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Federal
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Congress
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
10th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters, United Farm Workers of America, and Equality California. In previous elections, he has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.
Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 24 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.
Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is originally from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord, California, for more than 3 decades.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D) 66%, Katherine Piccinini (R) 19%, Nolan Lee Chen (R) 10%, Joe Sweeney (NPP) 4%, and Mohamed Elsherbini (NPP) 1%. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Katherine Piccinini will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $468,000 and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from Amazon PAC, Edison International PAC, and National Association of Realtors PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Katherine Piccinini
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Piccinini’s campaign has raised $18,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters, United Farm Workers of America, and Equality California. In previous elections, he has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.
Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 24 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.
Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is originally from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord, California, for more than 3 decades.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D) 66%, Katherine Piccinini (R) 19%, Nolan Lee Chen (R) 10%, Joe Sweeney (NPP) 4%, and Mohamed Elsherbini (NPP) 1%. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Katherine Piccinini will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $468,000 and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from Amazon PAC, Edison International PAC, and National Association of Realtors PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Katherine Piccinini
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Piccinini’s campaign has raised $18,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters, United Farm Workers of America, and Equality California. In previous elections, he has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.
Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 24 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.
Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is originally from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord, California, for more than 3 decades.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D) 66%, Katherine Piccinini (R) 19%, Nolan Lee Chen (R) 10%, Joe Sweeney (NPP) 4%, and Mohamed Elsherbini (NPP) 1%. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Katherine Piccinini will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $468,000 and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from Amazon PAC, Edison International PAC, and National Association of Realtors PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Katherine Piccinini
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Piccinini’s campaign has raised $18,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
12th Congressional District
Courage California endorses Lateefah Simon for Congress to put CD-12 on the right track for progress.
Lateefah Simon’s experience and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Simon has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, SEIU, Sister Warrior Action Fund, Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. She has also received endorsements from some elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: In 2016, Simon ran for the nonpartisan District 7 seat on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors and won with 59% of the vote. She won her reelection bid in 2020 with over 64% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, civil rights, environmental protections, racial justice, transportation, criminal justice and police reform, comprehensive economic improvement, immigration reform, and voting rights.
Priority bills: As a member of the BART Board of Directors, Lateefah Simon has been a strong supporter of efforts to ensure that BART is affordable and designed to support transit-dependent communities. She worked to ensure transit access for essential workers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rejected Trump administration deportation efforts by operating BART as a sanctuary public transit system. Throughout her time on the board, she has worked closely with the transit workers union to ensure that city and federal support were aligned to their expectations. Simon served as president of the BART Board of Directors during her first term, providing progressive leadership for the transit system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Simon is a nonprofit executive and a social justice activist, which she does to advocate for communities who have not traditionally been centered in public policy. She has had a prodigious service career, which began when she became executive director of the Young Women’s Freedom Center at 19. During her decade with the organization, their work to reduce recidivism and the criminalization of young women and trans youth drew national acclaim, including Simon’s receipt of a Macarthur Genius Fellowship. Simon expanded on this work when she was appointed by then San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris to create the Back on Track anti-recidivism initiative, and during her time as executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. She has since served as the program director for the Rosenberg Foundation, and president of the Akonadi Foundation, and she is currently president of MeadowFund. In 2016, she was appointed by then Gov. Brown to sit on the California State University Board of Trustees, and in 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Newsom to serve as a senior advisor on police reform. She is a highly respected professional in the state, and is affiliated with a variety of organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Oxfam, and Tipping Point Foundation. In all her roles, Simon has maintained a commitment to advancing the dialogue on complex issues, and takes a solutions-oriented approach to her advocacy. Racial justice and systems change have been throughlines of Simon’s work and are demonstrative of her ongoing commitment to improving access, outcomes, and equity for individuals who have traditionally been marginalized.
Other background: Simon has lived in CD-12 for over 20 years. She was born legally blind, and has been a strong supporter of accessibility and protections for people with disabilities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Lateefah Simon (D) 56%, Jennifer Tran (D) 15%, Tony Daysog (D) 11%, Stephen Slauson (R) 6%, and Glenn Kaplan (D) 4%. Lateefah Simon and Jennifer Tran will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lateefah Simon’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Tran
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Tran’s campaign has raised $190,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 12th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 21% Asian, and 20% Black.
Recent election results: CD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 81 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Courage California endorses Lateefah Simon for Congress to put CD-12 on the right track for progress.
Lateefah Simon’s experience and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Simon has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, SEIU, Sister Warrior Action Fund, Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. She has also received endorsements from some elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: In 2016, Simon ran for the nonpartisan District 7 seat on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors and won with 59% of the vote. She won her reelection bid in 2020 with over 64% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, civil rights, environmental protections, racial justice, transportation, criminal justice and police reform, comprehensive economic improvement, immigration reform, and voting rights.
Priority bills: As a member of the BART Board of Directors, Lateefah Simon has been a strong supporter of efforts to ensure that BART is affordable and designed to support transit-dependent communities. She worked to ensure transit access for essential workers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rejected Trump administration deportation efforts by operating BART as a sanctuary public transit system. Throughout her time on the board, she has worked closely with the transit workers union to ensure that city and federal support were aligned to their expectations. Simon served as president of the BART Board of Directors during her first term, providing progressive leadership for the transit system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Simon is a nonprofit executive and a social justice activist, which she does to advocate for communities who have not traditionally been centered in public policy. She has had a prodigious service career, which began when she became executive director of the Young Women’s Freedom Center at 19. During her decade with the organization, their work to reduce recidivism and the criminalization of young women and trans youth drew national acclaim, including Simon’s receipt of a Macarthur Genius Fellowship. Simon expanded on this work when she was appointed by then San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris to create the Back on Track anti-recidivism initiative, and during her time as executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. She has since served as the program director for the Rosenberg Foundation, and president of the Akonadi Foundation, and she is currently president of MeadowFund. In 2016, she was appointed by then Gov. Brown to sit on the California State University Board of Trustees, and in 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Newsom to serve as a senior advisor on police reform. She is a highly respected professional in the state, and is affiliated with a variety of organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Oxfam, and Tipping Point Foundation. In all her roles, Simon has maintained a commitment to advancing the dialogue on complex issues, and takes a solutions-oriented approach to her advocacy. Racial justice and systems change have been throughlines of Simon’s work and are demonstrative of her ongoing commitment to improving access, outcomes, and equity for individuals who have traditionally been marginalized.
Other background: Simon has lived in CD-12 for over 20 years. She was born legally blind, and has been a strong supporter of accessibility and protections for people with disabilities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Lateefah Simon (D) 56%, Jennifer Tran (D) 15%, Tony Daysog (D) 11%, Stephen Slauson (R) 6%, and Glenn Kaplan (D) 4%. Lateefah Simon and Jennifer Tran will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lateefah Simon’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Tran
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Tran’s campaign has raised $190,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 12th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 21% Asian, and 20% Black.
Recent election results: CD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 81 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Endorsed By: Courage California
Courage California endorses Lateefah Simon for Congress to put CD-12 on the right track for progress.
Lateefah Simon’s experience and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Simon has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, SEIU, Sister Warrior Action Fund, Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the National Union of Healthcare Workers. She has also received endorsements from some elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: In 2016, Simon ran for the nonpartisan District 7 seat on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors and won with 59% of the vote. She won her reelection bid in 2020 with over 64% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, civil rights, environmental protections, racial justice, transportation, criminal justice and police reform, comprehensive economic improvement, immigration reform, and voting rights.
Priority bills: As a member of the BART Board of Directors, Lateefah Simon has been a strong supporter of efforts to ensure that BART is affordable and designed to support transit-dependent communities. She worked to ensure transit access for essential workers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rejected Trump administration deportation efforts by operating BART as a sanctuary public transit system. Throughout her time on the board, she has worked closely with the transit workers union to ensure that city and federal support were aligned to their expectations. Simon served as president of the BART Board of Directors during her first term, providing progressive leadership for the transit system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Simon is a nonprofit executive and a social justice activist, which she does to advocate for communities who have not traditionally been centered in public policy. She has had a prodigious service career, which began when she became executive director of the Young Women’s Freedom Center at 19. During her decade with the organization, their work to reduce recidivism and the criminalization of young women and trans youth drew national acclaim, including Simon’s receipt of a Macarthur Genius Fellowship. Simon expanded on this work when she was appointed by then San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris to create the Back on Track anti-recidivism initiative, and during her time as executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. She has since served as the program director for the Rosenberg Foundation, and president of the Akonadi Foundation, and she is currently president of MeadowFund. In 2016, she was appointed by then Gov. Brown to sit on the California State University Board of Trustees, and in 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Newsom to serve as a senior advisor on police reform. She is a highly respected professional in the state, and is affiliated with a variety of organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Oxfam, and Tipping Point Foundation. In all her roles, Simon has maintained a commitment to advancing the dialogue on complex issues, and takes a solutions-oriented approach to her advocacy. Racial justice and systems change have been throughlines of Simon’s work and are demonstrative of her ongoing commitment to improving access, outcomes, and equity for individuals who have traditionally been marginalized.
Other background: Simon has lived in CD-12 for over 20 years. She was born legally blind, and has been a strong supporter of accessibility and protections for people with disabilities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Lateefah Simon (D) 56%, Jennifer Tran (D) 15%, Tony Daysog (D) 11%, Stephen Slauson (R) 6%, and Glenn Kaplan (D) 4%. Lateefah Simon and Jennifer Tran will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lateefah Simon’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Tran
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Tran’s campaign has raised $190,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 12th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 21% Asian, and 20% Black.
Recent election results: CD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 81 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Endorsed By: Courage California
14th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Eric Swalwell to keep CD-14 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Swalwell has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Gun control, youth empowerment, and student debt relief.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Swalwell’s priorities for CD-14 have included bills about natural disaster protections, transit safety, and journalist protections. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to protect journalists and the free press, improve airport infrastructure, and update FEMA’s pre-natural disaster mitigation grant program. Rep. Swalwell has been an outspoken proponent of gun violence prevention, and has sponsored several pieces of legislation to reform firearm safety, including No Guns for Abusers Act, Bipartisan Background Checks Act, Enhanced Background Checks Act, and Assault Weapons Ban of 2021. He has also paid special attention to the issues that affect young people and helped found the Future Forum Caucus, a group of congressional millennials who are focused on addressing the issues affecting their age group—student debt in particular. Swalwell opposes the progressive position of breaking up tech monopolies. He advocates instead for limited oversight of major tech companies and against antitrust legislation for those corporations based on his view that stronger regulation could weaken our national security.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Swalwell currently sits on two committees, including Homeland Security, and Judiciary.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Swalwell has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Swalwell worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office and served as a member of the Dublin City Council. His interest in politics developed during college, when he was a Capitol Hill congressional intern. During Donald Trump’s second impeachment hearing in 2021, Swalwell served as an impeachment manager.
Other background: Rep. Swalwell grew up in the East Bay, and now lives in Dublin, CA. He was a first-generation college student, and earned his bachelor’s degree and JD at the University of Maryland.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) 67%, Vin Kruttiventi (R) 18%, Alison Hayden (R) 9%, and Luis Reynoso (R) 6%. Rep. Eric Swalwell and Vin Kruttiventi will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign has raised $3.3 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from PG&E Corporation, National Association of Realtors PAC, Google Inc., and Edison International PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Vin Kruttiventi
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kruttiventi’s campaign has raised $823,000 and over $700,000 of those funds have been donated directly by the candidate.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 32% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: CD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Eric Swalwell to keep CD-14 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Swalwell has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Gun control, youth empowerment, and student debt relief.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Swalwell’s priorities for CD-14 have included bills about natural disaster protections, transit safety, and journalist protections. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to protect journalists and the free press, improve airport infrastructure, and update FEMA’s pre-natural disaster mitigation grant program. Rep. Swalwell has been an outspoken proponent of gun violence prevention, and has sponsored several pieces of legislation to reform firearm safety, including No Guns for Abusers Act, Bipartisan Background Checks Act, Enhanced Background Checks Act, and Assault Weapons Ban of 2021. He has also paid special attention to the issues that affect young people and helped found the Future Forum Caucus, a group of congressional millennials who are focused on addressing the issues affecting their age group—student debt in particular. Swalwell opposes the progressive position of breaking up tech monopolies. He advocates instead for limited oversight of major tech companies and against antitrust legislation for those corporations based on his view that stronger regulation could weaken our national security.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Swalwell currently sits on two committees, including Homeland Security, and Judiciary.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Swalwell has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Swalwell worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office and served as a member of the Dublin City Council. His interest in politics developed during college, when he was a Capitol Hill congressional intern. During Donald Trump’s second impeachment hearing in 2021, Swalwell served as an impeachment manager.
Other background: Rep. Swalwell grew up in the East Bay, and now lives in Dublin, CA. He was a first-generation college student, and earned his bachelor’s degree and JD at the University of Maryland.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) 67%, Vin Kruttiventi (R) 18%, Alison Hayden (R) 9%, and Luis Reynoso (R) 6%. Rep. Eric Swalwell and Vin Kruttiventi will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign has raised $3.3 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from PG&E Corporation, National Association of Realtors PAC, Google Inc., and Edison International PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Vin Kruttiventi
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kruttiventi’s campaign has raised $823,000 and over $700,000 of those funds have been donated directly by the candidate.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 32% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: CD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Eric Swalwell to keep CD-14 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Swalwell has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Gun control, youth empowerment, and student debt relief.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Swalwell’s priorities for CD-14 have included bills about natural disaster protections, transit safety, and journalist protections. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to protect journalists and the free press, improve airport infrastructure, and update FEMA’s pre-natural disaster mitigation grant program. Rep. Swalwell has been an outspoken proponent of gun violence prevention, and has sponsored several pieces of legislation to reform firearm safety, including No Guns for Abusers Act, Bipartisan Background Checks Act, Enhanced Background Checks Act, and Assault Weapons Ban of 2021. He has also paid special attention to the issues that affect young people and helped found the Future Forum Caucus, a group of congressional millennials who are focused on addressing the issues affecting their age group—student debt in particular. Swalwell opposes the progressive position of breaking up tech monopolies. He advocates instead for limited oversight of major tech companies and against antitrust legislation for those corporations based on his view that stronger regulation could weaken our national security.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Swalwell currently sits on two committees, including Homeland Security, and Judiciary.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Swalwell has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Swalwell worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s office and served as a member of the Dublin City Council. His interest in politics developed during college, when he was a Capitol Hill congressional intern. During Donald Trump’s second impeachment hearing in 2021, Swalwell served as an impeachment manager.
Other background: Rep. Swalwell grew up in the East Bay, and now lives in Dublin, CA. He was a first-generation college student, and earned his bachelor’s degree and JD at the University of Maryland.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Eric Swalwell (D) 67%, Vin Kruttiventi (R) 18%, Alison Hayden (R) 9%, and Luis Reynoso (R) 6%. Rep. Eric Swalwell and Vin Kruttiventi will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign has raised $3.3 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from PG&E Corporation, National Association of Realtors PAC, Google Inc., and Edison International PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Vin Kruttiventi
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kruttiventi’s campaign has raised $823,000 and over $700,000 of those funds have been donated directly by the candidate.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 32% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: CD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
17th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
State Assembly
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly, 14th District
Reelect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 41 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to strengthen worker protections by requiring school districts and their governing boards to provide compensation during voluntary and involuntary leaves of absence, require the CalVIP program to support gun-violence reduction initiatives, modify the state drug schedule, improve regulation of dental care insurance plans, and amend and improve homelessness action plans. In 2024, she proposed legislation to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the state Department of Justice, increase protections for California journalists and associated outlets, and establish a meal-delivery program for unhoused individuals living in encampments in Alameda County. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Buffy Wicks (D) 74%, Margot Smith (D) 17%, and Utkarsh Jain (R) 9%. Assm. Buffy Wicks and Margot Smith will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $938,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Lyft Inc., eBay Inc., California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Margot Smith
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Smith’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 41 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to strengthen worker protections by requiring school districts and their governing boards to provide compensation during voluntary and involuntary leaves of absence, require the CalVIP program to support gun-violence reduction initiatives, modify the state drug schedule, improve regulation of dental care insurance plans, and amend and improve homelessness action plans. In 2024, she proposed legislation to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the state Department of Justice, increase protections for California journalists and associated outlets, and establish a meal-delivery program for unhoused individuals living in encampments in Alameda County. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Buffy Wicks (D) 74%, Margot Smith (D) 17%, and Utkarsh Jain (R) 9%. Assm. Buffy Wicks and Margot Smith will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $938,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Lyft Inc., eBay Inc., California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Margot Smith
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Smith’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 41 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to strengthen worker protections by requiring school districts and their governing boards to provide compensation during voluntary and involuntary leaves of absence, require the CalVIP program to support gun-violence reduction initiatives, modify the state drug schedule, improve regulation of dental care insurance plans, and amend and improve homelessness action plans. In 2024, she proposed legislation to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the state Department of Justice, increase protections for California journalists and associated outlets, and establish a meal-delivery program for unhoused individuals living in encampments in Alameda County. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Buffy Wicks (D) 74%, Margot Smith (D) 17%, and Utkarsh Jain (R) 9%. Assm. Buffy Wicks and Margot Smith will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $938,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Lyft Inc., eBay Inc., California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Margot Smith
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Smith’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 16th District
Reelect Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to keep AD-16 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, National Women’s Political Caucus of California, California Environmental Voters, and California Labor Federation. She has also received problematic endorsements in previous elections from California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Reproductive health care, conservation and environmental protections, pesticides and pollutants, criminal justice, worker safety, childcare, and social services.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s priorities for AD-16 have included 47 bills about reproductive health care, water conservation, environmental protections, and criminal justice. Of these, 11 have been chaptered into law, 9 have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passes legislation to protect the data collected by menstrual and fertility apps, allow judges to consider the purchase of body armor when making determinations about granting gun violence restraining orders, establish guardrails and protections against the sharing of abortion medical records for out-of-state patients, and prohibit the use of non-compete clauses in employment. In 2024, she proposed legislation to protect artists from the use of AI likenesses after death, require victim-informed training for judges presiding over sexual assault and abuse cases, increase penalties for the sale of tobacco products to people under 21, close a loophole to prohibit the use of plastic bags in retail stores, and require middle schools to add a social-emotional learning curriculum. She scored a Lifetime CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bauer-Kahan supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on bills to require 60 days notice for employees when a chain business closes a location, allow sentences to be recalled at any time due to a change in circumstance or law, and prevent incarcerated individuals eligible for release from being transferred to ICE custody.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bauer-Kahan currently sits on five standing committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Utilities and Energy. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, and chair of the Select Committee on Reproductive Health. Assm. Bauer-Kahan is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when she was elected with 51% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 31 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bauer-Kahan was a lawyer, an environmental advocate, and a law professor. As an attorney, she oversaw and grew her office’s pro bono program, and under her leadership, the office expanded its efforts to include civil rights, immigration, homelessness, and domestic violence. She also specialized in ensuring that major corporations comply with environmental laws and regulations by leading internal investigations to improve their environmental practices while maintaining profitability.
