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Welcome to the Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Voting has changed in Los Angeles County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Also, in-person voters in Los Angeles County will have the opportunity to use the new Ballot Marking Device, a touchscreen with audio features, to mark their ballots. Have questions about the changes to voting in Los Angeles County? Find out how to vote in Los Angeles County.
Federal
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden 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 that 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. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which 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 Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of 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 $136 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.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject 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 have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. 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.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected 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 his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States 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.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. 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 emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
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.
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden 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 that 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. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which 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 Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of 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 $136 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.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject 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 have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. 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.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected 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 his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States 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.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. 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 emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
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.
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden 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 that 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. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which 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 Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of 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 $136 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.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject 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 have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. 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.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected 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 his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States 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.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. 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 emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
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.
There are 22 candidates running for California’s open U.S. Senate seat. Based on our analysis, three qualified candidates for this position have a distinct vision for the state. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
The Race
Primary election: In October 2022, Governor Newsom appointed labor leader, political advisor, and former Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to serve the remainder of the six-year term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died September 2022 after serving in the U.S. Senate since 1992. There are 22 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D), Rep. Katie Porter (D), and Rep. Adam Schiff (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
The Candidates
Key Initiatives: Representative Barbara Lee is a longtime Congresswoman and has been a consistent progressive voice in Congress. She has been a prolific author of legislation related to ending AIDS/HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, has moved efforts to reduce poverty forward, and was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force after the attacks on September 11, 2001, a controversial position at the time. In recent legislative sessions, she has authored and sponsored legislation to curtail CEO overpay, improve research and public awareness of sickle cell disease, address the national backlog of unprocessed rape kits, and improve mental health resources for students. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Rep. Lee worked as a social worker and founded a mental-health service organization, Community Health Alliance for Neighborhood Growth and Education, to benefit her local East Bay community. She then spent eleven years working on the staff of Rep. Ron Dellums, eventually serving as his chief of staff. After her tenure in congressional staffing, she founded a facilities-management company. A few years later, in 1990, Rep. Lee launched a successful bid for a seat in the California Assembly, where she served for six years, before she was elected to the state Senate.
Representative Katie Porter is an attorney and public servant and has been a strong advocate for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and government transparency. She has gained notoriety for her meticulous and expert style of questioning in congressional hearings, and exercises this skill during Oversight and Reform Committee sessions. Her legislative successes include bills to lower prescription drug prices, increase the fee oil and gas companies pay to drill on public lands, lower the income threshold for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and extend mental healthcare coverage. She has also recently supported efforts to ban members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Porter spent twenty years as a consumer-protection attorney. Ahead of the housing crisis in 2008, she issued early warnings of the financial system’s predatory lending, and has a strong track record of winning cases related to financial regulation. In 2012, then California Attorney General Kamala Harris appointed Rep. Porter to oversee banks as they returned over $18 billion to cheated homeowners in the state.
Representative Adam Schiff is an attorney and public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, healthcare, and voting access. He rose to prominence as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump Administration. 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. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as Assistant United States Attorney before being elected to California’s State Senate in 1996. He is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies, but has cast unfavorable votes on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, including a 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
Community Leadership Experience, Fundraising, and Endorsements: Rep. Lee has served in Congress since 1998, when she was elected with over 66% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection to CD-12 over a Republican challenger by 81 points. Her campaign has raised $3.3 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Rep. Lee has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC, Gen Z for Change, Feminist Majority PAC, Our Revolution, and Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California). She has also received the endorsement of some community and elected leaders, including Dolores Huerta, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
Rep. Porter has served in Congress since 2018, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 3 points. Her campaign has raised $22 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests. Rep. Porter has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Labor Federation, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Women in Leadership PAC. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Rep. Robert Garcia, and State Sen. Catherine Blakespear.
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. His campaign has raised $21 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, or fossil fuel interests. Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of some labor groups, including IATSE California Council, IAFF, and Amalgamated Transit Union. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Other background: Rep. Lee is from El Paso, TX, and moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was a child. She attended Mills College, where she served as president of the Black Student Union and invited Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to speak on campus. Her interaction with Rep. Chisholm was an early inspiration for her pursuit of a career in public service.
Rep. Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. Along with her legal practice, she is a longtime tenured professor of law at University of California-Irvine.
Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
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.
There are 22 candidates running for California’s open U.S. Senate seat. Based on our analysis, three qualified candidates for this position have a distinct vision for the state. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
The Race
Primary election: In October 2022, Governor Newsom appointed labor leader, political advisor, and former Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to serve the remainder of the six-year term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died September 2022 after serving in the U.S. Senate since 1992. There are 22 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D), Rep. Katie Porter (D), and Rep. Adam Schiff (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
The Candidates
Key Initiatives: Representative Barbara Lee is a longtime Congresswoman and has been a consistent progressive voice in Congress. She has been a prolific author of legislation related to ending AIDS/HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, has moved efforts to reduce poverty forward, and was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force after the attacks on September 11, 2001, a controversial position at the time. In recent legislative sessions, she has authored and sponsored legislation to curtail CEO overpay, improve research and public awareness of sickle cell disease, address the national backlog of unprocessed rape kits, and improve mental health resources for students. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Rep. Lee worked as a social worker and founded a mental-health service organization, Community Health Alliance for Neighborhood Growth and Education, to benefit her local East Bay community. She then spent eleven years working on the staff of Rep. Ron Dellums, eventually serving as his chief of staff. After her tenure in congressional staffing, she founded a facilities-management company. A few years later, in 1990, Rep. Lee launched a successful bid for a seat in the California Assembly, where she served for six years, before she was elected to the state Senate.
Representative Katie Porter is an attorney and public servant and has been a strong advocate for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and government transparency. She has gained notoriety for her meticulous and expert style of questioning in congressional hearings, and exercises this skill during Oversight and Reform Committee sessions. Her legislative successes include bills to lower prescription drug prices, increase the fee oil and gas companies pay to drill on public lands, lower the income threshold for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and extend mental healthcare coverage. She has also recently supported efforts to ban members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Porter spent twenty years as a consumer-protection attorney. Ahead of the housing crisis in 2008, she issued early warnings of the financial system’s predatory lending, and has a strong track record of winning cases related to financial regulation. In 2012, then California Attorney General Kamala Harris appointed Rep. Porter to oversee banks as they returned over $18 billion to cheated homeowners in the state.
Representative Adam Schiff is an attorney and public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, healthcare, and voting access. He rose to prominence as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump Administration. 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. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as Assistant United States Attorney before being elected to California’s State Senate in 1996. He is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies, but has cast unfavorable votes on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, including a 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
Community Leadership Experience, Fundraising, and Endorsements: Rep. Lee has served in Congress since 1998, when she was elected with over 66% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection to CD-12 over a Republican challenger by 81 points. Her campaign has raised $3.3 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Rep. Lee has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC, Gen Z for Change, Feminist Majority PAC, Our Revolution, and Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California). She has also received the endorsement of some community and elected leaders, including Dolores Huerta, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
Rep. Porter has served in Congress since 2018, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 3 points. Her campaign has raised $22 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests. Rep. Porter has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Labor Federation, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Women in Leadership PAC. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Rep. Robert Garcia, and State Sen. Catherine Blakespear.
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. His campaign has raised $21 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, or fossil fuel interests. Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of some labor groups, including IATSE California Council, IAFF, and Amalgamated Transit Union. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Other background: Rep. Lee is from El Paso, TX, and moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was a child. She attended Mills College, where she served as president of the Black Student Union and invited Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to speak on campus. Her interaction with Rep. Chisholm was an early inspiration for her pursuit of a career in public service.
Rep. Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. Along with her legal practice, she is a longtime tenured professor of law at University of California-Irvine.
Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
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.
City District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city district races on your ballot.
City of Long Beach, District 6
Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.
Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.
Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.
Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral 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 Long Beach are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.
Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.
Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.
Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral 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 Long Beach are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.
Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.
Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.
Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral 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 Long Beach are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
City of Los Angeles, District 4
Courage California endorses Councilmember Nithya Raman for re-election to keep Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Nithya Raman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Raman has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, Abundant Housing LA, ACCE Action, and Fund Her. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, LA Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LA City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, mental health support, renters’ rights, environmental protections and pollution reduction, cycling infrastructure, government transparency, reproductive justice, and parks improvement.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Raman has successfully supported emergency financial resources, the carbon-free standard for new construction, an expansion of bike lane infrastructure, the establishment of Los Angeles as an abortion care safe haven, new investments in Griffith Park and the Los Angeles Zoo, and the expansion of tenants’ rights, including eviction protections and relocation assistance. A dedicated advocate of housing reform, Councilmember Raman has increased the shelter capacity in her district, opened a hotel shelter in the community, secured an Encampment Resolution Grant from Gov. Newsom to move people indoors, expanded mental health and substance abuse support, and collaborated with Mayor Bass to support unhoused constituents. After her election in 2020, District 4 underwent the most significant change of any council seat, with Councilmember Raman receiving a 40% shift in her constituency after redistricting, a Council-led process that was the subject of much controversy. In response, she has introduced a ballot measure to allow voters to establish a fully independent redistricting commission. She has been a proactive, consistent, and progressive advocate for her constituents.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Raman has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote over the incumbent. Her victory constituted the most votes—over 70,000—that any council candidate has received in the city’s history.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Raman was an urban planner and spent time working in India on initiatives to improve access to water, shelter, and economic mobility. After moving to Los Angeles, she co-founded SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, a local neighborhood-based organization formed in response to the city’s inaction on homelessness. She also served as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s Homelessness Committee for several years. Raman recently served as executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment, the women’s rights movement furthering equity and safety for women in the entertainment industry. Raman’s relationships in entertainment are strong, and her campaign has partnered with artists and performers to further its organizing efforts.
Other background: Councilmember Raman was born in India and raised in Massachusetts after her family immigrated to the United States. She is a graduate of Harvard and MIT.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Nithya Raman, Levon Baronian, and Ethan Weaver. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Raman’s campaign has raised $260,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Ethan Weaver
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Weaver’s campaign has raised $141,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 4 includes the communities of The Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Reseda, Van Nuys, Studio City, Cahuenga Pass, Los Feliz, and portions of Los Angeles.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Courage California endorses Councilmember Nithya Raman for re-election to keep Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Nithya Raman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Raman has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, Abundant Housing LA, ACCE Action, and Fund Her. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, LA Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LA City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, mental health support, renters’ rights, environmental protections and pollution reduction, cycling infrastructure, government transparency, reproductive justice, and parks improvement.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Raman has successfully supported emergency financial resources, the carbon-free standard for new construction, an expansion of bike lane infrastructure, the establishment of Los Angeles as an abortion care safe haven, new investments in Griffith Park and the Los Angeles Zoo, and the expansion of tenants’ rights, including eviction protections and relocation assistance. A dedicated advocate of housing reform, Councilmember Raman has increased the shelter capacity in her district, opened a hotel shelter in the community, secured an Encampment Resolution Grant from Gov. Newsom to move people indoors, expanded mental health and substance abuse support, and collaborated with Mayor Bass to support unhoused constituents. After her election in 2020, District 4 underwent the most significant change of any council seat, with Councilmember Raman receiving a 40% shift in her constituency after redistricting, a Council-led process that was the subject of much controversy. In response, she has introduced a ballot measure to allow voters to establish a fully independent redistricting commission. She has been a proactive, consistent, and progressive advocate for her constituents.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Raman has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote over the incumbent. Her victory constituted the most votes—over 70,000—that any council candidate has received in the city’s history.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Raman was an urban planner and spent time working in India on initiatives to improve access to water, shelter, and economic mobility. After moving to Los Angeles, she co-founded SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, a local neighborhood-based organization formed in response to the city’s inaction on homelessness. She also served as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s Homelessness Committee for several years. Raman recently served as executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment, the women’s rights movement furthering equity and safety for women in the entertainment industry. Raman’s relationships in entertainment are strong, and her campaign has partnered with artists and performers to further its organizing efforts.
Other background: Councilmember Raman was born in India and raised in Massachusetts after her family immigrated to the United States. She is a graduate of Harvard and MIT.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Nithya Raman, Levon Baronian, and Ethan Weaver. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Raman’s campaign has raised $260,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Ethan Weaver
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Weaver’s campaign has raised $141,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 4 includes the communities of The Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Reseda, Van Nuys, Studio City, Cahuenga Pass, Los Feliz, and portions of Los Angeles.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
Courage California endorses Councilmember Nithya Raman for re-election to keep Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Councilmember Nithya Raman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Raman has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Working Families Party, Abundant Housing LA, ACCE Action, and Fund Her. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, LA Supervisor Hilda Solis, LA Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LA City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Homelessness and affordable housing, mental health support, renters’ rights, environmental protections and pollution reduction, cycling infrastructure, government transparency, reproductive justice, and parks improvement.
Key initiatives: Councilmember Raman has successfully supported emergency financial resources, the carbon-free standard for new construction, an expansion of bike lane infrastructure, the establishment of Los Angeles as an abortion care safe haven, new investments in Griffith Park and the Los Angeles Zoo, and the expansion of tenants’ rights, including eviction protections and relocation assistance. A dedicated advocate of housing reform, Councilmember Raman has increased the shelter capacity in her district, opened a hotel shelter in the community, secured an Encampment Resolution Grant from Gov. Newsom to move people indoors, expanded mental health and substance abuse support, and collaborated with Mayor Bass to support unhoused constituents. After her election in 2020, District 4 underwent the most significant change of any council seat, with Councilmember Raman receiving a 40% shift in her constituency after redistricting, a Council-led process that was the subject of much controversy. In response, she has introduced a ballot measure to allow voters to establish a fully independent redistricting commission. She has been a proactive, consistent, and progressive advocate for her constituents.
Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Raman has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote over the incumbent. Her victory constituted the most votes—over 70,000—that any council candidate has received in the city’s history.
Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Raman was an urban planner and spent time working in India on initiatives to improve access to water, shelter, and economic mobility. After moving to Los Angeles, she co-founded SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, a local neighborhood-based organization formed in response to the city’s inaction on homelessness. She also served as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council’s Homelessness Committee for several years. Raman recently served as executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment, the women’s rights movement furthering equity and safety for women in the entertainment industry. Raman’s relationships in entertainment are strong, and her campaign has partnered with artists and performers to further its organizing efforts.
Other background: Councilmember Raman was born in India and raised in Massachusetts after her family immigrated to the United States. She is a graduate of Harvard and MIT.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Nithya Raman, Levon Baronian, and Ethan Weaver. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Raman’s campaign has raised $260,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Ethan Weaver
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Weaver’s campaign has raised $141,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 4 includes the communities of The Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Reseda, Van Nuys, Studio City, Cahuenga Pass, Los Feliz, and portions of Los Angeles.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
City of Los Angeles, District 10
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Eddie Anderson or Reggie Jones-Sawyer to put Los Angeles on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Eddie Anderson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA Voice Action, and Run for Something.
Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Legislative Progressive Caucus, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and several other labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Adam Schiff, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, and Assm. Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Key initiatives: Anderson is an ordained minister and an activist, which he does to bring leadership to issues of equity, dignity, and social justice that are impacting his community. He currently serves as senior pastor of McCarty Memorial Christian Church congregation, and as the South LA Regional Community Organizer for LA Voice, a multifaith community organization working in Los Angeles County.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s priorities for AD-57 this year have included 29 bills about criminal justice reform, drug law, homelessness, and firearm safety. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. During his time in the Assembly, he has sponsored and passed legislation to reduce recidivism, eliminate cash bail, and raise the minimum age requirement for becoming a police officer. He is a co-founder of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records.
Governance and community leadership experience: Anderson has not run for public office previously.
Anderson has been a longtime advocate of statewide reform to housing and mental health-care services, and has been a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement. He was a commissioner for the recent Los Angeles Redistricting Commission, a board member of ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County, and has also served on LA County’s Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer has served in the Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won an uncontested reelection with 100% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Jones-Sawyer was assistant deputy mayor of Los Angeles. Assm. Jones-Sawyer has been a longtime supporter of assisting the reentry into society of people who were formerly convicted of crimes.
Other background: Anderson is from Atlanta. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology.
