Angelique Ashby, who is endorsed by incumbent Pan, has not committed to refusing fossil fuel money, has accepted police money, and in the past has received money from an anti–rent control PAC, and she received an endorsement from a local police union when she ran for her current office of mayor of Sacramento.
Our Endorsement
Dave Jones, a longtime public servant and former legal aid attorney with a nonprofit in Yolo County that serves low-income residents, has lived in Sacramento for over 20 years. Jones has an established record of public service that has brought tangible benefits to the communities he has served. He served on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004, during which time he brought substantial funding for improvements to historically African-American, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander neighborhoods that are historically neglected by the city. From 2004 to 2010, Jones served as State Assemblymember, during which time he authored and supported progressive legislation and ballot measures. From 2011 to 2019, Jones served as California’s Insurance Commissioner, when he issued numerous regulations to protect consumers, started enforcement actions against insurers, and defended consumers from rate increases, saving them over $3 billion. According to campaign materials, he is running for Senate District 6 to bring progressive change as well as social and economic justice to the district.
Dave Jones has worked to promote environmental and economic justice for over two decades, including through his elected offices. He is currently senior director of the Nature Conservancy and the director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE). In this capacity, he testifies before Congress and urges financial regulators to address the risks posed by climate change. Jones’s advocacy for low-income communities led to his receiving a White House Fellowship in 1995. He continued this advocacy by working as a legal aid lawyer after receiving his law degree, providing free services to low-income communities. In this capacity, he brought successful lawsuits against cities, counties, and developers that resulted in the expansion of affordable housing. As a Sacramento City Councilmember, Jones advanced progressive legislation, including authoring the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance, which created thousands of units of affordable housing. He also authored programs for the provision of parks, school improvements, community centers, and basic infrastructure for marginalized communities overlooked by previous councils. Jones has specific policy ideas to address significant issues, like homelessness, concrete plans for getting more progressive policies passed in the state legislature, and deep experience in working effectively with colleagues in Sacramento.
Jones has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including ACCE Action, California Environmental Voters, Indivisible Sacramento, several Sacramento County democratic clubs, and many labor unions. He also has the support of Dolores Huerta and local and state elected leaders. Based on our analysis, Jones’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Aisha Wahab to push SD-10 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 2021-2022 legislative session, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold eleven seats.
The District
California's 10th Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 14% are Republican, with a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 41% Asian, and 6% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-10 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 48.4 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 46.4 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Aisha Wahab and Lily Mei. Incumbent Bob Wieckowski’s term ends in 2022. Wahab’s campaign has raised more than $458,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Mei’s campaign is funded by several real estate and corporate interests. Although Mei’s campaign website states her support for the LGBTQIA+ community, she has a history of anti-LGBTQIA+ voting.
Our Endorsement
Aisha Wahab, Mayor Pro Tempore of Hayward, is the first Afghan-American woman to serve in public office in the United States. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to campaign materials, Wahab is running for election to fight for hardworking families in the Bay Area.
As councilmember, Aisha Wahab has worked to ensure housing for low and extremely low-income individuals, worked to combat climate change, and supported small businesses. Wahab raised the minimum wage to $15, and she passed broad tenant protections, including strengthened protections for seniors and renters with disabilities. She is an advocate of community service and organizing, and has been honored by Senator Bob Wieckowski with the Unity Award in 2017 and named Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Bill Quirk in 2019.
Aisha Wahab has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Silicon Valley Young Democrats and NARAL Pro-Choice California. She is also endorsed by Representative Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Alex Lee, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, and Senator Jim Beall. Based on our analysis, Wahab’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Aisha Wahab to push SD-10 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 2021-2022 legislative session, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold eleven seats.
The District
California's 10th Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 14% are Republican, with a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 41% Asian, and 6% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-10 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 48.4 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 46.4 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Aisha Wahab and Lily Mei. Incumbent Bob Wieckowski’s term ends in 2022. Wahab’s campaign has raised more than $458,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Mei’s campaign is funded by several real estate and corporate interests. Although Mei’s campaign website states her support for the LGBTQIA+ community, she has a history of anti-LGBTQIA+ voting.
Our Endorsement
Aisha Wahab, Mayor Pro Tempore of Hayward, is the first Afghan-American woman to serve in public office in the United States. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to campaign materials, Wahab is running for election to fight for hardworking families in the Bay Area.
As councilmember, Aisha Wahab has worked to ensure housing for low and extremely low-income individuals, worked to combat climate change, and supported small businesses. Wahab raised the minimum wage to $15, and she passed broad tenant protections, including strengthened protections for seniors and renters with disabilities. She is an advocate of community service and organizing, and has been honored by Senator Bob Wieckowski with the Unity Award in 2017 and named Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Bill Quirk in 2019.
Aisha Wahab has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Silicon Valley Young Democrats and NARAL Pro-Choice California. She is also endorsed by Representative Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Alex Lee, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, and Senator Jim Beall. Based on our analysis, Wahab’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Aisha Wahab to push SD-10 in the right direction.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate the needs of their district at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating legislation that addresses issues within their district, as well as voting and debating on preexisting laws.
The California State Senate has 40 congressional 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 2021-2022 legislative session, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 29 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold eleven seats.
The District
California's 10th Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 51% are Democrat and 14% are Republican, with a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 41% Asian, and 6% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-10 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 48.4 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 46.4 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Aisha Wahab and Lily Mei. Incumbent Bob Wieckowski’s term ends in 2022. Wahab’s campaign has raised more than $458,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Mei’s campaign is funded by several real estate and corporate interests. Although Mei’s campaign website states her support for the LGBTQIA+ community, she has a history of anti-LGBTQIA+ voting.
Our Endorsement
Aisha Wahab, Mayor Pro Tempore of Hayward, is the first Afghan-American woman to serve in public office in the United States. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to campaign materials, Wahab is running for election to fight for hardworking families in the Bay Area.
As councilmember, Aisha Wahab has worked to ensure housing for low and extremely low-income individuals, worked to combat climate change, and supported small businesses. Wahab raised the minimum wage to $15, and she passed broad tenant protections, including strengthened protections for seniors and renters with disabilities. She is an advocate of community service and organizing, and has been honored by Senator Bob Wieckowski with the Unity Award in 2017 and named Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Bill Quirk in 2019.
Aisha Wahab has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Silicon Valley Young Democrats and NARAL Pro-Choice California. She is also endorsed by Representative Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Alex Lee, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, and Senator Jim Beall. Based on our analysis, Wahab’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Bryan Osorio to push SD-16 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 16th Senate District includes parts of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties, and all of Kings County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 28% are Republican and 41% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 58% Latino, 4% Asian, and 5% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-16 is 6% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 3 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bryan Osorio, incumbent Democratic Senator Melissa Hurtado, Democrat Nicole Parra, and Republicans David Shephard and Gregory Tatum. Osorio’s campaign has raised $47,000, and has not accepted money from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC organizations. His campaign is entirely funded by individual donors. Sen. Hurtado’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests. Parra’s campaign has raised $186,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Neither of the Republican candidates have recorded fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Bryan Osorio, a mayor and an environmental advocate, has lived in Delano, CA,,most of his life. According to campaign materials he is running for election to bring progressive leadership to the economic and social challenges facing his underresourced community. Osorio was elected to the Delano City Council in 2018, and currently holds the position of mayor, since being appointed in 2020.
Osorio is a community solutions advocate for the Community Water Center, where he brings attention and solutions to water-contamination issues in the Central Valley. Osorio has also had an opportunity to connect with a diverse constituency as a member of the Delano City Council while currently serving his first term as mayor. This work, and his experience working with the ACLU of Northern California, has informed his approach to coalition-building, and he cites uniting the loose progressive base in this rural region of the state as one of his electoral goals.
Osorio is a 2018 graduate of UC-Berkeley, and leverages his millennial perspective in pursuing meaningful policy change. As mayor, Osorio has been a strong proponent of immigration protections, supporting the declaration of Delano as a Sanctuary City and opposing data-sharing with ICE. He also supported a variety of initiatives to lessen the economic impact of the pandemic on his community’s most vulnerable residents. As a state senator, Osorio would aim to provide progressive leadership on issues of social equity, including increasing the minimum wage, expanding social safety net eligibility, pursuing single-payer health care, and creating a pathway for free public education or training apprenticeships.
Osorio has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Dolores Huerta Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEJA Action, California Environmental Voters, and California Young Democrats. Based on our analysis, Osorio’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Bryan Osorio to push SD-16 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 16th Senate District includes parts of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties, and all of Kings County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 28% are Republican and 41% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 58% Latino, 4% Asian, and 5% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-16 is 6% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 3 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bryan Osorio, incumbent Democratic Senator Melissa Hurtado, Democrat Nicole Parra, and Republicans David Shephard and Gregory Tatum. Osorio’s campaign has raised $47,000, and has not accepted money from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC organizations. His campaign is entirely funded by individual donors. Sen. Hurtado’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests. Parra’s campaign has raised $186,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Neither of the Republican candidates have recorded fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Bryan Osorio, a mayor and an environmental advocate, has lived in Delano, CA,,most of his life. According to campaign materials he is running for election to bring progressive leadership to the economic and social challenges facing his underresourced community. Osorio was elected to the Delano City Council in 2018, and currently holds the position of mayor, since being appointed in 2020.
Osorio is a community solutions advocate for the Community Water Center, where he brings attention and solutions to water-contamination issues in the Central Valley. Osorio has also had an opportunity to connect with a diverse constituency as a member of the Delano City Council while currently serving his first term as mayor. This work, and his experience working with the ACLU of Northern California, has informed his approach to coalition-building, and he cites uniting the loose progressive base in this rural region of the state as one of his electoral goals.
Osorio is a 2018 graduate of UC-Berkeley, and leverages his millennial perspective in pursuing meaningful policy change. As mayor, Osorio has been a strong proponent of immigration protections, supporting the declaration of Delano as a Sanctuary City and opposing data-sharing with ICE. He also supported a variety of initiatives to lessen the economic impact of the pandemic on his community’s most vulnerable residents. As a state senator, Osorio would aim to provide progressive leadership on issues of social equity, including increasing the minimum wage, expanding social safety net eligibility, pursuing single-payer health care, and creating a pathway for free public education or training apprenticeships.
Osorio has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Dolores Huerta Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEJA Action, California Environmental Voters, and California Young Democrats. Based on our analysis, Osorio’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Bryan Osorio to push SD-16 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 16th Senate District includes parts of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties, and all of Kings County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 28% are Republican and 41% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 58% Latino, 4% Asian, and 5% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-16 is 6% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 3 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Bryan Osorio, incumbent Democratic Senator Melissa Hurtado, Democrat Nicole Parra, and Republicans David Shephard and Gregory Tatum. Osorio’s campaign has raised $47,000, and has not accepted money from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC organizations. His campaign is entirely funded by individual donors. Sen. Hurtado’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests. Parra’s campaign has raised $186,000, and has received donations from real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests. Neither of the Republican candidates have recorded fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Bryan Osorio, a mayor and an environmental advocate, has lived in Delano, CA,,most of his life. According to campaign materials he is running for election to bring progressive leadership to the economic and social challenges facing his underresourced community. Osorio was elected to the Delano City Council in 2018, and currently holds the position of mayor, since being appointed in 2020.
Osorio is a community solutions advocate for the Community Water Center, where he brings attention and solutions to water-contamination issues in the Central Valley. Osorio has also had an opportunity to connect with a diverse constituency as a member of the Delano City Council while currently serving his first term as mayor. This work, and his experience working with the ACLU of Northern California, has informed his approach to coalition-building, and he cites uniting the loose progressive base in this rural region of the state as one of his electoral goals.
Osorio is a 2018 graduate of UC-Berkeley, and leverages his millennial perspective in pursuing meaningful policy change. As mayor, Osorio has been a strong proponent of immigration protections, supporting the declaration of Delano as a Sanctuary City and opposing data-sharing with ICE. He also supported a variety of initiatives to lessen the economic impact of the pandemic on his community’s most vulnerable residents. As a state senator, Osorio would aim to provide progressive leadership on issues of social equity, including increasing the minimum wage, expanding social safety net eligibility, pursuing single-payer health care, and creating a pathway for free public education or training apprenticeships.
Osorio has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Dolores Huerta Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEJA Action, California Environmental Voters, and California Young Democrats. Based on our analysis, Osorio’s track record of coalition-building and equity-focused policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Caroline Menjivar to push SD-20 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 20th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 16% are Republican and 52% are Democrat, and the demographic breakdown is 50% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-20 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43.16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 45.8 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this open seat, including Democrat Caroline Menjivar and Democrat Daniel Hertzberg. Menjivar’s campaign has raised more than $63,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Daniel Hertzberg’s father, Robert Hertzberg, who is actively campaigning on behalf of his son, is majority leader emeritus in the state Senate, representing SD-18, which comprises 56% of the recently redistricted SD-20. These circumstances have led to recent allegations of nepotism. Senator Robert Hertzberg terms out of his seat this year and is seeking the newly drawn county supervisor seat covering the San Fernando Valley. Daniel Hertzberg’s campaign has not committed to any pledges, has raised more than $500,000, and has received donations from his father’s campaign committee for state controller. While Menjivar has experience in local government, having worked for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Nury Martinez, and having a long record of community work, Hertzberg does not have such experience.