Other background: Assm. Bauer-Kahan is from the Bay Area. She has been a longtime supporter of intellectual property rights.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) 66%, and Joseph Rubay (R) 34%. Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Joseph Rubay will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s campaign has raised $507,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from AirBnB Inc., California Real Estate PAC, Disney Worldwide Services Inc., and California Correctional Peace Officers Association Local PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joseph Rubay
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubay’s campaign has raised $12,000 and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 16th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Partisan control of this seat has flipped several times in the last decade, most recently in 2018 when Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan defeated a Republican incumbent.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 21% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to keep AD-16 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, National Women’s Political Caucus of California, California Environmental Voters, and California Labor Federation. She has also received problematic endorsements in previous elections from California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Reproductive health care, conservation and environmental protections, pesticides and pollutants, criminal justice, worker safety, childcare, and social services.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s priorities for AD-16 have included 47 bills about reproductive health care, water conservation, environmental protections, and criminal justice. Of these, 11 have been chaptered into law, 9 have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passes legislation to protect the data collected by menstrual and fertility apps, allow judges to consider the purchase of body armor when making determinations about granting gun violence restraining orders, establish guardrails and protections against the sharing of abortion medical records for out-of-state patients, and prohibit the use of non-compete clauses in employment. In 2024, she proposed legislation to protect artists from the use of AI likenesses after death, require victim-informed training for judges presiding over sexual assault and abuse cases, increase penalties for the sale of tobacco products to people under 21, close a loophole to prohibit the use of plastic bags in retail stores, and require middle schools to add a social-emotional learning curriculum. She scored a Lifetime CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bauer-Kahan supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on bills to require 60 days notice for employees when a chain business closes a location, allow sentences to be recalled at any time due to a change in circumstance or law, and prevent incarcerated individuals eligible for release from being transferred to ICE custody.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bauer-Kahan currently sits on five standing committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Utilities and Energy. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, and chair of the Select Committee on Reproductive Health. Assm. Bauer-Kahan is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when she was elected with 51% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 31 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bauer-Kahan was a lawyer, an environmental advocate, and a law professor. As an attorney, she oversaw and grew her office’s pro bono program, and under her leadership, the office expanded its efforts to include civil rights, immigration, homelessness, and domestic violence. She also specialized in ensuring that major corporations comply with environmental laws and regulations by leading internal investigations to improve their environmental practices while maintaining profitability.
Other background: Assm. Bauer-Kahan is from the Bay Area. She has been a longtime supporter of intellectual property rights.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) 66%, and Joseph Rubay (R) 34%. Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Joseph Rubay will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s campaign has raised $507,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from AirBnB Inc., California Real Estate PAC, Disney Worldwide Services Inc., and California Correctional Peace Officers Association Local PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joseph Rubay
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubay’s campaign has raised $12,000 and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 16th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Partisan control of this seat has flipped several times in the last decade, most recently in 2018 when Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan defeated a Republican incumbent.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 21% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan to keep AD-16 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-16 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, National Women’s Political Caucus of California, California Environmental Voters, and California Labor Federation. She has also received problematic endorsements in previous elections from California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Reproductive health care, conservation and environmental protections, pesticides and pollutants, criminal justice, worker safety, childcare, and social services.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s priorities for AD-16 have included 47 bills about reproductive health care, water conservation, environmental protections, and criminal justice. Of these, 11 have been chaptered into law, 9 have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passes legislation to protect the data collected by menstrual and fertility apps, allow judges to consider the purchase of body armor when making determinations about granting gun violence restraining orders, establish guardrails and protections against the sharing of abortion medical records for out-of-state patients, and prohibit the use of non-compete clauses in employment. In 2024, she proposed legislation to protect artists from the use of AI likenesses after death, require victim-informed training for judges presiding over sexual assault and abuse cases, increase penalties for the sale of tobacco products to people under 21, close a loophole to prohibit the use of plastic bags in retail stores, and require middle schools to add a social-emotional learning curriculum. She scored a Lifetime CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bauer-Kahan supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on bills to require 60 days notice for employees when a chain business closes a location, allow sentences to be recalled at any time due to a change in circumstance or law, and prevent incarcerated individuals eligible for release from being transferred to ICE custody.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bauer-Kahan currently sits on five standing committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Utilities and Energy. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, and chair of the Select Committee on Reproductive Health. Assm. Bauer-Kahan is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bauer-Kahan has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when she was elected with 51% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 31 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bauer-Kahan was a lawyer, an environmental advocate, and a law professor. As an attorney, she oversaw and grew her office’s pro bono program, and under her leadership, the office expanded its efforts to include civil rights, immigration, homelessness, and domestic violence. She also specialized in ensuring that major corporations comply with environmental laws and regulations by leading internal investigations to improve their environmental practices while maintaining profitability.
Other background: Assm. Bauer-Kahan is from the Bay Area. She has been a longtime supporter of intellectual property rights.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) 66%, and Joseph Rubay (R) 34%. Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Joseph Rubay will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bauer-Kahan’s campaign has raised $507,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. She has received problematic donations from police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from AirBnB Inc., California Real Estate PAC, Disney Worldwide Services Inc., and California Correctional Peace Officers Association Local PAC.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joseph Rubay
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubay’s campaign has raised $12,000 and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 16th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Partisan control of this seat has flipped several times in the last decade, most recently in 2018 when Assm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan defeated a Republican incumbent.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 21% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 18th District
Reelect Assemblymember Mia Bonta to keep AD-18 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mia Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bonta has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Public lands and open spaces, homelessness and housing, public education, health-care access, and criminal justice.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bonta’s priorities for AD-18 have included 49 bills about public lands, education, worker protections, housing, and health care. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, 11 have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to emphasize resources for rehabilitation and reentry support in the justice system, extend the repayment timeline for child support owed by individuals recently released from incarceration, and support the Encinal Terminals development project in Alameda. In 2024, she proposed legislation to codify the FCC definition of digital discrimination into state law, lessen the burden of restitution fines for individuals involved with the justice system, require the law-enforcement agencies develop written policies for interacting with survivors of human trafficking, and improve equity on community college campuses. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, earning an All-Star distinction. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bonta supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year, and was a contributing author on four of the progressive bills evaluated for this year’s Courage Score.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bonta currently sits on seven standing committees, including two budget subcommittees, Business and Professions, Communications and Conveyance, Human Services, and Public Safety. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Health, and chair of the Select Committee on Place Based Systems of Coordinated Care for Children and Families. Assm. Bonta is also a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bonta has served in this assembly seat since 2021, when she won a special election with over 56% of the vote. In 2022, she won her first full term against a Republican challenger by 79 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bonta was a nonprofit executive at Oakland Promise, a nonprofit focused on low-income students. She was elected to the Alameda Unified School District School Board in 2018, and served as president of that body. Assm. Bonta has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives, and making the district more affordable and inclusive.
Other background: Assm. Bonta is originally from the Bronx.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Mia Bonta (D) 85%, Andre Sandford (AI) 5.3%, Mindy Pechenuk (R) 5.1%, and Cheyenne Kenney (R) 4.7%. Assm. Mia Bonta and Andre Sandford will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bonta’s campaign has raised $855,000 and is not funded by real estate or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Andre Sandford
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sandford’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 27% Black.
Recent election results: AD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 80 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Mia Bonta to keep AD-18 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mia Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bonta has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Public lands and open spaces, homelessness and housing, public education, health-care access, and criminal justice.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bonta’s priorities for AD-18 have included 49 bills about public lands, education, worker protections, housing, and health care. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, 11 have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to emphasize resources for rehabilitation and reentry support in the justice system, extend the repayment timeline for child support owed by individuals recently released from incarceration, and support the Encinal Terminals development project in Alameda. In 2024, she proposed legislation to codify the FCC definition of digital discrimination into state law, lessen the burden of restitution fines for individuals involved with the justice system, require the law-enforcement agencies develop written policies for interacting with survivors of human trafficking, and improve equity on community college campuses. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, earning an All-Star distinction. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bonta supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year, and was a contributing author on four of the progressive bills evaluated for this year’s Courage Score.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bonta currently sits on seven standing committees, including two budget subcommittees, Business and Professions, Communications and Conveyance, Human Services, and Public Safety. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Health, and chair of the Select Committee on Place Based Systems of Coordinated Care for Children and Families. Assm. Bonta is also a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bonta has served in this assembly seat since 2021, when she won a special election with over 56% of the vote. In 2022, she won her first full term against a Republican challenger by 79 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bonta was a nonprofit executive at Oakland Promise, a nonprofit focused on low-income students. She was elected to the Alameda Unified School District School Board in 2018, and served as president of that body. Assm. Bonta has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives, and making the district more affordable and inclusive.
Other background: Assm. Bonta is originally from the Bronx.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Mia Bonta (D) 85%, Andre Sandford (AI) 5.3%, Mindy Pechenuk (R) 5.1%, and Cheyenne Kenney (R) 4.7%. Assm. Mia Bonta and Andre Sandford will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bonta’s campaign has raised $855,000 and is not funded by real estate or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Andre Sandford
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sandford’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 27% Black.
Recent election results: AD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 80 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Mia Bonta to keep AD-18 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mia Bonta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bonta has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Public lands and open spaces, homelessness and housing, public education, health-care access, and criminal justice.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Bonta’s priorities for AD-18 have included 49 bills about public lands, education, worker protections, housing, and health care. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, 11 have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to emphasize resources for rehabilitation and reentry support in the justice system, extend the repayment timeline for child support owed by individuals recently released from incarceration, and support the Encinal Terminals development project in Alameda. In 2024, she proposed legislation to codify the FCC definition of digital discrimination into state law, lessen the burden of restitution fines for individuals involved with the justice system, require the law-enforcement agencies develop written policies for interacting with survivors of human trafficking, and improve equity on community college campuses. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, earning an All-Star distinction. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bonta supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year, and was a contributing author on four of the progressive bills evaluated for this year’s Courage Score.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bonta currently sits on seven standing committees, including two budget subcommittees, Business and Professions, Communications and Conveyance, Human Services, and Public Safety. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Health, and chair of the Select Committee on Place Based Systems of Coordinated Care for Children and Families. Assm. Bonta is also a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bonta has served in this assembly seat since 2021, when she won a special election with over 56% of the vote. In 2022, she won her first full term against a Republican challenger by 79 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Bonta was a nonprofit executive at Oakland Promise, a nonprofit focused on low-income students. She was elected to the Alameda Unified School District School Board in 2018, and served as president of that body. Assm. Bonta has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives, and making the district more affordable and inclusive.
Other background: Assm. Bonta is originally from the Bronx.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Mia Bonta (D) 85%, Andre Sandford (AI) 5.3%, Mindy Pechenuk (R) 5.1%, and Cheyenne Kenney (R) 4.7%. Assm. Mia Bonta and Andre Sandford will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bonta’s campaign has raised $855,000 and is not funded by real estate or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Andre Sandford
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sandford’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State as of August 2024.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 5% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 27% Black.
Recent election results: AD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 80 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 80 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 20th District
Courage California endorses Assemblymember Liz Ortega for reelection to keep AD-20 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Liz Ortega’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Ortega has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, CEJA Action, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, Assm. Alex Lee, and labor leader Dolores Huerta.
Top issues: Reproductive freedom, workforce development, environmental justice, homelessness and housing, community safety, and worker protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Ortega’s priorities for AD-20 have included 36 bills about health care, worker protections, and vocational and workforce services. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to limit the cost of over-the-counter overdose nasal sprays to no more than $10, permanently codify the state’s Low Cost Auto insurance program, provide employment resources to disabled individuals returning from incarceration, and protect health-care workers from the toxic smoke that emits during laser surgical procedures. In 2024, she proposed legislation to create more transparency in call center labor environments, adjust and expand requirements for employees of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and expand state services for older residents. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and received an Honorable Mention for her record this session. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Ortega has supported all of the progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Program Committee Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Ortega currently sits on five standing committees, including Budget, Human Services, and Privacy and Consumer Protection. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Labor & Employment. Assm. Ortega is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Ortega has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 62% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Ortega was a labor organizer and community activist, which she did to form coalitions and develop strategies necessary to build union power. 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 was the first Latina elected as executive secretary–treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, where she fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. In 2014, she was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee where she facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members. 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 has 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.
Other background: Assm. Ortega is a lifelong resident of the East Bay and currently lives in San Leandro. She came to the United States at the age of three.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Liz Ortega (D) 99.5%, and write-in candidate Sangeetha Shanbhogue (R) .5%. Assm. Liz Ortega and Sangeetha Shanbhogue will contend in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Ortega’s campaign has raised $70 9,000and is funded by fossil fuel, police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include PG&E Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Sangeetha Shanbhogue
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanbhogue’s campaign has raised $2,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 20th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 57% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 24% Latino, 32% Asian, and 10% Black.
Recent election results: AD-20 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 52 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 45 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Courage California endorses Assemblymember Liz Ortega for reelection to keep AD-20 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Liz Ortega’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Ortega has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, CEJA Action, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, Assm. Alex Lee, and labor leader Dolores Huerta.
Top issues: Reproductive freedom, workforce development, environmental justice, homelessness and housing, community safety, and worker protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Ortega’s priorities for AD-20 have included 36 bills about health care, worker protections, and vocational and workforce services. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to limit the cost of over-the-counter overdose nasal sprays to no more than $10, permanently codify the state’s Low Cost Auto insurance program, provide employment resources to disabled individuals returning from incarceration, and protect health-care workers from the toxic smoke that emits during laser surgical procedures. In 2024, she proposed legislation to create more transparency in call center labor environments, adjust and expand requirements for employees of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and expand state services for older residents. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and received an Honorable Mention for her record this session. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Ortega has supported all of the progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Program Committee Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Ortega currently sits on five standing committees, including Budget, Human Services, and Privacy and Consumer Protection. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Labor & Employment. Assm. Ortega is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Ortega has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 62% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Ortega was a labor organizer and community activist, which she did to form coalitions and develop strategies necessary to build union power. 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 was the first Latina elected as executive secretary–treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, where she fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. In 2014, she was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee where she facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members. 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 has 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.
Other background: Assm. Ortega is a lifelong resident of the East Bay and currently lives in San Leandro. She came to the United States at the age of three.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Liz Ortega (D) 99.5%, and write-in candidate Sangeetha Shanbhogue (R) .5%. Assm. Liz Ortega and Sangeetha Shanbhogue will contend in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Ortega’s campaign has raised $70 9,000and is funded by fossil fuel, police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include PG&E Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Sangeetha Shanbhogue
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanbhogue’s campaign has raised $2,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 20th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 57% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 24% Latino, 32% Asian, and 10% Black.
Recent election results: AD-20 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 52 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 45 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Endorsed By: Courage California
Courage California endorses Assemblymember Liz Ortega for reelection to keep AD-20 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Liz Ortega’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-20 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Ortega has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, CEJA Action, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, Assm. Alex Lee, and labor leader Dolores Huerta.
Top issues: Reproductive freedom, workforce development, environmental justice, homelessness and housing, community safety, and worker protections.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Ortega’s priorities for AD-20 have included 36 bills about health care, worker protections, and vocational and workforce services. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to limit the cost of over-the-counter overdose nasal sprays to no more than $10, permanently codify the state’s Low Cost Auto insurance program, provide employment resources to disabled individuals returning from incarceration, and protect health-care workers from the toxic smoke that emits during laser surgical procedures. In 2024, she proposed legislation to create more transparency in call center labor environments, adjust and expand requirements for employees of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and expand state services for older residents. She scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and received an Honorable Mention for her record this session. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Ortega has supported all of the progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Program Committee Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Ortega currently sits on five standing committees, including Budget, Human Services, and Privacy and Consumer Protection. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Labor & Employment. Assm. Ortega is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Ortega has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 62% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Ortega was a labor organizer and community activist, which she did to form coalitions and develop strategies necessary to build union power. 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 was the first Latina elected as executive secretary–treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, where she fought for an equitable minimum wage to support working families. In 2014, she was elected delegate to the Alameda Democratic Central Committee where she facilitated meetings and discussions between Democrats and labor leaders on issues facing their members. 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 has 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.