Assm. Jones-Sawyer is from Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: This seat was vacated by former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas in October 2021 after he was charged with bribery and fraud. After his conviction in March 2023, the seat was temporarily filled with the appointment of Councilmember Heather Hutt. This election will determine the next elected leader of the district. There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Eddie Anderson, Assm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer, incumbent Councilmember Heather Hutt, Grace Yoo, and Aura Vasquez. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $51,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Jones-Sawyer’s campaign has raised $179,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Heather Hutt
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Hutt’s campaign has raised $174,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Grace Yoo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yoo’s campaign has raised $186,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Aura Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vasquez’s campaign has raised $90,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles City Council District 10 includes the communities of Mid-City, Angelus Vista, Wilshire Vista, Jefferson Park, Cienega, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Village, Reynier Village, Koreatown, and Little Bangladesh.
Governance structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15 district city council and a mayoral 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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
City of Los Angeles, District 14
Based on our analysis, these three candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Endorsements: Assm. Wendy Carrillo has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including EMILYs List. In previous elections, she has also received the endorsement of AFSCME California, California Labor Federation, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood.
Assm. Miguel Santiago has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County Action Fund, and many labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and LA County Sup. Janice Hahn.
Ysabel Jurado has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Women’s List, ACCE Action, Ground Game LA, and Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg, and Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony.
Key initiatives: Assm. Carrillo’s priorities for AD-52 have included 27 bills about affordable housing, health care, and oil and gas. Of these, 12 have been chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. This session, she has authored and supported legislation to improve the efficiency of clearing rehabilitative service providers to work with the Department of Corrections, create digital data protections for individuals researching reproductive health care, and establish increased accountability plans for the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency. She scores a lifetime CS of 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Carrillo has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Assm. Santiago’s priorities for AD-54 have included 22 bills about government and civil service, criminal justice reform, and post-secondary education. Of these, 9 have been successfully chaptered into law, and the rest remain in committee. This session, he authored AB958 to restore visitation rights for incarcerated individuals, and AB785 to create exemptions in the California Environmental Quality Act for affordable and transitional housing development. He scores a lifetime CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as an All-Star this legislative session. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Santiago has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Jurado is a tenants’ rights attorney and housing affordability activist, which she does to leverage her legal expertise to support increased social equity in her community. In her work, she has defended community members and small businesses against eviction and rent hikes, and has been a strong advocate of establishing achievable pathways to homeownership, and protecting affordability. During the pandemic, she witnessed the policy failures that resulted in housing instability for local residents, and is running for this seat to provide representative leadership for her neighbors.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Carrillo has served in the Assembly since 2017, when she was elected with 54% of the vote. In 2022, she won reelection against a Democratic challenger after earning over 56% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Carrillo was a journalist who hosted radio and digital media. Assm. Carrillo has been a longtime supporter of workers’ rights.
Assm. Santiago has served in this assembly seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 58 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Santiago was involved in community organizing, and worked on expanding affordable health care and housing. He is a longtime supporter of education, just immigration policies, and economic development.
Jurado has not run for public office before.
Before running for City Council, Jurado established herself as a respected local leader. She earned both her bachelor’s and JD degrees at UCLA, and worked in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office for three years before entering legal practice. Corruption in the City Council motivated her run for office, and she views the racist rhetoric and blatant gerrymandering that has characterized city government in recent years as antithetical to the needs and interests of Council District 14 constituents. As an attorney and a lifelong resident of the district, her service on the council would focus on social justice, housing affordability, and support for working families.
Other background: Assm. Carrillo grew up in Boyle Heights and City Terrace. As a child, she came to the US as an undocumented refugee from El Salvador.
Assm. Santiago is from Los Angeles.
Jurado is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Filipino immigrants.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Wendy Carrillo, Assm. Miguel Santiago, Ysabel Jurado, incumbent Councilmember Kevin DeLeón, Teresa Hillery, Nadine Diaz, Genny Guerrero, and Eduardo Vargas. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wendy Carrillo’s campaign has raised $181,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Miguel Santiago’s campaign has raised $1.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ysabel Jurado’s campaign has raised $101,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Kevin DeLeón
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember DeLeón’s campaign has raised $56,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Teresa Hillery
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hillery’s campaign has raised $73,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Nadine Diaz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Diaz’s campaign has raised $5,000 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.
Opposing candidate: Eduardo Vargas
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vargas’s campaign has raised $21,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles’s City Council District 14 includes Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Downtown LA, El Sereno, and Northeast LA.
Governance Structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15-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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to three terms, or 12 years in office total.
Based on our analysis, these three candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Endorsements: Assm. Wendy Carrillo has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including EMILYs List. In previous elections, she has also received the endorsement of AFSCME California, California Labor Federation, Equality California, and Planned Parenthood.
Assm. Miguel Santiago has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Abundant Housing Los Angeles, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County Action Fund, and many labor groups. He has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and LA County Sup. Janice Hahn.
Ysabel Jurado has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Women’s List, ACCE Action, Ground Game LA, and Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, LAUSD Board President Jackie Goldberg, and Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony.
Key initiatives: Assm. Carrillo’s priorities for AD-52 have included 27 bills about affordable housing, health care, and oil and gas. Of these, 12 have been chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. This session, she has authored and supported legislation to improve the efficiency of clearing rehabilitative service providers to work with the Department of Corrections, create digital data protections for individuals researching reproductive health care, and establish increased accountability plans for the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency. She scores a lifetime CS of 96 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Carrillo has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Assm. Santiago’s priorities for AD-54 have included 22 bills about government and civil service, criminal justice reform, and post-secondary education. Of these, 9 have been successfully chaptered into law, and the rest remain in committee. This session, he authored AB958 to restore visitation rights for incarcerated individuals, and AB785 to create exemptions in the California Environmental Quality Act for affordable and transitional housing development. He scores a lifetime CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as an All-Star this legislative session. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Santiago has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Jurado is a tenants’ rights attorney and housing affordability activist, which she does to leverage her legal expertise to support increased social equity in her community. In her work, she has defended community members and small businesses against eviction and rent hikes, and has been a strong advocate of establishing achievable pathways to homeownership, and protecting affordability. During the pandemic, she witnessed the policy failures that resulted in housing instability for local residents, and is running for this seat to provide representative leadership for her neighbors.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Carrillo has served in the Assembly since 2017, when she was elected with 54% of the vote. In 2022, she won reelection against a Democratic challenger after earning over 56% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Carrillo was a journalist who hosted radio and digital media. Assm. Carrillo has been a longtime supporter of workers’ rights.
Assm. Santiago has served in this assembly seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 58 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Santiago was involved in community organizing, and worked on expanding affordable health care and housing. He is a longtime supporter of education, just immigration policies, and economic development.
Jurado has not run for public office before.
Before running for City Council, Jurado established herself as a respected local leader. She earned both her bachelor’s and JD degrees at UCLA, and worked in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office for three years before entering legal practice. Corruption in the City Council motivated her run for office, and she views the racist rhetoric and blatant gerrymandering that has characterized city government in recent years as antithetical to the needs and interests of Council District 14 constituents. As an attorney and a lifelong resident of the district, her service on the council would focus on social justice, housing affordability, and support for working families.
Other background: Assm. Carrillo grew up in Boyle Heights and City Terrace. As a child, she came to the US as an undocumented refugee from El Salvador.
Assm. Santiago is from Los Angeles.
Jurado is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Filipino immigrants.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Wendy Carrillo, Assm. Miguel Santiago, Ysabel Jurado, incumbent Councilmember Kevin DeLeón, Teresa Hillery, Nadine Diaz, Genny Guerrero, and Eduardo Vargas. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wendy Carrillo’s campaign has raised $181,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Miguel Santiago’s campaign has raised $1.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ysabel Jurado’s campaign has raised $101,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Councilmember Kevin DeLeón
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Councilmember DeLeón’s campaign has raised $56,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Teresa Hillery
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hillery’s campaign has raised $73,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Nadine Diaz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Diaz’s campaign has raised $5,000 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.
Opposing candidate: Eduardo Vargas
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Vargas’s campaign has raised $21,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
City: Los Angeles is Los Angeles County’s most populous city. Los Angeles’s City Council District 14 includes Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Downtown LA, El Sereno, and Northeast LA.
Governance Structure: Los Angeles City Council oversees the needs of 3.8 million people and manages an estimated operating budget of $13 billion annually. Los Angeles is managed by a mayor-council-structured government.
The Position
Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Los Angeles maintains a 15-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 councilmembers in Los Angeles are limited to three terms, or 12 years in office total.
Glendale Unified School District
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school races on your ballot.
Elect Telly Tse to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Telly Tse’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tse has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Our Schools USA, Equality California, and East Area Progressive Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and four current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Tse has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Racial and social justice inclusion, smaller class sizes, restorative discipline practices, investment in educators and district staff, and improved community communication.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tse is a special education teacher, youth sports coach, and education advocate, which he does to bring leadership and community values to the local education system. Through several leadership roles, including terms as president of the Beverly Hills Education Association, board member for the California Teachers Association, board member for the National Education Association, and board member for the local AYSO, Tse has advocated for higher wages, improved benefits, greater support for student diversity, curriculum adjustments, and fair labor practices. He is a longtime supporter of initiatives designed to improve student learning through social equity and inclusive curriculum.
Other background: Tse is from Los Angeles. He is the son of immigrants from Hong Kong.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Telly Tse, Shant Kevorkian, and Jordan Henry. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tse’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a districted race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
Elect Telly Tse to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Telly Tse’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tse has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Our Schools USA, Equality California, and East Area Progressive Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and four current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Tse has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Racial and social justice inclusion, smaller class sizes, restorative discipline practices, investment in educators and district staff, and improved community communication.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tse is a special education teacher, youth sports coach, and education advocate, which he does to bring leadership and community values to the local education system. Through several leadership roles, including terms as president of the Beverly Hills Education Association, board member for the California Teachers Association, board member for the National Education Association, and board member for the local AYSO, Tse has advocated for higher wages, improved benefits, greater support for student diversity, curriculum adjustments, and fair labor practices. He is a longtime supporter of initiatives designed to improve student learning through social equity and inclusive curriculum.
Other background: Tse is from Los Angeles. He is the son of immigrants from Hong Kong.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Telly Tse, Shant Kevorkian, and Jordan Henry. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tse’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a districted race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
Elect Telly Tse to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Telly Tse’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tse has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Our Schools USA, Equality California, and East Area Progressive Democrats. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and four current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Tse has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Racial and social justice inclusion, smaller class sizes, restorative discipline practices, investment in educators and district staff, and improved community communication.
Governance and community leadership experience: Tse is a special education teacher, youth sports coach, and education advocate, which he does to bring leadership and community values to the local education system. Through several leadership roles, including terms as president of the Beverly Hills Education Association, board member for the California Teachers Association, board member for the National Education Association, and board member for the local AYSO, Tse has advocated for higher wages, improved benefits, greater support for student diversity, curriculum adjustments, and fair labor practices. He is a longtime supporter of initiatives designed to improve student learning through social equity and inclusive curriculum.
Other background: Tse is from Los Angeles. He is the son of immigrants from Hong Kong.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Telly Tse, Shant Kevorkian, and Jordan Henry. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tse’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a districted race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
Elect Neda Farid to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Neda Farid’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Farid has the endorsement of many groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Glendale College Guild, National Women’s Political Caucus, and Stonewall Democratic Club Los Angeles. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and three current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Farid ran for this office in 2020, but lost to the incumbent after earning 33% of the vote.
Top issues: Student mental health services, arts funding, access for diverse students, improved teacher retention, and engage families and community in district success.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Farid is a longtime education volunteer and advocate, which she does to address disparities of access and inclusivity in schools. After serving as a classroom volunteer, she joined the local PTA and eventually became President of the Glendale Council PTA, which governs all of the school-level PTA’s in the district. Farid has used her leadership position to gain a better understanding of the cultural landscape of individual schools, promote social equity and diversity within the district, and contribute to the Restorative Justice Task Force, Education Foundation Board, and Facilities Advisory Committee.
Other background: Farid has lived in Glendale for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Neda Farid, and Aneta Krpekyan. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Neda Farid’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The challenger in this race has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, and 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a district race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
Elect Neda Farid to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Neda Farid’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Farid has the endorsement of many groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Glendale College Guild, National Women’s Political Caucus, and Stonewall Democratic Club Los Angeles. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and three current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Farid ran for this office in 2020, but lost to the incumbent after earning 33% of the vote.
Top issues: Student mental health services, arts funding, access for diverse students, improved teacher retention, and engage families and community in district success.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Farid is a longtime education volunteer and advocate, which she does to address disparities of access and inclusivity in schools. After serving as a classroom volunteer, she joined the local PTA and eventually became President of the Glendale Council PTA, which governs all of the school-level PTA’s in the district. Farid has used her leadership position to gain a better understanding of the cultural landscape of individual schools, promote social equity and diversity within the district, and contribute to the Restorative Justice Task Force, Education Foundation Board, and Facilities Advisory Committee.
Other background: Farid has lived in Glendale for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Neda Farid, and Aneta Krpekyan. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Neda Farid’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The challenger in this race has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, and 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a district race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
Elect Neda Farid to put Glendale Unified School District on the right track for progress.
Neda Farid’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive champion for the Glendale Unified School District community and will work effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Farid has the endorsement of many groups, including Glendale Teachers Association, Glendale College Guild, National Women’s Political Caucus, and Stonewall Democratic Club Los Angeles. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Assm. Laura Friedman, Glendale Mayor Dan Brotman, and three current members of the Glendale Unified School District Board.
Electoral history: Farid ran for this office in 2020, but lost to the incumbent after earning 33% of the vote.
Top issues: Student mental health services, arts funding, access for diverse students, improved teacher retention, and engage families and community in district success.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Farid is a longtime education volunteer and advocate, which she does to address disparities of access and inclusivity in schools. After serving as a classroom volunteer, she joined the local PTA and eventually became President of the Glendale Council PTA, which governs all of the school-level PTA’s in the district. Farid has used her leadership position to gain a better understanding of the cultural landscape of individual schools, promote social equity and diversity within the district, and contribute to the Restorative Justice Task Force, Education Foundation Board, and Facilities Advisory Committee.
Other background: Farid has lived in Glendale for over 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Neda Farid, and Aneta Krpekyan. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Neda Farid’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The challenger in this race has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.
The District
School system: Glendale Unified School District is located in Los Angeles County, which is California’s most populous county. Glendale Unified School District includes 7 high schools, 20 middle schools, and 22 elementary schools serving a population of roughly 24,000 California students.
Governance structure: Glendale Unified School District has a five-person board that provides administrative oversight and manages a budget of $335 million annually.
The Position
Members of the Glendale Unified School District are elected in a district race where the top candidate goes on to serve. Terms last four years, and members are limited to serving three terms in this position.
State Senate
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
State Senator, 23rd District
Elect Kipp Mueller for State Senate to put SD-23 on the right track for progress.
Kipp Mueller’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Mueller has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Inland Empire United, Safer CA, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like LA County Federation of Labor, California Faculty Association, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assm. Buffy Wicks, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Mueller has run for office previously, and lost a close 2020 race for state Senate against the Republican incumbent by 2 points.
Top issues: Economic growth, education, health care, ending homelessness, climate change, and green energy.
Governance and community leadership experience: Kipp Mueller is a labor and immigration attorney, which he does because of his commitment to putting real people over corporations. Mueller has successfully represented union workers who have experienced fatal work accidents, and worked as a pro bono asylum attorney at an ICE detention center in Adelanto. Following law school, he served in the Consumer Protections branch of the Obama’s administration’s Department of Justice. He now sits on the Access to Justice committee for the LA County Bar Association.
Other background: Mueller is from Sacramento. He earned his BA from UC Berkeley, and his law degree from Columbia University.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Kipp Mueller (D), Suzette Valladares (R), and James “DJ” Hamburger (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Mueller’s campaign has raised $469,020 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Suzette Valladares and DJ Hamburger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Valladares’ campaign has raised $415,355 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has also accepted more than $30,000 from both the real estate industry and the police. Hamburger has raised $54,094, although he has loaned $50,000 of his own dollars to his campaign.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 41% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. This district is typically competitive.
District demographics: 38% Latino, 6% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: SD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 7 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 Kipp Mueller for State Senate to put SD-23 on the right track for progress.
Kipp Mueller’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Mueller has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Inland Empire United, Safer CA, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like LA County Federation of Labor, California Faculty Association, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assm. Buffy Wicks, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Mueller has run for office previously, and lost a close 2020 race for state Senate against the Republican incumbent by 2 points.
Top issues: Economic growth, education, health care, ending homelessness, climate change, and green energy.