Our Endorsement
Menjivar, a Marine veteran, was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to create more access to mental-health support services, housing opportunities, comprehensive health care, and quality public schools. Menjivar has not run for office previously.
Menjivar has experience in public service, having worked as a field deputy with Councilmember Nury Martinez and later moving on to become the East Valley representative for Mayor Eric Garcetti. Menjivar’s record of community engagement includes hosting nightly conference calls for updating residents with the latest information from the city after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Menjivar currently serves on the GLSEN Los Angeles Chapter Board and the Help Group’s Kaleidoscope Advisory Board, which she does to create more inclusive learning and family environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Menjivar has also sat on the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Review Committee. Menjivar put herself through college and received a master’s degree in social welfare, concentrating on public leadership and policy development. Driven by her passion for gender equity that is inclusive of women of color, she began a career in policy development and implementation. Menjivar obtained a license as an emergency medical technician during the last years of her military career, during which time she confronted the need for more mental-health resources, including in the homeless community.
Menjivar has the endorsement of many progressive lawmakers and groups, including Senator Connie Leyva, Los Angeles Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Stonewall Democratic Club, and NARAL Pro-Choice California. Based on our analysis, Menjivar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Caroline Menjivar to push SD-20 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 20th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 16% are Republican and 52% are Democrat, and the demographic breakdown is 50% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-20 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43.16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 45.8 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this open seat, including Democrat Caroline Menjivar and Democrat Daniel Hertzberg. Menjivar’s campaign has raised more than $63,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Daniel Hertzberg’s father, Robert Hertzberg, who is actively campaigning on behalf of his son, is majority leader emeritus in the state Senate, representing SD-18, which comprises 56% of the recently redistricted SD-20. These circumstances have led to recent allegations of nepotism. Senator Robert Hertzberg terms out of his seat this year and is seeking the newly drawn county supervisor seat covering the San Fernando Valley. Daniel Hertzberg’s campaign has not committed to any pledges, has raised more than $500,000, and has received donations from his father’s campaign committee for state controller. While Menjivar has experience in local government, having worked for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Nury Martinez, and having a long record of community work, Hertzberg does not have such experience.
Our Endorsement
Menjivar, a Marine veteran, was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to create more access to mental-health support services, housing opportunities, comprehensive health care, and quality public schools. Menjivar has not run for office previously.
Menjivar has experience in public service, having worked as a field deputy with Councilmember Nury Martinez and later moving on to become the East Valley representative for Mayor Eric Garcetti. Menjivar’s record of community engagement includes hosting nightly conference calls for updating residents with the latest information from the city after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Menjivar currently serves on the GLSEN Los Angeles Chapter Board and the Help Group’s Kaleidoscope Advisory Board, which she does to create more inclusive learning and family environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Menjivar has also sat on the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Review Committee. Menjivar put herself through college and received a master’s degree in social welfare, concentrating on public leadership and policy development. Driven by her passion for gender equity that is inclusive of women of color, she began a career in policy development and implementation. Menjivar obtained a license as an emergency medical technician during the last years of her military career, during which time she confronted the need for more mental-health resources, including in the homeless community.
Menjivar has the endorsement of many progressive lawmakers and groups, including Senator Connie Leyva, Los Angeles Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Stonewall Democratic Club, and NARAL Pro-Choice California. Based on our analysis, Menjivar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Caroline Menjivar to push SD-20 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 20th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Democrats typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 16% are Republican and 52% are Democrat, and the demographic breakdown is 50% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black. The most recent election results show that SD-20 voted for Biden for president in 2020 by 43.16 points and Newsom for governor in 2018 by 45.8 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this open seat, including Democrat Caroline Menjivar and Democrat Daniel Hertzberg. Menjivar’s campaign has raised more than $63,000 and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, police, or real estate money. Daniel Hertzberg’s father, Robert Hertzberg, who is actively campaigning on behalf of his son, is majority leader emeritus in the state Senate, representing SD-18, which comprises 56% of the recently redistricted SD-20. These circumstances have led to recent allegations of nepotism. Senator Robert Hertzberg terms out of his seat this year and is seeking the newly drawn county supervisor seat covering the San Fernando Valley. Daniel Hertzberg’s campaign has not committed to any pledges, has raised more than $500,000, and has received donations from his father’s campaign committee for state controller. While Menjivar has experience in local government, having worked for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Nury Martinez, and having a long record of community work, Hertzberg does not have such experience.
Our Endorsement
Menjivar, a Marine veteran, was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to create more access to mental-health support services, housing opportunities, comprehensive health care, and quality public schools. Menjivar has not run for office previously.
Menjivar has experience in public service, having worked as a field deputy with Councilmember Nury Martinez and later moving on to become the East Valley representative for Mayor Eric Garcetti. Menjivar’s record of community engagement includes hosting nightly conference calls for updating residents with the latest information from the city after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Menjivar currently serves on the GLSEN Los Angeles Chapter Board and the Help Group’s Kaleidoscope Advisory Board, which she does to create more inclusive learning and family environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Menjivar has also sat on the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Review Committee. Menjivar put herself through college and received a master’s degree in social welfare, concentrating on public leadership and policy development. Driven by her passion for gender equity that is inclusive of women of color, she began a career in policy development and implementation. Menjivar obtained a license as an emergency medical technician during the last years of her military career, during which time she confronted the need for more mental-health resources, including in the homeless community.
Menjivar has the endorsement of many progressive lawmakers and groups, including Senator Connie Leyva, Los Angeles Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Stonewall Democratic Club, and NARAL Pro-Choice California. Based on our analysis, Menjivar’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to push SD-28 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 28th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 8% are Republican and 65% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 33% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-28 is 2% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 72 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Democrat Cheryl Turner, Democrat Jamaal Gulledge, Democrat Kamilah Victoria Moore, and Republican Joe Lisuzzo. Smallwood-Cuevas’s campaign has raised $262,000, and has not received any donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests. Turner’s campaign has raised $16,000, and is primarily self-funded. Lisuzzo’s campaign has raised $6,000 primarily through individual donors. Gulledge’s and Moore’s campaigns have not recorded any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a labor organizer and community advocate, has lived in the district for twenty years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to bring her coalition-based approach to the continued work of improving workers’ rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and addressing the housing crisis. Smallwood-Cuevas has not run for public office before, but was appointed to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board in 2021 and elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as secretary/treasurer.
Smallwood-Cuevas has spent her career supporting the development of organized labor and currently serves as project director at the UCLA Labor Center. She directs projects for the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity Work and focuses on furthering policies that benefit working families. She has received national recognition for this work from Labor Secretary Tom Perez and former President Barack Obama. She currently serves as treasurer of the LA County Workforce Development Board, and has also served as a researcher and political organizer with SEIU Local 1877, plus co-founded the LA Black Worker Center to increase employment equity.
Smallwood-Cuevas sees workers’ rights as the clear intersection of racial equity, economic insecurity, health-care access, education, and the housing crisis. It’s through this lens of worker dignity and protection that she would approach social equity legislation in the State Senate. She has proposed a public employment benefit for those returning from incarceration, a two-year jobs bill to create quality employment opportunities during the COVID-19 recovery, a reinstatement of pandemic sick leave and hero pay, and increased funding for affordable housing initiatives. In supporting workers’ rights, Smallwood-Cuevas hopes her approach would dismantle wealth inequality and create improved health, education, and economic outcomes across generations. She has frequently collaborated with local organizations and lawmakers, including labor unions, Working Families Partnership, and Community Coalition, and would bring this coalition approach to her work in the State Senate.
Smallwood-Cuevas has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including UNITE HERE Local 11, Heart of LA, SEIU California, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, and State Senator Sydney Kamlager. Based on our analysis, Smallwood-Cuevas’s track record of community organizing and policy advocacy demonstrates that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to push SD-28 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 28th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 8% are Republican and 65% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 33% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-28 is 2% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 72 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Democrat Cheryl Turner, Democrat Jamaal Gulledge, Democrat Kamilah Victoria Moore, and Republican Joe Lisuzzo. Smallwood-Cuevas’s campaign has raised $262,000, and has not received any donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests. Turner’s campaign has raised $16,000, and is primarily self-funded. Lisuzzo’s campaign has raised $6,000 primarily through individual donors. Gulledge’s and Moore’s campaigns have not recorded any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a labor organizer and community advocate, has lived in the district for twenty years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to bring her coalition-based approach to the continued work of improving workers’ rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and addressing the housing crisis. Smallwood-Cuevas has not run for public office before, but was appointed to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board in 2021 and elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as secretary/treasurer.
Smallwood-Cuevas has spent her career supporting the development of organized labor and currently serves as project director at the UCLA Labor Center. She directs projects for the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity Work and focuses on furthering policies that benefit working families. She has received national recognition for this work from Labor Secretary Tom Perez and former President Barack Obama. She currently serves as treasurer of the LA County Workforce Development Board, and has also served as a researcher and political organizer with SEIU Local 1877, plus co-founded the LA Black Worker Center to increase employment equity.
Smallwood-Cuevas sees workers’ rights as the clear intersection of racial equity, economic insecurity, health-care access, education, and the housing crisis. It’s through this lens of worker dignity and protection that she would approach social equity legislation in the State Senate. She has proposed a public employment benefit for those returning from incarceration, a two-year jobs bill to create quality employment opportunities during the COVID-19 recovery, a reinstatement of pandemic sick leave and hero pay, and increased funding for affordable housing initiatives. In supporting workers’ rights, Smallwood-Cuevas hopes her approach would dismantle wealth inequality and create improved health, education, and economic outcomes across generations. She has frequently collaborated with local organizations and lawmakers, including labor unions, Working Families Partnership, and Community Coalition, and would bring this coalition approach to her work in the State Senate.
Smallwood-Cuevas has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including UNITE HERE Local 11, Heart of LA, SEIU California, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, and State Senator Sydney Kamlager. Based on our analysis, Smallwood-Cuevas’s track record of community organizing and policy advocacy demonstrates that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Lola Smallwood-Cuevas to push SD-28 in the right direction.
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 congressional 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 the Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
The District
California’s 28th Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Republicans typically hold this district. Of the registered voters in this district, 8% are Republican and 65% are Democrat, and the district’s demographic breakdown is 33% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black. After the 2021 redistricting process, SD-28 is 2% less Democratic than it was during the 2020 general election cycle. The most recent election results show that SD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 72 points.
The Race
There are five candidates running for this seat, including Democrat Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Democrat Cheryl Turner, Democrat Jamaal Gulledge, Democrat Kamilah Victoria Moore, and Republican Joe Lisuzzo. Smallwood-Cuevas’s campaign has raised $262,000, and has not received any donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests. Turner’s campaign has raised $16,000, and is primarily self-funded. Lisuzzo’s campaign has raised $6,000 primarily through individual donors. Gulledge’s and Moore’s campaigns have not recorded any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State.
Our Endorsement
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a labor organizer and community advocate, has lived in the district for twenty years. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to bring her coalition-based approach to the continued work of improving workers’ rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and addressing the housing crisis. Smallwood-Cuevas has not run for public office before, but was appointed to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board in 2021 and elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as secretary/treasurer.
Smallwood-Cuevas has spent her career supporting the development of organized labor and currently serves as project director at the UCLA Labor Center. She directs projects for the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity Work and focuses on furthering policies that benefit working families. She has received national recognition for this work from Labor Secretary Tom Perez and former President Barack Obama. She currently serves as treasurer of the LA County Workforce Development Board, and has also served as a researcher and political organizer with SEIU Local 1877, plus co-founded the LA Black Worker Center to increase employment equity.
Smallwood-Cuevas sees workers’ rights as the clear intersection of racial equity, economic insecurity, health-care access, education, and the housing crisis. It’s through this lens of worker dignity and protection that she would approach social equity legislation in the State Senate. She has proposed a public employment benefit for those returning from incarceration, a two-year jobs bill to create quality employment opportunities during the COVID-19 recovery, a reinstatement of pandemic sick leave and hero pay, and increased funding for affordable housing initiatives. In supporting workers’ rights, Smallwood-Cuevas hopes her approach would dismantle wealth inequality and create improved health, education, and economic outcomes across generations. She has frequently collaborated with local organizations and lawmakers, including labor unions, Working Families Partnership, and Community Coalition, and would bring this coalition approach to her work in the State Senate.