Other background: Assm. Ortega is a lifelong resident of the East Bay and currently lives in San Leandro. She came to the United States at the age of three.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Liz Ortega (D) 99.5%, and write-in candidate Sangeetha Shanbhogue (R) .5%. Assm. Liz Ortega and Sangeetha Shanbhogue will contend in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Ortega’s campaign has raised $70 9,000and is funded by fossil fuel, police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include PG&E Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Sangeetha Shanbhogue
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanbhogue’s campaign has raised $2,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 20th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 57% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 24% Latino, 32% Asian, and 10% Black.
Recent election results: AD-20 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 52 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 45 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Endorsed By: Courage California
State Assembly, 24th District
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
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 movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
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 movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
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 movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Senate
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
State Senator, 5th District
Elect Jerry McNerney for State Senate to put SD-5 on the right track for progress.
McNerney’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-5 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Jerry McNerney has the endorsement of some groups, including Tri Valley Democratic Club, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All California, and California Labor Federation. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including current SD-5 State Sen. Susan Eggman, State Sen. Henry Stern, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and labor organizer Dolores Huerta.
Electoral history: McNerney previously served in the US House of Representatives from 2007–2023. He won his 2020 race for Congress against a Republican challenger by 15 points.
Top issues: Climate protection, gun safety, and reproductive rights.
Governance and community leadership experience: Jerry McNerney is a longtime public servant and an elected official. He previously worked as a wind engineer, and is a longtime supporter of renewable energy. In Congress, he supported cap and trade and also co-sponsored legislation to learn more about the effects of thermal insulation for cost and conservation. He sat on the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology, and was a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, the Grid Innovation Caucus, and the Congressional International Conservation Caucus. He also passed legislation to secure funding for solar radiation management research in response to the climate crisis, and legislation to expand WiFi access to students and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other background: McNerney is from Albuquerque. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees from the University of New Mexico.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Jim Shoemaker (R) 44%, Jerry McNerney (D) 33%, and Assm. Carlos Villapudua (D) 23%. Jerry McNerney and Jim Shoemaker will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jerry McNerney’s campaign has raised $653,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jim Shoemaker
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Shoemaker’s campaign has raised $64,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 5th State Senate District includes San Joaquin County and parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 27% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 17% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: SD-5 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 5 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jerry McNerney for State Senate to put SD-5 on the right track for progress.
McNerney’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-5 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Jerry McNerney has the endorsement of some groups, including Tri Valley Democratic Club, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All California, and California Labor Federation. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including current SD-5 State Sen. Susan Eggman, State Sen. Henry Stern, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and labor organizer Dolores Huerta.
Electoral history: McNerney previously served in the US House of Representatives from 2007–2023. He won his 2020 race for Congress against a Republican challenger by 15 points.
Top issues: Climate protection, gun safety, and reproductive rights.
Governance and community leadership experience: Jerry McNerney is a longtime public servant and an elected official. He previously worked as a wind engineer, and is a longtime supporter of renewable energy. In Congress, he supported cap and trade and also co-sponsored legislation to learn more about the effects of thermal insulation for cost and conservation. He sat on the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology, and was a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, the Grid Innovation Caucus, and the Congressional International Conservation Caucus. He also passed legislation to secure funding for solar radiation management research in response to the climate crisis, and legislation to expand WiFi access to students and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other background: McNerney is from Albuquerque. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees from the University of New Mexico.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Jim Shoemaker (R) 44%, Jerry McNerney (D) 33%, and Assm. Carlos Villapudua (D) 23%. Jerry McNerney and Jim Shoemaker will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jerry McNerney’s campaign has raised $653,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jim Shoemaker
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Shoemaker’s campaign has raised $64,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 5th State Senate District includes San Joaquin County and parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 27% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 17% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: SD-5 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 5 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jerry McNerney for State Senate to put SD-5 on the right track for progress.
McNerney’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-5 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Jerry McNerney has the endorsement of some groups, including Tri Valley Democratic Club, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All California, and California Labor Federation. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including current SD-5 State Sen. Susan Eggman, State Sen. Henry Stern, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and labor organizer Dolores Huerta.
Electoral history: McNerney previously served in the US House of Representatives from 2007–2023. He won his 2020 race for Congress against a Republican challenger by 15 points.
Top issues: Climate protection, gun safety, and reproductive rights.
Governance and community leadership experience: Jerry McNerney is a longtime public servant and an elected official. He previously worked as a wind engineer, and is a longtime supporter of renewable energy. In Congress, he supported cap and trade and also co-sponsored legislation to learn more about the effects of thermal insulation for cost and conservation. He sat on the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Science, Space, and Technology, and was a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, the Grid Innovation Caucus, and the Congressional International Conservation Caucus. He also passed legislation to secure funding for solar radiation management research in response to the climate crisis, and legislation to expand WiFi access to students and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other background: McNerney is from Albuquerque. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees from the University of New Mexico.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Jim Shoemaker (R) 44%, Jerry McNerney (D) 33%, and Assm. Carlos Villapudua (D) 23%. Jerry McNerney and Jim Shoemaker will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jerry McNerney’s campaign has raised $653,000 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jim Shoemaker
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Shoemaker’s campaign has raised $64,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 5th State Senate District includes San Joaquin County and parts of Alameda County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 27% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 17% Asian, and 7% Black.
Recent election results: SD-5 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 5 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
State Senator, 7th District
Courage California endorses Jovanka Beckles for State Senate to put SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Jovanka Beckles’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Electoral history: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Top issues: Reparations, housing, health care for all, taxing the rich, reforming Proposition 13, and enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution.
Priority bills: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Prior to her elected roles, Beckles served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer Black Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D) 32%, Jovanka Beckles (D) 18%, Dan Kalb (D) 15%, Kathryn Lybarger (D) 15%, Sandre Swanson (D) 12%, and Jeanne Solnordal (R) 9%. Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Jovanka Beckles will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jovanka Beckles’s campaign has raised $234,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Mayor Jesse Arreguín
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Courage California endorses Jovanka Beckles for State Senate to put SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Jovanka Beckles’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Electoral history: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Top issues: Reparations, housing, health care for all, taxing the rich, reforming Proposition 13, and enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution.
Priority bills: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Prior to her elected roles, Beckles served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer Black Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D) 32%, Jovanka Beckles (D) 18%, Dan Kalb (D) 15%, Kathryn Lybarger (D) 15%, Sandre Swanson (D) 12%, and Jeanne Solnordal (R) 9%. Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Jovanka Beckles will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jovanka Beckles’s campaign has raised $234,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Mayor Jesse Arreguín
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Endorsed By: Courage California
Courage California endorses Jovanka Beckles for State Senate to put SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Jovanka Beckles’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Electoral history: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Top issues: Reparations, housing, health care for all, taxing the rich, reforming Proposition 13, and enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution.
Priority bills: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Prior to her elected roles, Beckles served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer Black Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D) 32%, Jovanka Beckles (D) 18%, Dan Kalb (D) 15%, Kathryn Lybarger (D) 15%, Sandre Swanson (D) 12%, and Jeanne Solnordal (R) 9%. Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Jovanka Beckles will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Jovanka Beckles’s campaign has raised $234,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Mayor Jesse Arreguín
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Endorsed By: Courage California
State Senator, 9th District
Courage California endorses Marisol Rubio for State Senate to put SD-9 on the right track for progress.
Marisol Rubio’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-9 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rubio has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, South Alameda County Progressive Democrats, Our Revolution East Bay, Evolve California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials, including congressional Rep. Ro Khanna.
Electoral history: Rubio ran for State Senate in 2020, and was defeated in the primary, losing out by 3 points to the Democratic incumbent and Republican challenger. She was elected to the San Ramon City Council in 2022.
Top issues: Environmental protections, reproductive rights, climate change, and housing.
Priority bills: As San Ramon City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat climate change. She helped form the first Ad Hoc Climate Action Council, and also helped direct policy to meet the housing needs of San Ramon.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rubio is a San Ramon City Councilmember, scientific researcher, health care provider, and former teacher. Rubio serves on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. She co-authored two resolutions that were adopted by the California Democratic Party and helped pass several progressive bills and resolutions including the Green New Deal for California, a call for a climate-focused presidential debate, and support for the public banking movement, which gives localities the ability to open banks to serve marginalized residents. She also advocated for the California Democratic Party to stop accepting money from police and the fossil fuel industry. She has served as a board member for the Sierra Club, an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and is an SEIU Local 2015 member.
Other background: Rubio is from California. She earned her BA in molecular biology from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Assm. Tim Grayson (D) 59%, and Marisol Rubio (D) 40%. Assm. Tim Grayson and Marisol Rubio will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Marisol Rubio’s campaign has raised $146,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tim Grayson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Grayson’s campaign has raised $961,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 9th State Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 19% Asian, and 8% Black.
Recent election results: SD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Courage California endorses Marisol Rubio for State Senate to put SD-9 on the right track for progress.
Marisol Rubio’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-9 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rubio has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, South Alameda County Progressive Democrats, Our Revolution East Bay, Evolve California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials, including congressional Rep. Ro Khanna.
Electoral history: Rubio ran for State Senate in 2020, and was defeated in the primary, losing out by 3 points to the Democratic incumbent and Republican challenger. She was elected to the San Ramon City Council in 2022.
Top issues: Environmental protections, reproductive rights, climate change, and housing.
Priority bills: As San Ramon City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat climate change. She helped form the first Ad Hoc Climate Action Council, and also helped direct policy to meet the housing needs of San Ramon.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rubio is a San Ramon City Councilmember, scientific researcher, health care provider, and former teacher. Rubio serves on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. She co-authored two resolutions that were adopted by the California Democratic Party and helped pass several progressive bills and resolutions including the Green New Deal for California, a call for a climate-focused presidential debate, and support for the public banking movement, which gives localities the ability to open banks to serve marginalized residents. She also advocated for the California Democratic Party to stop accepting money from police and the fossil fuel industry. She has served as a board member for the Sierra Club, an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and is an SEIU Local 2015 member.
Other background: Rubio is from California. She earned her BA in molecular biology from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Assm. Tim Grayson (D) 59%, and Marisol Rubio (D) 40%. Assm. Tim Grayson and Marisol Rubio will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Marisol Rubio’s campaign has raised $146,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tim Grayson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Grayson’s campaign has raised $961,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 9th State Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 19% Asian, and 8% Black.
Recent election results: SD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Endorsed By: Courage California
Courage California endorses Marisol Rubio for State Senate to put SD-9 on the right track for progress.
Marisol Rubio’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-9 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rubio has the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, South Alameda County Progressive Democrats, Our Revolution East Bay, Evolve California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials, including congressional Rep. Ro Khanna.
Electoral history: Rubio ran for State Senate in 2020, and was defeated in the primary, losing out by 3 points to the Democratic incumbent and Republican challenger. She was elected to the San Ramon City Council in 2022.
Top issues: Environmental protections, reproductive rights, climate change, and housing.
Priority bills: As San Ramon City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat climate change. She helped form the first Ad Hoc Climate Action Council, and also helped direct policy to meet the housing needs of San Ramon.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rubio is a San Ramon City Councilmember, scientific researcher, health care provider, and former teacher. Rubio serves on the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. She co-authored two resolutions that were adopted by the California Democratic Party and helped pass several progressive bills and resolutions including the Green New Deal for California, a call for a climate-focused presidential debate, and support for the public banking movement, which gives localities the ability to open banks to serve marginalized residents. She also advocated for the California Democratic Party to stop accepting money from police and the fossil fuel industry. She has served as a board member for the Sierra Club, an elected delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and is an SEIU Local 2015 member.
Other background: Rubio is from California. She earned her BA in molecular biology from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Assm. Tim Grayson (D) 59%, and Marisol Rubio (D) 40%. Assm. Tim Grayson and Marisol Rubio will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Marisol Rubio’s campaign has raised $146,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tim Grayson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Grayson’s campaign has raised $961,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 9th State Senate District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 19% Asian, and 8% Black.
Recent election results: SD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Endorsed By: Courage California
Alameda County, District 5
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.
Elect Nikki Fortunato Bas for Supervisor to put Alameda County on the right track for progress.
Nikki Fortunato Bas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Alameda County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Fortunato Bas has the endorsement of many local groups, including Bay Rising Action, Oakland Rising Action, Berkeley Tenants Union, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, and many labor organizations. She has also received the endorsement of several elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Assm. Alex Lee, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and four current members of the Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Fortunato Bas has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Oakland City Council with 54% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 after earning over 67% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, job creation, and expanding mental health care.
Governance and community leadership experience: Fortunato Bas is a community organizer and public official, which she does to advocate for policies that will bring progressive change to the Oakland community. During her two terms on the Oakland City Council, she has supported several housing initiatives, including the establishment of robust eviction protections, the opening of a tiny-home program for unhoused residents, and the creation of a fund to support first-time homeownership. She has worked to improve the function of emergency personnel by launching a nonviolent crisis-response program, and improving violence-prevention programs in the community. She has also supported funding for youth-development programs, a progressive taxation ballot measure, and infrastructure improvements. Prior to her election, Fortunato Bas advocated for change through her nonprofit leadership roles with Partnership for Working Families and East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. She is a longtime supporter of economic improvements, including minimum-wage increases, paid sick leave, and creating local jobs through redevelopment.
Other background: Fortunato Bas has lived in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood for over 25 years. She is Filipina-American.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Nikki Fortunato Bas 34%, John Bauters 21%, Ben Bartlett 17%, Ken Berrick 9%, Chris Moore 9%, Gregory Hodge 4%, and Lorrel Plimier 4%. Nikki Fortunato Bas and John Bauters will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Fortunato Bas’s campaign has raised $1.1 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests
Opposing candidate: John Bauters
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Bauters’s campaign has raised $405,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
County: Alameda County is California’s 7th most populous county. District 5 includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, West Oakland, North Oakland, Rockridge, and Grand Lake.
Governance structure: Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.6 million people and manages an estimated budget of $4.1 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Alameda County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors and the county administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Nikki Fortunato Bas for Supervisor to put Alameda County on the right track for progress.
Nikki Fortunato Bas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Alameda County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Fortunato Bas has the endorsement of many local groups, including Bay Rising Action, Oakland Rising Action, Berkeley Tenants Union, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, and many labor organizations. She has also received the endorsement of several elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Assm. Alex Lee, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and four current members of the Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Fortunato Bas has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Oakland City Council with 54% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 after earning over 67% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, job creation, and expanding mental health care.
Governance and community leadership experience: Fortunato Bas is a community organizer and public official, which she does to advocate for policies that will bring progressive change to the Oakland community. During her two terms on the Oakland City Council, she has supported several housing initiatives, including the establishment of robust eviction protections, the opening of a tiny-home program for unhoused residents, and the creation of a fund to support first-time homeownership. She has worked to improve the function of emergency personnel by launching a nonviolent crisis-response program, and improving violence-prevention programs in the community. She has also supported funding for youth-development programs, a progressive taxation ballot measure, and infrastructure improvements. Prior to her election, Fortunato Bas advocated for change through her nonprofit leadership roles with Partnership for Working Families and East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. She is a longtime supporter of economic improvements, including minimum-wage increases, paid sick leave, and creating local jobs through redevelopment.
Other background: Fortunato Bas has lived in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood for over 25 years. She is Filipina-American.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Nikki Fortunato Bas 34%, John Bauters 21%, Ben Bartlett 17%, Ken Berrick 9%, Chris Moore 9%, Gregory Hodge 4%, and Lorrel Plimier 4%. Nikki Fortunato Bas and John Bauters will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Fortunato Bas’s campaign has raised $1.1 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests
Opposing candidate: John Bauters
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Bauters’s campaign has raised $405,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
County: Alameda County is California’s 7th most populous county. District 5 includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, West Oakland, North Oakland, Rockridge, and Grand Lake.
Governance structure: Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.6 million people and manages an estimated budget of $4.1 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Alameda County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors and the county administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Nikki Fortunato Bas for Supervisor to put Alameda County on the right track for progress.
Nikki Fortunato Bas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Alameda County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Fortunato Bas has the endorsement of many local groups, including Bay Rising Action, Oakland Rising Action, Berkeley Tenants Union, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, and many labor organizations. She has also received the endorsement of several elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Assm. Alex Lee, Treasurer Fiona Ma, and four current members of the Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Fortunato Bas has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Oakland City Council with 54% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 after earning over 67% of the vote.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, job creation, and expanding mental health care.
Governance and community leadership experience: Fortunato Bas is a community organizer and public official, which she does to advocate for policies that will bring progressive change to the Oakland community. During her two terms on the Oakland City Council, she has supported several housing initiatives, including the establishment of robust eviction protections, the opening of a tiny-home program for unhoused residents, and the creation of a fund to support first-time homeownership. She has worked to improve the function of emergency personnel by launching a nonviolent crisis-response program, and improving violence-prevention programs in the community. She has also supported funding for youth-development programs, a progressive taxation ballot measure, and infrastructure improvements. Prior to her election, Fortunato Bas advocated for change through her nonprofit leadership roles with Partnership for Working Families and East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy. She is a longtime supporter of economic improvements, including minimum-wage increases, paid sick leave, and creating local jobs through redevelopment.