Governance and community leadership experience: Kipp Mueller is a labor and immigration attorney, which he does because of his commitment to putting real people over corporations. Mueller has successfully represented union workers who have experienced fatal work accidents, and worked as a pro bono asylum attorney at an ICE detention center in Adelanto. Following law school, he served in the Consumer Protections branch of the Obama’s administration’s Department of Justice. He now sits on the Access to Justice committee for the LA County Bar Association.
Other background: Mueller is from Sacramento. He earned his BA from UC Berkeley, and his law degree from Columbia University.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Kipp Mueller (D), Suzette Valladares (R), and James “DJ” Hamburger (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Mueller’s campaign has raised $469,020 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Suzette Valladares and DJ Hamburger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Valladares’ campaign has raised $415,355 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has also accepted more than $30,000 from both the real estate industry and the police. Hamburger has raised $54,094, although he has loaned $50,000 of his own dollars to his campaign.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 41% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. This district is typically competitive.
District demographics: 38% Latino, 6% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: SD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 7 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 Kipp Mueller for State Senate to put SD-23 on the right track for progress.
Kipp Mueller’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Mueller has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Inland Empire United, Safer CA, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like LA County Federation of Labor, California Faculty Association, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assm. Buffy Wicks, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Mueller has run for office previously, and lost a close 2020 race for state Senate against the Republican incumbent by 2 points.
Top issues: Economic growth, education, health care, ending homelessness, climate change, and green energy.
Governance and community leadership experience: Kipp Mueller is a labor and immigration attorney, which he does because of his commitment to putting real people over corporations. Mueller has successfully represented union workers who have experienced fatal work accidents, and worked as a pro bono asylum attorney at an ICE detention center in Adelanto. Following law school, he served in the Consumer Protections branch of the Obama’s administration’s Department of Justice. He now sits on the Access to Justice committee for the LA County Bar Association.
Other background: Mueller is from Sacramento. He earned his BA from UC Berkeley, and his law degree from Columbia University.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Kipp Mueller (D), Suzette Valladares (R), and James “DJ” Hamburger (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Mueller’s campaign has raised $469,020 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Suzette Valladares and DJ Hamburger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Valladares’ campaign has raised $415,355 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has also accepted more than $30,000 from both the real estate industry and the police. Hamburger has raised $54,094, although he has loaned $50,000 of his own dollars to his campaign.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 41% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. This district is typically competitive.
District demographics: 38% Latino, 6% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: SD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 8 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 7 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, 25th District
Courage California endorses Sasha Renée Pérez for state Senate to put SD-25 on the right track for progress.
Sasha Renée Pérez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Pérez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, and many local labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Rep. Robert Garcia, State Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and a majority of members from the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
Electoral history: Pérez won her 2020 race for Alhambra City Council with over 58% of the vote. She served a term as mayor early in her time on the City Council.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, small-business pandemic recovery, immigration protections, mental health care, supporting organized labor, CalGrant expansion, gun reform, and youth empowerment.
Priority bills: As a member of the Alhambra City Council, she has been a strong supporter of local efforts to improve public safety, labor empowerment, and sustainability through focused collaborative leadership. Pérez led successful organizing efforts to pass the HERO Pay Ordinance to temporarily increase wages for essential grocery and pharmacy workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also supported an initiative that brings mental health care and social workers to work as part of the public-safety response team, and to solidify government funding for the development of a $25 million community center. Pérez has deep personal and professional ties to organized labor, and was instrumental in establishing the city’s Project Labor Agreement. She has also worked to help develop the communities first sustainability plan, which earned her the Congressional Woman of the Year award from Rep. Judy Chu in 2022. Pérez is an outspoken progressive, and has consistently used her platform to advocate for working people when she encounters systems that are designed to create inequity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Pérez is an educator and a public servant, which she does to create diverse coalitions that work to improve policy outcomes across communities. As a student, Pérez was a member of student government, and worked to support an initiative that was ultimately awarded $97 million to support college access and affordability for students across the state. Building on that work, she spent her early career as an educator who taught civic engagement to high school students. She built on those efforts when she joined Campaign for College Opportunity. She collaborated with Sen. Leyva and Assm. Medina to expand Cal Grant access to more California students, and would continue to advocate for the passage of that policy as a member of the state Senate. More recently, she was political director for California’s 2022 Prop 1 campaign, which successfully protected the right to abortion and contraception in the state’s constitution.
Other background: Pérez is from the San Gabriel Valley. Her family has a long history of labor organizing, which was instrumental in her pursuit of advocacy and public service. She is the youngest Latina mayor to serve in the state of California.
The Race
Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sasha Renée Pérez (D), Sandra Armenta (D), Teddy Choi (D), Yvonne Yiu (D), and Elizabeth Ahlers (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Pérez’s campaign has raised $325,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Yvonne Yiu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yiu’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Elizabeth Ahlers
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ahlers’s campaign has raised $95,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The campaigns of Armenta and Choi have not submitted any fundraising receipts to the California Secretary of State’s office as of October 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 30% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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 Sasha Renée Pérez for state Senate to put SD-25 on the right track for progress.
Sasha Renée Pérez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Pérez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, and many local labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Rep. Robert Garcia, State Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and a majority of members from the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
Electoral history: Pérez won her 2020 race for Alhambra City Council with over 58% of the vote. She served a term as mayor early in her time on the City Council.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, small-business pandemic recovery, immigration protections, mental health care, supporting organized labor, CalGrant expansion, gun reform, and youth empowerment.
Priority bills: As a member of the Alhambra City Council, she has been a strong supporter of local efforts to improve public safety, labor empowerment, and sustainability through focused collaborative leadership. Pérez led successful organizing efforts to pass the HERO Pay Ordinance to temporarily increase wages for essential grocery and pharmacy workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also supported an initiative that brings mental health care and social workers to work as part of the public-safety response team, and to solidify government funding for the development of a $25 million community center. Pérez has deep personal and professional ties to organized labor, and was instrumental in establishing the city’s Project Labor Agreement. She has also worked to help develop the communities first sustainability plan, which earned her the Congressional Woman of the Year award from Rep. Judy Chu in 2022. Pérez is an outspoken progressive, and has consistently used her platform to advocate for working people when she encounters systems that are designed to create inequity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Pérez is an educator and a public servant, which she does to create diverse coalitions that work to improve policy outcomes across communities. As a student, Pérez was a member of student government, and worked to support an initiative that was ultimately awarded $97 million to support college access and affordability for students across the state. Building on that work, she spent her early career as an educator who taught civic engagement to high school students. She built on those efforts when she joined Campaign for College Opportunity. She collaborated with Sen. Leyva and Assm. Medina to expand Cal Grant access to more California students, and would continue to advocate for the passage of that policy as a member of the state Senate. More recently, she was political director for California’s 2022 Prop 1 campaign, which successfully protected the right to abortion and contraception in the state’s constitution.
Other background: Pérez is from the San Gabriel Valley. Her family has a long history of labor organizing, which was instrumental in her pursuit of advocacy and public service. She is the youngest Latina mayor to serve in the state of California.
The Race
Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sasha Renée Pérez (D), Sandra Armenta (D), Teddy Choi (D), Yvonne Yiu (D), and Elizabeth Ahlers (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Pérez’s campaign has raised $325,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Yvonne Yiu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yiu’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Elizabeth Ahlers
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ahlers’s campaign has raised $95,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The campaigns of Armenta and Choi have not submitted any fundraising receipts to the California Secretary of State’s office as of October 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 30% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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 Sasha Renée Pérez for state Senate to put SD-25 on the right track for progress.
Sasha Renée Pérez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Pérez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, California Environmental Voters, California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, and many local labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Rep. Robert Garcia, State Sen. Lola Smallwood Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and a majority of members from the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
Electoral history: Pérez won her 2020 race for Alhambra City Council with over 58% of the vote. She served a term as mayor early in her time on the City Council.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, small-business pandemic recovery, immigration protections, mental health care, supporting organized labor, CalGrant expansion, gun reform, and youth empowerment.
Priority bills: As a member of the Alhambra City Council, she has been a strong supporter of local efforts to improve public safety, labor empowerment, and sustainability through focused collaborative leadership. Pérez led successful organizing efforts to pass the HERO Pay Ordinance to temporarily increase wages for essential grocery and pharmacy workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also supported an initiative that brings mental health care and social workers to work as part of the public-safety response team, and to solidify government funding for the development of a $25 million community center. Pérez has deep personal and professional ties to organized labor, and was instrumental in establishing the city’s Project Labor Agreement. She has also worked to help develop the communities first sustainability plan, which earned her the Congressional Woman of the Year award from Rep. Judy Chu in 2022. Pérez is an outspoken progressive, and has consistently used her platform to advocate for working people when she encounters systems that are designed to create inequity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Pérez is an educator and a public servant, which she does to create diverse coalitions that work to improve policy outcomes across communities. As a student, Pérez was a member of student government, and worked to support an initiative that was ultimately awarded $97 million to support college access and affordability for students across the state. Building on that work, she spent her early career as an educator who taught civic engagement to high school students. She built on those efforts when she joined Campaign for College Opportunity. She collaborated with Sen. Leyva and Assm. Medina to expand Cal Grant access to more California students, and would continue to advocate for the passage of that policy as a member of the state Senate. More recently, she was political director for California’s 2022 Prop 1 campaign, which successfully protected the right to abortion and contraception in the state’s constitution.
Other background: Pérez is from the San Gabriel Valley. Her family has a long history of labor organizing, which was instrumental in her pursuit of advocacy and public service. She is the youngest Latina mayor to serve in the state of California.
The Race
Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sasha Renée Pérez (D), Sandra Armenta (D), Teddy Choi (D), Yvonne Yiu (D), and Elizabeth Ahlers (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Pérez’s campaign has raised $325,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Yvonne Yiu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yiu’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Elizabeth Ahlers
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ahlers’s campaign has raised $95,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The campaigns of Armenta and Choi have not submitted any fundraising receipts to the California Secretary of State’s office as of October 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 30% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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, 27th District
Re-elect State Senator Henry Stern to keep SD-27 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Henry Stern’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Stern has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Equality California, as well as labor unions like United Farm Workers, AFSCME, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU.
Top issues: Green energy, climate resiliency, public utilities, health care.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Stern’s priorities for SD-27 have included 17 bills about reducing emissions, strengthening incentives for green energy for individuals, increasing penalties for polluting corporations, making health care (including medical marijuana) easier to access, and climate research. All currently remain in committee. He earned the designation as an All-Star on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for authoring and voting on key bills in 2023. Stern scores a Lifetime Score of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score for supporting the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Sen. Stern has not supported and abstained from several votes on criminal justice reform in previous years.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Stern currently sits on 3 committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources and Water, and Energy, Utilities, and Communications. He also chairs the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Stern has served in this state Senate seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 55% of the vote. In 2020, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Stern was an environmental lawyer and high school teacher. He served as an attorney on Capitol Hill before pursuing civil rights and environmental law back in California. He is a longtime supporter of environmental protections, and has received annual recognition from Sierra Club and California Environmental Justice Alliance for his work in the legislature, and has authored legislation providing incentives and requirements for clean energy. As a state Senator, he serves as the Senate’s Ex Oficio member to the California Air Resources Board.
Other background: Sen. Stern is from New York and was raised in California. He earned his BA from Harvard and his law degree from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Sen. Henry Stern (D), Lucie Volotzky (R), and Susan Collins (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Stern’s campaign has raised $181,901. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Lucie Volotzky and Susan Collins
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Collins’s campaign has raised $62,211 and is funded by the police. She has also loaned more than $35,000 to her own campaign. Volotzky’s campaign has raised $6,912, nearly half of which she has loaned from her own pocket.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 24% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 21 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.
Re-elect State Senator Henry Stern to keep SD-27 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Henry Stern’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Stern has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Equality California, as well as labor unions like United Farm Workers, AFSCME, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU.
Top issues: Green energy, climate resiliency, public utilities, health care.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Stern’s priorities for SD-27 have included 17 bills about reducing emissions, strengthening incentives for green energy for individuals, increasing penalties for polluting corporations, making health care (including medical marijuana) easier to access, and climate research. All currently remain in committee. He earned the designation as an All-Star on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for authoring and voting on key bills in 2023. Stern scores a Lifetime Score of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score for supporting the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Sen. Stern has not supported and abstained from several votes on criminal justice reform in previous years.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Stern currently sits on 3 committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources and Water, and Energy, Utilities, and Communications. He also chairs the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Stern has served in this state Senate seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 55% of the vote. In 2020, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Stern was an environmental lawyer and high school teacher. He served as an attorney on Capitol Hill before pursuing civil rights and environmental law back in California. He is a longtime supporter of environmental protections, and has received annual recognition from Sierra Club and California Environmental Justice Alliance for his work in the legislature, and has authored legislation providing incentives and requirements for clean energy. As a state Senator, he serves as the Senate’s Ex Oficio member to the California Air Resources Board.
Other background: Sen. Stern is from New York and was raised in California. He earned his BA from Harvard and his law degree from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Sen. Henry Stern (D), Lucie Volotzky (R), and Susan Collins (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Stern’s campaign has raised $181,901. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Lucie Volotzky and Susan Collins
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Collins’s campaign has raised $62,211 and is funded by the police. She has also loaned more than $35,000 to her own campaign. Volotzky’s campaign has raised $6,912, nearly half of which she has loaned from her own pocket.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 24% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 21 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.
Re-elect State Senator Henry Stern to keep SD-27 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Henry Stern’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Stern has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Stonewall Democratic Club, and Equality California, as well as labor unions like United Farm Workers, AFSCME, United Healthcare Workers West, and SEIU.
Top issues: Green energy, climate resiliency, public utilities, health care.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Stern’s priorities for SD-27 have included 17 bills about reducing emissions, strengthening incentives for green energy for individuals, increasing penalties for polluting corporations, making health care (including medical marijuana) easier to access, and climate research. All currently remain in committee. He earned the designation as an All-Star on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for authoring and voting on key bills in 2023. Stern scores a Lifetime Score of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score for supporting the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Sen. Stern has not supported and abstained from several votes on criminal justice reform in previous years.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Stern currently sits on 3 committees, including Judiciary, Natural Resources and Water, and Energy, Utilities, and Communications. He also chairs the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Stern has served in this state Senate seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 55% of the vote. In 2020, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Stern was an environmental lawyer and high school teacher. He served as an attorney on Capitol Hill before pursuing civil rights and environmental law back in California. He is a longtime supporter of environmental protections, and has received annual recognition from Sierra Club and California Environmental Justice Alliance for his work in the legislature, and has authored legislation providing incentives and requirements for clean energy. As a state Senator, he serves as the Senate’s Ex Oficio member to the California Air Resources Board.
Other background: Sen. Stern is from New York and was raised in California. He earned his BA from Harvard and his law degree from UC Berkeley.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Sen. Henry Stern (D), Lucie Volotzky (R), and Susan Collins (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Stern’s campaign has raised $181,901. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republicans Lucie Volotzky and Susan Collins
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Collins’s campaign has raised $62,211 and is funded by the police. She has also loaned more than $35,000 to her own campaign. Volotzky’s campaign has raised $6,912, nearly half of which she has loaned from her own pocket.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 24% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: SD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 21 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, 33rd District
California's 33rd Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Notable cities within the district include the Los Angeles County cities and communities of Bell Gardens, Vernon, and most of Long Beach. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show SD-33 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by large margins.
Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.
Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.
Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.
Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 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.
Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.
Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.
Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.
Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 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.
Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.
Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.
Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.
Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.
Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 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, 35th District
Courage California endorses Michelle Chambers for state Senate to put SD-35 on the right track for progress.
Michelle Chambers’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-35 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Chambers has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, SEIU California, and California Environmental Voters. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
Electoral history: Chambers has run for office previously, and won her 2019 race for Compton City Council District 1 against the incumbent with over 65% of the vote. She resigned from the seat midway through her first term in March 2022 to work in Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office.
Top issues: Quality of life improvement, homelessness and housing, health care, economic improvement, public safety, senior and veteran services, and creating employment opportunities
Governance and community leadership experience: Chambers is a public policy professional, which she does to support services and systems that improve quality of life for members of the community. Aside from her tenure on the Compton City Council, Chambers has served in a variety of leadership positions in the state, including as external affairs manager to Attorney General Rob Bonta, special assistant to Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, and senior field deputy to Assm. Mike Gipson. Over a 30-year career, she has supported the work of state legislative leaders, congressional offices, local public works, and organized labor. These positions have provided Chambers with a comprehensive understanding of the public sector, and how to create positive outcomes across communities.