Smallwood-Cuevas has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including UNITE HERE Local 11, Heart of LA, SEIU California, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many local elected officials, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, and State Senator Sydney Kamlager. Based on our analysis, Smallwood-Cuevas’s track record of community organizing and policy advocacy demonstrates that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of SD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Reelect Attorney General Rob Bonta to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state attorney general acts as the lead attorney and law-enforcement official for the state of California, and has oversight of over 4,500 state-employed district attorneys, investigators, police officers, and administrators. The attorney general executes a variety of responsibilities in the state, including representing the people of California in criminal and civil matters in court, coordinating statewide law-enforcement efforts, providing legal counsel to state agencies, and managing special projects to protect the rights of Californians. California has 58 elected district attorneys who report to the attorney general, one for every county in the state. The attorney general is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, including current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Democrat incumbent Rob Bonta was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2021, after Secretary Becerra was appointed to the Biden administration’s cabinet. Attorney General Bonta is the first Filipino American to serve in this role. The most recent election results show that Becerra won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running in the primary for attorney general: Democrat Incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, Independent challenger and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, and Republican challengers Nathan Hochman and Eric Early. Attorney General Bonta’s campaign has raised over $2 million, and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate donations. Schubert’s campaign has raised $833,000, and has received donations from over ten police organizations across the state. She has also received significant donations from billionaire Angelo Tsakopoulos and his family, who work in real estate development. Hochman’s campaign has raised $900,000 and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC money. He is backed by a significant number of individual donors with connections to real estate, and has also received over $20,000 from companies connected to Jeong Hwan Kim, who pled guilty to tax crimes in 2017 in a case prosecuted by the attorney general’s office. Early’s campaign has raised $235,000, and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, corporate PAC, or real estate money in his campaign. He previously ran for attorney general in 2018.
Our Endorsement
Attorney General Rob Bonta, a civil rights attorney, is from Alameda, CA. Prior to his appointment to the attorney general’s office, he was elected to serve three terms in the California State Assembly as the representative from the 18th District. According to campaign materials, Attorney General Bonta is running for reelection to continue his focus on resolving systemic injustice across the state through action on environmental justice, labor rights, and corporate accountability.
Attorney General Bonta’s priorities for California this year include establishing stronger protections for victims of hate crimes, working toward regulations that protect consumers from unjust corporate behavior, and creating a more equitable criminal-justice system. His office recently secured a judgment requiring Amazon to pay a $500,000 fine and adhere to a stricter process of reporting workplace COVID-19 prevention efforts and recorded infections to the company’s employees and the state. Attorney General Bonta has been outspoken about other forms of consumer and workplace protections, including recent efforts to curb robocalls and spearheading a nationwide investigation into targeted marketing tactics from Instagram and Meta Inc. He has also taken aim at the housing crisis with the creation of the Housing Strike Force and an online Housing Portal designed to address access, affordability, and equity. These new initiatives will enforce housing-development laws, reaffirm tenant rights, provide consumer protection and alerts, and provide legal advocacy for the right to housing.
In his first several months in office, Attorney General Bonta has demonstrated a collaborative approach to his work locally, and an interest in leveraging his position for national impact. In California, he has established the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) to communicate directly with underrepresented community and advocacy groups in the state. This office is designed to advance equity, and to ensure that the work of the attorney general’s office is inclusive for diverse perspectives. Nationally, he has been proactive in partnering with state attorney generals across the country to file briefs on legislation of national importance, including a public opposition to Texas’s recent abortion ban (SB 8).
During his time in the State Assembly, he was an effective legislator who worked on bills related to climate protections, criminal justice and prison reform, immigrant rights, and housing protections. Bonta scored a lifetime score of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, he supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Attorney General Bonta served as a deputy city attorney for both the City and County of San Francisco, as an elected member of the Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors, as board president for the Social Service Human Relations board, as board president for Alternatives in Action, and as chair of the Economic Development Commission. He is a longtime activist in the ongoing fight for racial, economic, and social justice.
Attorney General Bonta has received the endorsement of an overwhelming number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Controller Betty Yee, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. He is also endorsed by several progressive groups, including SEIU CA, NARAL Pro-Choice CA, and California Teachers Association. According to our analysis, Attorney General Bonta is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Attorney General Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute his responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Reelect Attorney General Rob Bonta to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state attorney general acts as the lead attorney and law-enforcement official for the state of California, and has oversight of over 4,500 state-employed district attorneys, investigators, police officers, and administrators. The attorney general executes a variety of responsibilities in the state, including representing the people of California in criminal and civil matters in court, coordinating statewide law-enforcement efforts, providing legal counsel to state agencies, and managing special projects to protect the rights of Californians. California has 58 elected district attorneys who report to the attorney general, one for every county in the state. The attorney general is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, including current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Democrat incumbent Rob Bonta was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2021, after Secretary Becerra was appointed to the Biden administration’s cabinet. Attorney General Bonta is the first Filipino American to serve in this role. The most recent election results show that Becerra won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running in the primary for attorney general: Democrat Incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, Independent challenger and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, and Republican challengers Nathan Hochman and Eric Early. Attorney General Bonta’s campaign has raised over $2 million, and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate donations. Schubert’s campaign has raised $833,000, and has received donations from over ten police organizations across the state. She has also received significant donations from billionaire Angelo Tsakopoulos and his family, who work in real estate development. Hochman’s campaign has raised $900,000 and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC money. He is backed by a significant number of individual donors with connections to real estate, and has also received over $20,000 from companies connected to Jeong Hwan Kim, who pled guilty to tax crimes in 2017 in a case prosecuted by the attorney general’s office. Early’s campaign has raised $235,000, and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, corporate PAC, or real estate money in his campaign. He previously ran for attorney general in 2018.
Our Endorsement
Attorney General Rob Bonta, a civil rights attorney, is from Alameda, CA. Prior to his appointment to the attorney general’s office, he was elected to serve three terms in the California State Assembly as the representative from the 18th District. According to campaign materials, Attorney General Bonta is running for reelection to continue his focus on resolving systemic injustice across the state through action on environmental justice, labor rights, and corporate accountability.
Attorney General Bonta’s priorities for California this year include establishing stronger protections for victims of hate crimes, working toward regulations that protect consumers from unjust corporate behavior, and creating a more equitable criminal-justice system. His office recently secured a judgment requiring Amazon to pay a $500,000 fine and adhere to a stricter process of reporting workplace COVID-19 prevention efforts and recorded infections to the company’s employees and the state. Attorney General Bonta has been outspoken about other forms of consumer and workplace protections, including recent efforts to curb robocalls and spearheading a nationwide investigation into targeted marketing tactics from Instagram and Meta Inc. He has also taken aim at the housing crisis with the creation of the Housing Strike Force and an online Housing Portal designed to address access, affordability, and equity. These new initiatives will enforce housing-development laws, reaffirm tenant rights, provide consumer protection and alerts, and provide legal advocacy for the right to housing.
In his first several months in office, Attorney General Bonta has demonstrated a collaborative approach to his work locally, and an interest in leveraging his position for national impact. In California, he has established the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) to communicate directly with underrepresented community and advocacy groups in the state. This office is designed to advance equity, and to ensure that the work of the attorney general’s office is inclusive for diverse perspectives. Nationally, he has been proactive in partnering with state attorney generals across the country to file briefs on legislation of national importance, including a public opposition to Texas’s recent abortion ban (SB 8).
During his time in the State Assembly, he was an effective legislator who worked on bills related to climate protections, criminal justice and prison reform, immigrant rights, and housing protections. Bonta scored a lifetime score of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, he supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Attorney General Bonta served as a deputy city attorney for both the City and County of San Francisco, as an elected member of the Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors, as board president for the Social Service Human Relations board, as board president for Alternatives in Action, and as chair of the Economic Development Commission. He is a longtime activist in the ongoing fight for racial, economic, and social justice.
Attorney General Bonta has received the endorsement of an overwhelming number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Controller Betty Yee, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. He is also endorsed by several progressive groups, including SEIU CA, NARAL Pro-Choice CA, and California Teachers Association. According to our analysis, Attorney General Bonta is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Attorney General Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute his responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Reelect Attorney General Rob Bonta to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state attorney general acts as the lead attorney and law-enforcement official for the state of California, and has oversight of over 4,500 state-employed district attorneys, investigators, police officers, and administrators. The attorney general executes a variety of responsibilities in the state, including representing the people of California in criminal and civil matters in court, coordinating statewide law-enforcement efforts, providing legal counsel to state agencies, and managing special projects to protect the rights of Californians. California has 58 elected district attorneys who report to the attorney general, one for every county in the state. The attorney general is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, including current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Democrat incumbent Rob Bonta was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2021, after Secretary Becerra was appointed to the Biden administration’s cabinet. Attorney General Bonta is the first Filipino American to serve in this role. The most recent election results show that Becerra won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running in the primary for attorney general: Democrat Incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, Independent challenger and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, and Republican challengers Nathan Hochman and Eric Early. Attorney General Bonta’s campaign has raised over $2 million, and is not funded by fossil fuel, police, or real estate donations. Schubert’s campaign has raised $833,000, and has received donations from over ten police organizations across the state. She has also received significant donations from billionaire Angelo Tsakopoulos and his family, who work in real estate development. Hochman’s campaign has raised $900,000 and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC money. He is backed by a significant number of individual donors with connections to real estate, and has also received over $20,000 from companies connected to Jeong Hwan Kim, who pled guilty to tax crimes in 2017 in a case prosecuted by the attorney general’s office. Early’s campaign has raised $235,000, and has not committed to refuse fossil fuel, police, corporate PAC, or real estate money in his campaign. He previously ran for attorney general in 2018.
Our Endorsement
Attorney General Rob Bonta, a civil rights attorney, is from Alameda, CA. Prior to his appointment to the attorney general’s office, he was elected to serve three terms in the California State Assembly as the representative from the 18th District. According to campaign materials, Attorney General Bonta is running for reelection to continue his focus on resolving systemic injustice across the state through action on environmental justice, labor rights, and corporate accountability.
Attorney General Bonta’s priorities for California this year include establishing stronger protections for victims of hate crimes, working toward regulations that protect consumers from unjust corporate behavior, and creating a more equitable criminal-justice system. His office recently secured a judgment requiring Amazon to pay a $500,000 fine and adhere to a stricter process of reporting workplace COVID-19 prevention efforts and recorded infections to the company’s employees and the state. Attorney General Bonta has been outspoken about other forms of consumer and workplace protections, including recent efforts to curb robocalls and spearheading a nationwide investigation into targeted marketing tactics from Instagram and Meta Inc. He has also taken aim at the housing crisis with the creation of the Housing Strike Force and an online Housing Portal designed to address access, affordability, and equity. These new initiatives will enforce housing-development laws, reaffirm tenant rights, provide consumer protection and alerts, and provide legal advocacy for the right to housing.
In his first several months in office, Attorney General Bonta has demonstrated a collaborative approach to his work locally, and an interest in leveraging his position for national impact. In California, he has established the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) to communicate directly with underrepresented community and advocacy groups in the state. This office is designed to advance equity, and to ensure that the work of the attorney general’s office is inclusive for diverse perspectives. Nationally, he has been proactive in partnering with state attorney generals across the country to file briefs on legislation of national importance, including a public opposition to Texas’s recent abortion ban (SB 8).
During his time in the State Assembly, he was an effective legislator who worked on bills related to climate protections, criminal justice and prison reform, immigrant rights, and housing protections. Bonta scored a lifetime score of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, he supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Attorney General Bonta served as a deputy city attorney for both the City and County of San Francisco, as an elected member of the Alameda Health Care District Board of Directors, as board president for the Social Service Human Relations board, as board president for Alternatives in Action, and as chair of the Economic Development Commission. He is a longtime activist in the ongoing fight for racial, economic, and social justice.
Attorney General Bonta has received the endorsement of an overwhelming number of elected officials across the state, including U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Controller Betty Yee, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. He is also endorsed by several progressive groups, including SEIU CA, NARAL Pro-Choice CA, and California Teachers Association. According to our analysis, Attorney General Bonta is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Attorney General Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute his responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Reelect Secretary of State Shirley Weber to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The secretary of state acts as the lead records officer for the state of California, and manages an office of 500 civil-service employees responsible for ensuring transparency and accessibility in elections, campaigning, business records, and legislative advocacy. The secretary of state’s office has a significant responsibility for election implementation and integrity, as it produces information pamphlets for voters in ten languages, provides statewide testing and approval for voting equipment, maintains the voter database, and certifies the official candidate lists and the official election results. The secretary of state’s office also oversees the filing and disclosure of campaign-finance information, the management of business records, the safeguarding of statewide address confidentiality, and the maintenance of registries for domestic partnerships and advance health-care directives. The secretary of state is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and most recently by current U.S. Senator Alex Padilla.