Other background: Fortunato Bas has lived in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood for over 25 years. She is Filipina-American.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Nikki Fortunato Bas 34%, John Bauters 21%, Ben Bartlett 17%, Ken Berrick 9%, Chris Moore 9%, Gregory Hodge 4%, and Lorrel Plimier 4%. Nikki Fortunato Bas and John Bauters will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Fortunato Bas’s campaign has raised $1.1 million and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests
Opposing candidate: John Bauters
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Bauters’s campaign has raised $405,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
County: Alameda County is California’s 7th most populous county. District 5 includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, West Oakland, North Oakland, Rockridge, and Grand Lake.
Governance structure: Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.6 million people and manages an estimated budget of $4.1 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Alameda County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors and the county administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition 2 is a $10 billion bond measure to fund repairs and facilities upgrades for public K–12 buildings and community colleges within the state. Based on our analysis, there are distinct perspectives on the initiative. We recommend that you choose the position that best aligns to your values on this issue.
Proposition 2 aims to replenish the funds needed to continue ongoing building updates in public-education buildings, many of which have stalled since funds from the last bond measure in 2016 ran out. This measure will distribute funds across two buckets of public education: $8.5 billion for K–12 institutions and $1.5 billion for community colleges. The proposition dictates a model for fund distribution that would require local districts to raise 35% to 40% of the project costs through a local bond or other financing before requesting a match from the state. The exact match requirement depends on a formula that includes factors such as the socioeconomic status of students, the wealth of the district, the size of the district, and other considerations. Districts can apply for matching funds to be used for renovation or new construction projects, with an intent to ensure that public-education structures provide all learners with safe environmental conditions. A similar bond measure for $15 billion failed in 2020 after receiving only 47% of the vote. After much discussion in the state legislature, Proposition 2 requests that a simple majority of voters pass a smaller bond measure to renew this funding stream for public-school facility maintenance and upkeep.
Equity and Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 was placed on the ballot by the state legislature as a result of passing id=202320240AB247" target="blank">AB 247 (Muratsuchi). Over 30 allied equity and community-based organizations and impacted school districts opposed AB 247, arguing that the matching formula and first-come first-served funding process favors better-resourced districts. To their point, studies have shown that the matching fund formula has delivered four times as much in state bond funds to wealthy districts as low-wealth districts over decades.
What voting YES on Proposition 2 means:
- Research indicates that student learning is boosted when education facilities are modernized, climate-controlled, and have updated electrical infrastructure. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide a meaningful funding stream to allow more students to have access to technology and classroom environments that will improve learning outcomes. Yet, due to the equity concerns identified above, it is not clear whether this funding will reach students who need it the most.
- Due to delays in repair and renovation, many districts have resorted to repurposing gymnasiums as cafeterias, and using auxiliary classrooms. Recent data shows that over one third of California students are enrolled in a school that doesn’t meet minimum facility standards. These conditions can diminish student access to technology, adequate learning space, and physical education classes. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide more districts with the resources they need to expand facilities and ensure comprehensive learning opportunities for students.
What voting NO on Proposition 2 means:
- If Prop 2 passes, there likely will not be another school-funding bond opportunity for 5–10 years. An alternative to voting yes for this bond would be to support education equity advocates in pursuing legislative and legal avenues to make the funding and distribution rules more equitable and serve the highest-need school districts.
Top supporters of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 has received support from many school districts in the state, including the nation’s second-largest public district, Los Angeles Unified School District, which has an enrollment of over 660,000 students. It has also been popular with education administrators and leaders, and has earned the support of the Association of California School Administrators, and the California School Boards Association.
- The powerful education advocacy group Coalition for Adequate School Housing has also provided its support to Proposition 2.
Top opponents of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 is opposed by the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Proposition 2 is a $10 billion bond measure to fund repairs and facilities upgrades for public K–12 buildings and community colleges within the state. Based on our analysis, there are distinct perspectives on the initiative. We recommend that you choose the position that best aligns to your values on this issue.
Proposition 2 aims to replenish the funds needed to continue ongoing building updates in public-education buildings, many of which have stalled since funds from the last bond measure in 2016 ran out. This measure will distribute funds across two buckets of public education: $8.5 billion for K–12 institutions and $1.5 billion for community colleges. The proposition dictates a model for fund distribution that would require local districts to raise 35% to 40% of the project costs through a local bond or other financing before requesting a match from the state. The exact match requirement depends on a formula that includes factors such as the socioeconomic status of students, the wealth of the district, the size of the district, and other considerations. Districts can apply for matching funds to be used for renovation or new construction projects, with an intent to ensure that public-education structures provide all learners with safe environmental conditions. A similar bond measure for $15 billion failed in 2020 after receiving only 47% of the vote. After much discussion in the state legislature, Proposition 2 requests that a simple majority of voters pass a smaller bond measure to renew this funding stream for public-school facility maintenance and upkeep.
Equity and Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 was placed on the ballot by the state legislature as a result of passing id=202320240AB247" target="blank">AB 247 (Muratsuchi). Over 30 allied equity and community-based organizations and impacted school districts opposed AB 247, arguing that the matching formula and first-come first-served funding process favors better-resourced districts. To their point, studies have shown that the matching fund formula has delivered four times as much in state bond funds to wealthy districts as low-wealth districts over decades.
What voting YES on Proposition 2 means:
- Research indicates that student learning is boosted when education facilities are modernized, climate-controlled, and have updated electrical infrastructure. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide a meaningful funding stream to allow more students to have access to technology and classroom environments that will improve learning outcomes. Yet, due to the equity concerns identified above, it is not clear whether this funding will reach students who need it the most.
- Due to delays in repair and renovation, many districts have resorted to repurposing gymnasiums as cafeterias, and using auxiliary classrooms. Recent data shows that over one third of California students are enrolled in a school that doesn’t meet minimum facility standards. These conditions can diminish student access to technology, adequate learning space, and physical education classes. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide more districts with the resources they need to expand facilities and ensure comprehensive learning opportunities for students.
What voting NO on Proposition 2 means:
- If Prop 2 passes, there likely will not be another school-funding bond opportunity for 5–10 years. An alternative to voting yes for this bond would be to support education equity advocates in pursuing legislative and legal avenues to make the funding and distribution rules more equitable and serve the highest-need school districts.
Top supporters of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 has received support from many school districts in the state, including the nation’s second-largest public district, Los Angeles Unified School District, which has an enrollment of over 660,000 students. It has also been popular with education administrators and leaders, and has earned the support of the Association of California School Administrators, and the California School Boards Association.
- The powerful education advocacy group Coalition for Adequate School Housing has also provided its support to Proposition 2.
Top opponents of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 is opposed by the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Vote YES on Proposition 3 to protect marriage equality in the state constitution.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined the only valid and recognized marriages in the state as those between a man and a woman, with 52% of the vote. Although Proposition 8 remains in the state constitution, it was overturned by the state Supreme Court in a decision that went into effect in 2013, and was further overruled by the federal Supreme Court’s 2015 when same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Proposition 3 would formally repeal Proposition 8, remove the constitutional language indicating that marriage is between a man and a woman, and affirm the fundamental right to marry.
Why voting YES on Proposition 3 matters:
- While marriage equality is protected nationally, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to be targeted by discriminatory legislation across the country. A YES vote would reaffirm California’s commitment to protecting the rights of these communities.
- The Supreme Court’s current right-wing majority has vocalized their interest in overturning the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and recently voted in favor of a website designer’s refusal to create online wedding pages for LGBTQIA+ couples because she claimed it infringed on her right to free speech. A YES vote would ensure that marriage equality is protected in California even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the national legalization.
- To date, Nevada is the only state that has amended its state constitution to create protection for marriage equality. A YES vote will make California a progressive leader on this issue and create significant protections for the 2.7 million state residents who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Top supporters of Proposition 3:
- This proposition originated as a bill, ACA 5, which was authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, passed both chambers of the legislature with bipartisan support, and has received vocal support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and several other elected officials.
- Many LGBTQIA+ and progressive groups support this constitutional amendment, including ACLU California Action, Courage California, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Reproductive Freedom for All California.
Top opponents of Proposition 3:
- California Capitol Connection, a Baptist lobbying group, leads the opposition to ACA 5 and argues that the Bible defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
- The opposition has also been supported by other groups with religious affiliations, including California Family Council, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Freedom in Action, and Real Impact.
- Notably, Proposition 3 has not encountered resistance from many of the groups that worked tirelessly to pass the discriminatory Proposition 8 sixteen years ago. Prop 8 was supported by various religious groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the San Diego branch of the Church of Scientology. These groups have not issued a stance or made significant financial contributions to deter Proposition 3.
Vote YES on Proposition 3 to protect marriage equality in the state constitution.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined the only valid and recognized marriages in the state as those between a man and a woman, with 52% of the vote. Although Proposition 8 remains in the state constitution, it was overturned by the state Supreme Court in a decision that went into effect in 2013, and was further overruled by the federal Supreme Court’s 2015 when same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Proposition 3 would formally repeal Proposition 8, remove the constitutional language indicating that marriage is between a man and a woman, and affirm the fundamental right to marry.
Why voting YES on Proposition 3 matters:
- While marriage equality is protected nationally, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to be targeted by discriminatory legislation across the country. A YES vote would reaffirm California’s commitment to protecting the rights of these communities.
- The Supreme Court’s current right-wing majority has vocalized their interest in overturning the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and recently voted in favor of a website designer’s refusal to create online wedding pages for LGBTQIA+ couples because she claimed it infringed on her right to free speech. A YES vote would ensure that marriage equality is protected in California even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the national legalization.
- To date, Nevada is the only state that has amended its state constitution to create protection for marriage equality. A YES vote will make California a progressive leader on this issue and create significant protections for the 2.7 million state residents who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Top supporters of Proposition 3:
- This proposition originated as a bill, ACA 5, which was authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, passed both chambers of the legislature with bipartisan support, and has received vocal support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and several other elected officials.
- Many LGBTQIA+ and progressive groups support this constitutional amendment, including ACLU California Action, Courage California, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Reproductive Freedom for All California.
Top opponents of Proposition 3:
- California Capitol Connection, a Baptist lobbying group, leads the opposition to ACA 5 and argues that the Bible defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
- The opposition has also been supported by other groups with religious affiliations, including California Family Council, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Freedom in Action, and Real Impact.
- Notably, Proposition 3 has not encountered resistance from many of the groups that worked tirelessly to pass the discriminatory Proposition 8 sixteen years ago. Prop 8 was supported by various religious groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the San Diego branch of the Church of Scientology. These groups have not issued a stance or made significant financial contributions to deter Proposition 3.
Vote YES on Proposition 4 to increase funding for critical climate protections and environmental infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration made a commitment to spend $54 billion on climate protections, some of which were cut to balance the state’s budget. Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act, would allow the state to borrow $10 billion to be urgently allocated across a variety of climate projects and reimbursed by taxpayers through a bond. The bill outlines allocations for these funds that include $3.8 billion for safe drinking and groundwater projects, $1.5 billion for wildfire protections, $1.2 billion for coastal infrastructure efforts, $1.2 billion to protect biodiversity, and $450 million for extreme heat mitigation. With a focus on water, wildfire, and the coast, this funding is designed to create present-day solutions that will stop or reverse existing climate challenges and mitigate the need for more expensive projects in the future.
Why voting YES on Proposition 4 matters:
- Proposition 4 mandates that 40% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities, which it defines as areas where the median household income is less than 80% of the region’s average. Voting YES will ensure that the communities most negatively impacted by environmental disinvestment will benefit from these climate projects.
- Along with providing benefits for water, wildfire, and coastal areas, Proposition 4 will also allocate funds to address wildlife habitat preservation, build public parks, increase sustainable farming operations, and fight air pollution. Voting YES will provide for these initiatives for wide-ranging community benefits across the state.
- An analysis from the California Natural Resources Agency indicates that without action today, the state’s climate-related expenses could rise to $113 billion annually by 2050. Voting YES on Proposition 4 will allow the state to take immediate action to establish more protections and adaptability to avert high annual expenses in the coming decades.
Top supporters of Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has the support of many environmental, labor, and justice groups, including Environmental Defense Fund, California Coastal Protection Network, California Water Impact Network, and WateReuse California.
- SB867, which moved Proposition 4 forward to the ballot, was introduced in February 2023 and authored by Sen. Ben Allen, Sen. Josh Becker, Assm. Eduardo Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Sen. Monique Limón, Sen. Anthony Portatino, Sen. Henry Stern, and Assm. Lori Wilson. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has been publicly opposed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argues that repayment of the bond with interest will result in an overall taxpayer cost in excess of $19 billion over 30 years. They argue that asking future generations to shoulder a financial burden they did not have the opportunity to vote on directly is unjust, though the prevailing analysis is that inaction will cost the state more money. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association generally opposes raising public revenue to pay for critical infrastructure, programs, and services, including bonds that have been popular with voters.
Vote YES on Proposition 4 to increase funding for critical climate protections and environmental infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration made a commitment to spend $54 billion on climate protections, some of which were cut to balance the state’s budget. Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act, would allow the state to borrow $10 billion to be urgently allocated across a variety of climate projects and reimbursed by taxpayers through a bond. The bill outlines allocations for these funds that include $3.8 billion for safe drinking and groundwater projects, $1.5 billion for wildfire protections, $1.2 billion for coastal infrastructure efforts, $1.2 billion to protect biodiversity, and $450 million for extreme heat mitigation. With a focus on water, wildfire, and the coast, this funding is designed to create present-day solutions that will stop or reverse existing climate challenges and mitigate the need for more expensive projects in the future.
Why voting YES on Proposition 4 matters:
- Proposition 4 mandates that 40% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities, which it defines as areas where the median household income is less than 80% of the region’s average. Voting YES will ensure that the communities most negatively impacted by environmental disinvestment will benefit from these climate projects.
- Along with providing benefits for water, wildfire, and coastal areas, Proposition 4 will also allocate funds to address wildlife habitat preservation, build public parks, increase sustainable farming operations, and fight air pollution. Voting YES will provide for these initiatives for wide-ranging community benefits across the state.
- An analysis from the California Natural Resources Agency indicates that without action today, the state’s climate-related expenses could rise to $113 billion annually by 2050. Voting YES on Proposition 4 will allow the state to take immediate action to establish more protections and adaptability to avert high annual expenses in the coming decades.
Top supporters of Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has the support of many environmental, labor, and justice groups, including Environmental Defense Fund, California Coastal Protection Network, California Water Impact Network, and WateReuse California.
- SB867, which moved Proposition 4 forward to the ballot, was introduced in February 2023 and authored by Sen. Ben Allen, Sen. Josh Becker, Assm. Eduardo Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Sen. Monique Limón, Sen. Anthony Portatino, Sen. Henry Stern, and Assm. Lori Wilson. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has been publicly opposed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argues that repayment of the bond with interest will result in an overall taxpayer cost in excess of $19 billion over 30 years. They argue that asking future generations to shoulder a financial burden they did not have the opportunity to vote on directly is unjust, though the prevailing analysis is that inaction will cost the state more money. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association generally opposes raising public revenue to pay for critical infrastructure, programs, and services, including bonds that have been popular with voters.
Vote YES on Proposition 5 to make it easier to pass local bonds and taxes to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure development.
At the local level, the California Constitution currently requires that general obligation bonds and special taxes for both affordable housing and public infrastructure projects earn a two-thirds supermajority vote, or 67%, to pass. Proposition 5 seeks to reduce that vote threshold to 55% of the popular vote to provide local governments with a better opportunity to move forward on these local service and development projects using public funds. The proposition also establishes accountability standards to require annual, independent audits of the use of funds, and create citizen oversight committees to evaluate spending.
Why voting YES on Proposition 5 matters:
- Over the last several years, California has seen a growing population of unhoused people, chronically high housing costs, and the highest rate of poverty in the country. Each of these issues are directly tied to a lack of affordable housing development across communities. Reducing the vote threshold to a more attainable level by voting YES on Proposition 5 would improve the likelihood that local governments could pass funding measures to address these issues.
- Since Proposition 39 passed in 2000, local school districts have been able to pass bond measures with the lower 55% requirement. The effectiveness of this vote threshold reduction establishes a strong precedent for the changes proposed in Proposition 5. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would expand this principle to fund housing and infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure improvements, like upgrades to roads, water systems, public parks, and libraries, improve quality of life in a community and increase existing property values. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would make it easier for municipalities to fund projects to expand broadband access, improve public safety, amend water sanitation and quality, protect property against flooding and sea level changes, and build hospitals.
Top supporters of Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has the endorsement of many groups, including California Association of Housing Authorities, California State Association of Counties, California Transit Association, California State Council of Laborers, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Urban Counties of California. It has also received the support of several cities, including Camarillo, Davis, Gustine, Laguna Beach, Lathrop, Lodi, Moorpark, and San Luis Obispo.
- Proposition 5 was authored in the state legislature as ACA 1 by Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry, Assm. Marc Berman, Assm. Matt Haney, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Buffy Wicks. It received over 65% support from floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has been heavily opposed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association (HJTA), whose stated mission is to protect Proposition 13 and ensure the right to limited taxation. Howard and Estelle Jarvis participated in the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, before founding HJTA to continue to advocate against tax increases. HJTA argues that Proposition 5 threatens Proposition 13 and existing protections for taxpayers, and that it will ultimately result in increased taxation in the state.
Misinformation about Proposition 5 includes:
- Opponents of Proposition 5 claim that it is a direct attack on Proposition 13, which passed in 1978 and restricted property tax increases by capping a homeowners’ general levy tax to just 1% of their home’s assessed value. This is FALSE. Proposition 5 modernizes the process by which a passing vote can be achieved for specific categories of funding but does not repeal Proposition 13.