Other background: Michelle Chambers is a longtime resident of Compton.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Michelle Chambers (D), Lamar Lyons (D), Nilo Michelin (D), Alex Monteiro (D), Laura Richardson (D), Pierre Homer Tijerino (D), and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Chambers’s campaign has raised $60,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Nilo Michelin
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Michelin’s campaign has raised $50,000 as of October 2023, and is entirely self-funded.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Alex Monteiro
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Monteiro’s campaign has raised $96,000 as of October 2023, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Laura Richardson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Richardson’s campaign has raised $285,000 as of October 2023, and is primarily self-funded. She has not received any donations from problematic funders.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williams’s campaign has raised $104,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 35th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 61% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 47% Latino, 9% Asian, and 31% Black.
Recent election results: SD-35 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 61 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 Michelle Chambers for state Senate to put SD-35 on the right track for progress.
Michelle Chambers’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-35 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Chambers has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, SEIU California, and California Environmental Voters. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
Electoral history: Chambers has run for office previously, and won her 2019 race for Compton City Council District 1 against the incumbent with over 65% of the vote. She resigned from the seat midway through her first term in March 2022 to work in Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office.
Top issues: Quality of life improvement, homelessness and housing, health care, economic improvement, public safety, senior and veteran services, and creating employment opportunities
Governance and community leadership experience: Chambers is a public policy professional, which she does to support services and systems that improve quality of life for members of the community. Aside from her tenure on the Compton City Council, Chambers has served in a variety of leadership positions in the state, including as external affairs manager to Attorney General Rob Bonta, special assistant to Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, and senior field deputy to Assm. Mike Gipson. Over a 30-year career, she has supported the work of state legislative leaders, congressional offices, local public works, and organized labor. These positions have provided Chambers with a comprehensive understanding of the public sector, and how to create positive outcomes across communities.
Other background: Michelle Chambers is a longtime resident of Compton.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Michelle Chambers (D), Lamar Lyons (D), Nilo Michelin (D), Alex Monteiro (D), Laura Richardson (D), Pierre Homer Tijerino (D), and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Chambers’s campaign has raised $60,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Nilo Michelin
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Michelin’s campaign has raised $50,000 as of October 2023, and is entirely self-funded.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Alex Monteiro
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Monteiro’s campaign has raised $96,000 as of October 2023, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Laura Richardson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Richardson’s campaign has raised $285,000 as of October 2023, and is primarily self-funded. She has not received any donations from problematic funders.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williams’s campaign has raised $104,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 35th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 61% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 47% Latino, 9% Asian, and 31% Black.
Recent election results: SD-35 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 61 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 Michelle Chambers for state Senate to put SD-35 on the right track for progress.
Michelle Chambers’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-35 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Chambers has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including LA Voice Action, SEIU California, and California Environmental Voters. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
Electoral history: Chambers has run for office previously, and won her 2019 race for Compton City Council District 1 against the incumbent with over 65% of the vote. She resigned from the seat midway through her first term in March 2022 to work in Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office.
Top issues: Quality of life improvement, homelessness and housing, health care, economic improvement, public safety, senior and veteran services, and creating employment opportunities
Governance and community leadership experience: Chambers is a public policy professional, which she does to support services and systems that improve quality of life for members of the community. Aside from her tenure on the Compton City Council, Chambers has served in a variety of leadership positions in the state, including as external affairs manager to Attorney General Rob Bonta, special assistant to Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang, and senior field deputy to Assm. Mike Gipson. Over a 30-year career, she has supported the work of state legislative leaders, congressional offices, local public works, and organized labor. These positions have provided Chambers with a comprehensive understanding of the public sector, and how to create positive outcomes across communities.
Other background: Michelle Chambers is a longtime resident of Compton.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Michelle Chambers (D), Lamar Lyons (D), Nilo Michelin (D), Alex Monteiro (D), Laura Richardson (D), Pierre Homer Tijerino (D), and Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Chambers’s campaign has raised $60,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Nilo Michelin
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Michelin’s campaign has raised $50,000 as of October 2023, and is entirely self-funded.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Alex Monteiro
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Monteiro’s campaign has raised $96,000 as of October 2023, and has received donations from real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Laura Richardson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Richardson’s campaign has raised $285,000 as of October 2023, and is primarily self-funded. She has not received any donations from problematic funders.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Jennifer Trichelle-Marie Williams
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williams’s campaign has raised $104,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 35th State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 61% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 47% Latino, 9% Asian, and 31% Black.
Recent election results: SD-35 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 61 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 Assembly
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly, 34th District
Elect Ricardo Ortega for State Assembly to put AD-34 on the right track for progress.
Ricardo Ortega’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-34 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Ortega has the endorsement of some groups, including California Latino Legislative Caucus, Equality California, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Luz Rivas, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, and State Sen. María Elena Durazo.
Electoral history: Ortega has not run for office before.
Top issues: Sustainable economic growth, public safety, infrastructure investments, health-care access and facilities, and improving the child welfare system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Ortega is a youth advocate, which he does to support the ongoing improvement and equity of the systems supporting underserved young people and their communities. In roles with Children’s Institute, California Youth Connection, and Children’s Law Center of California, Ortega has supported social-emotional development, crisis intervention, family communication, and client documentation. He has also served in a variety of public roles, including as a Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner, a member of the state’s Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth, and a member of the Huntington Park Civil Service Commission. Ortega experienced homelessness in his youth, and has been a committed advocate for legislation and policies that ease foster youth placements and other public support for this vulnerable population.
Other background: Ortega is from Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary: Ricardo Ortega (D) and incumbent Assm. Tom Lackey (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortega’s campaign has raised $23,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tom Lackey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lackey’s campaign has raised $131,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 34th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties.
Voter registration: 32% Democrat, 39% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: AD-34 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 56 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Ricardo Ortega for State Assembly to put AD-34 on the right track for progress.
Ricardo Ortega’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-34 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Ortega has the endorsement of some groups, including California Latino Legislative Caucus, Equality California, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Luz Rivas, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, and State Sen. María Elena Durazo.
Electoral history: Ortega has not run for office before.
Top issues: Sustainable economic growth, public safety, infrastructure investments, health-care access and facilities, and improving the child welfare system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Ortega is a youth advocate, which he does to support the ongoing improvement and equity of the systems supporting underserved young people and their communities. In roles with Children’s Institute, California Youth Connection, and Children’s Law Center of California, Ortega has supported social-emotional development, crisis intervention, family communication, and client documentation. He has also served in a variety of public roles, including as a Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner, a member of the state’s Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth, and a member of the Huntington Park Civil Service Commission. Ortega experienced homelessness in his youth, and has been a committed advocate for legislation and policies that ease foster youth placements and other public support for this vulnerable population.
Other background: Ortega is from Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary: Ricardo Ortega (D) and incumbent Assm. Tom Lackey (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortega’s campaign has raised $23,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tom Lackey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lackey’s campaign has raised $131,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 34th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties.
Voter registration: 32% Democrat, 39% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: AD-34 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 56 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Ricardo Ortega for State Assembly to put AD-34 on the right track for progress.
Ricardo Ortega’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-34 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Ortega has the endorsement of some groups, including California Latino Legislative Caucus, Equality California, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Luz Rivas, Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, and State Sen. María Elena Durazo.
Electoral history: Ortega has not run for office before.
Top issues: Sustainable economic growth, public safety, infrastructure investments, health-care access and facilities, and improving the child welfare system.
Governance and community leadership experience: Ortega is a youth advocate, which he does to support the ongoing improvement and equity of the systems supporting underserved young people and their communities. In roles with Children’s Institute, California Youth Connection, and Children’s Law Center of California, Ortega has supported social-emotional development, crisis intervention, family communication, and client documentation. He has also served in a variety of public roles, including as a Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner, a member of the state’s Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth, and a member of the Huntington Park Civil Service Commission. Ortega experienced homelessness in his youth, and has been a committed advocate for legislation and policies that ease foster youth placements and other public support for this vulnerable population.
Other background: Ortega is from Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary: Ricardo Ortega (D) and incumbent Assm. Tom Lackey (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortega’s campaign has raised $23,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Assm. Tom Lackey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lackey’s campaign has raised $131,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 34th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties.
Voter registration: 32% Democrat, 39% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: AD-34 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 56 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 39th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Juan Carrillo to keep AD-39 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Juan Carrillo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-39. While he has maintained concerning ties to problematic police organizations and has not supported some significant progressive legislation that has made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Carrillo has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received problematic donations from a variety of organizations, including California Real Estate PAC, Edison International, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Amazon.com Services.
Top issues: Pandemic recovery, worker equity, homelessness and housing, clean energy and pollution protections, wildlife and water conservation, early childhood education, and transportation.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Carrillo’s priorities for AD-39 have included 16 bills about clean energy and pollution, housing policy, wildlife conservation, and health care. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to create more efficiency in broadband permitting and installation, establish a system for the preapproval of accessory dwelling unit plans, and build data, modeling, and analytic tools to support sustainable transportation initiatives in the state. He scores a CS of 73 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Carrillo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Carrillo failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to set a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers, increase grant-fund reporting requirements for charter schools, and create protections from retaliation for workers who report labor violations or unequal pay.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Carrillo currently sits on nine committees, including Education, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Local Government, and as chair of the Select Committee on Mobility in the Golden State. Assm. Carrillo is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Carrillo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 57% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Carrillo served as a member of the Palmdale City Council and the Palmdale School District Board of Trustees. As a community leader, he was a strong supporter of efforts to create greater local equity in education, housing, and health care. As part of his policy work, he supported the establishment of a plan for $5,000 of local rental assistance. Before entering public service, he spent 10 years as a city planner in Palmdale.
Other background: Assm. Carrillo is from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He attended an ESL program when he was 15, after his immigration to the United States.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Juan Carrillo (D), and Paul Marsh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Paul Marsh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Marsh’s campaign has raised $[NUMBER] and is funded by [PLEDGES].
The District
Counties in district: California’s 39th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 4% Asian, and 17% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-39 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 25 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 10 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Juan Carrillo to keep AD-39 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Juan Carrillo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-39. While he has maintained concerning ties to problematic police organizations and has not supported some significant progressive legislation that has made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Carrillo has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received problematic donations from a variety of organizations, including California Real Estate PAC, Edison International, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Amazon.com Services.
Top issues: Pandemic recovery, worker equity, homelessness and housing, clean energy and pollution protections, wildlife and water conservation, early childhood education, and transportation.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Carrillo’s priorities for AD-39 have included 16 bills about clean energy and pollution, housing policy, wildlife conservation, and health care. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to create more efficiency in broadband permitting and installation, establish a system for the preapproval of accessory dwelling unit plans, and build data, modeling, and analytic tools to support sustainable transportation initiatives in the state. He scores a CS of 73 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Carrillo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Carrillo failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to set a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers, increase grant-fund reporting requirements for charter schools, and create protections from retaliation for workers who report labor violations or unequal pay.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Carrillo currently sits on nine committees, including Education, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Local Government, and as chair of the Select Committee on Mobility in the Golden State. Assm. Carrillo is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Carrillo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 57% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Carrillo served as a member of the Palmdale City Council and the Palmdale School District Board of Trustees. As a community leader, he was a strong supporter of efforts to create greater local equity in education, housing, and health care. As part of his policy work, he supported the establishment of a plan for $5,000 of local rental assistance. Before entering public service, he spent 10 years as a city planner in Palmdale.
Other background: Assm. Carrillo is from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He attended an ESL program when he was 15, after his immigration to the United States.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Juan Carrillo (D), and Paul Marsh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Paul Marsh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Marsh’s campaign has raised $[NUMBER] and is funded by [PLEDGES].
The District
Counties in district: California’s 39th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 4% Asian, and 17% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-39 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 25 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 10 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Juan Carrillo to keep AD-39 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Juan Carrillo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-39. While he has maintained concerning ties to problematic police organizations and has not supported some significant progressive legislation that has made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Carrillo has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received problematic donations from a variety of organizations, including California Real Estate PAC, Edison International, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Amazon.com Services.
Top issues: Pandemic recovery, worker equity, homelessness and housing, clean energy and pollution protections, wildlife and water conservation, early childhood education, and transportation.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Carrillo’s priorities for AD-39 have included 16 bills about clean energy and pollution, housing policy, wildlife conservation, and health care. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to create more efficiency in broadband permitting and installation, establish a system for the preapproval of accessory dwelling unit plans, and build data, modeling, and analytic tools to support sustainable transportation initiatives in the state. He scores a CS of 73 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Carrillo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Carrillo failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to set a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers, increase grant-fund reporting requirements for charter schools, and create protections from retaliation for workers who report labor violations or unequal pay.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Carrillo currently sits on nine committees, including Education, Military and Veterans Affairs, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Local Government, and as chair of the Select Committee on Mobility in the Golden State. Assm. Carrillo is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Carrillo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 57% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Carrillo served as a member of the Palmdale City Council and the Palmdale School District Board of Trustees. As a community leader, he was a strong supporter of efforts to create greater local equity in education, housing, and health care. As part of his policy work, he supported the establishment of a plan for $5,000 of local rental assistance. Before entering public service, he spent 10 years as a city planner in Palmdale.
Other background: Assm. Carrillo is from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. He attended an ESL program when he was 15, after his immigration to the United States.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Juan Carrillo (D), and Paul Marsh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Paul Marsh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Marsh’s campaign has raised $[NUMBER] and is funded by [PLEDGES].
The District
Counties in district: California’s 39th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 4% Asian, and 17% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-39 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 25 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 10 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 40th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo to keep AD-40 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Schiavo has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Economy and jobs creation, Health Care for All, homelessness and housing, mutual aid, women’s issues, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Schiavo’s priorities for AD-40 have included 24 bills about PFAS and product safety, worker benefits, homelessness and housing, and childcare. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to update standards for reporting and investigating elder abuse, establish an Affordable Housing Finance Workgroup, end the pipeline between the foster-care system and homelessness, and update the standards for providing annual sick leave to health-care workers. She scores a CS of 75 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Schiavo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Schiavo failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation this session, including ACA13 to amend the threshold for passing ballot measures, AB600 to allow a judge to recall a sentence if there is a change to the law after sentencing, and AB12 to cap the security deposit amount a landlord can require to one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Schiavo currently sits on 11 committees, including Emergency Management, Public Employment and Retirement, Utilities and Energy, Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. She serves as chair of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and chair of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Schiavo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with 50.2% of the vote, a margin of just 500 votes over her Republican opponent.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Schiavo was long involved in labor-organizing work. She served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. She spent 13 years with the California Nurses Association (CNA), where she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562. Her work with CNA also involved time as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricane sites, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. Assm. Schiavo has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, and with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Assm. Schiavo is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Pilar Schiavo (D), and Patrick Lee Gipson (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Schiavo’s campaign has raised $745,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Patrick Lee Gipson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gipson’s campaign has raised $47,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. This district was held by Republicans until 2018 when James Ramos won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 15% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-40 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 6 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo to keep AD-40 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Schiavo has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Economy and jobs creation, Health Care for All, homelessness and housing, mutual aid, women’s issues, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Schiavo’s priorities for AD-40 have included 24 bills about PFAS and product safety, worker benefits, homelessness and housing, and childcare. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to update standards for reporting and investigating elder abuse, establish an Affordable Housing Finance Workgroup, end the pipeline between the foster-care system and homelessness, and update the standards for providing annual sick leave to health-care workers. She scores a CS of 75 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Schiavo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Schiavo failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation this session, including ACA13 to amend the threshold for passing ballot measures, AB600 to allow a judge to recall a sentence if there is a change to the law after sentencing, and AB12 to cap the security deposit amount a landlord can require to one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Schiavo currently sits on 11 committees, including Emergency Management, Public Employment and Retirement, Utilities and Energy, Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. She serves as chair of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and chair of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Schiavo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with 50.2% of the vote, a margin of just 500 votes over her Republican opponent.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Schiavo was long involved in labor-organizing work. She served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. She spent 13 years with the California Nurses Association (CNA), where she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562. Her work with CNA also involved time as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricane sites, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. Assm. Schiavo has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, and with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Assm. Schiavo is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Pilar Schiavo (D), and Patrick Lee Gipson (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Schiavo’s campaign has raised $745,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Patrick Lee Gipson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gipson’s campaign has raised $47,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. This district was held by Republicans until 2018 when James Ramos won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 15% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-40 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 6 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo to keep AD-40 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Schiavo’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-40 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Schiavo has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Economy and jobs creation, Health Care for All, homelessness and housing, mutual aid, women’s issues, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Schiavo’s priorities for AD-40 have included 24 bills about PFAS and product safety, worker benefits, homelessness and housing, and childcare. Of these, five have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to update standards for reporting and investigating elder abuse, establish an Affordable Housing Finance Workgroup, end the pipeline between the foster-care system and homelessness, and update the standards for providing annual sick leave to health-care workers. She scores a CS of 75 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Schiavo has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Schiavo failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation this session, including ACA13 to amend the threshold for passing ballot measures, AB600 to allow a judge to recall a sentence if there is a change to the law after sentencing, and AB12 to cap the security deposit amount a landlord can require to one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Schiavo currently sits on 11 committees, including Emergency Management, Public Employment and Retirement, Utilities and Energy, Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. She serves as chair of the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and chair of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Schiavo has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with 50.2% of the vote, a margin of just 500 votes over her Republican opponent.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Schiavo was long involved in labor-organizing work. She served as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council, which guaranteed health care in San Francisco. Schiavo also recruited and trained new organizers at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute and represented mental-health workers for SEIU in Massachusetts, where she also did low-income tenant organizing. She spent 13 years with the California Nurses Association (CNA), where she worked closely with nurses to organize a statewide coalition for a single-payer system in California, including coordinating the field campaign for SB 562. Her work with CNA also involved time as a field coordinator to deploy nurses for disasters and humanitarian missions to hurricane sites, border shelters, California wildfires, and a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in South Los Angeles. Assm. Schiavo has worked with APEN and a broad coalition in the East Bay on environmental issues, and with Jobs with Justice SF, the Chinese Progressive Association, and various SEIU Local and unions in San Francisco while at the San Francisco Labor Council. In her more recent organizing, Schiavo co-founded West Valley Homes YES! (WVHY) to fight for housing for unhoused neighbors. In 2020, the organization became the largest mutual-aid program in the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Assm. Schiavo is from Southern California’s West Valley and currently lives in Chatsworth.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Pilar Schiavo (D), and Patrick Lee Gipson (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Schiavo’s campaign has raised $745,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, or police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Patrick Lee Gipson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gipson’s campaign has raised $47,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 40th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. This district was held by Republicans until 2018 when James Ramos won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 27% Latino, 15% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-40 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 16 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 6 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 41st District
Based on our analysis, two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Progressive endorsements: Dr. Phlunté Riddle has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including SEIU California, Planned Parenthood, National Women’s Political Caucus California, and California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Treasurer Fiona Ma, and outgoing AD-41 Assm. Chris Holden. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including AFSCME Deputy Probation Officers Union.