Democrat incumbent Shirley Weber was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2020, after he appointed Sen. Padilla to fill Vice President Kamala Harris’s open Senate seat. Secretary Weber is the first Black person to hold this position. The most recent election results show that Padilla won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
At this time, Democrat Secretary of State Shirley Weber is running unopposed to maintain her seat. Secretary Weber’s campaign has raised over $490,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC money. She has not publicly refused to take fossil fuel donations, and has received police donations from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and real estate donations from the California Real Estate PAC.
Our Endorsement
Secretary Shirley Weber, a former San Diego State University professor and longtime member of the California State Assembly, is originally from Los Angeles, and lived in the greater San Diego area for over 30 years. According to campaign materials, Secretary Weber is running for reelection to further strengthen election integrity and transparency in the state, and to work toward expanded access to voting for all Californians.
Secretary Weber’s priorities this year include increased outreach to formerly incarcerated Californians to align election practices to the recently passed Proposition 17, which returns voting rights to parolees, to strengthen businesses across the state, and to upgrade the cybersecurity system to ensure that all California elections are protected from interference. As a public servant, Sec. Weber has established herself as a collaborative leader focused on supporting communities that have been under-resourced. In her first months in office, Secretary Weber has worked to establish connections with groups working to improve election information and engagement, including education professionals who can reach young voters and formerly incarcerated individuals now eligible to vote.
As a member of the State Assembly, she sponsored bills on a variety of issues, including school safety, full-day kindergarten, reducing the use of deadly force by police, and strengthening the CalFresh program. Her successes also included environmental cleanup, increasing food access for food-insecure communities, establishing protections for residents of long-term nursing facilities, and lowering the cost of childcare. She scored a lifetime 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sec. Weber supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, prior to her appointment to the secretary of state seat, she did not support lowering the voting age to 17.
In 1972, early in her career, Secretary Weber founded the Department of Africana Studies at San Diego State University, and taught there for forty years. She also served as president of the National Council for Black Studies from 2002 to 2006, as president of the San Diego Board of Education from 1988 to 1996, and as chairperson of San Diego’s Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission. Secretary Weber holds three degrees from UCLA and has been a longtime champion of the power of well-funded and well-staffed public education.
According to our analysis, Secretary Weber is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Secretary Weber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute her responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Reelect Secretary of State Shirley Weber to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The secretary of state acts as the lead records officer for the state of California, and manages an office of 500 civil-service employees responsible for ensuring transparency and accessibility in elections, campaigning, business records, and legislative advocacy. The secretary of state’s office has a significant responsibility for election implementation and integrity, as it produces information pamphlets for voters in ten languages, provides statewide testing and approval for voting equipment, maintains the voter database, and certifies the official candidate lists and the official election results. The secretary of state’s office also oversees the filing and disclosure of campaign-finance information, the management of business records, the safeguarding of statewide address confidentiality, and the maintenance of registries for domestic partnerships and advance health-care directives. The secretary of state is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and most recently by current U.S. Senator Alex Padilla.
Democrat incumbent Shirley Weber was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2020, after he appointed Sen. Padilla to fill Vice President Kamala Harris’s open Senate seat. Secretary Weber is the first Black person to hold this position. The most recent election results show that Padilla won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
At this time, Democrat Secretary of State Shirley Weber is running unopposed to maintain her seat. Secretary Weber’s campaign has raised over $490,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC money. She has not publicly refused to take fossil fuel donations, and has received police donations from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and real estate donations from the California Real Estate PAC.
Our Endorsement
Secretary Shirley Weber, a former San Diego State University professor and longtime member of the California State Assembly, is originally from Los Angeles, and lived in the greater San Diego area for over 30 years. According to campaign materials, Secretary Weber is running for reelection to further strengthen election integrity and transparency in the state, and to work toward expanded access to voting for all Californians.
Secretary Weber’s priorities this year include increased outreach to formerly incarcerated Californians to align election practices to the recently passed Proposition 17, which returns voting rights to parolees, to strengthen businesses across the state, and to upgrade the cybersecurity system to ensure that all California elections are protected from interference. As a public servant, Sec. Weber has established herself as a collaborative leader focused on supporting communities that have been under-resourced. In her first months in office, Secretary Weber has worked to establish connections with groups working to improve election information and engagement, including education professionals who can reach young voters and formerly incarcerated individuals now eligible to vote.
As a member of the State Assembly, she sponsored bills on a variety of issues, including school safety, full-day kindergarten, reducing the use of deadly force by police, and strengthening the CalFresh program. Her successes also included environmental cleanup, increasing food access for food-insecure communities, establishing protections for residents of long-term nursing facilities, and lowering the cost of childcare. She scored a lifetime 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sec. Weber supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, prior to her appointment to the secretary of state seat, she did not support lowering the voting age to 17.
In 1972, early in her career, Secretary Weber founded the Department of Africana Studies at San Diego State University, and taught there for forty years. She also served as president of the National Council for Black Studies from 2002 to 2006, as president of the San Diego Board of Education from 1988 to 1996, and as chairperson of San Diego’s Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission. Secretary Weber holds three degrees from UCLA and has been a longtime champion of the power of well-funded and well-staffed public education.
According to our analysis, Secretary Weber is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Secretary Weber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute her responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Reelect Secretary of State Shirley Weber to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The secretary of state acts as the lead records officer for the state of California, and manages an office of 500 civil-service employees responsible for ensuring transparency and accessibility in elections, campaigning, business records, and legislative advocacy. The secretary of state’s office has a significant responsibility for election implementation and integrity, as it produces information pamphlets for voters in ten languages, provides statewide testing and approval for voting equipment, maintains the voter database, and certifies the official candidate lists and the official election results. The secretary of state’s office also oversees the filing and disclosure of campaign-finance information, the management of business records, the safeguarding of statewide address confidentiality, and the maintenance of registries for domestic partnerships and advance health-care directives. The secretary of state is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and most recently by current U.S. Senator Alex Padilla.
Democrat incumbent Shirley Weber was appointed to this seat by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2020, after he appointed Sen. Padilla to fill Vice President Kamala Harris’s open Senate seat. Secretary Weber is the first Black person to hold this position. The most recent election results show that Padilla won the statewide election in 2018 with 64% of the vote.
The Race
At this time, Democrat Secretary of State Shirley Weber is running unopposed to maintain her seat. Secretary Weber’s campaign has raised over $490,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC money. She has not publicly refused to take fossil fuel donations, and has received police donations from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and real estate donations from the California Real Estate PAC.
Our Endorsement
Secretary Shirley Weber, a former San Diego State University professor and longtime member of the California State Assembly, is originally from Los Angeles, and lived in the greater San Diego area for over 30 years. According to campaign materials, Secretary Weber is running for reelection to further strengthen election integrity and transparency in the state, and to work toward expanded access to voting for all Californians.
Secretary Weber’s priorities this year include increased outreach to formerly incarcerated Californians to align election practices to the recently passed Proposition 17, which returns voting rights to parolees, to strengthen businesses across the state, and to upgrade the cybersecurity system to ensure that all California elections are protected from interference. As a public servant, Sec. Weber has established herself as a collaborative leader focused on supporting communities that have been under-resourced. In her first months in office, Secretary Weber has worked to establish connections with groups working to improve election information and engagement, including education professionals who can reach young voters and formerly incarcerated individuals now eligible to vote.
As a member of the State Assembly, she sponsored bills on a variety of issues, including school safety, full-day kindergarten, reducing the use of deadly force by police, and strengthening the CalFresh program. Her successes also included environmental cleanup, increasing food access for food-insecure communities, establishing protections for residents of long-term nursing facilities, and lowering the cost of childcare. She scored a lifetime 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sec. Weber supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, prior to her appointment to the secretary of state seat, she did not support lowering the voting age to 17.
In 1972, early in her career, Secretary Weber founded the Department of Africana Studies at San Diego State University, and taught there for forty years. She also served as president of the National Council for Black Studies from 2002 to 2006, as president of the San Diego Board of Education from 1988 to 1996, and as chairperson of San Diego’s Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission. Secretary Weber holds three degrees from UCLA and has been a longtime champion of the power of well-funded and well-staffed public education.
According to our analysis, Secretary Weber is the strongest choice for equitable and representative leadership in office. Based on our analysis, Secretary Weber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for all Californians and will execute her responsibilities effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Elect Malia Cohen to be the next state controller to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state controller acts as the lead fiscal authority for the state of California, which is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The state controller manages an office of 1,400 public servants responsible for the disbursement of financial resources across the state. The state controller’s office oversees audits of funds distributed to state agencies and programs, acts as a steward for unclaimed property that falls to state possession, provides accounting and reporting services for government entities, and manages payroll accounting and data for state employees. The state controller also serves as a policy liaison to a variety of finance organizations, including the state’s two pension funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, and the California Franchise Tax Board. The state controller is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and is currently held by two-term Controller Betty Yee. The most recent election results show that Controller Yee won the statewide election in 2018 with 65% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Malia Cohen, Yvonne Yiu, and Ron Galperin, and Republican Lanhee Chen. Cohen’s campaign has raised $316,000, and is not funded by police money or corporate PAC money. Democratic opponent Yiu has raised $548,000, of which $455,000 has been self-donated. She has had an additional nine donors to her campaign, and has not received police, corporate PAC, or real estate donations. Democratic opponent Galperin has raised $26,000, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, or fossil fuel money. Republican Chen’s campaign has raised $945,000, and has received funding from a real estate organization. The remainder of his fundraising has come almost entirely from large-dollar individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Malia Cohen, a member of the California State Board of Equalization, is a lifelong Californian. According to campaign materials, Cohen is running for election to pursue a more equitable economic foundation for Californians through investments in housing, job programs, health care, and education. She believes that accountability and transparency in fiscal leadership is essential to closing the state’s significant equity gap, and that she can play a critical role in guiding financial decisions that will benefit previously neglected communities.
As controller, Cohen hopes to create a more efficient system to connect unclaimed property to individuals who have ownership rights, streamline financial services for Californians who are unbanked, and create a Golden State Stimulus program that will ensure that residents have the resources they need to cover their basic living expenses.
Cohen has an extensive resume and significant experience in fiscal oversight. As a current member of the California State Board of Equalization representing District 2, Cohen has experience administering statewide policy related to property tax, alcoholic beverage tax, and tax on insurers. Prior to holding this role, she served two terms as a member and president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where she chaired the Budget and Finance Committee. Cohen has also served as commissioner of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), which manages the city’s municipal pension fund. In each of these positions, Cohen has kept equity in focus and has worked to leverage her role to create opportunities to establish more inclusive policies. In her elected roles, she was instrumental in implementing a free community college program in San Francisco, co-authored the Fair Chance Ordinance for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, and championed the creation of a Department of Officer Accountability for the San Francisco Police Department. She also worked to divest SFERS investments from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments to bring a more ethical foundation to the pension system. These and other efforts demonstrate her deft ability to use her knowledge and authority to return benefits to communities that have been historically marginalized and disadvantaged by fiscal and public policy.
Democrat Yvonne Yiu, the current mayor of Monterey Park, is running on a platform that centers on financial-information security and expanding financial-skills training to reach young people, immigrants, women, and other diverse communities through the creation of a new Office of Financial Empowerment. While she is dedicated to using the authority of the office to advocate for issues related to climate, the LGBTQIA+ community, and racial injustice, she has not provided a comprehensive outline for how her work as controller would benefit these progressive priorities beyond the creation of the Office of Financial Empowerment.
Malia Cohen has the endorsement of many elected officials in the state, including Congresswoman Karen Bass, current State Controller Betty Yee, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. She has also received the endorsement of some progressive groups in the district, including NARAL Pro-Choice California PAC, California Federation of Teachers, Elect Black Women PAC, and a variety of trade organizations, including UNITE Here PAC. Based on our analysis, Cohen’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Malia Cohen to be the next state controller to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state controller acts as the lead fiscal authority for the state of California, which is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The state controller manages an office of 1,400 public servants responsible for the disbursement of financial resources across the state. The state controller’s office oversees audits of funds distributed to state agencies and programs, acts as a steward for unclaimed property that falls to state possession, provides accounting and reporting services for government entities, and manages payroll accounting and data for state employees. The state controller also serves as a policy liaison to a variety of finance organizations, including the state’s two pension funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, and the California Franchise Tax Board. The state controller is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and is currently held by two-term Controller Betty Yee. The most recent election results show that Controller Yee won the statewide election in 2018 with 65% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Malia Cohen, Yvonne Yiu, and Ron Galperin, and Republican Lanhee Chen. Cohen’s campaign has raised $316,000, and is not funded by police money or corporate PAC money. Democratic opponent Yiu has raised $548,000, of which $455,000 has been self-donated. She has had an additional nine donors to her campaign, and has not received police, corporate PAC, or real estate donations. Democratic opponent Galperin has raised $26,000, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, or fossil fuel money. Republican Chen’s campaign has raised $945,000, and has received funding from a real estate organization. The remainder of his fundraising has come almost entirely from large-dollar individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Malia Cohen, a member of the California State Board of Equalization, is a lifelong Californian. According to campaign materials, Cohen is running for election to pursue a more equitable economic foundation for Californians through investments in housing, job programs, health care, and education. She believes that accountability and transparency in fiscal leadership is essential to closing the state’s significant equity gap, and that she can play a critical role in guiding financial decisions that will benefit previously neglected communities.