- Opponents claim that Proposition 5 will make California less affordable for working families and renters. This is FALSE. Creating an easier process for municipalities to fund housing and infrastructure development will increase the availability of housing units and effectively draw down an inflated cost of living that has been exacerbated by housing scarcity.
Vote YES on Proposition 5 to make it easier to pass local bonds and taxes to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure development.
At the local level, the California Constitution currently requires that general obligation bonds and special taxes for both affordable housing and public infrastructure projects earn a two-thirds supermajority vote, or 67%, to pass. Proposition 5 seeks to reduce that vote threshold to 55% of the popular vote to provide local governments with a better opportunity to move forward on these local service and development projects using public funds. The proposition also establishes accountability standards to require annual, independent audits of the use of funds, and create citizen oversight committees to evaluate spending.
Why voting YES on Proposition 5 matters:
- Over the last several years, California has seen a growing population of unhoused people, chronically high housing costs, and the highest rate of poverty in the country. Each of these issues are directly tied to a lack of affordable housing development across communities. Reducing the vote threshold to a more attainable level by voting YES on Proposition 5 would improve the likelihood that local governments could pass funding measures to address these issues.
- Since Proposition 39 passed in 2000, local school districts have been able to pass bond measures with the lower 55% requirement. The effectiveness of this vote threshold reduction establishes a strong precedent for the changes proposed in Proposition 5. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would expand this principle to fund housing and infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure improvements, like upgrades to roads, water systems, public parks, and libraries, improve quality of life in a community and increase existing property values. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would make it easier for municipalities to fund projects to expand broadband access, improve public safety, amend water sanitation and quality, protect property against flooding and sea level changes, and build hospitals.
Top supporters of Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has the endorsement of many groups, including California Association of Housing Authorities, California State Association of Counties, California Transit Association, California State Council of Laborers, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Urban Counties of California. It has also received the support of several cities, including Camarillo, Davis, Gustine, Laguna Beach, Lathrop, Lodi, Moorpark, and San Luis Obispo.
- Proposition 5 was authored in the state legislature as ACA 1 by Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry, Assm. Marc Berman, Assm. Matt Haney, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Buffy Wicks. It received over 65% support from floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has been heavily opposed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association (HJTA), whose stated mission is to protect Proposition 13 and ensure the right to limited taxation. Howard and Estelle Jarvis participated in the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, before founding HJTA to continue to advocate against tax increases. HJTA argues that Proposition 5 threatens Proposition 13 and existing protections for taxpayers, and that it will ultimately result in increased taxation in the state.
Misinformation about Proposition 5 includes:
- Opponents of Proposition 5 claim that it is a direct attack on Proposition 13, which passed in 1978 and restricted property tax increases by capping a homeowners’ general levy tax to just 1% of their home’s assessed value. This is FALSE. Proposition 5 modernizes the process by which a passing vote can be achieved for specific categories of funding but does not repeal Proposition 13.
- Opponents claim that Proposition 5 will make California less affordable for working families and renters. This is FALSE. Creating an easier process for municipalities to fund housing and infrastructure development will increase the availability of housing units and effectively draw down an inflated cost of living that has been exacerbated by housing scarcity.
Vote YES on Proposition 6 to eliminate involuntary servitude or slavery of any form as a criminal punishment that can be used by the state.
California’s state constitution outlaws slavery but maintains language that allows for involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for a crime. Proposition 6 would repeal that language and replace it with language that clearly outlaws the use of involuntary servitude under any circumstances, and allows the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to instead issue credits to incarcerated people for the acceptance of voluntary work assignments during their incarceration. This bill was strongly supported by the Legislative Black Caucus, which included it as part of a larger package designed to move the state forward on reparations.
Why voting YES on Proposition 6 matters:
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 would join California with over 30 other states that have struck down the archaic practice of involuntary servitude in their state constitutions.
- The current policy further enriches prisons by allowing them to require inmates to work for wages as low as eight cents an hour. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will eliminate forced labor in the state prison system and provide for more dignity in the earning capacity and rehabilitation process of incarcerated people.
- The incarcerated population in California is disproportionately made up of Black and Latino men. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will disrupt the ongoing legacy of slavery and exploitation that has historically impacted these populations.
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 will allow incarcerated people to exercise more autonomy in shaping their rehabilitation and pursuit of voluntary work experience during their time in the prison system.
Top supporters of Proposition 6:
- Proposition 6 has the support of many social justice advocacy organizations, including Courage California, ACLU California Action, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and League of Women Voters California. It has also received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- ACA 8, the bill associated with Proposition 6, was authored by Assm. Lori Wilson, and introduced in February 2023. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Misinformation about Proposition 6 includes:
- While there has been no public opposition to Proposition 6, there have been some expressed concerns from Republican lawmakers that this bill would result in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation being required to compensate incarcerated people at minimum-wage rates for their voluntary work contributions. This is FALSE. AB 628, a new law related to Proposition 6, directly contradicts this argument, stating that it does not require that the state supply minimum wage to incarcerated workers. AB 628 dictates that the Department of Corrections would have the authority to set compensation standards within the prison system.
Vote YES on Proposition 6 to eliminate involuntary servitude or slavery of any form as a criminal punishment that can be used by the state.
California’s state constitution outlaws slavery but maintains language that allows for involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for a crime. Proposition 6 would repeal that language and replace it with language that clearly outlaws the use of involuntary servitude under any circumstances, and allows the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to instead issue credits to incarcerated people for the acceptance of voluntary work assignments during their incarceration. This bill was strongly supported by the Legislative Black Caucus, which included it as part of a larger package designed to move the state forward on reparations.
Why voting YES on Proposition 6 matters:
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 would join California with over 30 other states that have struck down the archaic practice of involuntary servitude in their state constitutions.
- The current policy further enriches prisons by allowing them to require inmates to work for wages as low as eight cents an hour. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will eliminate forced labor in the state prison system and provide for more dignity in the earning capacity and rehabilitation process of incarcerated people.
- The incarcerated population in California is disproportionately made up of Black and Latino men. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will disrupt the ongoing legacy of slavery and exploitation that has historically impacted these populations.
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 will allow incarcerated people to exercise more autonomy in shaping their rehabilitation and pursuit of voluntary work experience during their time in the prison system.
Top supporters of Proposition 6:
- Proposition 6 has the support of many social justice advocacy organizations, including Courage California, ACLU California Action, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and League of Women Voters California. It has also received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- ACA 8, the bill associated with Proposition 6, was authored by Assm. Lori Wilson, and introduced in February 2023. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Misinformation about Proposition 6 includes:
- While there has been no public opposition to Proposition 6, there have been some expressed concerns from Republican lawmakers that this bill would result in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation being required to compensate incarcerated people at minimum-wage rates for their voluntary work contributions. This is FALSE. AB 628, a new law related to Proposition 6, directly contradicts this argument, stating that it does not require that the state supply minimum wage to incarcerated workers. AB 628 dictates that the Department of Corrections would have the authority to set compensation standards within the prison system.
Vote YES on Proposition 32 to raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026.
In 2016, the California state legislature passed SB 3 to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023, and mandated adjustments for inflation tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). SB 3 also established unique timelines for businesses to provide wage increases based on the number of people employed. Proposition 32 would follow a similar format to continue to increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, with a required CPI-based increase after $18/hour has been reached. The proposition also includes a provision that would allow the governor to delay the increases up to two times in response to an unexpected economic downturn.
Why voting YES on Proposition 32 matters:
- While California maintains a higher minimum wage than other states, the current standard still puts workers earning minimum wage far below the state’s average cost of living. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will move California forward in closing this socioeconomic gap for workers.
- Some industries in the state have secured union-negotiated wage increases over the last few years, including a move to $25/hour for health-care workers, and $20/hour for fast-food workers. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will advance the earning power of workers who do not benefit from the protection and advocacy of labor unions.
- Static wages can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain stable housing, health care, and access to quality food. These limitations can have long-term impacts on the health and safety of households and communities. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will help level the playing field and mitigate some of these challenges across the state.
- Recent estimates have shown that the minimum wage would be over $25 per hour if it had kept pace with economic productivity since the 1960s. Voting YES will move California closer to providing this realistic living wage to workers.
Top supporters of Proposition 32:
- Proposition 32 has received support from Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit group that advocates for anti-poverty initiatives. The group is led by progressive entrepreneur Joe Sanberg, who has also supported earned income tax credits for low-income families, and founded the state’s largest anti-poverty program, CalEITC4Me.
- After recent success in raising wages in health care and fast-food service, there is some debate in some labor unions about whether this blanket approach to wage increases is as strategic as pursuing industry-based efforts.
Top opposition to Proposition 32:
- The California Republican Party has formally opposed Proposition 32, citing concerns about the negative financial impacts on business within the state.
- Some business leaders have been critical of Proposition 32, expressing concerns that allowing political winds to determine this element of economic growth is irresponsible. They argue that markets should dictate wage growth, and that this increase will squeeze business owners, who will then shift the cost burden to consumers.
Vote YES on Proposition 32 to raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026.
In 2016, the California state legislature passed SB 3 to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023, and mandated adjustments for inflation tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). SB 3 also established unique timelines for businesses to provide wage increases based on the number of people employed. Proposition 32 would follow a similar format to continue to increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, with a required CPI-based increase after $18/hour has been reached. The proposition also includes a provision that would allow the governor to delay the increases up to two times in response to an unexpected economic downturn.
Why voting YES on Proposition 32 matters:
- While California maintains a higher minimum wage than other states, the current standard still puts workers earning minimum wage far below the state’s average cost of living. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will move California forward in closing this socioeconomic gap for workers.
- Some industries in the state have secured union-negotiated wage increases over the last few years, including a move to $25/hour for health-care workers, and $20/hour for fast-food workers. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will advance the earning power of workers who do not benefit from the protection and advocacy of labor unions.
- Static wages can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain stable housing, health care, and access to quality food. These limitations can have long-term impacts on the health and safety of households and communities. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will help level the playing field and mitigate some of these challenges across the state.
- Recent estimates have shown that the minimum wage would be over $25 per hour if it had kept pace with economic productivity since the 1960s. Voting YES will move California closer to providing this realistic living wage to workers.
Top supporters of Proposition 32:
- Proposition 32 has received support from Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit group that advocates for anti-poverty initiatives. The group is led by progressive entrepreneur Joe Sanberg, who has also supported earned income tax credits for low-income families, and founded the state’s largest anti-poverty program, CalEITC4Me.
- After recent success in raising wages in health care and fast-food service, there is some debate in some labor unions about whether this blanket approach to wage increases is as strategic as pursuing industry-based efforts.
Top opposition to Proposition 32:
- The California Republican Party has formally opposed Proposition 32, citing concerns about the negative financial impacts on business within the state.
- Some business leaders have been critical of Proposition 32, expressing concerns that allowing political winds to determine this element of economic growth is irresponsible. They argue that markets should dictate wage growth, and that this increase will squeeze business owners, who will then shift the cost burden to consumers.
Vote YES on Proposition 33 to give cities and counties the authority to rein in high rental prices through rent control measures.
In 1995, the state legislature passed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited rent control in single-family homes, condominium units, and newly built rental properties. In cities that already had rent control in place at the time of Costa-Hawkins, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, the definition of “new” was backdated to those earlier ordinances. Proposition 33 would repeal Costa-Hawkins, allow municipalities to reestablish rent limits on any housing in their jurisdiction, and prohibit the state from limiting any later establishment or expansion of rent control. Similar ballot initiatives, Proposition 10 in 2018 and Proposition 21 in 2020, failed by a margin of nearly 20 points.
Why voting YES on Proposition 33 matters:
- California is experiencing a faster rate increase in homelessness than any other state in the country. Recent data shows an annual increase of up to 7% in statewide homelessness between 2022 and 2023, and partially attributes this ongoing crisis to increasing rents and housing unaffordability. Voting YES on this initiative will allow local governments to prevent homelessness and support unhoused neighbors by putting measures in place to regulate costs in the housing market and strengthen renter protections.
- Community development and growth is aided by the long-term investment in housing security of local residents who establish a personal network, professional ties, and social connections in a neighborhood. Voting YES on this initiative will help ensure that individuals and families investing in their local community will not be priced out of their home by unchecked rental price increases.
- Recent Zillow data indicates that rental costs across the state have increased by as much as 40% since the start of the pandemic in 2020. This data includes striking increases in inland regions of the state that have previously been considered more affordable, including 39% in Bakersfield, 38% in Fresno, and 37% in Riverside. Voting YES on this initiative will limit these inflated year-over-year rental-cost increases across the state.
Top supporters of Proposition 33:
- This initiative is sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and their associated initiative, Housing Is a Human Right. These organizations work at the intersection of health, social equity, and human rights, and have been strong advocates of communities impacted by the unsustainable increase in housing costs within the state. They sponsored the previous ballot-measure efforts to repeal Costa-Hawkins. Notably, AHF has a track record of being a problematic landlord, especially as one the the biggest landlords in Skid Row in Los Angeles.
- Additional endorsers of this effort include Pomona United Stable Housing Coalition, Housing Now! California, Healing and Justice Center, SLO Rent Coalition, Oakland Tenants Union, ACCE, and IE Votes. This initiative has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Barbara Lee, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and many local mayors and council members.
- Stakeholders in support of this initiative raised $13.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024, with the majority of those dollars contributed directly by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Top opposition to Proposition 33:
- Committees in opposition to this initiative, Californians for Responsible Housing and Californians to Protect Affordable Housing, have raised $2.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024. These committees have received direct sponsorship, and the majority of their funding, from the California Apartment Association that represents landlords, including corporations that own rental properties.
Misinformation about Proposition 33 includes:
- Stakeholders who oppose this initiative claim that it will reduce housing supply by forcing landlords to convert their rental apartments into sellable condos, and creating local housing ordinances that make affordable housing development more difficult. This is FALSE. While this initiative would limit corporate landlords from imposing skyrocketing rent increases on families, it does not dictate that rents must be held below market rate, and it does not suggest that local building or development standards would be directly impacted.
- Objectors have also argued that this initiative would impose rent control on privately owned residences, limiting an owner’s ability to set the rent for their property. This is FALSE. This initiative does not contain special restrictions for private owners, but it would make them subject to the same equitable market-rate expectations that apply to rental apartment owners.
Vote YES on Proposition 33 to give cities and counties the authority to rein in high rental prices through rent control measures.
In 1995, the state legislature passed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited rent control in single-family homes, condominium units, and newly built rental properties. In cities that already had rent control in place at the time of Costa-Hawkins, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, the definition of “new” was backdated to those earlier ordinances. Proposition 33 would repeal Costa-Hawkins, allow municipalities to reestablish rent limits on any housing in their jurisdiction, and prohibit the state from limiting any later establishment or expansion of rent control. Similar ballot initiatives, Proposition 10 in 2018 and Proposition 21 in 2020, failed by a margin of nearly 20 points.
Why voting YES on Proposition 33 matters:
- California is experiencing a faster rate increase in homelessness than any other state in the country. Recent data shows an annual increase of up to 7% in statewide homelessness between 2022 and 2023, and partially attributes this ongoing crisis to increasing rents and housing unaffordability. Voting YES on this initiative will allow local governments to prevent homelessness and support unhoused neighbors by putting measures in place to regulate costs in the housing market and strengthen renter protections.
- Community development and growth is aided by the long-term investment in housing security of local residents who establish a personal network, professional ties, and social connections in a neighborhood. Voting YES on this initiative will help ensure that individuals and families investing in their local community will not be priced out of their home by unchecked rental price increases.
- Recent Zillow data indicates that rental costs across the state have increased by as much as 40% since the start of the pandemic in 2020. This data includes striking increases in inland regions of the state that have previously been considered more affordable, including 39% in Bakersfield, 38% in Fresno, and 37% in Riverside. Voting YES on this initiative will limit these inflated year-over-year rental-cost increases across the state.
Top supporters of Proposition 33:
- This initiative is sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and their associated initiative, Housing Is a Human Right. These organizations work at the intersection of health, social equity, and human rights, and have been strong advocates of communities impacted by the unsustainable increase in housing costs within the state. They sponsored the previous ballot-measure efforts to repeal Costa-Hawkins. Notably, AHF has a track record of being a problematic landlord, especially as one the the biggest landlords in Skid Row in Los Angeles.
- Additional endorsers of this effort include Pomona United Stable Housing Coalition, Housing Now! California, Healing and Justice Center, SLO Rent Coalition, Oakland Tenants Union, ACCE, and IE Votes. This initiative has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Barbara Lee, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and many local mayors and council members.
- Stakeholders in support of this initiative raised $13.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024, with the majority of those dollars contributed directly by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Top opposition to Proposition 33:
- Committees in opposition to this initiative, Californians for Responsible Housing and Californians to Protect Affordable Housing, have raised $2.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024. These committees have received direct sponsorship, and the majority of their funding, from the California Apartment Association that represents landlords, including corporations that own rental properties.
Misinformation about Proposition 33 includes:
- Stakeholders who oppose this initiative claim that it will reduce housing supply by forcing landlords to convert their rental apartments into sellable condos, and creating local housing ordinances that make affordable housing development more difficult. This is FALSE. While this initiative would limit corporate landlords from imposing skyrocketing rent increases on families, it does not dictate that rents must be held below market rate, and it does not suggest that local building or development standards would be directly impacted.