Jed Leano has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing LA, Housing Action Coalition, Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California), and YIMBY Action. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Alex Lee, and Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan. He has received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including Claremont Police Officers Association.
Key initiatives: Dr. Riddle is a longtime public servant, which she does to provide representative leadership and create resources for marginalized communities. For 30 years, she served as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and community liaison with the Pasadena Police Department. In many of her ranks, she was the first African American woman in the department, and experienced systemic discrimination in several of her roles. She is a longtime supporter of reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success for justice involved individuals. As the Board of Juvenile Hearings Commissioner she created pipelines between the justice system and education, mental health treatment, job training, and workforce-development programs. As district director for outgoing Assm. Chris Holden, she supported college and career pathway programs, public transit expansion, and clean energy initiatives. Dr. Riddle is also an organizational consultant, and an adjunct professor of criminal justice.
Notably, Dr. Riddle was briefly named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of an unarmed Black man, Kendrec McDade, who was killed by police in 2012. While Riddle was not present on the night of the shooting, she served as the police spokesperson for the case, and the family felt that she was slow to correct the record on inaccurate reports that McDade was armed or had committed a crime on the night of his death.
Leano has been an outspoken advocate of improved housing policy as a member of the Claremont City Council. He has been proactive in securing significant funding to create a housing navigator program, provide transitional housing options, increase the shelter bed availability, supply motel vouchers to families, and create intervention programs to help individuals and families avoid experiencing homelessness. Leano has also worked to establish a low-income affordable housing development, and the Psychiatric Assessment Care Team to provide wraparound social service support for local residents. He serves as a representative of the city council on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Homelessness Committee, and as chair of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust Board. A small-business owner, he has also provided leadership on economic relief and revitalization throughout the pandemic years.
In addition to his work on the city council, Leano is an immigration attorney and has had his own practice in Pasadena for 15 years. The son of Filipino immigrants, he works to help immigrant families legally navigate threats of deportation, and pursue refugee status and naturalization in the United States. In 2009, he helped found the Neighborhood Immigration Clinic to provide pro bono services, and later served a two-year term as board chair. Apart from his law practice, he has been very involved in his local community, serving on the Tournament of Roses post-parade committee, as vice chair of the Community and Human Services Commission, and as founding chair of Housing Claremont.
Governance and community leadership experience: Dr. Riddle ran for the SD-25 seat in 2016, but failed to advance to the general election after receiving only 7% of the vote.
Leano was elected to the Claremont City Council in 2018 with over 21% of the vote. He was re-elected to the 4th district seat in 2022 after earning over 57% of the vote. He has served a term as mayor during his time on the council.
Other background: Dr. Riddle is from Altadena and has lived in Pasadena for over 30 years. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico.
Leano is from Anaheim and is a longtime resident of the San Gabriel Valley. He is the son of Filipino immigrants and a first-generation American.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Dr. Phlunté Riddle (D), Jed Leano (D), John Harabedian (D), and Michelle Del Rosario Martinez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Dr. Riddle’s campaign has raised $341,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Leano’s campaign has raised $176,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Harabedian’s campaign has raised $69,000 as of December 2023, and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 41st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 45% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 26% Latino, 13% Asian, and 8% Black.
Recent election results: AD-41 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 25 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 17 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Based on our analysis, two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Progressive endorsements: Dr. Phlunté Riddle has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including SEIU California, Planned Parenthood, National Women’s Political Caucus California, and California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Treasurer Fiona Ma, and outgoing AD-41 Assm. Chris Holden. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including AFSCME Deputy Probation Officers Union.
Jed Leano has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Abundant Housing LA, Housing Action Coalition, Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California), and YIMBY Action. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Alex Lee, and Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan. He has received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including Claremont Police Officers Association.
Key initiatives: Dr. Riddle is a longtime public servant, which she does to provide representative leadership and create resources for marginalized communities. For 30 years, she served as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and community liaison with the Pasadena Police Department. In many of her ranks, she was the first African American woman in the department, and experienced systemic discrimination in several of her roles. She is a longtime supporter of reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success for justice involved individuals. As the Board of Juvenile Hearings Commissioner she created pipelines between the justice system and education, mental health treatment, job training, and workforce-development programs. As district director for outgoing Assm. Chris Holden, she supported college and career pathway programs, public transit expansion, and clean energy initiatives. Dr. Riddle is also an organizational consultant, and an adjunct professor of criminal justice.
Notably, Dr. Riddle was briefly named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of an unarmed Black man, Kendrec McDade, who was killed by police in 2012. While Riddle was not present on the night of the shooting, she served as the police spokesperson for the case, and the family felt that she was slow to correct the record on inaccurate reports that McDade was armed or had committed a crime on the night of his death.
Leano has been an outspoken advocate of improved housing policy as a member of the Claremont City Council. He has been proactive in securing significant funding to create a housing navigator program, provide transitional housing options, increase the shelter bed availability, supply motel vouchers to families, and create intervention programs to help individuals and families avoid experiencing homelessness. Leano has also worked to establish a low-income affordable housing development, and the Psychiatric Assessment Care Team to provide wraparound social service support for local residents. He serves as a representative of the city council on the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Homelessness Committee, and as chair of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust Board. A small-business owner, he has also provided leadership on economic relief and revitalization throughout the pandemic years.
In addition to his work on the city council, Leano is an immigration attorney and has had his own practice in Pasadena for 15 years. The son of Filipino immigrants, he works to help immigrant families legally navigate threats of deportation, and pursue refugee status and naturalization in the United States. In 2009, he helped found the Neighborhood Immigration Clinic to provide pro bono services, and later served a two-year term as board chair. Apart from his law practice, he has been very involved in his local community, serving on the Tournament of Roses post-parade committee, as vice chair of the Community and Human Services Commission, and as founding chair of Housing Claremont.
Governance and community leadership experience: Dr. Riddle ran for the SD-25 seat in 2016, but failed to advance to the general election after receiving only 7% of the vote.
Leano was elected to the Claremont City Council in 2018 with over 21% of the vote. He was re-elected to the 4th district seat in 2022 after earning over 57% of the vote. He has served a term as mayor during his time on the council.
Other background: Dr. Riddle is from Altadena and has lived in Pasadena for over 30 years. She holds a doctoral degree in psychology and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico.
Leano is from Anaheim and is a longtime resident of the San Gabriel Valley. He is the son of Filipino immigrants and a first-generation American.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Dr. Phlunté Riddle (D), Jed Leano (D), John Harabedian (D), and Michelle Del Rosario Martinez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Dr. Riddle’s campaign has raised $341,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Leano’s campaign has raised $176,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Harabedian’s campaign has raised $69,000 as of December 2023, and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 41st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 45% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 26% Latino, 13% Asian, and 8% Black.
Recent election results: AD-41 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 25 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 17 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 42nd District
Re-elect Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin to keep AD-42 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jacqui Irwin has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Sempra Energy, McDonald’s Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC. Given Assm. Irwin’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-42 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Endorsements: Assm. Jacqui Irwin has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California. However, she has been a frequent recipient of support from police and law enforcement organizations and leaders, including 2022 endorsements from Los Angeles Police Protective League, Simi Valley Police Officers Association, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Irwin’s priorities for AD-42 have included 29 bills, including those to adjust property taxation for individuals impacted by the 2018 wildfires, retroactively expand the public employees eligible for worker’s compensation death benefits, and set new requirements for the online footprint of government agencies. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She scores a CS of 48 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Irwin has supported a few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This session, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to close loopholes for no-fault just-cause evictions, protect workers against discrimination and retaliation from their employers, allow a judge to recall a sentence when laws or circumstances change, and cap the amount a landlord can request as a security deposit to a single month of rent. Assm. Irwin is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Irwin has served in this assembly seat since 2014, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Irwin spent ten years on the Thousand Oaks City Council, including two terms as mayor. In this local role, she worked for increased public safety and the preservation of open lands. She started her career in engineering, and has championed Assembly bills centered on the expansion of STEM education centers and improved cybersecurity policies.
Other background: Assm. Irwin has lived in Thousand Oaks for 20 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Jacqui Irwin (D), and Ted Nordblum (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Irwin’s campaign has raised $337,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nordblum’s campaign has raised $27,000 as of December 2023, and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 42nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Republicans held this seat until redistricting. In 2022, Assm. Jacqui Irwin won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 19 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin to keep AD-42 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jacqui Irwin has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Sempra Energy, McDonald’s Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC. Given Assm. Irwin’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-42 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Endorsements: Assm. Jacqui Irwin has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California. However, she has been a frequent recipient of support from police and law enforcement organizations and leaders, including 2022 endorsements from Los Angeles Police Protective League, Simi Valley Police Officers Association, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Irwin’s priorities for AD-42 have included 29 bills, including those to adjust property taxation for individuals impacted by the 2018 wildfires, retroactively expand the public employees eligible for worker’s compensation death benefits, and set new requirements for the online footprint of government agencies. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She scores a CS of 48 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Irwin has supported a few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This session, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to close loopholes for no-fault just-cause evictions, protect workers against discrimination and retaliation from their employers, allow a judge to recall a sentence when laws or circumstances change, and cap the amount a landlord can request as a security deposit to a single month of rent. Assm. Irwin is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Irwin has served in this assembly seat since 2014, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Irwin spent ten years on the Thousand Oaks City Council, including two terms as mayor. In this local role, she worked for increased public safety and the preservation of open lands. She started her career in engineering, and has championed Assembly bills centered on the expansion of STEM education centers and improved cybersecurity policies.
Other background: Assm. Irwin has lived in Thousand Oaks for 20 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Jacqui Irwin (D), and Ted Nordblum (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Irwin’s campaign has raised $337,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nordblum’s campaign has raised $27,000 as of December 2023, and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 42nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Republicans held this seat until redistricting. In 2022, Assm. Jacqui Irwin won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 19 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin to keep AD-42 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jacqui Irwin has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Sempra Energy, McDonald’s Corporation, California Real Estate PAC, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC. Given Assm. Irwin’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-42 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Endorsements: Assm. Jacqui Irwin has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California. However, she has been a frequent recipient of support from police and law enforcement organizations and leaders, including 2022 endorsements from Los Angeles Police Protective League, Simi Valley Police Officers Association, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Irwin’s priorities for AD-42 have included 29 bills, including those to adjust property taxation for individuals impacted by the 2018 wildfires, retroactively expand the public employees eligible for worker’s compensation death benefits, and set new requirements for the online footprint of government agencies. Of these, nine have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She scores a CS of 48 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Irwin has supported a few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This session, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to close loopholes for no-fault just-cause evictions, protect workers against discrimination and retaliation from their employers, allow a judge to recall a sentence when laws or circumstances change, and cap the amount a landlord can request as a security deposit to a single month of rent. Assm. Irwin is a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus and the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Irwin has served in this assembly seat since 2014, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Irwin spent ten years on the Thousand Oaks City Council, including two terms as mayor. In this local role, she worked for increased public safety and the preservation of open lands. She started her career in engineering, and has championed Assembly bills centered on the expansion of STEM education centers and improved cybersecurity policies.
Other background: Assm. Irwin has lived in Thousand Oaks for 20 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Jacqui Irwin (D), and Ted Nordblum (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Irwin’s campaign has raised $337,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nordblum’s campaign has raised $27,000 as of December 2023, and is primarily funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 42nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 30% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Republicans held this seat until redistricting. In 2022, Assm. Jacqui Irwin won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 19 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 43rd District
Elect Celeste Rodriguez to keep AD-43 on the right track for progress.
Celeste Rodriguez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-43 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rodriguez has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Equality California, and SEIU California. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Monique Limón, Assm. Luz Rivas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: Rodriguez narrowly won her race for San Fernando City Council in 2020 with 25% of the vote. She currently serves as mayor.
Top issues: Economic empowerment and growth, homelessness and housing, and environmental justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rodriguez is a public servant and elected official, which she does to create responsive and effective public programs to support local communities. She currently serves as the head of the Community Services Section of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), where she leads a team working on local initiatives to help alleviate poverty and financial hardship. This work includes children’s savings accounts, a local guaranteed income pilot, and stability support programs. Rodriguez has also worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles on homelessness initiatives, veterans’ affairs, and economic development. She has also served as the Racial Equity Officer for CIFD and the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department. She won election to the San Fernando City Council in 2020, and has served as mayor since 2022. In her first elected role, Rodriguez has focused on initiatives to fund and implement economic development, infrastructure improvements, and affordability.
Other background: Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley.
The Race
Primary election: There are six candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Celeste Rodriguez (D), Victoria Garcia (R), Walter Garcia (D), Saul Hurtado (D), Carmelina Minasova (NPP), and Felicia Novick (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $49,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 43rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 64% Latino, 9% Asian, and 5% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-43 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 42 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Celeste Rodriguez to keep AD-43 on the right track for progress.
Celeste Rodriguez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-43 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rodriguez has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Equality California, and SEIU California. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Monique Limón, Assm. Luz Rivas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: Rodriguez narrowly won her race for San Fernando City Council in 2020 with 25% of the vote. She currently serves as mayor.
Top issues: Economic empowerment and growth, homelessness and housing, and environmental justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rodriguez is a public servant and elected official, which she does to create responsive and effective public programs to support local communities. She currently serves as the head of the Community Services Section of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), where she leads a team working on local initiatives to help alleviate poverty and financial hardship. This work includes children’s savings accounts, a local guaranteed income pilot, and stability support programs. Rodriguez has also worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles on homelessness initiatives, veterans’ affairs, and economic development. She has also served as the Racial Equity Officer for CIFD and the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department. She won election to the San Fernando City Council in 2020, and has served as mayor since 2022. In her first elected role, Rodriguez has focused on initiatives to fund and implement economic development, infrastructure improvements, and affordability.
Other background: Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley.