As controller, Cohen hopes to create a more efficient system to connect unclaimed property to individuals who have ownership rights, streamline financial services for Californians who are unbanked, and create a Golden State Stimulus program that will ensure that residents have the resources they need to cover their basic living expenses.
Cohen has an extensive resume and significant experience in fiscal oversight. As a current member of the California State Board of Equalization representing District 2, Cohen has experience administering statewide policy related to property tax, alcoholic beverage tax, and tax on insurers. Prior to holding this role, she served two terms as a member and president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where she chaired the Budget and Finance Committee. Cohen has also served as commissioner of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), which manages the city’s municipal pension fund. In each of these positions, Cohen has kept equity in focus and has worked to leverage her role to create opportunities to establish more inclusive policies. In her elected roles, she was instrumental in implementing a free community college program in San Francisco, co-authored the Fair Chance Ordinance for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, and championed the creation of a Department of Officer Accountability for the San Francisco Police Department. She also worked to divest SFERS investments from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments to bring a more ethical foundation to the pension system. These and other efforts demonstrate her deft ability to use her knowledge and authority to return benefits to communities that have been historically marginalized and disadvantaged by fiscal and public policy.
Democrat Yvonne Yiu, the current mayor of Monterey Park, is running on a platform that centers on financial-information security and expanding financial-skills training to reach young people, immigrants, women, and other diverse communities through the creation of a new Office of Financial Empowerment. While she is dedicated to using the authority of the office to advocate for issues related to climate, the LGBTQIA+ community, and racial injustice, she has not provided a comprehensive outline for how her work as controller would benefit these progressive priorities beyond the creation of the Office of Financial Empowerment.
Malia Cohen has the endorsement of many elected officials in the state, including Congresswoman Karen Bass, current State Controller Betty Yee, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. She has also received the endorsement of some progressive groups in the district, including NARAL Pro-Choice California PAC, California Federation of Teachers, Elect Black Women PAC, and a variety of trade organizations, including UNITE Here PAC. Based on our analysis, Cohen’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Elect Malia Cohen to be the next state controller to keep California on the right track for progress.
The Position
The state controller acts as the lead fiscal authority for the state of California, which is the fifth-largest economy in the world. The state controller manages an office of 1,400 public servants responsible for the disbursement of financial resources across the state. The state controller’s office oversees audits of funds distributed to state agencies and programs, acts as a steward for unclaimed property that falls to state possession, provides accounting and reporting services for government entities, and manages payroll accounting and data for state employees. The state controller also serves as a policy liaison to a variety of finance organizations, including the state’s two pension funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, and the California Franchise Tax Board. The state controller is elected for a four-year term and may serve a maximum of two terms in office. This office has traditionally been held by Democrats, and is currently held by two-term Controller Betty Yee. The most recent election results show that Controller Yee won the statewide election in 2018 with 65% of the vote.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Democrats Malia Cohen, Yvonne Yiu, and Ron Galperin, and Republican Lanhee Chen. Cohen’s campaign has raised $316,000, and is not funded by police money or corporate PAC money. Democratic opponent Yiu has raised $548,000, of which $455,000 has been self-donated. She has had an additional nine donors to her campaign, and has not received police, corporate PAC, or real estate donations. Democratic opponent Galperin has raised $26,000, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, or fossil fuel money. Republican Chen’s campaign has raised $945,000, and has received funding from a real estate organization. The remainder of his fundraising has come almost entirely from large-dollar individual donors.
Our Endorsement
Malia Cohen, a member of the California State Board of Equalization, is a lifelong Californian. According to campaign materials, Cohen is running for election to pursue a more equitable economic foundation for Californians through investments in housing, job programs, health care, and education. She believes that accountability and transparency in fiscal leadership is essential to closing the state’s significant equity gap, and that she can play a critical role in guiding financial decisions that will benefit previously neglected communities.
As controller, Cohen hopes to create a more efficient system to connect unclaimed property to individuals who have ownership rights, streamline financial services for Californians who are unbanked, and create a Golden State Stimulus program that will ensure that residents have the resources they need to cover their basic living expenses.
Cohen has an extensive resume and significant experience in fiscal oversight. As a current member of the California State Board of Equalization representing District 2, Cohen has experience administering statewide policy related to property tax, alcoholic beverage tax, and tax on insurers. Prior to holding this role, she served two terms as a member and president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where she chaired the Budget and Finance Committee. Cohen has also served as commissioner of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System (SFERS), which manages the city’s municipal pension fund. In each of these positions, Cohen has kept equity in focus and has worked to leverage her role to create opportunities to establish more inclusive policies. In her elected roles, she was instrumental in implementing a free community college program in San Francisco, co-authored the Fair Chance Ordinance for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, and championed the creation of a Department of Officer Accountability for the San Francisco Police Department. She also worked to divest SFERS investments from fossil fuels and thermal coal investments to bring a more ethical foundation to the pension system. These and other efforts demonstrate her deft ability to use her knowledge and authority to return benefits to communities that have been historically marginalized and disadvantaged by fiscal and public policy.
Democrat Yvonne Yiu, the current mayor of Monterey Park, is running on a platform that centers on financial-information security and expanding financial-skills training to reach young people, immigrants, women, and other diverse communities through the creation of a new Office of Financial Empowerment. While she is dedicated to using the authority of the office to advocate for issues related to climate, the LGBTQIA+ community, and racial injustice, she has not provided a comprehensive outline for how her work as controller would benefit these progressive priorities beyond the creation of the Office of Financial Empowerment.
Malia Cohen has the endorsement of many elected officials in the state, including Congresswoman Karen Bass, current State Controller Betty Yee, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and State Senator Scott Weiner. She has also received the endorsement of some progressive groups in the district, including NARAL Pro-Choice California PAC, California Federation of Teachers, Elect Black Women PAC, and a variety of trade organizations, including UNITE Here PAC. Based on our analysis, Cohen’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse state.
Reelect Diana Becton to keep Contra Costa on the right track for progress.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and the D.A. serves as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Contra Costa is California’s ninth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,100,000. Contra Costa’s District Attorney oversees an office of 21 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Contra Costa has a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 14% Asian, and 9% Black.
The Race
District Attorney Diana Becton is running for reelection to this seat, to which she was appointed, and then elected, in 2017 and 2018, respectively. She is being challenged by Mary Knox, a deputy district attorney in Contra Costa County. Becton’s campaign has raised $275,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, law enforcement, or real estate money. Opponent Knox’s plans for the county are based on regressive policies that include increasing policing and expanding public and digital surveillance by law enforcement—policies that have been shown to harm and disproportionately target communities of color.
Our Endorsement
District Attorney Diana Becton is from California and leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 200 lawyers, investigators, and staff. In 2018, she was appointed as the first woman and African American district attorney of Contra Costa County in the history of the county to fill the vacancy left by the former district attorney, who resigned after being charged with perjury and grand theft. Community groups and leaders advocated for her original appointment. According to campaign materials, District Attorney Becton is running for reelection to keep communities safe, give crime victims a voice, and lead the office with integrity.
As district attorney, Becton has brought notable progressive change to the office, including abolishing juvenile-justice fees and pledging to publicly release reports on officer-involved fatalities. She is the co-author of two justice-reform bills that have changed how serious crimes can be prosecuted, including one that prohibits children under 16 from being charged as adults. She has provided leadership in moving the county forward in diversion programs, bail reform, and restorative justice. Her accomplishments include allocating $1 million to establish the first trauma-informed, victim-centered diversion program and bringing sexual-assault testing cases up to date. Her top three priorities moving forward are establishing ways to make law-enforcement data available to craft better policies, focusing on securing funding for restorative justice and diversion programs for 20- to 24-year-olds, and continuing to work to improve transparency and accountability. She has also pledged to work with labor and community groups, Jewish partners, and the Latino and Asian communities, and to prosecute hate crimes. Her goals include ending racial and implicit bias in the criminal-justice system and working on policy changes.
District Attorney Becton previously served as a Santa Clara County judge for 22 years, where she was elected as presiding judge. She is a longtime supporter of bail reform, alternatives to incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenders, and mental-health treatment for those who need it. She received the Woman of the Year award from State Senator Nancy Skinner for disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, reducing recidivism and incarceration rates, and creating safe alternatives for low-level nonviolent offenders. Becton is a past president of the National Association of Women Judges, the country’s leading platform for women in the judiciary system. She also served as chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.
District Attorney Becton is endorsed by many progressive leaders and groups in the district, including Representative Mark DeSaulnier, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, BART Director Lateefah Simon, Black Women Organized Political Action, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Young Democrats, and West Contra Costa Democratic Club. She is also endorsed by several police officers. Based on our analysis, District Attorney Becton’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Contra Costa and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Reelect Diana Becton to keep Contra Costa on the right track for progress.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and the D.A. serves as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Contra Costa is California’s ninth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,100,000. Contra Costa’s District Attorney oversees an office of 21 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Contra Costa has a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 14% Asian, and 9% Black.
The Race
District Attorney Diana Becton is running for reelection to this seat, to which she was appointed, and then elected, in 2017 and 2018, respectively. She is being challenged by Mary Knox, a deputy district attorney in Contra Costa County. Becton’s campaign has raised $275,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, law enforcement, or real estate money. Opponent Knox’s plans for the county are based on regressive policies that include increasing policing and expanding public and digital surveillance by law enforcement—policies that have been shown to harm and disproportionately target communities of color.
Our Endorsement
District Attorney Diana Becton is from California and leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 200 lawyers, investigators, and staff. In 2018, she was appointed as the first woman and African American district attorney of Contra Costa County in the history of the county to fill the vacancy left by the former district attorney, who resigned after being charged with perjury and grand theft. Community groups and leaders advocated for her original appointment. According to campaign materials, District Attorney Becton is running for reelection to keep communities safe, give crime victims a voice, and lead the office with integrity.
As district attorney, Becton has brought notable progressive change to the office, including abolishing juvenile-justice fees and pledging to publicly release reports on officer-involved fatalities. She is the co-author of two justice-reform bills that have changed how serious crimes can be prosecuted, including one that prohibits children under 16 from being charged as adults. She has provided leadership in moving the county forward in diversion programs, bail reform, and restorative justice. Her accomplishments include allocating $1 million to establish the first trauma-informed, victim-centered diversion program and bringing sexual-assault testing cases up to date. Her top three priorities moving forward are establishing ways to make law-enforcement data available to craft better policies, focusing on securing funding for restorative justice and diversion programs for 20- to 24-year-olds, and continuing to work to improve transparency and accountability. She has also pledged to work with labor and community groups, Jewish partners, and the Latino and Asian communities, and to prosecute hate crimes. Her goals include ending racial and implicit bias in the criminal-justice system and working on policy changes.
District Attorney Becton previously served as a Santa Clara County judge for 22 years, where she was elected as presiding judge. She is a longtime supporter of bail reform, alternatives to incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenders, and mental-health treatment for those who need it. She received the Woman of the Year award from State Senator Nancy Skinner for disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, reducing recidivism and incarceration rates, and creating safe alternatives for low-level nonviolent offenders. Becton is a past president of the National Association of Women Judges, the country’s leading platform for women in the judiciary system. She also served as chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.
District Attorney Becton is endorsed by many progressive leaders and groups in the district, including Representative Mark DeSaulnier, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, BART Director Lateefah Simon, Black Women Organized Political Action, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Young Democrats, and West Contra Costa Democratic Club. She is also endorsed by several police officers. Based on our analysis, District Attorney Becton’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Contra Costa and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Reelect Diana Becton to keep Contra Costa on the right track for progress.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and the D.A. serves as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Contra Costa is California’s ninth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,100,000. Contra Costa’s District Attorney oversees an office of 21 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Contra Costa has a demographic breakdown of 24% Latino, 14% Asian, and 9% Black.
The Race
District Attorney Diana Becton is running for reelection to this seat, to which she was appointed, and then elected, in 2017 and 2018, respectively. She is being challenged by Mary Knox, a deputy district attorney in Contra Costa County. Becton’s campaign has raised $275,000, and is not funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, law enforcement, or real estate money. Opponent Knox’s plans for the county are based on regressive policies that include increasing policing and expanding public and digital surveillance by law enforcement—policies that have been shown to harm and disproportionately target communities of color.