- Objectors have also argued that this initiative would impose rent control on privately owned residences, limiting an owner’s ability to set the rent for their property. This is FALSE. This initiative does not contain special restrictions for private owners, but it would make them subject to the same equitable market-rate expectations that apply to rental apartment owners.
Vote NO on Proposition 34 to continue to permit health-care providers to have autonomy in deciding how to use revenue earned through the federal discount prescription drug program.
Proposition 34 is a real estate industry effort to limit organizations that receive federal drug program funding—especially the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—from funding ballot initiatives, including supporting Proposition 33 on rent control on this general election ballot.
The initiative seeks to create a new category of state entities called “prescription drug price manipulators,” and to place tight restrictions on the requirements those organizations must meet to maintain their tax-exempt status. The initiative defines prescription drug price manipulators as any entity that is an active participant in the federal 340B drug price discount program, is licensed to act as a health-care provider in the state, contracts with Medi-Cal as a provider, has contributed over $100 million over the last 10 years to initiatives unrelated to direct patient care, and has owned multifamily properties that have received a minimum of 500 government violations. If passed, Proposition 34 would require organizations designated as prescription drug price manipulators to spend a minimum of 98% of their revenues from the federal prescription drug program on direct patient care activities, and also abstain from any conduct that could be viewed as in opposition to public health and safety. In addition, Proposition 34 would codify the Medi-Cal Rx program, which was established in 2019 via an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In recent years, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which meets all the criteria for a prescription drug price manipulator, has provided extensive funding and advocacy support to ballot initiatives intended to support low-income housing development. Proposition 34, which is supported by a variety of actors with real estate interests, would curtail this organization’s capacity to distribute its funds in support of affordable housing initiatives.
Why voting NO on Proposition 34 matters:
- Real estate interests and their benefactors across the state are responsible for rental increases that have exceeded 35% in some regions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will ensure that organizations like AHF can continue to allocate funding to disrupt the cynical and greedy business practices of the real estate industry.
- The California Apartment Association and similar groups frequently provide financial support to state and local initiatives and candidates. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will prevent the creation of a new and narrow restricted category of funder, and would rebuke a hypocritical attempt by a wealthy industry lobbyist to restrict their opposition.
Top opposition to Proposition 34:
- The stated target of Proposition 34, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has publicly opposed the initiative, arguing that their efforts to purchase single-occupancy hotels and other multi-unit structures has resulted in the permanent housing of over 1,000 people over the years and has been instrumental in supporting California’s unhoused population. Notably, recent investigations have revealed that many of AHF’s housing units are in disrepair and have not been properly maintained.
- Consumer Watchdog and National Organization for Women have also come out in opposition to Proposition 34.
Top supporters of Proposition 34:
- California Apartment Association is the lead sponsor of Proposition 34 and the associated Protect Patients Now campaign, and has dishonestly framed the initiative as a patient care protection measure. In their view, limiting AHF’s political spending will require the organization to reinvest funds in low-income patient care, and will prevent them from overcharging the government for prescription drugs through the Medi-Cal Rx program. In reality, their sponsorship of Proposition 34 is a direct attack on a political opponent, and they have not prioritized patient protection in any way prior to this ballot measure. California Apartment Association has contributed over $11 million in support of Proposition 34.
- Proposition 34 has also received support from the California Republican Party, ALS Association, and San Francisco Women’s Cancer Network.
Vote NO on Proposition 34 to continue to permit health-care providers to have autonomy in deciding how to use revenue earned through the federal discount prescription drug program.
Proposition 34 is a real estate industry effort to limit organizations that receive federal drug program funding—especially the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—from funding ballot initiatives, including supporting Proposition 33 on rent control on this general election ballot.
The initiative seeks to create a new category of state entities called “prescription drug price manipulators,” and to place tight restrictions on the requirements those organizations must meet to maintain their tax-exempt status. The initiative defines prescription drug price manipulators as any entity that is an active participant in the federal 340B drug price discount program, is licensed to act as a health-care provider in the state, contracts with Medi-Cal as a provider, has contributed over $100 million over the last 10 years to initiatives unrelated to direct patient care, and has owned multifamily properties that have received a minimum of 500 government violations. If passed, Proposition 34 would require organizations designated as prescription drug price manipulators to spend a minimum of 98% of their revenues from the federal prescription drug program on direct patient care activities, and also abstain from any conduct that could be viewed as in opposition to public health and safety. In addition, Proposition 34 would codify the Medi-Cal Rx program, which was established in 2019 via an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In recent years, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which meets all the criteria for a prescription drug price manipulator, has provided extensive funding and advocacy support to ballot initiatives intended to support low-income housing development. Proposition 34, which is supported by a variety of actors with real estate interests, would curtail this organization’s capacity to distribute its funds in support of affordable housing initiatives.
Why voting NO on Proposition 34 matters:
- Real estate interests and their benefactors across the state are responsible for rental increases that have exceeded 35% in some regions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will ensure that organizations like AHF can continue to allocate funding to disrupt the cynical and greedy business practices of the real estate industry.
- The California Apartment Association and similar groups frequently provide financial support to state and local initiatives and candidates. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will prevent the creation of a new and narrow restricted category of funder, and would rebuke a hypocritical attempt by a wealthy industry lobbyist to restrict their opposition.
Top opposition to Proposition 34:
- The stated target of Proposition 34, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has publicly opposed the initiative, arguing that their efforts to purchase single-occupancy hotels and other multi-unit structures has resulted in the permanent housing of over 1,000 people over the years and has been instrumental in supporting California’s unhoused population. Notably, recent investigations have revealed that many of AHF’s housing units are in disrepair and have not been properly maintained.
- Consumer Watchdog and National Organization for Women have also come out in opposition to Proposition 34.
Top supporters of Proposition 34:
- California Apartment Association is the lead sponsor of Proposition 34 and the associated Protect Patients Now campaign, and has dishonestly framed the initiative as a patient care protection measure. In their view, limiting AHF’s political spending will require the organization to reinvest funds in low-income patient care, and will prevent them from overcharging the government for prescription drugs through the Medi-Cal Rx program. In reality, their sponsorship of Proposition 34 is a direct attack on a political opponent, and they have not prioritized patient protection in any way prior to this ballot measure. California Apartment Association has contributed over $11 million in support of Proposition 34.
- Proposition 34 has also received support from the California Republican Party, ALS Association, and San Francisco Women’s Cancer Network.
Vote NO on Proposition 35 to protect investments in critical community health programs, retain higher funding allocations for Medi-Cal, and give the state legislature more flexibility to respond to community needs.
In 2023, the state legislature passed AB 119 to reimpose a tax on managed care organizations (MCO) in the state that had been dormant since 2012. MCOs provide health insurance coverage to their enrollees at a fixed monthly cost, and the tax is based on the number of monthly enrollees that a given MCO has. Commercial plans pay a lower rate ($1.75/member) than Medi-Cal health plans ($274/member). The renewed tax is in effect through December 2026. Proposition 35 would make the tax permanent and place a ceiling on the amount of tax that commercial health plans would be required to pay ($2.75/member). Proposition 35 would also redirect billions of dollars that support the Medi-Cal program and the state general fund to specified provider rate increases, and effectively reduce Medi-Cal investments by $1 billion to $2 billion a year, including in the current 2024/2025 budget.
In the 2024/2025 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, important health groups and services—including emergency department physician services, abortion care and family planning, ground emergency medical transportation, community health workers, private duty nurses, and adult and pediatric day health centers—receive investments and Medi-Cal rate increases. Children who qualify for Medi-Cal but are at risk of automatic disenrollment (80% annually) because of administrative or procedural issues are also supported for continued coverage in the state budget. If Prop 35 passes, these groups will not receive any of the MCO tax funds, which will go to rate increases in other areas.
Top supporters of Proposition 35:
- Proposition 35 has received support from a wide array of health-care stakeholders, including California Hospital Association, California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the Coalition to Protect Access to Care. Health-care providers have supported the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility in the state, and view this initiative as an opportunity to further expand the services they provide and the patient population they engage with and prevent state leaders from repurposing the funds, as Governor Newsom has sought to do.
- Proposition 35 has also received the support of the California Republican Party and the California Democratic Party. AB 119 received bipartisan support when it was passed in 2023, earning over 85% of the vote in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
- Supporters have raised over $19 million for Proposition 35, including donations from California Hospitals Committee on Issues, and Global Medical Response Inc.
Top opposition to Proposition 35:
- While there is not currently a committee working in opposition to Proposition 35, Courage California joins health-equity advocates, like the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Children’s Partnership, and League of Women Voters, in opposition to this ballot measure.
Vote NO on Proposition 35 to protect investments in critical community health programs, retain higher funding allocations for Medi-Cal, and give the state legislature more flexibility to respond to community needs.
In 2023, the state legislature passed AB 119 to reimpose a tax on managed care organizations (MCO) in the state that had been dormant since 2012. MCOs provide health insurance coverage to their enrollees at a fixed monthly cost, and the tax is based on the number of monthly enrollees that a given MCO has. Commercial plans pay a lower rate ($1.75/member) than Medi-Cal health plans ($274/member). The renewed tax is in effect through December 2026. Proposition 35 would make the tax permanent and place a ceiling on the amount of tax that commercial health plans would be required to pay ($2.75/member). Proposition 35 would also redirect billions of dollars that support the Medi-Cal program and the state general fund to specified provider rate increases, and effectively reduce Medi-Cal investments by $1 billion to $2 billion a year, including in the current 2024/2025 budget.
In the 2024/2025 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, important health groups and services—including emergency department physician services, abortion care and family planning, ground emergency medical transportation, community health workers, private duty nurses, and adult and pediatric day health centers—receive investments and Medi-Cal rate increases. Children who qualify for Medi-Cal but are at risk of automatic disenrollment (80% annually) because of administrative or procedural issues are also supported for continued coverage in the state budget. If Prop 35 passes, these groups will not receive any of the MCO tax funds, which will go to rate increases in other areas.
Top supporters of Proposition 35:
- Proposition 35 has received support from a wide array of health-care stakeholders, including California Hospital Association, California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the Coalition to Protect Access to Care. Health-care providers have supported the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility in the state, and view this initiative as an opportunity to further expand the services they provide and the patient population they engage with and prevent state leaders from repurposing the funds, as Governor Newsom has sought to do.
- Proposition 35 has also received the support of the California Republican Party and the California Democratic Party. AB 119 received bipartisan support when it was passed in 2023, earning over 85% of the vote in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
- Supporters have raised over $19 million for Proposition 35, including donations from California Hospitals Committee on Issues, and Global Medical Response Inc.
Top opposition to Proposition 35:
- While there is not currently a committee working in opposition to Proposition 35, Courage California joins health-equity advocates, like the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Children’s Partnership, and League of Women Voters, in opposition to this ballot measure.
Vote NO on Proposition 36 to prevent a return to over-incarceration and maintain the investment in rehabilitation services, reentry programs, and lowered incarceration rates established by Proposition 47.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47 with over 59% of the vote to reclassify some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, including low-value shoplifting, grand theft, forgery, fraud, and the personal use of illegal drugs. This change effectively reduced the state’s prison burden, and allowed the government to divert millions of dollars in funds previously used for incarceration to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Proposition 36 would make changes to Proposition 47 by increasing the sentence for possession of certain quantities of illegal drugs, adding fentanyl to the list of illegal drugs that can warrant a felony charge, and making low-value property theft a felony for repeat offenders.
Why voting NO on Proposition 36 matters:
- Proposition 36 would upend the progress that Proposition 47 established to increase community investment in mental health services, substance use treatment, and diversion programs, and refocusing on mass incarceration. Voting NO will ensure that California remains focused on effective rehabilitation and reentry programs for individuals involved in low-level crimes.
- A fiscal-impact statement associated with Proposition 36 estimates that it will ultimately result in a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars annually in court costs and the expense of housing an increased prison population. Voting NO will allow these critical funds to continue to be spent on truancy, youth services, rehabilitation, and substance-use treatment programs.
- Recent data suggests that criminalizing personal drug use is largely ineffective, and tends to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Additionally, it often results in destabilizing long-term consequences, like the disruption of family relationships, and difficulty in accessing employment opportunities and public assistance. Voting NO on Proposition 36 will maintain the misdemeanor status for these crimes while continuing to support social programs in addressing the root causes of addiction and criminal behavior.
Top opposition to Proposition 36:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke out against modifications to Proposition 47 in early 2024, and opposes Proposition 36. He and other Democratic lawmakers briefly worked on a more moderate measure to address fentanyl and retail theft, but ultimately withdrew it.
- The Stop the Prison Spending Scam campaign opposing Proposition 36 is led by Californians for Safety and Justice and includes ACLU California, Smart Justice California, and Courage California.
Top supporters of Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 has received the support of many law-enforcement agencies, including California Sheriffs’ Association, San Francisco Police Officers Association Issues PAC, Kern County Prosecutors Association PAC, California District Attorneys Association, and Association of Deputy District Attorneys PAC. These groups view this initiative as a way to reduce crime rates and curb drug use by returning to the problematic theory that crime can be collectively deterred through the establishment of strong punitive consequences.
- Proposition 36 has also received the support of San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, conservative Democrats who both lead cities in the Bay Area where drug use and property crime have been significant political issues over the last several years. It has also received the support of the California Republican Party.
- Supporters have raised over $9 million, and include business stakeholders who have made exaggerated claims of being negatively impacted by the low-value theft and property crime that Proposition 36 seeks to reclassify – claims that have since been retracted and refuted by more accurate data. Donors include Target Corporation, Walmart, 7-Eleven, American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, and California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.
Misinformation about Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 will NOT get more people into drug and mental health treatment and does NOT provide any funding for that treatment. Instead, it will reduce $850 million of funding for rehabilitation and treatment services over the next decade.
- Proposition 36 will NOT solve homelessness. There is no funding for housing in the proposition, and studies show that people who have been incarcerated are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless. It costs $132,000 per year to incarcerate someone, but less to provide permanent supportive housing.
Vote NO on Proposition 36 to prevent a return to over-incarceration and maintain the investment in rehabilitation services, reentry programs, and lowered incarceration rates established by Proposition 47.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47 with over 59% of the vote to reclassify some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, including low-value shoplifting, grand theft, forgery, fraud, and the personal use of illegal drugs. This change effectively reduced the state’s prison burden, and allowed the government to divert millions of dollars in funds previously used for incarceration to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Proposition 36 would make changes to Proposition 47 by increasing the sentence for possession of certain quantities of illegal drugs, adding fentanyl to the list of illegal drugs that can warrant a felony charge, and making low-value property theft a felony for repeat offenders.
Why voting NO on Proposition 36 matters:
- Proposition 36 would upend the progress that Proposition 47 established to increase community investment in mental health services, substance use treatment, and diversion programs, and refocusing on mass incarceration. Voting NO will ensure that California remains focused on effective rehabilitation and reentry programs for individuals involved in low-level crimes.
- A fiscal-impact statement associated with Proposition 36 estimates that it will ultimately result in a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars annually in court costs and the expense of housing an increased prison population. Voting NO will allow these critical funds to continue to be spent on truancy, youth services, rehabilitation, and substance-use treatment programs.
- Recent data suggests that criminalizing personal drug use is largely ineffective, and tends to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Additionally, it often results in destabilizing long-term consequences, like the disruption of family relationships, and difficulty in accessing employment opportunities and public assistance. Voting NO on Proposition 36 will maintain the misdemeanor status for these crimes while continuing to support social programs in addressing the root causes of addiction and criminal behavior.
Top opposition to Proposition 36:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke out against modifications to Proposition 47 in early 2024, and opposes Proposition 36. He and other Democratic lawmakers briefly worked on a more moderate measure to address fentanyl and retail theft, but ultimately withdrew it.
- The Stop the Prison Spending Scam campaign opposing Proposition 36 is led by Californians for Safety and Justice and includes ACLU California, Smart Justice California, and Courage California.
Top supporters of Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 has received the support of many law-enforcement agencies, including California Sheriffs’ Association, San Francisco Police Officers Association Issues PAC, Kern County Prosecutors Association PAC, California District Attorneys Association, and Association of Deputy District Attorneys PAC. These groups view this initiative as a way to reduce crime rates and curb drug use by returning to the problematic theory that crime can be collectively deterred through the establishment of strong punitive consequences.
- Proposition 36 has also received the support of San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, conservative Democrats who both lead cities in the Bay Area where drug use and property crime have been significant political issues over the last several years. It has also received the support of the California Republican Party.
- Supporters have raised over $9 million, and include business stakeholders who have made exaggerated claims of being negatively impacted by the low-value theft and property crime that Proposition 36 seeks to reclassify – claims that have since been retracted and refuted by more accurate data. Donors include Target Corporation, Walmart, 7-Eleven, American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, and California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.
Misinformation about Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 will NOT get more people into drug and mental health treatment and does NOT provide any funding for that treatment. Instead, it will reduce $850 million of funding for rehabilitation and treatment services over the next decade.
- Proposition 36 will NOT solve homelessness. There is no funding for housing in the proposition, and studies show that people who have been incarcerated are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless. It costs $132,000 per year to incarcerate someone, but less to provide permanent supportive housing.
Berkeley Ballot Measures
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city measures on your ballot.
Vote YES on Measure BB to expand local rent control and eviction protections, and establish tenant-organizing rights.