The Race
Primary election: There are six candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Celeste Rodriguez (D), Victoria Garcia (R), Walter Garcia (D), Saul Hurtado (D), Carmelina Minasova (NPP), and Felicia Novick (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $49,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 43rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 64% Latino, 9% Asian, and 5% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-43 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 42 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Celeste Rodriguez to keep AD-43 on the right track for progress.
Celeste Rodriguez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-43 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rodriguez has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Equality California, and SEIU California. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Speaker Robert Rivas, State Sen. Monique Limón, Assm. Luz Rivas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Electoral history: Rodriguez narrowly won her race for San Fernando City Council in 2020 with 25% of the vote. She currently serves as mayor.
Top issues: Economic empowerment and growth, homelessness and housing, and environmental justice.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rodriguez is a public servant and elected official, which she does to create responsive and effective public programs to support local communities. She currently serves as the head of the Community Services Section of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), where she leads a team working on local initiatives to help alleviate poverty and financial hardship. This work includes children’s savings accounts, a local guaranteed income pilot, and stability support programs. Rodriguez has also worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles on homelessness initiatives, veterans’ affairs, and economic development. She has also served as the Racial Equity Officer for CIFD and the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department. She won election to the San Fernando City Council in 2020, and has served as mayor since 2022. In her first elected role, Rodriguez has focused on initiatives to fund and implement economic development, infrastructure improvements, and affordability.
Other background: Rodriguez is a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley.
The Race
Primary election: There are six candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Celeste Rodriguez (D), Victoria Garcia (R), Walter Garcia (D), Saul Hurtado (D), Carmelina Minasova (NPP), and Felicia Novick (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $49,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 43rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 64% Latino, 9% Asian, and 5% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-43 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 42 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 44th District
Elect Nick Schultz to put AD-44 on the right track for progress.
Nick Schultz’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Schultz has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Legislative Progressive Caucus, Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Environmental Voters, Smart Justice California, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including outgoing AD-44 Assm. Laura Friedman, and Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez.
Electoral history: Schultz has run for office previously, and won his race for Burbank City Council in 2020 after earning over 15% of the vote. As of December 2023, he is serving as mayor.
Top issues: Climate protections, criminal justice reform, homelessness and housing affordability, economic growth, and health care for all
Governance and community leadership experience: Schultz is a public official and a public servant, which he does to use his knowledge and leadership to support community initiatives. As a member of the Burbank City Council, he has worked to support economic development and stimulation through the challenging pandemic years, support hero pay for grocery and other essential workers, steward a pollution-reduction plan designed to lead the city to eventual carbon neutrality, and establish 1,000 new housing units within the city. Schultz is an attorney, and currently serves as deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice. As a Special Prosecutions AG, he primarily prosecutes cases of public corruption, tax evasion, human trafficking, and police misconduct. He has helped improve policy at the DOJ by assisting in the creation of a Post-Conviction Review Unit to evaluate potential wrongful convictions in the state. Long involved in local politics, Schultz currently serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Schultz lives in Burbank. He is a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Nick Schultz (D), Elen Asatryan (D), Ed Han (D), Carmenita Helligar (D), Steve Pierson (D), Adam Pryor (D), and Adam Summer (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Nick Schultz’s campaign has raised $290,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Elen Asatryan
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Asatryan’s campaign has raised $206,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Ed Han
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Han’s campaign has raised $138,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Steve Pierson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Pierson’s campaign has raised $193,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Adam Summer
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Summer’s campaign has raised $12,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 44th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Nick Schultz to put AD-44 on the right track for progress.
Nick Schultz’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Schultz has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Legislative Progressive Caucus, Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Environmental Voters, Smart Justice California, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including outgoing AD-44 Assm. Laura Friedman, and Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez.
Electoral history: Schultz has run for office previously, and won his race for Burbank City Council in 2020 after earning over 15% of the vote. As of December 2023, he is serving as mayor.
Top issues: Climate protections, criminal justice reform, homelessness and housing affordability, economic growth, and health care for all
Governance and community leadership experience: Schultz is a public official and a public servant, which he does to use his knowledge and leadership to support community initiatives. As a member of the Burbank City Council, he has worked to support economic development and stimulation through the challenging pandemic years, support hero pay for grocery and other essential workers, steward a pollution-reduction plan designed to lead the city to eventual carbon neutrality, and establish 1,000 new housing units within the city. Schultz is an attorney, and currently serves as deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice. As a Special Prosecutions AG, he primarily prosecutes cases of public corruption, tax evasion, human trafficking, and police misconduct. He has helped improve policy at the DOJ by assisting in the creation of a Post-Conviction Review Unit to evaluate potential wrongful convictions in the state. Long involved in local politics, Schultz currently serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Schultz lives in Burbank. He is a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Nick Schultz (D), Elen Asatryan (D), Ed Han (D), Carmenita Helligar (D), Steve Pierson (D), Adam Pryor (D), and Adam Summer (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Nick Schultz’s campaign has raised $290,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Elen Asatryan
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Asatryan’s campaign has raised $206,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Ed Han
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Han’s campaign has raised $138,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Steve Pierson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Pierson’s campaign has raised $193,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Adam Summer
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Summer’s campaign has raised $12,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 44th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Nick Schultz to put AD-44 on the right track for progress.
Nick Schultz’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Schultz has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Legislative Progressive Caucus, Abundant Housing Los Angeles, California Environmental Voters, Smart Justice California, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including outgoing AD-44 Assm. Laura Friedman, and Burbank Vice Mayor Nikki Perez.
Electoral history: Schultz has run for office previously, and won his race for Burbank City Council in 2020 after earning over 15% of the vote. As of December 2023, he is serving as mayor.
Top issues: Climate protections, criminal justice reform, homelessness and housing affordability, economic growth, and health care for all
Governance and community leadership experience: Schultz is a public official and a public servant, which he does to use his knowledge and leadership to support community initiatives. As a member of the Burbank City Council, he has worked to support economic development and stimulation through the challenging pandemic years, support hero pay for grocery and other essential workers, steward a pollution-reduction plan designed to lead the city to eventual carbon neutrality, and establish 1,000 new housing units within the city. Schultz is an attorney, and currently serves as deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice. As a Special Prosecutions AG, he primarily prosecutes cases of public corruption, tax evasion, human trafficking, and police misconduct. He has helped improve policy at the DOJ by assisting in the creation of a Post-Conviction Review Unit to evaluate potential wrongful convictions in the state. Long involved in local politics, Schultz currently serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
Other background: Schultz lives in Burbank. He is a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election: There are seven candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Nick Schultz (D), Elen Asatryan (D), Ed Han (D), Carmenita Helligar (D), Steve Pierson (D), Adam Pryor (D), and Adam Summer (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Nick Schultz’s campaign has raised $290,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Elen Asatryan
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Asatryan’s campaign has raised $206,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Ed Han
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Han’s campaign has raised $138,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Steve Pierson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Pierson’s campaign has raised $193,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Adam Summer
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Summer’s campaign has raised $12,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 44th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 18% Latino, 11% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 46th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to keep AD-46 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jesse Gabriel’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-46 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gabriel has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received problematic endorsements during past campaigns, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Top issues: Police officer training, green economy infrastructure, justice reform, voting rights, and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gabriel’s priorities for AD-46 have included 32 bills about electric vehicle infrastructure, consumer protections, criminal justice reform, and firearm safety. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to expedite housing services for homeless veterans, extend the outdoor dining options that were permitted during the early days of the pandemic, regulate company carbon offsets, and ban dangerous food additives. He scores a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gabriel has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gabriel has failed to cast a vote on several significant pieces of legislation, including bills to create overdose-prevention programs in select counties, protect homeowners from pandemic-related foreclosures, ban facial-recognition software from police body cameras, and prevent children under 12 from being tried in juvenile court.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gabriel currently sits on ten committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Higher Education, and Housing and Community Development. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Budget, and as chair of the Select Committee on Jobs and Innovation in the San Fernando Valley. Assm. Gabriel is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gabriel has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he won a special election with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gabriel was counselor to former US Senator Evan Bayh. Assm. Gabriel has been a longtime supporter of expanding legal services to low-income Californians.
Other background: Assm. Gabriel, an attorney, is from Berkeley. He represented survivors of abuse and other notable groups, like Holocaust survivors, in his legal practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Jesse Gabriel (D), and Tracey Schroeder (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gabriel’s campaign has raised $447,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Schroeder’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 46th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 29% Latino, 12% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-46 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 38 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 32 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to keep AD-46 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jesse Gabriel’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-46 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gabriel has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received problematic endorsements during past campaigns, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Top issues: Police officer training, green economy infrastructure, justice reform, voting rights, and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gabriel’s priorities for AD-46 have included 32 bills about electric vehicle infrastructure, consumer protections, criminal justice reform, and firearm safety. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to expedite housing services for homeless veterans, extend the outdoor dining options that were permitted during the early days of the pandemic, regulate company carbon offsets, and ban dangerous food additives. He scores a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gabriel has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gabriel has failed to cast a vote on several significant pieces of legislation, including bills to create overdose-prevention programs in select counties, protect homeowners from pandemic-related foreclosures, ban facial-recognition software from police body cameras, and prevent children under 12 from being tried in juvenile court.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gabriel currently sits on ten committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Higher Education, and Housing and Community Development. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Budget, and as chair of the Select Committee on Jobs and Innovation in the San Fernando Valley. Assm. Gabriel is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gabriel has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he won a special election with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gabriel was counselor to former US Senator Evan Bayh. Assm. Gabriel has been a longtime supporter of expanding legal services to low-income Californians.
Other background: Assm. Gabriel, an attorney, is from Berkeley. He represented survivors of abuse and other notable groups, like Holocaust survivors, in his legal practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Jesse Gabriel (D), and Tracey Schroeder (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gabriel’s campaign has raised $447,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Schroeder’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 46th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 29% Latino, 12% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-46 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 38 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 32 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel to keep AD-46 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Jesse Gabriel’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-46 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gabriel has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received problematic endorsements during past campaigns, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Top issues: Police officer training, green economy infrastructure, justice reform, voting rights, and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gabriel’s priorities for AD-46 have included 32 bills about electric vehicle infrastructure, consumer protections, criminal justice reform, and firearm safety. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, three have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to expedite housing services for homeless veterans, extend the outdoor dining options that were permitted during the early days of the pandemic, regulate company carbon offsets, and ban dangerous food additives. He scores a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gabriel has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gabriel has failed to cast a vote on several significant pieces of legislation, including bills to create overdose-prevention programs in select counties, protect homeowners from pandemic-related foreclosures, ban facial-recognition software from police body cameras, and prevent children under 12 from being tried in juvenile court.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gabriel currently sits on ten committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Higher Education, and Housing and Community Development. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Budget, and as chair of the Select Committee on Jobs and Innovation in the San Fernando Valley. Assm. Gabriel is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gabriel has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he won a special election with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gabriel was counselor to former US Senator Evan Bayh. Assm. Gabriel has been a longtime supporter of expanding legal services to low-income Californians.
Other background: Assm. Gabriel, an attorney, is from Berkeley. He represented survivors of abuse and other notable groups, like Holocaust survivors, in his legal practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Jesse Gabriel (D), and Tracey Schroeder (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gabriel’s campaign has raised $447,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, real estate, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Schroeder’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 46th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 29% Latino, 12% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-46 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 38 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 32 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 48th District
Elect Brian Calderon Tabatabai to put AD-48 on the right track for progress.
Brian Calderon Tabatabai policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-48 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tabatabai has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Dolores Huerta Action Fund, LA Voice, and California Democratic Renters Council, as well as labor unions like SEIU California, California Teachers Association and Federation of Teachers, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and LA County Federation of Labor.
Electoral history: Tabatabai has run for office previously, and won his 2020 race for West Covina City Council. He finished as the top vote-getter in a field of three.
Top issues: Housing, justice reform, and education.
Governance and community leadership experience: Brian Calderon Tabatabai sits on the West Covina City Council, currently serving as mayor pro tem, which he does to increase transparency and neighborhood empowerment to his community. He has been a longtime supporter of education, housing, and justice reform. He sits on the League of California Cities Public Safety Commission, where he advocates for alternatives to incarceration. He was also recently appointed to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, which incentivizes low-income housing through tax credits. Tabatabai taught for more than 20 years before running for public office, and helped write El Monte High School’s ethnic studies curriculum.
Other background: Tabatabai is from the San Gabriel Valley. He earned his BA from UCLA and a master’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Brian Calderon Tabatabai (D), incumbent Assm. Blanca Rubio (D), and Dan Tran (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tabatabai’s campaign has raised $149,233 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Incumbent Democrat Blanca Rubio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubio’s campaign has raised $830,069 and is funded by corporate PACs and the police. She has also accepted more than $35,000 from the real estate industry, and more than $75,000 from the fossil fuel industry. She has accepted donations from the PAC Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy, which fundraises with problematic donors like fossil fuel corporations and the police. Rubio is in the Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for opposing or not voting on key bills in the 2023 legislative session. She has a lifetime Courage Score of 46 out of 100.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 48th Assembly District includes parts of County Los Angeles.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 56% Latino, 18% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-48 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 16 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Brian Calderon Tabatabai to put AD-48 on the right track for progress.
Brian Calderon Tabatabai policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-48 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tabatabai has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Dolores Huerta Action Fund, LA Voice, and California Democratic Renters Council, as well as labor unions like SEIU California, California Teachers Association and Federation of Teachers, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and LA County Federation of Labor.
Electoral history: Tabatabai has run for office previously, and won his 2020 race for West Covina City Council. He finished as the top vote-getter in a field of three.
Top issues: Housing, justice reform, and education.
Governance and community leadership experience: Brian Calderon Tabatabai sits on the West Covina City Council, currently serving as mayor pro tem, which he does to increase transparency and neighborhood empowerment to his community. He has been a longtime supporter of education, housing, and justice reform. He sits on the League of California Cities Public Safety Commission, where he advocates for alternatives to incarceration. He was also recently appointed to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, which incentivizes low-income housing through tax credits. Tabatabai taught for more than 20 years before running for public office, and helped write El Monte High School’s ethnic studies curriculum.
Other background: Tabatabai is from the San Gabriel Valley. He earned his BA from UCLA and a master’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Brian Calderon Tabatabai (D), incumbent Assm. Blanca Rubio (D), and Dan Tran (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tabatabai’s campaign has raised $149,233 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Incumbent Democrat Blanca Rubio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubio’s campaign has raised $830,069 and is funded by corporate PACs and the police. She has also accepted more than $35,000 from the real estate industry, and more than $75,000 from the fossil fuel industry. She has accepted donations from the PAC Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy, which fundraises with problematic donors like fossil fuel corporations and the police. Rubio is in the Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for opposing or not voting on key bills in the 2023 legislative session. She has a lifetime Courage Score of 46 out of 100.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 48th Assembly District includes parts of County Los Angeles.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 56% Latino, 18% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-48 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 16 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Brian Calderon Tabatabai to put AD-48 on the right track for progress.
Brian Calderon Tabatabai policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-48 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Tabatabai has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Dolores Huerta Action Fund, LA Voice, and California Democratic Renters Council, as well as labor unions like SEIU California, California Teachers Association and Federation of Teachers, National Union of Healthcare Workers, AFSCME, and LA County Federation of Labor.
Electoral history: Tabatabai has run for office previously, and won his 2020 race for West Covina City Council. He finished as the top vote-getter in a field of three.
Top issues: Housing, justice reform, and education.
Governance and community leadership experience: Brian Calderon Tabatabai sits on the West Covina City Council, currently serving as mayor pro tem, which he does to increase transparency and neighborhood empowerment to his community. He has been a longtime supporter of education, housing, and justice reform. He sits on the League of California Cities Public Safety Commission, where he advocates for alternatives to incarceration. He was also recently appointed to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, which incentivizes low-income housing through tax credits. Tabatabai taught for more than 20 years before running for public office, and helped write El Monte High School’s ethnic studies curriculum.