Our Endorsement
District Attorney Diana Becton is from California and leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 200 lawyers, investigators, and staff. In 2018, she was appointed as the first woman and African American district attorney of Contra Costa County in the history of the county to fill the vacancy left by the former district attorney, who resigned after being charged with perjury and grand theft. Community groups and leaders advocated for her original appointment. According to campaign materials, District Attorney Becton is running for reelection to keep communities safe, give crime victims a voice, and lead the office with integrity.
As district attorney, Becton has brought notable progressive change to the office, including abolishing juvenile-justice fees and pledging to publicly release reports on officer-involved fatalities. She is the co-author of two justice-reform bills that have changed how serious crimes can be prosecuted, including one that prohibits children under 16 from being charged as adults. She has provided leadership in moving the county forward in diversion programs, bail reform, and restorative justice. Her accomplishments include allocating $1 million to establish the first trauma-informed, victim-centered diversion program and bringing sexual-assault testing cases up to date. Her top three priorities moving forward are establishing ways to make law-enforcement data available to craft better policies, focusing on securing funding for restorative justice and diversion programs for 20- to 24-year-olds, and continuing to work to improve transparency and accountability. She has also pledged to work with labor and community groups, Jewish partners, and the Latino and Asian communities, and to prosecute hate crimes. Her goals include ending racial and implicit bias in the criminal-justice system and working on policy changes.
District Attorney Becton previously served as a Santa Clara County judge for 22 years, where she was elected as presiding judge. She is a longtime supporter of bail reform, alternatives to incarceration for low-level, nonviolent offenders, and mental-health treatment for those who need it. She received the Woman of the Year award from State Senator Nancy Skinner for disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, reducing recidivism and incarceration rates, and creating safe alternatives for low-level nonviolent offenders. Becton is a past president of the National Association of Women Judges, the country’s leading platform for women in the judiciary system. She also served as chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.
District Attorney Becton is endorsed by many progressive leaders and groups in the district, including Representative Mark DeSaulnier, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, BART Director Lateefah Simon, Black Women Organized Political Action, Contra Costa Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Young Democrats, and West Contra Costa Democratic Club. She is also endorsed by several police officers. Based on our analysis, District Attorney Becton’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Contra Costa and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Voting has changed in Orange County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Orange County? Find out how to vote in Orange County.
Elect Pete Hardin to push Orange County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Orange County is California’s 3rd most populous county, with a population of 3.1 million. Orange County’s district attorney oversees an office of deputy district attorneys and administrators, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Orange County has a demographic breakdown of 34% Latino, 22% Asian, and 2% Black.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Pete Hardin, incumbent District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Bryan Chehock, and Mike Jacobs. Hardin’s campaign has raised $847,000 and has not received donations from police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. District Attorney Spitzer’s campaign has raised $1.7 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and police interests, including from the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association. District Attorney Spitzer has had a destructive effect on the culture and efficiency of the DA’s Office that has resulted in an exodus of talent and institutional knowledge, including 70 prosecutors. During his first term, he has launched retaliatory internal investigations, has been found guilty of violating the Racial Justice Act, and failed to provide transparency around victim advocacy. Chehock and Jones have not filed any fundraising disclosures with the county.
Our Endorsement
Pete Hardin, a veteran and an attorney, has lived in Orange County for over ten years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to increase safety and victim support, and to restore integrity to the office. He has not run for public office before.
Hardin is an attorney who has most recently worked in private practice on civil and criminal cases in collaboration with a variety of federal agencies, including the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. He has also served as a deputy district attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. In these roles, he was primarily responsible for advising law enforcement and toxicology teams, and litigating cases related to government fraud, mail fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Hardin’s platform is heavily rooted in reform, restorative justice, and ending mass incarceration. With an attention to the interconnection between social disparities and crime, he has proposed an approach that would reinvest in communities, mental health care, and housing while simultaneously shifting away from the death penalty, cash bail, and the prosecution of children as adults.
Prior to his civilian service, Hardin was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he entered after completing officer candidate school as a law student. He was a judge advocate and served in a deployment to Afghanistan.
Hardin is endorsed by some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Working Families Party, and Orange County League of Conservation Voters. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local elected officials, including Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Assm. Anthony Rendon, and State Senator Dave Min. Based on our analysis, Hardin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Orange County and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Pete Hardin to push Orange County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Orange County is California’s 3rd most populous county, with a population of 3.1 million. Orange County’s district attorney oversees an office of deputy district attorneys and administrators, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Orange County has a demographic breakdown of 34% Latino, 22% Asian, and 2% Black.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Pete Hardin, incumbent District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Bryan Chehock, and Mike Jacobs. Hardin’s campaign has raised $847,000 and has not received donations from police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. District Attorney Spitzer’s campaign has raised $1.7 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and police interests, including from the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association. District Attorney Spitzer has had a destructive effect on the culture and efficiency of the DA’s Office that has resulted in an exodus of talent and institutional knowledge, including 70 prosecutors. During his first term, he has launched retaliatory internal investigations, has been found guilty of violating the Racial Justice Act, and failed to provide transparency around victim advocacy. Chehock and Jones have not filed any fundraising disclosures with the county.
Our Endorsement
Pete Hardin, a veteran and an attorney, has lived in Orange County for over ten years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to increase safety and victim support, and to restore integrity to the office. He has not run for public office before.
Hardin is an attorney who has most recently worked in private practice on civil and criminal cases in collaboration with a variety of federal agencies, including the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. He has also served as a deputy district attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. In these roles, he was primarily responsible for advising law enforcement and toxicology teams, and litigating cases related to government fraud, mail fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Hardin’s platform is heavily rooted in reform, restorative justice, and ending mass incarceration. With an attention to the interconnection between social disparities and crime, he has proposed an approach that would reinvest in communities, mental health care, and housing while simultaneously shifting away from the death penalty, cash bail, and the prosecution of children as adults.
Prior to his civilian service, Hardin was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he entered after completing officer candidate school as a law student. He was a judge advocate and served in a deployment to Afghanistan.
Hardin is endorsed by some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Working Families Party, and Orange County League of Conservation Voters. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local elected officials, including Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Assm. Anthony Rendon, and State Senator Dave Min. Based on our analysis, Hardin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Orange County and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Pete Hardin to push Orange County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Orange County is California’s 3rd most populous county, with a population of 3.1 million. Orange County’s district attorney oversees an office of deputy district attorneys and administrators, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Orange County has a demographic breakdown of 34% Latino, 22% Asian, and 2% Black.
The Race
There are four candidates running for this seat, including Pete Hardin, incumbent District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Bryan Chehock, and Mike Jacobs. Hardin’s campaign has raised $847,000 and has not received donations from police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. District Attorney Spitzer’s campaign has raised $1.7 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and police interests, including from the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association. District Attorney Spitzer has had a destructive effect on the culture and efficiency of the DA’s Office that has resulted in an exodus of talent and institutional knowledge, including 70 prosecutors. During his first term, he has launched retaliatory internal investigations, has been found guilty of violating the Racial Justice Act, and failed to provide transparency around victim advocacy. Chehock and Jones have not filed any fundraising disclosures with the county.
Our Endorsement
Pete Hardin, a veteran and an attorney, has lived in Orange County for over ten years. According to campaign materials, he is running for election to increase safety and victim support, and to restore integrity to the office. He has not run for public office before.
Hardin is an attorney who has most recently worked in private practice on civil and criminal cases in collaboration with a variety of federal agencies, including the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. He has also served as a deputy district attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. In these roles, he was primarily responsible for advising law enforcement and toxicology teams, and litigating cases related to government fraud, mail fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Hardin’s platform is heavily rooted in reform, restorative justice, and ending mass incarceration. With an attention to the interconnection between social disparities and crime, he has proposed an approach that would reinvest in communities, mental health care, and housing while simultaneously shifting away from the death penalty, cash bail, and the prosecution of children as adults.
Prior to his civilian service, Hardin was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he entered after completing officer candidate school as a law student. He was a judge advocate and served in a deployment to Afghanistan.
Hardin is endorsed by some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Working Families Party, and Orange County League of Conservation Voters. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local elected officials, including Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Assm. Anthony Rendon, and State Senator Dave Min. Based on our analysis, Hardin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Orange County and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Burke Strunsky to push Riverside in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Riverside is California’s fourth most populous county, with a population of just under two million. Riverside’s district attorney oversees an office of 268 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Riverside has a demographic breakdown of 50% Latino, 7% Asian, and 6% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including Burke Strunsky, incumbent Riverside DA Mike Hestrin, and Lara Gressley. Strunsky’s campaign does not yet have campaign-finance filings. Hestrin’s campaign has raised over $52,000 from police unions, including the Riverside Sheriff’s Association, which represents deputies and DA investigators, even as the DA’s role is to investigate police shootings and officer misconduct.
The Recommendation
Strunsky, a judge, has worked in Riverside for over a decade. According to campaign materials, Strunsky is running for election to keep Riverside County residents safe, and to lead with fairness and compassion. If elected, Strunsky pledges to keep better track of demographic data in prosecutions and post them on the DA’s website in order to provide transparency around the office’s role in creating bias or treating different groups differently. He also wants to create a “second-look unit” to review cases for wrongful convictions and inappropriate sentences.
Strunsky worked in the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for 15 years, prosecuting murder, sex crimes, child abuse, and human-trafficking cases. Strunsky was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2008 and in 2011. Strunsky’s experiences dealing with child-abuse cases would lead him to cofound Humanity of Justice Foundation, which provides resources to help combat child abuse nationally. Strunsky was elected to the bench in 2016, and as a judge, he served in drug court and in juvenile court. Before attending college, Strunksky interned in Bill Clinton’s White House.
Strunsky is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups, including Inland Empire United, Inland Empire Labor Council, Desert Stonewall Democrats, and Riverside County NOW. He also has the endorsement of Dolores Huerta, Congressman Mark Takano, Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton, and Joy Silver. Based on our analysis, Strunsky’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Riverside and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Burke Strunsky to push Riverside in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Riverside is California’s fourth most populous county, with a population of just under two million. Riverside’s district attorney oversees an office of 268 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Riverside has a demographic breakdown of 50% Latino, 7% Asian, and 6% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including Burke Strunsky, incumbent Riverside DA Mike Hestrin, and Lara Gressley. Strunsky’s campaign does not yet have campaign-finance filings. Hestrin’s campaign has raised over $52,000 from police unions, including the Riverside Sheriff’s Association, which represents deputies and DA investigators, even as the DA’s role is to investigate police shootings and officer misconduct.
The Recommendation
Strunsky, a judge, has worked in Riverside for over a decade. According to campaign materials, Strunsky is running for election to keep Riverside County residents safe, and to lead with fairness and compassion. If elected, Strunsky pledges to keep better track of demographic data in prosecutions and post them on the DA’s website in order to provide transparency around the office’s role in creating bias or treating different groups differently. He also wants to create a “second-look unit” to review cases for wrongful convictions and inappropriate sentences.
Strunsky worked in the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for 15 years, prosecuting murder, sex crimes, child abuse, and human-trafficking cases. Strunsky was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2008 and in 2011. Strunsky’s experiences dealing with child-abuse cases would lead him to cofound Humanity of Justice Foundation, which provides resources to help combat child abuse nationally. Strunsky was elected to the bench in 2016, and as a judge, he served in drug court and in juvenile court. Before attending college, Strunksky interned in Bill Clinton’s White House.
Strunsky is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups, including Inland Empire United, Inland Empire Labor Council, Desert Stonewall Democrats, and Riverside County NOW. He also has the endorsement of Dolores Huerta, Congressman Mark Takano, Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton, and Joy Silver. Based on our analysis, Strunsky’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Riverside and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Burke Strunsky to push Riverside in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county board of supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Riverside is California’s fourth most populous county, with a population of just under two million. Riverside’s district attorney oversees an office of 268 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Riverside has a demographic breakdown of 50% Latino, 7% Asian, and 6% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat, including Burke Strunsky, incumbent Riverside DA Mike Hestrin, and Lara Gressley. Strunsky’s campaign does not yet have campaign-finance filings. Hestrin’s campaign has raised over $52,000 from police unions, including the Riverside Sheriff’s Association, which represents deputies and DA investigators, even as the DA’s role is to investigate police shootings and officer misconduct.
The Recommendation
Strunsky, a judge, has worked in Riverside for over a decade. According to campaign materials, Strunsky is running for election to keep Riverside County residents safe, and to lead with fairness and compassion. If elected, Strunsky pledges to keep better track of demographic data in prosecutions and post them on the DA’s website in order to provide transparency around the office’s role in creating bias or treating different groups differently. He also wants to create a “second-look unit” to review cases for wrongful convictions and inappropriate sentences.