Measure BB seeks to establish several protective measures for local renters. In an effort to create more rental price regulation, it would remove registration exemptions for certain units, reduce the annual rent-increase ceiling from 7% to 5%, and eliminate the ability of the Board or the City Council to remove price-control measures when there is high vacancy in the rental market. To return some power to tenants, it would implement new limits on landlord action, including requirements on how and when landlords must communicate tenancy information, and creating new standards for rolling utility payments into a rental agreement. Finally, it would solidify the legal right of tenants to create unions or associations with a requirement that landlords meet with those groups, if requested.
Why voting YES on Measure BB matters:
- For most of the 2010s, Berkeley saw an average rent increase of 10% annually in an already expensive housing market. These annual increases priced many community members out of their homes, and created a substantial financial boost for property owners and their corporate investors. Voting YES on Measure BB will return some power to the rental community, and provide a legal backstop to tenants in managing through unfair housing practices with their landlords.
- Measure BB codifies the authority of a tenant’s union to be created with 50% resident membership in both small and large buildings. Voting YES will increase organized power, and solidify the process by which tenants can leverage their authority.
- This measure reflects November’s statewide Proposition 33, which seeks to give municipalities the authority to establish rent control. Voting YES on Measure BB would put a standard local rent control policy in place alongside the statewide Proposition 33 initiative.
Top supporters of Measure BB:
- This measure was originally filed by the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, a local elected body that works to implement the city’s rent ordinance, provide eviction protection, and support affordable housing. However, Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board’s initial measure did not gain enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. As a result, Councilmember Sophie Hahn and Mayor Jesse Arreguin presented an amended version of the ordinance for review, which was approved for the ballot by City Council.
- California Working Families Party, Berkeley Tenants Union, Tenants Together, Oakland Tenants Union, and East Bay Tenant Unions’ PAC have all endorsed this measure.
Top opposition to Measure BB:
- Berkeley Property Owners Association sponsored a competing measure that qualified for the November ballot and would require a two-thirds membership to establish a tenants’ union, expand the rent-control exemption for golden duplexes, and redirect 20% of the business taxes collected on rental properties. This measure is widely viewed as a cynical attempt to confuse voters and boost the rights and interests of landlords. Since the language of these two measures are in conflict, the measure that receives the most votes will be enacted.
Vote YES on Measure BB to expand local rent control and eviction protections, and establish tenant-organizing rights.
Measure BB seeks to establish several protective measures for local renters. In an effort to create more rental price regulation, it would remove registration exemptions for certain units, reduce the annual rent-increase ceiling from 7% to 5%, and eliminate the ability of the Board or the City Council to remove price-control measures when there is high vacancy in the rental market. To return some power to tenants, it would implement new limits on landlord action, including requirements on how and when landlords must communicate tenancy information, and creating new standards for rolling utility payments into a rental agreement. Finally, it would solidify the legal right of tenants to create unions or associations with a requirement that landlords meet with those groups, if requested.
Why voting YES on Measure BB matters:
- For most of the 2010s, Berkeley saw an average rent increase of 10% annually in an already expensive housing market. These annual increases priced many community members out of their homes, and created a substantial financial boost for property owners and their corporate investors. Voting YES on Measure BB will return some power to the rental community, and provide a legal backstop to tenants in managing through unfair housing practices with their landlords.
- Measure BB codifies the authority of a tenant’s union to be created with 50% resident membership in both small and large buildings. Voting YES will increase organized power, and solidify the process by which tenants can leverage their authority.
- This measure reflects November’s statewide Proposition 33, which seeks to give municipalities the authority to establish rent control. Voting YES on Measure BB would put a standard local rent control policy in place alongside the statewide Proposition 33 initiative.
Top supporters of Measure BB:
- This measure was originally filed by the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, a local elected body that works to implement the city’s rent ordinance, provide eviction protection, and support affordable housing. However, Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board’s initial measure did not gain enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. As a result, Councilmember Sophie Hahn and Mayor Jesse Arreguin presented an amended version of the ordinance for review, which was approved for the ballot by City Council.
- California Working Families Party, Berkeley Tenants Union, Tenants Together, Oakland Tenants Union, and East Bay Tenant Unions’ PAC have all endorsed this measure.
Top opposition to Measure BB:
- Berkeley Property Owners Association sponsored a competing measure that qualified for the November ballot and would require a two-thirds membership to establish a tenants’ union, expand the rent-control exemption for golden duplexes, and redirect 20% of the business taxes collected on rental properties. This measure is widely viewed as a cynical attempt to confuse voters and boost the rights and interests of landlords. Since the language of these two measures are in conflict, the measure that receives the most votes will be enacted.
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.
City of Fremont
Elect Vinnie Bacon for Mayor to put Fremont on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Bacon has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party, Bay Rising Action, and Our Revolution East Bay. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Assm. Alex Lee.
Electoral history: Bacon has run for office previously, and won his race for Fremont City Council in 2012 with 25% of the vote. He was reelected in 2016 with over 31% of the vote. In 2020, he ran for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to represent District 1 but lost in the general election by 8 points.
Governance and community leadership experience: Bacon worked as a transportation planner and an environmental engineer, and served on the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Advisory Commission before running for City Council. As a community member, he was an outspoken opponent of the Patterson Ranch development, the Route 84 realignment project, and the construction of a local ballpark. As a member of the City Council, Bacon fought for affordable housing, opposed encroachment on open spaces, demanded an acceleration of the $15 minimum wage, and stood up for DACA recipients against the bigotry of the Trump administration.
Other background: Bacon is from Wisconsin, and has lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary for this race. Vinnie Bacon, Rohan Marfatia, Hiu Ng, and Raj Salwan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Fremont is Alameda County’s third most populous city. Fremont’s mayor and city council oversee the needs of 228,000 people and manage an estimated operating budget of $261 million annually.
District demographics: As of the 2020 Census, Fremont had a demographic breakdown of 12% Latino, 62% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Position
Fremont uses a council-manager government structure, in which the mayor and a 6-person city council appoint a city manager to serve 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 Fremont presides over City Council meetings, represents the city on the state and national levels, and appoints members to the city’s advisory boards. In Fremont, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of 2 consecutive terms.
Elect Vinnie Bacon for Mayor to put Fremont on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Bacon has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party, Bay Rising Action, and Our Revolution East Bay. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Assm. Alex Lee.
Electoral history: Bacon has run for office previously, and won his race for Fremont City Council in 2012 with 25% of the vote. He was reelected in 2016 with over 31% of the vote. In 2020, he ran for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to represent District 1 but lost in the general election by 8 points.
Governance and community leadership experience: Bacon worked as a transportation planner and an environmental engineer, and served on the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Advisory Commission before running for City Council. As a community member, he was an outspoken opponent of the Patterson Ranch development, the Route 84 realignment project, and the construction of a local ballpark. As a member of the City Council, Bacon fought for affordable housing, opposed encroachment on open spaces, demanded an acceleration of the $15 minimum wage, and stood up for DACA recipients against the bigotry of the Trump administration.
Other background: Bacon is from Wisconsin, and has lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary for this race. Vinnie Bacon, Rohan Marfatia, Hiu Ng, and Raj Salwan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Fremont is Alameda County’s third most populous city. Fremont’s mayor and city council oversee the needs of 228,000 people and manage an estimated operating budget of $261 million annually.
District demographics: As of the 2020 Census, Fremont had a demographic breakdown of 12% Latino, 62% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Position
Fremont uses a council-manager government structure, in which the mayor and a 6-person city council appoint a city manager to serve 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 Fremont presides over City Council meetings, represents the city on the state and national levels, and appoints members to the city’s advisory boards. In Fremont, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of 2 consecutive terms.
Elect Vinnie Bacon for Mayor to put Fremont on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Bacon has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party, Bay Rising Action, and Our Revolution East Bay. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including State Sen. Aisha Wahab and Assm. Alex Lee.
Electoral history: Bacon has run for office previously, and won his race for Fremont City Council in 2012 with 25% of the vote. He was reelected in 2016 with over 31% of the vote. In 2020, he ran for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to represent District 1 but lost in the general election by 8 points.
Governance and community leadership experience: Bacon worked as a transportation planner and an environmental engineer, and served on the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Advisory Commission before running for City Council. As a community member, he was an outspoken opponent of the Patterson Ranch development, the Route 84 realignment project, and the construction of a local ballpark. As a member of the City Council, Bacon fought for affordable housing, opposed encroachment on open spaces, demanded an acceleration of the $15 minimum wage, and stood up for DACA recipients against the bigotry of the Trump administration.
Other background: Bacon is from Wisconsin, and has lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary for this race. Vinnie Bacon, Rohan Marfatia, Hiu Ng, and Raj Salwan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Fremont is Alameda County’s third most populous city. Fremont’s mayor and city council oversee the needs of 228,000 people and manage an estimated operating budget of $261 million annually.
District demographics: As of the 2020 Census, Fremont had a demographic breakdown of 12% Latino, 62% Asian, and 3% Black.
The Position
Fremont uses a council-manager government structure, in which the mayor and a 6-person city council appoint a city manager to serve 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 Fremont presides over City Council meetings, represents the city on the state and national levels, and appoints members to the city’s advisory boards. In Fremont, a mayor is elected to a four-year term, with a limit of 2 consecutive terms.
City of Oakland
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Women’s List, in encouraging voters to elect Rowena Brown for Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Brown has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rowena Brown, LeRonne Armstrong, Shawn Danino, Kanitha Matoury, Mindy Pechenuk, Fabian Robinson, Nancy Sidebotham, Selika Thomas, Cristina Tostado, and Charlene Wang will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s second most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland City Council oversees the needs of 435,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.2 billion annually. Oakland is managed by a council-manager government structure with a strong mayor.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland are elected to four-year terms, and there are no term limits.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Women’s List, in encouraging voters to elect Rowena Brown for Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Brown has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rowena Brown, LeRonne Armstrong, Shawn Danino, Kanitha Matoury, Mindy Pechenuk, Fabian Robinson, Nancy Sidebotham, Selika Thomas, Cristina Tostado, and Charlene Wang will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s second most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland City Council oversees the needs of 435,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.2 billion annually. Oakland is managed by a council-manager government structure with a strong mayor.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland are elected to four-year terms, and there are no term limits.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Women’s List, in encouraging voters to elect Rowena Brown for Oakland City Council.
Electoral history: Brown has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rowena Brown, LeRonne Armstrong, Shawn Danino, Kanitha Matoury, Mindy Pechenuk, Fabian Robinson, Nancy Sidebotham, Selika Thomas, Cristina Tostado, and Charlene Wang will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s second most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland City Council oversees the needs of 435,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.2 billion annually. Oakland is managed by a council-manager government structure with a strong mayor.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland are elected to four-year terms, and there are no term limits.
City District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city district races on your ballot.
City of Oakland, District 3
Reelect Councilmember Carroll Fife to keep Oakland on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Fife has the endorsement of many groups, including California Working Families Party, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Oakland Tenants Union, 350 Bay Area Action, Bay Rising Action, Our Revolution East Bay, California Democratic Renters Council, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, APEN Action, Oakland Rising Action, and Planned Parenthood. She has also been endorsed by labor unions like SEIU, National Union of Healthcare Workers West, LIUA, California Nurses Association, and Unite Here!, as well as elected officials like Assms. Mia Bonta, Matt Haney, and Ash Kalra, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, and Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Fife has successfully enacted tenant protections and launched Oakland’s Black New Deal and LGBTQIA+ districts as a member of City Council. She has provided leadership in moving the city forward on housing rights and protections, taking steps toward creating thousands of affordable housing units and investing in housing programs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Fife has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 51% of the vote in a rank choice election.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Fife was an activist and a community organizer. She is a co-founder of Oakland Alliance, Oakland Justice Coalition, and Community Ready Corps, organizations that work to address issues of racial justice, housing equity, and education accessibility.
Other background: Councilmember Fife is from Michigan and has lived in Oakland for 25 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted seats and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
Reelect Councilmember Carroll Fife to keep Oakland on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Fife has the endorsement of many groups, including California Working Families Party, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Oakland Tenants Union, 350 Bay Area Action, Bay Rising Action, Our Revolution East Bay, California Democratic Renters Council, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, APEN Action, Oakland Rising Action, and Planned Parenthood. She has also been endorsed by labor unions like SEIU, National Union of Healthcare Workers West, LIUA, California Nurses Association, and Unite Here!, as well as elected officials like Assms. Mia Bonta, Matt Haney, and Ash Kalra, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, and Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Fife has successfully enacted tenant protections and launched Oakland’s Black New Deal and LGBTQIA+ districts as a member of City Council. She has provided leadership in moving the city forward on housing rights and protections, taking steps toward creating thousands of affordable housing units and investing in housing programs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Fife has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 51% of the vote in a rank choice election.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Fife was an activist and a community organizer. She is a co-founder of Oakland Alliance, Oakland Justice Coalition, and Community Ready Corps, organizations that work to address issues of racial justice, housing equity, and education accessibility.
Other background: Councilmember Fife is from Michigan and has lived in Oakland for 25 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted seats and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
Reelect Councilmember Carroll Fife to keep Oakland on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Fife has the endorsement of many groups, including California Working Families Party, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Oakland Tenants Union, 350 Bay Area Action, Bay Rising Action, Our Revolution East Bay, California Democratic Renters Council, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, APEN Action, Oakland Rising Action, and Planned Parenthood. She has also been endorsed by labor unions like SEIU, National Union of Healthcare Workers West, LIUA, California Nurses Association, and Unite Here!, as well as elected officials like Assms. Mia Bonta, Matt Haney, and Ash Kalra, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, and Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Fife has successfully enacted tenant protections and launched Oakland’s Black New Deal and LGBTQIA+ districts as a member of City Council. She has provided leadership in moving the city forward on housing rights and protections, taking steps toward creating thousands of affordable housing units and investing in housing programs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Fife has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 51% of the vote in a rank choice election.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Fife was an activist and a community organizer. She is a co-founder of Oakland Alliance, Oakland Justice Coalition, and Community Ready Corps, organizations that work to address issues of racial justice, housing equity, and education accessibility.
Other background: Councilmember Fife is from Michigan and has lived in Oakland for 25 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted seats and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
City of Oakland, District 7
Elect Tonya Love for City Council to put Oakland on the right track for progress.
Love’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Oakland and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Love has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party and East Bay Action, as well as local leaders and elected officials like City Council President Niki Fortunato Bas, City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, and Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez.
Electoral history: Love has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Affordable housing, public health and safety, and livable wages.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tonya Love is a political staffer and public health advocate working toward progressive policies. She is the acting chief of staff for City Councilmember Carroll Fife, and previously worked as a staffer to Rob Bonta. As a political staffer, Love has worked to increase tenant protections and increase public safety, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her work as a policy advocate, she has focused specifically on childhood health and obesity, spearheading work to increase safe parks and public spaces for children, as well as measures like a soda tax. Love also served as an elected delegate for the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Love is from Birmingham, AL, and has lived in Oakland for nearly 30 years. She earned her degree in public health from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Love’s campaign has raised $24,348 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the real estate industry, the fossil fuel industry, or the police.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve 4-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
Elect Tonya Love for City Council to put Oakland on the right track for progress.
Love’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Oakland and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Love has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party and East Bay Action, as well as local leaders and elected officials like City Council President Niki Fortunato Bas, City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, and Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez.
Electoral history: Love has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Affordable housing, public health and safety, and livable wages.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tonya Love is a political staffer and public health advocate working toward progressive policies. She is the acting chief of staff for City Councilmember Carroll Fife, and previously worked as a staffer to Rob Bonta. As a political staffer, Love has worked to increase tenant protections and increase public safety, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her work as a policy advocate, she has focused specifically on childhood health and obesity, spearheading work to increase safe parks and public spaces for children, as well as measures like a soda tax. Love also served as an elected delegate for the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Love is from Birmingham, AL, and has lived in Oakland for nearly 30 years. She earned her degree in public health from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Love’s campaign has raised $24,348 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the real estate industry, the fossil fuel industry, or the police.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve 4-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
Elect Tonya Love for City Council to put Oakland on the right track for progress.
Love’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Oakland and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Love has the endorsement of some groups, including California Working Families Party and East Bay Action, as well as local leaders and elected officials like City Council President Niki Fortunato Bas, City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, and Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Marquez.
Electoral history: Love has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Affordable housing, public health and safety, and livable wages.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tonya Love is a political staffer and public health advocate working toward progressive policies. She is the acting chief of staff for City Councilmember Carroll Fife, and previously worked as a staffer to Rob Bonta. As a political staffer, Love has worked to increase tenant protections and increase public safety, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her work as a policy advocate, she has focused specifically on childhood health and obesity, spearheading work to increase safe parks and public spaces for children, as well as measures like a soda tax. Love also served as an elected delegate for the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Love is from Birmingham, AL, and has lived in Oakland for nearly 30 years. She earned her degree in public health from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Oakland City Council is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Love’s campaign has raised $24,348 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the real estate industry, the fossil fuel industry, or the police.
The District
City: Oakland is Alameda County’s most populous city.
Governance structure: Oakland’s City Council oversees the needs of 440,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $2.14 million annually. Oakland is managed by a mayor-council government structure.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a city council, which in
Oakland includes 7 districted and 1 at-large seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Oakland serve 4-year terms and are not subject to term limits.
Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.
Elect Alfred Twu for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Twu’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that they will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Twu has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Electoral history: Twu ran unsuccessfully for AC Transit Board in 2022.
Top issues: Tenant protections, rent control, and increasing housing supply.