Other background: Tabatabai is from the San Gabriel Valley. He earned his BA from UCLA and a master’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Brian Calderon Tabatabai (D), incumbent Assm. Blanca Rubio (D), and Dan Tran (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tabatabai’s campaign has raised $149,233 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Incumbent Democrat Blanca Rubio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rubio’s campaign has raised $830,069 and is funded by corporate PACs and the police. She has also accepted more than $35,000 from the real estate industry, and more than $75,000 from the fossil fuel industry. She has accepted donations from the PAC Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy, which fundraises with problematic donors like fossil fuel corporations and the police. Rubio is in the Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, for opposing or not voting on key bills in the 2023 legislative session. She has a lifetime Courage Score of 46 out of 100.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 48th Assembly District includes parts of County Los Angeles.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 56% Latino, 18% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-48 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 31 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 16 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 49th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Fong to keep AD-49 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mike Fong’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-49 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Fong has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Education, workforce development, disability access, environmental protections, homelessness and housing, firearm safety, and technological infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Fong’s priorities for AD-49 have included 22 bills about higher education, firearm safety, workforce development, and postsecondary education. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide official government emergency communication in more than one language, allow student members of community college boards an advisory vote, and improve retirement benefits for employees of the City of San Gabriel. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Fong has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and was designated as an Honorable Mention legislator in 2022 and 2023.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Fong currently sits on six committees, including Appropriations, Banking and Finance, and Budget. He serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, and the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Fong has served in this assembly seat since February 2022, when he won a special election with over 67% of the vote. In 2022, he won his full-term re-election against a Republican challenger by 34 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Fong served as director of policy and government relations for the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, which he did to support local integration of public services. Before holding this role, Fong served as the East Area director for Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa. He also served as commissioner of the Alhambra Transportation Commission, and as an advisory board member for LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. In 2020, he was elected to seat number 7 on the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees after earning 42% of the vote. Throughout his career, Fong has shown a commitment to supporting education initiatives and programs that allow young people to transition from the classroom through workforce-development opportunities and into meaningful careers in their communities.
Other background: Assm. Fong is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Mike Fong (D), Long “David” Liu (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Fong’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Long “David” Liu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Liu’s campaign has raised $3,500 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 49th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 53% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-49 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 36 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Fong to keep AD-49 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mike Fong’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-49 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Fong has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Education, workforce development, disability access, environmental protections, homelessness and housing, firearm safety, and technological infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Fong’s priorities for AD-49 have included 22 bills about higher education, firearm safety, workforce development, and postsecondary education. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide official government emergency communication in more than one language, allow student members of community college boards an advisory vote, and improve retirement benefits for employees of the City of San Gabriel. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Fong has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and was designated as an Honorable Mention legislator in 2022 and 2023.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Fong currently sits on six committees, including Appropriations, Banking and Finance, and Budget. He serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, and the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Fong has served in this assembly seat since February 2022, when he won a special election with over 67% of the vote. In 2022, he won his full-term re-election against a Republican challenger by 34 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Fong served as director of policy and government relations for the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, which he did to support local integration of public services. Before holding this role, Fong served as the East Area director for Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa. He also served as commissioner of the Alhambra Transportation Commission, and as an advisory board member for LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. In 2020, he was elected to seat number 7 on the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees after earning 42% of the vote. Throughout his career, Fong has shown a commitment to supporting education initiatives and programs that allow young people to transition from the classroom through workforce-development opportunities and into meaningful careers in their communities.
Other background: Assm. Fong is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Mike Fong (D), Long “David” Liu (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Fong’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Long “David” Liu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Liu’s campaign has raised $3,500 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 49th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 53% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-49 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 36 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Fong to keep AD-49 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Mike Fong’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-49 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Fong has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Education, workforce development, disability access, environmental protections, homelessness and housing, firearm safety, and technological infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Fong’s priorities for AD-49 have included 22 bills about higher education, firearm safety, workforce development, and postsecondary education. Of these, ten have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide official government emergency communication in more than one language, allow student members of community college boards an advisory vote, and improve retirement benefits for employees of the City of San Gabriel. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Fong has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and was designated as an Honorable Mention legislator in 2022 and 2023.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Fong currently sits on six committees, including Appropriations, Banking and Finance, and Budget. He serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, and the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Fong has served in this assembly seat since February 2022, when he won a special election with over 67% of the vote. In 2022, he won his full-term re-election against a Republican challenger by 34 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Fong served as director of policy and government relations for the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, which he did to support local integration of public services. Before holding this role, Fong served as the East Area director for Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa. He also served as commissioner of the Alhambra Transportation Commission, and as an advisory board member for LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. In 2020, he was elected to seat number 7 on the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees after earning 42% of the vote. Throughout his career, Fong has shown a commitment to supporting education initiatives and programs that allow young people to transition from the classroom through workforce-development opportunities and into meaningful careers in their communities.
Other background: Assm. Fong is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Mike Fong (D), Long “David” Liu (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Fong’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Long “David” Liu
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Liu’s campaign has raised $3,500 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 49th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 46% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 53% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-49 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 36 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 51st District
Re-elect Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur to keep AD-51 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Economic reform, reproductive justice, workers’ rights, civil rights, gun safety, homelessness and housing, transportation infrastructure, and climate protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Chavez Zbur’s priorities for AD-51 have included 12 bills about housing, transportation, sustainability, education, and social services. Of these, four have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve housing security for individuals who are disabled, protect bargaining rights for individuals who are temporarily employed in a unionized workforce, and provide infrastructure and resources to develop offshore wind projects near the California coast. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Chavez Zbur has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and authored AB14, a critical workers’ rights bill. He has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his legislative work this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Chavez Zbur currently sits on 14 committees, including Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Revenue and Taxation. He is a Democratic alternate on the Standing Committee on Rules, and serves as chair of the Select Committee on Retail Theft. He is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, the California Legislative Latino Caucus, and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Chavez Zbur has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Chavez Zbur was an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to this work. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community have benefitted him as their elected representative. Assm. Chavez Zbur has a long history of progressive community engagement, including serving on the boards of Lambda Legal Defense, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, and working to elect former President Bill Clinton and former Senator Barbara Boxer.
Other background: Assm. Chavez Zbur is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. He has worked to maintain a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his advocacy work.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Chavez Zbur (D), Stephen Hohil (NPP). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $419,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Independent Stephen Hohil
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hohil’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 12% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur to keep AD-51 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Economic reform, reproductive justice, workers’ rights, civil rights, gun safety, homelessness and housing, transportation infrastructure, and climate protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Chavez Zbur’s priorities for AD-51 have included 12 bills about housing, transportation, sustainability, education, and social services. Of these, four have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve housing security for individuals who are disabled, protect bargaining rights for individuals who are temporarily employed in a unionized workforce, and provide infrastructure and resources to develop offshore wind projects near the California coast. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Chavez Zbur has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and authored AB14, a critical workers’ rights bill. He has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his legislative work this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Chavez Zbur currently sits on 14 committees, including Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Revenue and Taxation. He is a Democratic alternate on the Standing Committee on Rules, and serves as chair of the Select Committee on Retail Theft. He is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, the California Legislative Latino Caucus, and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Chavez Zbur has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Chavez Zbur was an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to this work. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community have benefitted him as their elected representative. Assm. Chavez Zbur has a long history of progressive community engagement, including serving on the boards of Lambda Legal Defense, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, and working to elect former President Bill Clinton and former Senator Barbara Boxer.
Other background: Assm. Chavez Zbur is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. He has worked to maintain a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his advocacy work.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Chavez Zbur (D), Stephen Hohil (NPP). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $419,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Independent Stephen Hohil
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hohil’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 12% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur to keep AD-51 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-51 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Chavez Zbur has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Economic reform, reproductive justice, workers’ rights, civil rights, gun safety, homelessness and housing, transportation infrastructure, and climate protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Chavez Zbur’s priorities for AD-51 have included 12 bills about housing, transportation, sustainability, education, and social services. Of these, four have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve housing security for individuals who are disabled, protect bargaining rights for individuals who are temporarily employed in a unionized workforce, and provide infrastructure and resources to develop offshore wind projects near the California coast. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Chavez Zbur has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and authored AB14, a critical workers’ rights bill. He has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his legislative work this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Chavez Zbur currently sits on 14 committees, including Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Revenue and Taxation. He is a Democratic alternate on the Standing Committee on Rules, and serves as chair of the Select Committee on Retail Theft. He is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, the California Legislative Latino Caucus, and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Chavez Zbur has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Chavez Zbur was an attorney and a nonprofit executive, working in private practice for 25 years before transitioning to serve as executive director of Equality California. He has cited his sister’s battle with ALS and his own experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community during the AIDS crisis as inspiring his transition to this work. AD-51 has the highest concentration of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Southern California, and Chavez Zbur’s network and understanding of the issues facing this community have benefitted him as their elected representative. Assm. Chavez Zbur has a long history of progressive community engagement, including serving on the boards of Lambda Legal Defense, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, and working to elect former President Bill Clinton and former Senator Barbara Boxer.
Other background: Assm. Chavez Zbur is from New Mexico and has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years. He has worked to maintain a coalition approach to effect change in his leadership roles across his advocacy work.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Chavez Zbur (D), Stephen Hohil (NPP). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Chavez Zbur’s campaign has raised $419,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Independent Stephen Hohil
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hohil’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 51st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 12% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 13% Asian, and 6% Black.
Recent election results: AD-51 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 52nd District
Elect Jessica Caloza for State Assembly to put AD-52 on the right track for progress.
Caloza’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-52 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Caloza has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All CA, Equality California, Abundant Housing LA, Housing Action Coalition, YIMBY Action, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, and United Healthcare Workers West. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
Electoral history: Caloza has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, clean air and water, public education, and affordable housing and housing protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Caloza is a longtime political staffer, which she does to expand economic opportunity, gender equity, and public safety. She currently serves as deputy chief of staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. She has previously served as Los Angeles Public Works Commissioner, supporting the delivery of city services, like infrastructure improvement and housing development to LA residents, and as a policy analyst in President Obama’s Department of Education. She has been a longtime supporter of efforts to increase representation for the Filipino-American and Asian-American communities. She was a delegate in the Filipino Youth Leadership Program, and served on the board of organizations like KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress and the Leadership Council of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment.
Other background: Caloza is from the Philippines. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego. She is a first-generation immigrant, and the first Filipina-American to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.
The Race
Primary election: There are 10 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jessica Caloza (D), Ari Ruiz (D), David Giron (D), Carlos Leon (D), and Franky Carrillo. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Caloza’s campaign has raised $324,600 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Ari Ruiz, David Giron, Carlos Leon, and Franky Carillo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ruiz’s campaign has raised $118,062 and is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. Giron’s campaign has raised $127,484. Leon’s campaign has raised $55,989 and is funded by the police. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $266,00, but he has donated $250,000 of those funds himself.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 52nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 62% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 15% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-52 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 63 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 67 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Jessica Caloza for State Assembly to put AD-52 on the right track for progress.
Caloza’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-52 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Caloza has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All CA, Equality California, Abundant Housing LA, Housing Action Coalition, YIMBY Action, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, and United Healthcare Workers West. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
Electoral history: Caloza has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, clean air and water, public education, and affordable housing and housing protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Caloza is a longtime political staffer, which she does to expand economic opportunity, gender equity, and public safety. She currently serves as deputy chief of staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. She has previously served as Los Angeles Public Works Commissioner, supporting the delivery of city services, like infrastructure improvement and housing development to LA residents, and as a policy analyst in President Obama’s Department of Education. She has been a longtime supporter of efforts to increase representation for the Filipino-American and Asian-American communities. She was a delegate in the Filipino Youth Leadership Program, and served on the board of organizations like KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress and the Leadership Council of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment.
Other background: Caloza is from the Philippines. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego. She is a first-generation immigrant, and the first Filipina-American to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.
The Race
Primary election: There are 10 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jessica Caloza (D), Ari Ruiz (D), David Giron (D), Carlos Leon (D), and Franky Carrillo. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Caloza’s campaign has raised $324,600 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Ari Ruiz, David Giron, Carlos Leon, and Franky Carillo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ruiz’s campaign has raised $118,062 and is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. Giron’s campaign has raised $127,484. Leon’s campaign has raised $55,989 and is funded by the police. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $266,00, but he has donated $250,000 of those funds himself.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 52nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 62% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 15% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-52 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 63 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 67 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Jessica Caloza for State Assembly to put AD-52 on the right track for progress.
Caloza’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-52 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Caloza has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All CA, Equality California, Abundant Housing LA, Housing Action Coalition, YIMBY Action, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Federation of Teachers, AFSCME, and United Healthcare Workers West. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Reggie Jones-Sawyer.
Electoral history: Caloza has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, clean air and water, public education, and affordable housing and housing protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Caloza is a longtime political staffer, which she does to expand economic opportunity, gender equity, and public safety. She currently serves as deputy chief of staff to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. She has previously served as Los Angeles Public Works Commissioner, supporting the delivery of city services, like infrastructure improvement and housing development to LA residents, and as a policy analyst in President Obama’s Department of Education. She has been a longtime supporter of efforts to increase representation for the Filipino-American and Asian-American communities. She was a delegate in the Filipino Youth Leadership Program, and served on the board of organizations like KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress and the Leadership Council of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment.
Other background: Caloza is from the Philippines. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego. She is a first-generation immigrant, and the first Filipina-American to serve on the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.
The Race
Primary election: There are 10 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jessica Caloza (D), Ari Ruiz (D), David Giron (D), Carlos Leon (D), and Franky Carrillo. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Caloza’s campaign has raised $324,600 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Ari Ruiz, David Giron, Carlos Leon, and Franky Carillo
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ruiz’s campaign has raised $118,062 and is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. Giron’s campaign has raised $127,484. Leon’s campaign has raised $55,989 and is funded by the police. Carrillo’s campaign has raised $266,00, but he has donated $250,000 of those funds himself.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 52nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 62% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 50% Latino, 15% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-52 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 63 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 67 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 53rd District
Courage California endorses Javier Hernandez for State Assembly to put AD-53 on the right track for progress.
Javier Hernandez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-53 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Hernandez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Working Families Party, IE United, Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, as well as labor unions like California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like former State Senator Connie Leyva and Assemblymembers Corey Jackson and Tina McKinnor.
Top issues: Immigration, education, transparency, and equity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Javier Hernandez is a non-profit executive with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which he does to advocate for the rights of immigrants like himself and his family. He has been a longtime supporter of immigration reform and immigrant protections, including working to shut down ICE detainment facilities and for the reintegration of formerly detained immigrants in communities. He co-founded the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, supporting the advocacy of local immigrant youth. In 2017, he organized and helped pass the California Values Act, establishing California as a sanctuary state from federal immigration. He has extensive experience partnering with community organizations in the region and around the state.
Other background: Hernandez was born in Mexico and grew up throughout the Inland Empire.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Javier Hernandez (D), Nick Wilson (R), and Robert Torres (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $199,346 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Robert Torres
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Torres’ campaign has raised $210,220 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Michelle Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $167,800 and is funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Nick Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $17,500 and is funded by the police.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 53rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 58% Latino, 10% Asian, and 7% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-53 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 30 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 12 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Courage California endorses Javier Hernandez for State Assembly to put AD-53 on the right track for progress.
Javier Hernandez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-53 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Hernandez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Working Families Party, IE United, Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, as well as labor unions like California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like former State Senator Connie Leyva and Assemblymembers Corey Jackson and Tina McKinnor.
Top issues: Immigration, education, transparency, and equity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Javier Hernandez is a non-profit executive with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which he does to advocate for the rights of immigrants like himself and his family. He has been a longtime supporter of immigration reform and immigrant protections, including working to shut down ICE detainment facilities and for the reintegration of formerly detained immigrants in communities. He co-founded the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, supporting the advocacy of local immigrant youth. In 2017, he organized and helped pass the California Values Act, establishing California as a sanctuary state from federal immigration. He has extensive experience partnering with community organizations in the region and around the state.
Other background: Hernandez was born in Mexico and grew up throughout the Inland Empire.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Javier Hernandez (D), Nick Wilson (R), and Robert Torres (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $199,346 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Robert Torres
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Torres’ campaign has raised $210,220 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Michelle Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $167,800 and is funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Nick Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $17,500 and is funded by the police.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 53rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 58% Latino, 10% Asian, and 7% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-53 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 30 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 12 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
Courage California endorses Javier Hernandez for State Assembly to put AD-53 on the right track for progress.
Javier Hernandez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-53 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Hernandez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Working Families Party, IE United, Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, as well as labor unions like California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like former State Senator Connie Leyva and Assemblymembers Corey Jackson and Tina McKinnor.
Top issues: Immigration, education, transparency, and equity.