Strunsky worked in the Riverside District Attorney’s Office for 15 years, prosecuting murder, sex crimes, child abuse, and human-trafficking cases. Strunsky was named Prosecutor of the Year in 2008 and in 2011. Strunsky’s experiences dealing with child-abuse cases would lead him to cofound Humanity of Justice Foundation, which provides resources to help combat child abuse nationally. Strunsky was elected to the bench in 2016, and as a judge, he served in drug court and in juvenile court. Before attending college, Strunksky interned in Bill Clinton’s White House.
Strunsky is endorsed by a strong majority of progressive groups, including Inland Empire United, Inland Empire Labor Council, Desert Stonewall Democrats, and Riverside County NOW. He also has the endorsement of Dolores Huerta, Congressman Mark Takano, Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton, and Joy Silver. Based on our analysis, Strunsky’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Riverside and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Voting has changed in Sacramento County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Sacramento County? Find out how to vote in Sacramento County.
Elect Alana Mathews to push Sacramento in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Sacramento is California’s eighth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,500,000. Sacramento’s district attorney oversees an office of approximately 185 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Sacramento has a demographic breakdown of 21% Latino, 14% Asian, and 10% Black.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Mathews and Sacramento Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Mathews’s campaign has raised around $302,000. Ho is endorsed by local law enforcement. Mathews’s campaign finance information is not available at this time.
The Recommendation
Alana Mathews, a former deputy district attorney, has lived in Sacramento County for 23 years. According to campaign materials, Mathews is running for election to provide leadership that is responsive to the needs of the community and to eliminate high incarceration rates and racial disparities. Mathews aims to modernize the criminal-justice system with data-driven solutions and common-sense reforms that will make communities safer and fairer. Her goals include changing the culture that is centered on winning and punishment toward justice and healing, addressing the homelessness crisis with a comprehensive multiyear approach with local stakeholders, and addressing the rise in violence against women and in gun violence, including going after those who supply guns—not just those who possess them.
Mathews served as deputy district attorney in Sacramento County for eight years, working her way up to prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence, general felony, and prison crime cases. Outside the courtroom, Mathews has served with the California Energy Commission, creating policies for fair and equitable energy distribution, and she is also an environmental advocate serving as chief consultant of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change. She does climate-change work because she believes that climate justice is a form of safety and a form of justice. Mathews has also mentored women on parole while leading the Florin Law Academy program. As DA, she aims to reform how domestic violence and sexual-assault cases are prosecuted to better honor survivors. Mathews now works for the Prosecutors Alliance of California, a coalition of reform-minded prosecutors working to promote criminal-justice reform. In 2020, she founded Community Justice Collaborative to serve marginalized Sacramento communities by hosting free legal clinics.
Mathews is also endorsed by the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Sacramento Central Labor Council. Based on our analysis, Alana Mathews’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Sacramento and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Alana Mathews to push Sacramento in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Sacramento is California’s eighth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,500,000. Sacramento’s district attorney oversees an office of approximately 185 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Sacramento has a demographic breakdown of 21% Latino, 14% Asian, and 10% Black.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Mathews and Sacramento Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Mathews’s campaign has raised around $302,000. Ho is endorsed by local law enforcement. Mathews’s campaign finance information is not available at this time.
The Recommendation
Alana Mathews, a former deputy district attorney, has lived in Sacramento County for 23 years. According to campaign materials, Mathews is running for election to provide leadership that is responsive to the needs of the community and to eliminate high incarceration rates and racial disparities. Mathews aims to modernize the criminal-justice system with data-driven solutions and common-sense reforms that will make communities safer and fairer. Her goals include changing the culture that is centered on winning and punishment toward justice and healing, addressing the homelessness crisis with a comprehensive multiyear approach with local stakeholders, and addressing the rise in violence against women and in gun violence, including going after those who supply guns—not just those who possess them.
Mathews served as deputy district attorney in Sacramento County for eight years, working her way up to prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence, general felony, and prison crime cases. Outside the courtroom, Mathews has served with the California Energy Commission, creating policies for fair and equitable energy distribution, and she is also an environmental advocate serving as chief consultant of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change. She does climate-change work because she believes that climate justice is a form of safety and a form of justice. Mathews has also mentored women on parole while leading the Florin Law Academy program. As DA, she aims to reform how domestic violence and sexual-assault cases are prosecuted to better honor survivors. Mathews now works for the Prosecutors Alliance of California, a coalition of reform-minded prosecutors working to promote criminal-justice reform. In 2020, she founded Community Justice Collaborative to serve marginalized Sacramento communities by hosting free legal clinics.
Mathews is also endorsed by the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Sacramento Central Labor Council. Based on our analysis, Alana Mathews’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Sacramento and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Alana Mathews to push Sacramento in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Sacramento is California’s eighth most populous county, with a population of more than 1,500,000. Sacramento’s district attorney oversees an office of approximately 185 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Sacramento has a demographic breakdown of 21% Latino, 14% Asian, and 10% Black.
The Race
There are two candidates running for this seat, including Mathews and Sacramento Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Mathews’s campaign has raised around $302,000. Ho is endorsed by local law enforcement. Mathews’s campaign finance information is not available at this time.
The Recommendation
Alana Mathews, a former deputy district attorney, has lived in Sacramento County for 23 years. According to campaign materials, Mathews is running for election to provide leadership that is responsive to the needs of the community and to eliminate high incarceration rates and racial disparities. Mathews aims to modernize the criminal-justice system with data-driven solutions and common-sense reforms that will make communities safer and fairer. Her goals include changing the culture that is centered on winning and punishment toward justice and healing, addressing the homelessness crisis with a comprehensive multiyear approach with local stakeholders, and addressing the rise in violence against women and in gun violence, including going after those who supply guns—not just those who possess them.
Mathews served as deputy district attorney in Sacramento County for eight years, working her way up to prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence, general felony, and prison crime cases. Outside the courtroom, Mathews has served with the California Energy Commission, creating policies for fair and equitable energy distribution, and she is also an environmental advocate serving as chief consultant of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change. She does climate-change work because she believes that climate justice is a form of safety and a form of justice. Mathews has also mentored women on parole while leading the Florin Law Academy program. As DA, she aims to reform how domestic violence and sexual-assault cases are prosecuted to better honor survivors. Mathews now works for the Prosecutors Alliance of California, a coalition of reform-minded prosecutors working to promote criminal-justice reform. In 2020, she founded Community Justice Collaborative to serve marginalized Sacramento communities by hosting free legal clinics.
Mathews is also endorsed by the California Legislative Black Caucus and the Sacramento Central Labor Council. Based on our analysis, Alana Mathews’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Sacramento and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Voting has changed in Santa Clara County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Santa Clara County? Find out how to vote in Santa Clara County.
Elect Sajid Khan to push Santa Clara County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Santa Clara County is California's 6th most populous county, with a population of more than 1,900,000. Santa Clara County’s district attorney oversees an office of 196 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Santa Clara County has a demographic breakdown of 26% Latino, 34% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat: incumbent Jeff Rosen, Sajid Khan, and Daniel Chung. Khan’s campaign has raised $238,000, primarily through individual donors, and is not funded by real estate, corporate PAC, police, or fossil fuel money. District Attorney Rosen’s campaign has raised $484,000, and has received donations from real estate organizations. Chung’s campaign has raised $13,000, primarily through individual donations.
Incumbent DA Rosen has been criticized for pushing back against SB 1391, which bars the prosecution of 14- and 15-year-olds as adults and for failing to press charges on sexual violence cases. Rosen has also received endorsements from law-enforcement leadership. Candidate and Deputy District Attorney Daniel Chung has filed a federal lawsuit against Rosen, claiming Rosen retaliated against him for writing a critical op-ed.
Our Endorsement
Sajid Khan, a public defender in Santa Clara County, is from San Jose. According to campaign materials, Khan is running for election to address the root causes of crime, end mass incarceration, promote rehabilitation, hold police accountable, combat systemic racism, and build a justice system that honors the dignity and safety of all people.
Khan served as public defender in San Jose for 13 years. He is a long-time defender of people’s constitutional rights and against systemic racism and mass incarceration. He has advocated for people in more than 40 jury trials in adult court and 25 court trials in juvenile court. His priorities are to end mass incarceration, dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, and to stand up to police misconduct. Khan has worked with public defenders, defense attorneys and community organizations across the country, training them in how best to serve and humanize the people who public defenders represent. He is also an active member of the Progressive Democrats for Social Justice, a newly chartered Santa Clara County Democratic Party Club. In 2016, Khan received The Heart of the Office Award for his service to the community and the people he represents. In 2020, he was again recognized for his achievements, receiving the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice Skip Glenn Award for Excellence in Advocacy. He has pledged to be an advocate for legislative reforms that reduce mass incarceration and address systemic racism. In 2016, Khan was critiqued by some advocates for penning a piece defending Brock Turner's “lenient” sentence, contextualizing his position within a broader value system of resisting the idea that justice is achieved through jail time, which disproportionately harms people of color.
Khan is also endorsed by Assemblymember Alex Lee, Real Justice PAC, and Sunrise Silicon Valley. Based on our analysis, Khan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Santa Clara and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Sajid Khan to push Santa Clara County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Santa Clara County is California's 6th most populous county, with a population of more than 1,900,000. Santa Clara County’s district attorney oversees an office of 196 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Santa Clara County has a demographic breakdown of 26% Latino, 34% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat: incumbent Jeff Rosen, Sajid Khan, and Daniel Chung. Khan’s campaign has raised $238,000, primarily through individual donors, and is not funded by real estate, corporate PAC, police, or fossil fuel money. District Attorney Rosen’s campaign has raised $484,000, and has received donations from real estate organizations. Chung’s campaign has raised $13,000, primarily through individual donations.
Incumbent DA Rosen has been criticized for pushing back against SB 1391, which bars the prosecution of 14- and 15-year-olds as adults and for failing to press charges on sexual violence cases. Rosen has also received endorsements from law-enforcement leadership. Candidate and Deputy District Attorney Daniel Chung has filed a federal lawsuit against Rosen, claiming Rosen retaliated against him for writing a critical op-ed.
Our Endorsement
Sajid Khan, a public defender in Santa Clara County, is from San Jose. According to campaign materials, Khan is running for election to address the root causes of crime, end mass incarceration, promote rehabilitation, hold police accountable, combat systemic racism, and build a justice system that honors the dignity and safety of all people.
Khan served as public defender in San Jose for 13 years. He is a long-time defender of people’s constitutional rights and against systemic racism and mass incarceration. He has advocated for people in more than 40 jury trials in adult court and 25 court trials in juvenile court. His priorities are to end mass incarceration, dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, and to stand up to police misconduct. Khan has worked with public defenders, defense attorneys and community organizations across the country, training them in how best to serve and humanize the people who public defenders represent. He is also an active member of the Progressive Democrats for Social Justice, a newly chartered Santa Clara County Democratic Party Club. In 2016, Khan received The Heart of the Office Award for his service to the community and the people he represents. In 2020, he was again recognized for his achievements, receiving the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice Skip Glenn Award for Excellence in Advocacy. He has pledged to be an advocate for legislative reforms that reduce mass incarceration and address systemic racism. In 2016, Khan was critiqued by some advocates for penning a piece defending Brock Turner's “lenient” sentence, contextualizing his position within a broader value system of resisting the idea that justice is achieved through jail time, which disproportionately harms people of color.
Khan is also endorsed by Assemblymember Alex Lee, Real Justice PAC, and Sunrise Silicon Valley. Based on our analysis, Khan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Santa Clara and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Sajid Khan to push Santa Clara County in the right direction.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district attorney to manage the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county laws. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes municipal and superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.
The District
Santa Clara County is California's 6th most populous county, with a population of more than 1,900,000. Santa Clara County’s district attorney oversees an office of 196 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. Santa Clara County has a demographic breakdown of 26% Latino, 34% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Race
There are three candidates running for this seat: incumbent Jeff Rosen, Sajid Khan, and Daniel Chung. Khan’s campaign has raised $238,000, primarily through individual donors, and is not funded by real estate, corporate PAC, police, or fossil fuel money. District Attorney Rosen’s campaign has raised $484,000, and has received donations from real estate organizations. Chung’s campaign has raised $13,000, primarily through individual donations.
Incumbent DA Rosen has been criticized for pushing back against SB 1391, which bars the prosecution of 14- and 15-year-olds as adults and for failing to press charges on sexual violence cases. Rosen has also received endorsements from law-enforcement leadership. Candidate and Deputy District Attorney Daniel Chung has filed a federal lawsuit against Rosen, claiming Rosen retaliated against him for writing a critical op-ed.
Our Endorsement
Sajid Khan, a public defender in Santa Clara County, is from San Jose. According to campaign materials, Khan is running for election to address the root causes of crime, end mass incarceration, promote rehabilitation, hold police accountable, combat systemic racism, and build a justice system that honors the dignity and safety of all people.