Governance and community leadership experience: Alfred Twu is an architect, working to increase the supply of affordable housing and increase sustainability in housing design. Twu is a member of the Berkeley Housing Commission, working specifically to protect existing housing and to increase housing supply. They are also a longtime community activist focused on transit and housing, and they helped to found the Democratic Renters Council and Bay Area Rising, previously serving as a delegate to the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Twu is a longtime Berkeley resident and a first-generation immigrant. They earned their bachelor’s of architecture from UC Berkeley, and an MBA in sustainable design at San Francisco State.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Twu’s campaign has raised $1,681 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. They are a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Twu has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Elect Alfred Twu for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Twu’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that they will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Twu has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Electoral history: Twu ran unsuccessfully for AC Transit Board in 2022.
Top issues: Tenant protections, rent control, and increasing housing supply.
Governance and community leadership experience: Alfred Twu is an architect, working to increase the supply of affordable housing and increase sustainability in housing design. Twu is a member of the Berkeley Housing Commission, working specifically to protect existing housing and to increase housing supply. They are also a longtime community activist focused on transit and housing, and they helped to found the Democratic Renters Council and Bay Area Rising, previously serving as a delegate to the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Twu is a longtime Berkeley resident and a first-generation immigrant. They earned their bachelor’s of architecture from UC Berkeley, and an MBA in sustainable design at San Francisco State.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Twu’s campaign has raised $1,681 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. They are a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Twu has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Elect Alfred Twu for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Twu’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that they will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Twu has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Electoral history: Twu ran unsuccessfully for AC Transit Board in 2022.
Top issues: Tenant protections, rent control, and increasing housing supply.
Governance and community leadership experience: Alfred Twu is an architect, working to increase the supply of affordable housing and increase sustainability in housing design. Twu is a member of the Berkeley Housing Commission, working specifically to protect existing housing and to increase housing supply. They are also a longtime community activist focused on transit and housing, and they helped to found the Democratic Renters Council and Bay Area Rising, previously serving as a delegate to the California Democratic Party.
Other background: Twu is a longtime Berkeley resident and a first-generation immigrant. They earned their bachelor’s of architecture from UC Berkeley, and an MBA in sustainable design at San Francisco State.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Twu’s campaign has raised $1,681 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. They are a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Twu has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Elect Avery Arbaugh for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Arbaugh’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Arbaugh has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party, Berkeley Tenants Union, Alameda Labor Council, the Berkeley Tenant Convention, California Democratic Renters Council, East Bay DSA, East Bay for Everyone, and East Bay Rising, as well as labor unions like SEIU 1021, and progressive leaders like Rent Board Chair Leah Simon-Weisberg, AC Transit Director Jovanka Beckles, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
Electoral history: Arbaugh has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Tenants’ rights, rent-control protections, affordable housing, and solving the student housing crisis.
Governance and community leadership experience: Avery Arbaugh is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, studying political science and public policy. Arbaugh has also worked as a political organizer: she served as the president of the Cal Berkeley Democrats, a field organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and as campaign organizer for several candidates for local government. She was appointed to the Berkeley Commission on Labor in 2023. As a Labor Commissioner, Arbaugh has supported workers dealing with labor violations.
Other background: Arbaugh is from Humboldt County, California. She is a current college student at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Arbaugh’s campaign has not filed any receipts for the current election cycle. However, she has pledged to refuse donations from corporate PACs, military contractors, the fossil fuel industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Arbaugh has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Elect Avery Arbaugh for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Arbaugh’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Arbaugh has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party, Berkeley Tenants Union, Alameda Labor Council, the Berkeley Tenant Convention, California Democratic Renters Council, East Bay DSA, East Bay for Everyone, and East Bay Rising, as well as labor unions like SEIU 1021, and progressive leaders like Rent Board Chair Leah Simon-Weisberg, AC Transit Director Jovanka Beckles, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
Electoral history: Arbaugh has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Tenants’ rights, rent-control protections, affordable housing, and solving the student housing crisis.
Governance and community leadership experience: Avery Arbaugh is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, studying political science and public policy. Arbaugh has also worked as a political organizer: she served as the president of the Cal Berkeley Democrats, a field organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and as campaign organizer for several candidates for local government. She was appointed to the Berkeley Commission on Labor in 2023. As a Labor Commissioner, Arbaugh has supported workers dealing with labor violations.
Other background: Arbaugh is from Humboldt County, California. She is a current college student at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Arbaugh’s campaign has not filed any receipts for the current election cycle. However, she has pledged to refuse donations from corporate PACs, military contractors, the fossil fuel industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Arbaugh has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Elect Avery Arbaugh for Rent Board to put Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Arbaugh’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Arbaugh has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including the California Working Families Party, Berkeley Tenants Union, Alameda Labor Council, the Berkeley Tenant Convention, California Democratic Renters Council, East Bay DSA, East Bay for Everyone, and East Bay Rising, as well as labor unions like SEIU 1021, and progressive leaders like Rent Board Chair Leah Simon-Weisberg, AC Transit Director Jovanka Beckles, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
Electoral history: Arbaugh has not run for public office previously.
Top issues: Tenants’ rights, rent-control protections, affordable housing, and solving the student housing crisis.
Governance and community leadership experience: Avery Arbaugh is an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, studying political science and public policy. Arbaugh has also worked as a political organizer: she served as the president of the Cal Berkeley Democrats, a field organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and as campaign organizer for several candidates for local government. She was appointed to the Berkeley Commission on Labor in 2023. As a Labor Commissioner, Arbaugh has supported workers dealing with labor violations.
Other background: Arbaugh is from Humboldt County, California. She is a current college student at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Arbaugh’s campaign has not filed any receipts for the current election cycle. However, she has pledged to refuse donations from corporate PACs, military contractors, the fossil fuel industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Arbaugh has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Dominique Walker to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Walker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Walker has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Black maternal health, racial justice.
Key initiatives: Board Member Dominique Walker has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. She has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenants’ rights and eviction protections, advocating in particular to reduce exemptions from eviction protections as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. She is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought against displacement of families from their homes due to rising rent costs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Walker has served in this seat since 2020. She was the 4th-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 11% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the rent board, Dominique Walker was a community organizer and medical provider. She co-founded the organization Moms4Housing, based on her own experiences of homelessness as a mother. As a medical provider in Mississippi, she supervised the lactation program at a local hospital, working to improve outcomes for mothers. She has been a longtime supporter of housing equity, and is a member of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Black housing union.
Other background: Board Member Walker was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She is a student at Berkeley City College, completing coursework to apply for medical school.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley rent board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Walker’s campaign has raised $1,424 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Walker has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person rent-stabilization board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Dominique Walker to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Walker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Walker has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Black maternal health, racial justice.
Key initiatives: Board Member Dominique Walker has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. She has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenants’ rights and eviction protections, advocating in particular to reduce exemptions from eviction protections as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. She is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought against displacement of families from their homes due to rising rent costs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Walker has served in this seat since 2020. She was the 4th-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 11% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the rent board, Dominique Walker was a community organizer and medical provider. She co-founded the organization Moms4Housing, based on her own experiences of homelessness as a mother. As a medical provider in Mississippi, she supervised the lactation program at a local hospital, working to improve outcomes for mothers. She has been a longtime supporter of housing equity, and is a member of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Black housing union.
Other background: Board Member Walker was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She is a student at Berkeley City College, completing coursework to apply for medical school.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley rent board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Walker’s campaign has raised $1,424 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Walker has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person rent-stabilization board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Dominique Walker to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Walker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Walker has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Black maternal health, racial justice.
Key initiatives: Board Member Dominique Walker has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. She has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenants’ rights and eviction protections, advocating in particular to reduce exemptions from eviction protections as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. She is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought against displacement of families from their homes due to rising rent costs.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Walker has served in this seat since 2020. She was the 4th-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 11% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the rent board, Dominique Walker was a community organizer and medical provider. She co-founded the organization Moms4Housing, based on her own experiences of homelessness as a mother. As a medical provider in Mississippi, she supervised the lactation program at a local hospital, working to improve outcomes for mothers. She has been a longtime supporter of housing equity, and is a member of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Black housing union.
Other background: Board Member Walker was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She is a student at Berkeley City College, completing coursework to apply for medical school.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley rent board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Walker’s campaign has raised $1,424 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. She is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Walker has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person rent-stabilization board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of $8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Xavier Johnson to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Johnson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Johnson has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Fair Chance housing, responses to the housing crisis.
Key initiatives: Board Member Xavier Johnson has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. He has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenant rights and eviction protections, and advocating alongside the board to reduce exemptions from eviction protection as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. He is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought to keep tenants in their homes.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Johnson has served in this seat since 2020. He was the 2nd-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 13% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Rent Board, Xavier Johnson was a tenant rights’ attorney and political staffer. In addition to his work on the Rent Board, he currently serves as policy director with the nonprofit Just Cities Institute. Johnson has been a longtime supporter of housing justice, focusing his work as an attorney on advocating for renters in the East Bay. He worked as an aide to Congressional Representative Barbara Lee, focused on housing policy, and as the campaign manager for Rent Board chair Leah Simon-Weisberg.
Other background: Board Member Johnson is from Austin, TX. He earned his BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his law degree at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Johnson’s campaign has raised $1,480 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. He is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Johnson has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of 8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Xavier Johnson to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Johnson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Johnson has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Fair Chance housing, responses to the housing crisis.
Key initiatives: Board Member Xavier Johnson has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. He has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenant rights and eviction protections, and advocating alongside the board to reduce exemptions from eviction protection as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. He is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought to keep tenants in their homes.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Johnson has served in this seat since 2020. He was the 2nd-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 13% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Rent Board, Xavier Johnson was a tenant rights’ attorney and political staffer. In addition to his work on the Rent Board, he currently serves as policy director with the nonprofit Just Cities Institute. Johnson has been a longtime supporter of housing justice, focusing his work as an attorney on advocating for renters in the East Bay. He worked as an aide to Congressional Representative Barbara Lee, focused on housing policy, and as the campaign manager for Rent Board chair Leah Simon-Weisberg.
Other background: Board Member Johnson is from Austin, TX. He earned his BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his law degree at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Johnson’s campaign has raised $1,480 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. He is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Johnson has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of 8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Reelect Board Member Xavier Johnson to keep Berkeley on the right track for progress.
Board Member Johnson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the community of Berkeley and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Board Member Johnson has the endorsement of some groups, including the Working Families Party and California Democratic Renters Council.
Top issues: Housing equity, Fair Chance housing, responses to the housing crisis.
Key initiatives: Board Member Xavier Johnson has helped push forward legislation to protect Berkeley renters. He has provided leadership in moving the district forward on increasing tenant rights and eviction protections, and advocating alongside the board to reduce exemptions from eviction protection as well as to increase rent-controlled housing units. He is a member of the 4-person Right to Housing Slate, and has fought to keep tenants in their homes.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Johnson has served in this seat since 2020. He was the 2nd-highest vote-getter in a field of 12, garnering over 13% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Rent Board, Xavier Johnson was a tenant rights’ attorney and political staffer. In addition to his work on the Rent Board, he currently serves as policy director with the nonprofit Just Cities Institute. Johnson has been a longtime supporter of housing justice, focusing his work as an attorney on advocating for renters in the East Bay. He worked as an aide to Congressional Representative Barbara Lee, focused on housing policy, and as the campaign manager for Rent Board chair Leah Simon-Weisberg.
Other background: Board Member Johnson is from Austin, TX. He earned his BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his law degree at UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election results: The Berkeley Rent Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Board Member Johnson’s campaign has raised $1,480 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police. He is a participant in Berkeley’s public-financing program, designed to combat the influence of immense wealth in campaign finance. In order to participate in public financing, Johnson has pledged not to receive donations from political action committees.
The District
City: Berkeley is Alameda County’s 4th most populous city.
Governance structure: Berkeley has a nine-person Rent Stabilization Board that provides administrative oversight on matters of rent control in the city of Berkeley, managing a budget of 8.5 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Rent Stabilization Board are elected in an at-large race. Terms last 4 years, and members are limited to serving 2 terms in this position.
Transit Board
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.
AC Transit Board
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Jesse Gunn for AC Transit Board.
Electoral history: Gunn has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Jesse Gunn, Shonda Goward, and A. Curtis Silva will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is located in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. It is the state’s largest bus-only system in California, and includes 626 buses with connecting service to 22 BART stations, 7 Amtrak stations, and 5 ferry terminals. It has a service area of over 350 miles, and connects 1.5 million Californians to bus service.
Governance structure: AC Transit has a seven-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $605 million annually.
The Position
Members of the AC Transit Board are elected in districted races. Terms last four years, and there are no term limits.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Jesse Gunn for AC Transit Board.
Electoral history: Gunn has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Jesse Gunn, Shonda Goward, and A. Curtis Silva will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is located in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. It is the state’s largest bus-only system in California, and includes 626 buses with connecting service to 22 BART stations, 7 Amtrak stations, and 5 ferry terminals. It has a service area of over 350 miles, and connects 1.5 million Californians to bus service.
Governance structure: AC Transit has a seven-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $605 million annually.
The Position
Members of the AC Transit Board are elected in districted races. Terms last four years, and there are no term limits.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Jesse Gunn for AC Transit Board.
Electoral history: Gunn has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Jesse Gunn, Shonda Goward, and A. Curtis Silva will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is located in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. It is the state’s largest bus-only system in California, and includes 626 buses with connecting service to 22 BART stations, 7 Amtrak stations, and 5 ferry terminals. It has a service area of over 350 miles, and connects 1.5 million Californians to bus service.
Governance structure: AC Transit has a seven-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $605 million annually.
The Position
Members of the AC Transit Board are elected in districted races. Terms last four years, and there are no term limits.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Edward Wright to the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Wright has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Edward Wright and Joe Sangirardi will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) spans five counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. BART includes 50 stations and over 130 miles of track, and serves around 180,000 riders each day.
Governance structure: BART has a nine-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $2.4 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the BART Board of Directors are elected in districted races. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Edward Wright to the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Wright has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Edward Wright and Joe Sangirardi will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) spans five counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. BART includes 50 stations and over 130 miles of track, and serves around 180,000 riders each day.
Governance structure: BART has a nine-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $2.4 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the BART Board of Directors are elected in districted races. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Edward Wright to the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Wright has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Edward Wright and Joe Sangirardi will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
Transit system: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) spans five counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. BART includes 50 stations and over 130 miles of track, and serves around 180,000 riders each day.
Governance structure: BART has a nine-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $2.4 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the BART Board of Directors are elected in districted races. Terms last four years.
School Board Races
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school races on your ballot.
Hayward Unified School District
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Austin Bruckner Carrillo for Hayward School Board.
Electoral history: Carrillo has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: The Hayward School Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
School system: Hayward Unified School District is located in Alameda County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. Hayward Unified School District includes 4 high schools, 5 middle schools, 17 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 17,000 Californians.
Governance structure: Hayward Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $31 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Hayward School Board are elected in an at-large race where the top three candidates go on to serve. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Austin Bruckner Carrillo for Hayward School Board.
Electoral history: Carrillo has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: The Hayward School Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
School system: Hayward Unified School District is located in Alameda County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. Hayward Unified School District includes 4 high schools, 5 middle schools, 17 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 17,000 Californians.
Governance structure: Hayward Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $31 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Hayward School Board are elected in an at-large race where the top three candidates go on to serve. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Austin Bruckner Carrillo for Hayward School Board.
Electoral history: Carrillo has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: The Hayward School Board is not subject to a primary election. All open seats will be decided in the November general election.
The District
School system: Hayward Unified School District is located in Alameda County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. Hayward Unified School District includes 4 high schools, 5 middle schools, 17 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 17,000 Californians.
Governance structure: Hayward Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $31 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Hayward School Board are elected in an at-large race where the top three candidates go on to serve. Terms last four years.
Oakland Unified School District
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Rachel Latta for Oakland Unified School District Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Latta has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rachel Latta and Benjamin Salop will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Rachel Latta for Oakland Unified School District Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Latta has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rachel Latta and Benjamin Salop will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Rachel Latta for Oakland Unified School District Board of Directors.
Electoral history: Latta has not run for public office previously.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Rachel Latta and Benjamin Salop will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez for Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Electoral history: Ritzie-Hernandez ran for District 5 in a 2023 special election but lost by 14 points.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez and Patrice Berry will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez for Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Electoral history: Ritzie-Hernandez ran for District 5 in a 2023 special election but lost by 14 points.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez and Patrice Berry will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families Party, in encouraging voters to elect Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez for Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Electoral history: Ritzie-Hernandez ran for District 5 in a 2023 special election but lost by 14 points.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez and Patrice Berry will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last 4 years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families, in encouraging voters to reelect Board Member VanCedric Williams to Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Williams has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 61% of the vote.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Incumbent Board Member VanCedric Williams and Dwayne Aikens will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families, in encouraging voters to reelect Board Member VanCedric Williams to Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Williams has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 61% of the vote.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Incumbent Board Member VanCedric Williams and Dwayne Aikens will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last four years.
Courage California joins our progressive partners, including California Working Families, in encouraging voters to reelect Board Member VanCedric Williams to Oakland Unified School District Board Director.
Governance and community leadership experience: Board Member Williams has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 61% of the vote.
The Race
Primary election results: There was no primary election for this race. Incumbent Board Member VanCedric Williams and Dwayne Aikens will contend in the November 5 general election.
The District
School system: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is located in Alameda County County, which is California’s 7th most populous county. OUSD includes 16 high schools, 17 middle schools, 50 elementary schools, and 1 adult education center serving a population of roughly 34,000 Californians.
Governance structure: OUSD has a seven-person Board of Directors that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $1.27 billion annually.
The Position
Members of the OUSD Board of Directors are elected to districted seats. Terms last four years.