Khan served as public defender in San Jose for 13 years. He is a long-time defender of people’s constitutional rights and against systemic racism and mass incarceration. He has advocated for people in more than 40 jury trials in adult court and 25 court trials in juvenile court. His priorities are to end mass incarceration, dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, and to stand up to police misconduct. Khan has worked with public defenders, defense attorneys and community organizations across the country, training them in how best to serve and humanize the people who public defenders represent. He is also an active member of the Progressive Democrats for Social Justice, a newly chartered Santa Clara County Democratic Party Club. In 2016, Khan received The Heart of the Office Award for his service to the community and the people he represents. In 2020, he was again recognized for his achievements, receiving the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice Skip Glenn Award for Excellence in Advocacy. He has pledged to be an advocate for legislative reforms that reduce mass incarceration and address systemic racism. In 2016, Khan was critiqued by some advocates for penning a piece defending Brock Turner's “lenient” sentence, contextualizing his position within a broader value system of resisting the idea that justice is achieved through jail time, which disproportionately harms people of color.
Khan is also endorsed by Assemblymember Alex Lee, Real Justice PAC, and Sunrise Silicon Valley. Based on our analysis, Khan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the constituents of Santa Clara and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Karen Bass as mayor to push Los Angeles in the right direction.
The Position
Los Angeles uses a mayor–city council government structure, in which the mayor is elected at large and acts as chair of the 15-member city council and as the city’s chief executive officer. The city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. The mayor of Los Angeles has veto and emergency powers and is responsible for managing dozens of departments and agencies. They also carry out ordinances, ensure coordination among different branches of city government, and submit an annual budget proposal to the L.A. City Council. In Los Angeles, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
The District
Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles’s mayor and City Council oversee the needs of 3.9 million people and manage an estimated operating budget of $11.2 billion annually. As of the 2020 Census, Los Angeles had a demographic breakdown of 48% Latino, 12% Asian, and 9% Black. The most recent election results for Los Angeles County, which includes the city of Los Angeles, show that it voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 41 points and for Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 44 points.
The Race
There are 12 candidates running for this seat, including Congressmember Karen Bass, real estate developer Rick Caruso, City Councilmember Kevin de Leon, City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, and LA City Attorney Mike Feuer. Rep. Bass’s campaign has raised $4.1 million, and has not received donations from police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Caruso’s campaign has raised $500,000 through individual donations. He has also loaned an additional $22.5 million to his own campaign. De Leon’s campaign has raised $3.2 million, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel interests. Buscaino’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from real estate interests. Feuer’s campaign has raised $1.8 million, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Our Endorsement
Congressmember Karen Bass, a member of the House of Representatives, is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to use her demonstrated track record of progressive success to address issues of social and economic inequality in her home city. Bass has been in elected leadership since 2004, when she won her first term in the California State Assembly. In 2012, she was elected to the United States Congress, and won her most recent reelection in 2020 by 72 points against Republican challenger Errol Webber.
Rep. Bass started her career as a nurse and a physician’s assistant, and was moved to action by the intimate view that her work provided of the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. In 1990, she founded Community Coalition, an organization she is still involved with today, to identify local solutions to the economic inequities that contribute to crime, addiction, violence, and poverty. Rep. Bass joined the State Assembly in 2004, and rose to the Speaker’s seat in 2008, as California was facing a severe recession. She was instrumental in negotiating a federal stimulus for Californians, and passing legislation that secured affordable health care and improved child welfare services. During her ten years in Congress, Rep. Bass has established herself as an effective progressive leader, focusing much of her work on equity legislation. She has passed bills to protect LGBTQIA+ community, founded and co-chairs the bipartisan Caucus on Foster Youth, and authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to transform policing. These experiences in health care, coalition-building, economic recovery, and racial-justice reform are the foundation of her approach to moving Los Angeles forward as mayor. Through a collaborative approach, her administration would focus on eliminating bureaucratic barriers to affordable housing development, working with individual communities to address local safety issues and hate-crime prevention, and tailoring interventions to support local economic recovery from COVID-19. In a city with both extreme wealth and extreme poverty, Rep. Bass’s policies would aim to narrow the economic gap and return dignity to individuals who have been failed by inefficient public systems. She is a longtime supporter of social equity and justice initiatives, and remains actively involved as a board member with the National Foster Youth Institute, which she co-founded.
Rep. Bass’s priorities for her congressional district, CD-37, this year have included 31 bills about crime and law enforcement, health care, foster care, and child welfare. Of these, nearly all are currently in committee. She currently serves on the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Rep. Bass is former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a member of a variety of legislative groups, including Medicare for All Caucus; Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus; Congressional Progressive Caucus; and Congressional Social Work Caucus. This year, Rep. Bass has voted 100% of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96% of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Bass is endorsed by many progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, California Women’s List, California Black Women’s Democratic Club, ACCE Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats, as well as the Los Angeles Times. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Katie Porter, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Based on our analysis, Bass’s extensive experience and policy successes demonstrate that she is uniquely qualified to lead and will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Los Angeles. She will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Elect Karen Bass as mayor to push Los Angeles in the right direction.
The Position
Los Angeles uses a mayor–city council government structure, in which the mayor is elected at large and acts as chair of the 15-member city council and as the city’s chief executive officer. The city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. The mayor of Los Angeles has veto and emergency powers and is responsible for managing dozens of departments and agencies. They also carry out ordinances, ensure coordination among different branches of city government, and submit an annual budget proposal to the L.A. City Council. In Los Angeles, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
The District
Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles’s mayor and City Council oversee the needs of 3.9 million people and manage an estimated operating budget of $11.2 billion annually. As of the 2020 Census, Los Angeles had a demographic breakdown of 48% Latino, 12% Asian, and 9% Black. The most recent election results for Los Angeles County, which includes the city of Los Angeles, show that it voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 41 points and for Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 44 points.
The Race
There are 12 candidates running for this seat, including Congressmember Karen Bass, real estate developer Rick Caruso, City Councilmember Kevin de Leon, City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, and LA City Attorney Mike Feuer. Rep. Bass’s campaign has raised $4.1 million, and has not received donations from police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Caruso’s campaign has raised $500,000 through individual donations. He has also loaned an additional $22.5 million to his own campaign. De Leon’s campaign has raised $3.2 million, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel interests. Buscaino’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from real estate interests. Feuer’s campaign has raised $1.8 million, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Our Endorsement
Congressmember Karen Bass, a member of the House of Representatives, is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to use her demonstrated track record of progressive success to address issues of social and economic inequality in her home city. Bass has been in elected leadership since 2004, when she won her first term in the California State Assembly. In 2012, she was elected to the United States Congress, and won her most recent reelection in 2020 by 72 points against Republican challenger Errol Webber.
Rep. Bass started her career as a nurse and a physician’s assistant, and was moved to action by the intimate view that her work provided of the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. In 1990, she founded Community Coalition, an organization she is still involved with today, to identify local solutions to the economic inequities that contribute to crime, addiction, violence, and poverty. Rep. Bass joined the State Assembly in 2004, and rose to the Speaker’s seat in 2008, as California was facing a severe recession. She was instrumental in negotiating a federal stimulus for Californians, and passing legislation that secured affordable health care and improved child welfare services. During her ten years in Congress, Rep. Bass has established herself as an effective progressive leader, focusing much of her work on equity legislation. She has passed bills to protect LGBTQIA+ community, founded and co-chairs the bipartisan Caucus on Foster Youth, and authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to transform policing. These experiences in health care, coalition-building, economic recovery, and racial-justice reform are the foundation of her approach to moving Los Angeles forward as mayor. Through a collaborative approach, her administration would focus on eliminating bureaucratic barriers to affordable housing development, working with individual communities to address local safety issues and hate-crime prevention, and tailoring interventions to support local economic recovery from COVID-19. In a city with both extreme wealth and extreme poverty, Rep. Bass’s policies would aim to narrow the economic gap and return dignity to individuals who have been failed by inefficient public systems. She is a longtime supporter of social equity and justice initiatives, and remains actively involved as a board member with the National Foster Youth Institute, which she co-founded.
Rep. Bass’s priorities for her congressional district, CD-37, this year have included 31 bills about crime and law enforcement, health care, foster care, and child welfare. Of these, nearly all are currently in committee. She currently serves on the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Rep. Bass is former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a member of a variety of legislative groups, including Medicare for All Caucus; Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus; Congressional Progressive Caucus; and Congressional Social Work Caucus. This year, Rep. Bass has voted 100% of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96% of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Bass is endorsed by many progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, California Women’s List, California Black Women’s Democratic Club, ACCE Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats, as well as the Los Angeles Times. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Katie Porter, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Based on our analysis, Bass’s extensive experience and policy successes demonstrate that she is uniquely qualified to lead and will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Los Angeles. She will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Elect Karen Bass as mayor to push Los Angeles in the right direction.
The Position
Los Angeles uses a mayor–city council government structure, in which the mayor is elected at large and acts as chair of the 15-member city council and as the city’s chief executive officer. The city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. The mayor of Los Angeles has veto and emergency powers and is responsible for managing dozens of departments and agencies. They also carry out ordinances, ensure coordination among different branches of city government, and submit an annual budget proposal to the L.A. City Council. In Los Angeles, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
The District
Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles’s mayor and City Council oversee the needs of 3.9 million people and manage an estimated operating budget of $11.2 billion annually. As of the 2020 Census, Los Angeles had a demographic breakdown of 48% Latino, 12% Asian, and 9% Black. The most recent election results for Los Angeles County, which includes the city of Los Angeles, show that it voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 41 points and for Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by 44 points.
The Race
There are 12 candidates running for this seat, including Congressmember Karen Bass, real estate developer Rick Caruso, City Councilmember Kevin de Leon, City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, and LA City Attorney Mike Feuer. Rep. Bass’s campaign has raised $4.1 million, and has not received donations from police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Caruso’s campaign has raised $500,000 through individual donations. He has also loaned an additional $22.5 million to his own campaign. De Leon’s campaign has raised $3.2 million, and has received donations from real estate and fossil fuel interests. Buscaino’s campaign has raised $1.3 million, and has received donations from real estate interests. Feuer’s campaign has raised $1.8 million, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Our Endorsement
Congressmember Karen Bass, a member of the House of Representatives, is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles. According to campaign materials, she is running for election to use her demonstrated track record of progressive success to address issues of social and economic inequality in her home city. Bass has been in elected leadership since 2004, when she won her first term in the California State Assembly. In 2012, she was elected to the United States Congress, and won her most recent reelection in 2020 by 72 points against Republican challenger Errol Webber.
Rep. Bass started her career as a nurse and a physician’s assistant, and was moved to action by the intimate view that her work provided of the crack epidemic in Los Angeles. In 1990, she founded Community Coalition, an organization she is still involved with today, to identify local solutions to the economic inequities that contribute to crime, addiction, violence, and poverty. Rep. Bass joined the State Assembly in 2004, and rose to the Speaker’s seat in 2008, as California was facing a severe recession. She was instrumental in negotiating a federal stimulus for Californians, and passing legislation that secured affordable health care and improved child welfare services. During her ten years in Congress, Rep. Bass has established herself as an effective progressive leader, focusing much of her work on equity legislation. She has passed bills to protect LGBTQIA+ community, founded and co-chairs the bipartisan Caucus on Foster Youth, and authored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to transform policing. These experiences in health care, coalition-building, economic recovery, and racial-justice reform are the foundation of her approach to moving Los Angeles forward as mayor. Through a collaborative approach, her administration would focus on eliminating bureaucratic barriers to affordable housing development, working with individual communities to address local safety issues and hate-crime prevention, and tailoring interventions to support local economic recovery from COVID-19. In a city with both extreme wealth and extreme poverty, Rep. Bass’s policies would aim to narrow the economic gap and return dignity to individuals who have been failed by inefficient public systems. She is a longtime supporter of social equity and justice initiatives, and remains actively involved as a board member with the National Foster Youth Institute, which she co-founded.
Rep. Bass’s priorities for her congressional district, CD-37, this year have included 31 bills about crime and law enforcement, health care, foster care, and child welfare. Of these, nearly all are currently in committee. She currently serves on the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Rep. Bass is former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a member of a variety of legislative groups, including Medicare for All Caucus; Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus; Congressional Progressive Caucus; and Congressional Social Work Caucus. This year, Rep. Bass has voted 100% of the time with Nancy Pelosi and 96% of the time with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Bass is endorsed by many progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, California Women’s List, California Black Women’s Democratic Club, ACCE Action, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Westside Young Democrats, as well as the Los Angeles Times. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Katie Porter, State Senator Sydney Kamlager, and L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Based on our analysis, Bass’s extensive experience and policy successes demonstrate that she is uniquely qualified to lead and will continue to be a progressive champion for the constituents of Los Angeles. She will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