Governance and community leadership experience: Javier Hernandez is a non-profit executive with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which he does to advocate for the rights of immigrants like himself and his family. He has been a longtime supporter of immigration reform and immigrant protections, including working to shut down ICE detainment facilities and for the reintegration of formerly detained immigrants in communities. He co-founded the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, supporting the advocacy of local immigrant youth. In 2017, he organized and helped pass the California Values Act, establishing California as a sanctuary state from federal immigration. He has extensive experience partnering with community organizations in the region and around the state.
Other background: Hernandez was born in Mexico and grew up throughout the Inland Empire.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Javier Hernandez (D), Nick Wilson (R), and Robert Torres (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $199,346 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Robert Torres
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Torres’ campaign has raised $210,220 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Michelle Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $167,800 and is funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Nick Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $17,500 and is funded by the police.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 53rd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 58% Latino, 10% Asian, and 7% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-53 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 30 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 12 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
State Assembly, 54th District
Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.
Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.
Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.
Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.
Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.
Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.
Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.
Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.
Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.
Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.
The Race
Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.
Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 55th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to keep AD-55 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Isaac Bryan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-55 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bryan has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and Equality California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, workforce development programs, child welfare and social services, election security, and incarceration and justice reform.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Bryan’s priorities for AD-55 have included 28 bills about election protections and redistricting, housing, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase post-incarceration access to restorative justice programs, update meeting and vote requirements for presidential electors, amend the standards for state redistricting every 10 years, and expand the use of College Access Tax Credit Funds to support student transfers to HBCU institutions. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bryan has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has earned the Courage All-Star designation for his legislative work. He was the author of two critical pieces of progressive legislation this session: AB421 to clarify the ballot language for statewide referendum, and ACA4 to restore voting rights to individuals incarcerated in prisons.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bryan currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Government Organization, Human Services, and Public Safety. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, and as chair of the Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. Assm. Bryan is Treasurer of the California Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and previously as the Assembly Majority Leader.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bryan has served in the Assembly since May 2021, when he won a special election for the AD-54 seat. After redistricting, he won a full term in the general election for AD-55 with 84% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Bryan developed his political acumen as a published academic, earning a master’s of public policy degree from UCLA. After graduating, he became founding director of the UCLA Black Policy Project, which aims to address racial inequity through policy analysis and advocacy. His work there allowed him to focus on research regarding the resources needed for successful reentry after incarceration, and larger issues with youth-justice policy. Assm. Bryan’s interest in issues of equity is personal. As one of nine adopted children in a family of 15, he encountered significant academic challenges and observed his siblings struggling with houselessness, addiction, and mental health issues. Assm. Bryan is a longtime supporter of policy that addresses the intersections of these complex social issues. He co-chaired the committee supporting Measure J, which amended the Los Angeles County charter to require that 10% of local revenue be reinvested in the community and in alternatives to incarcerations. The measure was passed by voters in November 2020, and brings meaningful local investment to the county.
Other background: Assm. Isaac Bryan lives in Jefferson Park.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Isaac Bryan (D), and Keith Cascio (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bryan’s campaign has raised $432,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Keith Cascio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cascio’s campaign has not filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 55th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 66% Democrat, 8% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 25% Latino, 11% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-55 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 66 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to keep AD-55 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Isaac Bryan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-55 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bryan has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and Equality California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, workforce development programs, child welfare and social services, election security, and incarceration and justice reform.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Bryan’s priorities for AD-55 have included 28 bills about election protections and redistricting, housing, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase post-incarceration access to restorative justice programs, update meeting and vote requirements for presidential electors, amend the standards for state redistricting every 10 years, and expand the use of College Access Tax Credit Funds to support student transfers to HBCU institutions. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bryan has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has earned the Courage All-Star designation for his legislative work. He was the author of two critical pieces of progressive legislation this session: AB421 to clarify the ballot language for statewide referendum, and ACA4 to restore voting rights to individuals incarcerated in prisons.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bryan currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Government Organization, Human Services, and Public Safety. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, and as chair of the Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. Assm. Bryan is Treasurer of the California Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and previously as the Assembly Majority Leader.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bryan has served in the Assembly since May 2021, when he won a special election for the AD-54 seat. After redistricting, he won a full term in the general election for AD-55 with 84% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Bryan developed his political acumen as a published academic, earning a master’s of public policy degree from UCLA. After graduating, he became founding director of the UCLA Black Policy Project, which aims to address racial inequity through policy analysis and advocacy. His work there allowed him to focus on research regarding the resources needed for successful reentry after incarceration, and larger issues with youth-justice policy. Assm. Bryan’s interest in issues of equity is personal. As one of nine adopted children in a family of 15, he encountered significant academic challenges and observed his siblings struggling with houselessness, addiction, and mental health issues. Assm. Bryan is a longtime supporter of policy that addresses the intersections of these complex social issues. He co-chaired the committee supporting Measure J, which amended the Los Angeles County charter to require that 10% of local revenue be reinvested in the community and in alternatives to incarcerations. The measure was passed by voters in November 2020, and brings meaningful local investment to the county.
Other background: Assm. Isaac Bryan lives in Jefferson Park.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Isaac Bryan (D), and Keith Cascio (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bryan’s campaign has raised $432,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Keith Cascio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cascio’s campaign has not filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 55th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 66% Democrat, 8% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 25% Latino, 11% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-55 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 66 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to keep AD-55 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Isaac Bryan’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-55 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Bryan has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and Equality California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, workforce development programs, child welfare and social services, election security, and incarceration and justice reform.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Bryan’s priorities for AD-55 have included 28 bills about election protections and redistricting, housing, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase post-incarceration access to restorative justice programs, update meeting and vote requirements for presidential electors, amend the standards for state redistricting every 10 years, and expand the use of College Access Tax Credit Funds to support student transfers to HBCU institutions. He scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Bryan has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has earned the Courage All-Star designation for his legislative work. He was the author of two critical pieces of progressive legislation this session: AB421 to clarify the ballot language for statewide referendum, and ACA4 to restore voting rights to individuals incarcerated in prisons.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Bryan currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Government Organization, Human Services, and Public Safety. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, and as chair of the Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion. Assm. Bryan is Treasurer of the California Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, and previously as the Assembly Majority Leader.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Bryan has served in the Assembly since May 2021, when he won a special election for the AD-54 seat. After redistricting, he won a full term in the general election for AD-55 with 84% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Bryan developed his political acumen as a published academic, earning a master’s of public policy degree from UCLA. After graduating, he became founding director of the UCLA Black Policy Project, which aims to address racial inequity through policy analysis and advocacy. His work there allowed him to focus on research regarding the resources needed for successful reentry after incarceration, and larger issues with youth-justice policy. Assm. Bryan’s interest in issues of equity is personal. As one of nine adopted children in a family of 15, he encountered significant academic challenges and observed his siblings struggling with houselessness, addiction, and mental health issues. Assm. Bryan is a longtime supporter of policy that addresses the intersections of these complex social issues. He co-chaired the committee supporting Measure J, which amended the Los Angeles County charter to require that 10% of local revenue be reinvested in the community and in alternatives to incarcerations. The measure was passed by voters in November 2020, and brings meaningful local investment to the county.
Other background: Assm. Isaac Bryan lives in Jefferson Park.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Isaac Bryan (D), and Keith Cascio (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Bryan’s campaign has raised $432,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Keith Cascio
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cascio’s campaign has not filed any fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 55th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 66% Democrat, 8% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 25% Latino, 11% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-55 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 71 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 66 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 56th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Lisa Calderon to keep AD-56 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lisa Calderon’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for AD-56. However, given her record on progressive bills last session, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-56 constituents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Calderon has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including Los Angeles City Council member Gil Cedillo, who has come under fire for his close ties to real estate development.
Top issues: Protections for vulnerable youth, education, health care, insurance, emergency management and planning, and social service resources.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Calderon’s priorities for AD-56 have included 20 bills about health care, insurance, emergency management, school resources, and protections for incarcerated people. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to extend the use of prepaid debit cards for disability payments through 2025, require health plans to develop maternal and infant health equity programs, and develop new research on the possible uses of fusion energy in California’s power supply. She scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Calderon has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to support a statewide SWOT analysis of affordable housing initiatives, cap security deposits to no more than one month of rent, prohibit the use of facial-recognition software on police body cameras, and outlaw police searches without a warrant.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Calderon currently sits on six committees, including Emergency Management, Human Services, and Utilities and Energy. She is chair of the Standing Committee on Insurance, and a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Calderon has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 17 points. She was appointed to a four-year term as a commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by former Assembly Speaker Rendon.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Calderon served as a legislative aide before working for decades as a manager with Southern California Edison. As a government affairs manager with Edison, she ran their corporate PAC. Her connection to corporate and fossil fuel interests raises concerns, especially given that her campaign has received large donations from corporations and organizations with ties to the fossil fuel industry. She organized against California’s Prop 187, which aimed to bar undocumented immigrants from accessing public services, often through racial profiling.
Other background: Assm. Calderon is from the Central Valley and has lived in the district for 30 years. She is the daughter of farm laborers.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lisa Calderon (D), Jessica Martinez (R), Audrey Hazel Ruiz (D), and Natasha Serrano (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Calderon’s campaign has raised $436,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 56th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-56 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Lisa Calderon to keep AD-56 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lisa Calderon’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for AD-56. However, given her record on progressive bills last session, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-56 constituents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Calderon has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including Los Angeles City Council member Gil Cedillo, who has come under fire for his close ties to real estate development.
Top issues: Protections for vulnerable youth, education, health care, insurance, emergency management and planning, and social service resources.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Calderon’s priorities for AD-56 have included 20 bills about health care, insurance, emergency management, school resources, and protections for incarcerated people. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to extend the use of prepaid debit cards for disability payments through 2025, require health plans to develop maternal and infant health equity programs, and develop new research on the possible uses of fusion energy in California’s power supply. She scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Calderon has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to support a statewide SWOT analysis of affordable housing initiatives, cap security deposits to no more than one month of rent, prohibit the use of facial-recognition software on police body cameras, and outlaw police searches without a warrant.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Calderon currently sits on six committees, including Emergency Management, Human Services, and Utilities and Energy. She is chair of the Standing Committee on Insurance, and a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Calderon has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 17 points. She was appointed to a four-year term as a commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by former Assembly Speaker Rendon.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Calderon served as a legislative aide before working for decades as a manager with Southern California Edison. As a government affairs manager with Edison, she ran their corporate PAC. Her connection to corporate and fossil fuel interests raises concerns, especially given that her campaign has received large donations from corporations and organizations with ties to the fossil fuel industry. She organized against California’s Prop 187, which aimed to bar undocumented immigrants from accessing public services, often through racial profiling.
Other background: Assm. Calderon is from the Central Valley and has lived in the district for 30 years. She is the daughter of farm laborers.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lisa Calderon (D), Jessica Martinez (R), Audrey Hazel Ruiz (D), and Natasha Serrano (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Calderon’s campaign has raised $436,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 56th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-56 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Lisa Calderon to keep AD-56 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lisa Calderon’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for AD-56. However, given her record on progressive bills last session, it is important that voters continue to hold her accountable to ensure that her legislative efforts remain in the best interests of AD-56 constituents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Calderon has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, and AFSCME California. In previous elections, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including Los Angeles City Council member Gil Cedillo, who has come under fire for his close ties to real estate development.
Top issues: Protections for vulnerable youth, education, health care, insurance, emergency management and planning, and social service resources.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Calderon’s priorities for AD-56 have included 20 bills about health care, insurance, emergency management, school resources, and protections for incarcerated people. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to extend the use of prepaid debit cards for disability payments through 2025, require health plans to develop maternal and infant health equity programs, and develop new research on the possible uses of fusion energy in California’s power supply. She scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Calderon has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, she failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to support a statewide SWOT analysis of affordable housing initiatives, cap security deposits to no more than one month of rent, prohibit the use of facial-recognition software on police body cameras, and outlaw police searches without a warrant.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Calderon currently sits on six committees, including Emergency Management, Human Services, and Utilities and Energy. She is chair of the Standing Committee on Insurance, and a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Calderon has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 17 points. She was appointed to a four-year term as a commissioner on the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by former Assembly Speaker Rendon.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Calderon served as a legislative aide before working for decades as a manager with Southern California Edison. As a government affairs manager with Edison, she ran their corporate PAC. Her connection to corporate and fossil fuel interests raises concerns, especially given that her campaign has received large donations from corporations and organizations with ties to the fossil fuel industry. She organized against California’s Prop 187, which aimed to bar undocumented immigrants from accessing public services, often through racial profiling.
Other background: Assm. Calderon is from the Central Valley and has lived in the district for 30 years. She is the daughter of farm laborers.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lisa Calderon (D), Jessica Martinez (R), Audrey Hazel Ruiz (D), and Natasha Serrano (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Calderon’s campaign has raised $436,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 56th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-56 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 57th District
Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.
Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.
Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.
Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.
Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.
Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.
Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.
Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.
Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.
Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.
Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.
The Race
Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Endorsed By:
Courage California
State Assembly, 61st District
Re-elect Assemblymember Tina McKinnor to keep AD-61 on the right track for progress.
Assm. McKinnor’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-61 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Housing, criminal-justice reform, climate protections, health care, and equity in the cannabis industry.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. McKinnor’s priorities for AD-61 have included 27 bills about social services, housing, aging and disability resources, and collective bargaining. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow some legislative staff members to unionize, make it easier for individuals released from incarceration to obtain a state-issued ID, extend the window for a family to be reunited in family court by 6 months, and remove old laws that promote segregation and discrimination in housing. She scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. McKinnor has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote. She has been designated as a Courage All-Star this session, and is the author of two criminal justice reform bills evaluated for our scorecard, AB1028 and AB1310.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. McKinnor currently sits on 16 committees, including Business and Professions, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, and Governmental Organization. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, Select Committees on 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and Select Committee on Restorative Justice. Assm. McKinnor is also secretary of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. McKinnor has served in this assembly seat since June 2022, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote in a special election to replace AD-62 Assm. Autumn Burke after her mid-term retirement. In the 2022 general election, she won her re-election against a Democratic challenger by 28 points.
Prior to joining the Assembly, Assm. McKinnor was the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She did this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. Assm. McKinnor founded the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, non-profits, lobbyists, and other political groups. She has served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA, and was the operational director for the California Democratic Party. Assm. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Other background: Assm. McKinnor has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Tina McKinnor (D) and Alfonso Hernandez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $605,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alfonso Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has not filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black.
Recent election results: AD-61 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 60 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Tina McKinnor to keep AD-61 on the right track for progress.
Assm. McKinnor’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-61 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Housing, criminal-justice reform, climate protections, health care, and equity in the cannabis industry.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. McKinnor’s priorities for AD-61 have included 27 bills about social services, housing, aging and disability resources, and collective bargaining. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow some legislative staff members to unionize, make it easier for individuals released from incarceration to obtain a state-issued ID, extend the window for a family to be reunited in family court by 6 months, and remove old laws that promote segregation and discrimination in housing. She scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. McKinnor has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote. She has been designated as a Courage All-Star this session, and is the author of two criminal justice reform bills evaluated for our scorecard, AB1028 and AB1310.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. McKinnor currently sits on 16 committees, including Business and Professions, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, and Governmental Organization. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, Select Committees on 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and Select Committee on Restorative Justice. Assm. McKinnor is also secretary of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. McKinnor has served in this assembly seat since June 2022, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote in a special election to replace AD-62 Assm. Autumn Burke after her mid-term retirement. In the 2022 general election, she won her re-election against a Democratic challenger by 28 points.
Prior to joining the Assembly, Assm. McKinnor was the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She did this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. Assm. McKinnor founded the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, non-profits, lobbyists, and other political groups. She has served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA, and was the operational director for the California Democratic Party. Assm. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Other background: Assm. McKinnor has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Tina McKinnor (D) and Alfonso Hernandez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $605,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alfonso Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has not filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black.
Recent election results: AD-61 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 60 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Tina McKinnor to keep AD-61 on the right track for progress.
Assm. McKinnor’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-61 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. McKinnor has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Housing, criminal-justice reform, climate protections, health care, and equity in the cannabis industry.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. McKinnor’s priorities for AD-61 have included 27 bills about social services, housing, aging and disability resources, and collective bargaining. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, four have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow some legislative staff members to unionize, make it easier for individuals released from incarceration to obtain a state-issued ID, extend the window for a family to be reunited in family court by 6 months, and remove old laws that promote segregation and discrimination in housing. She scores a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. McKinnor has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote. She has been designated as a Courage All-Star this session, and is the author of two criminal justice reform bills evaluated for our scorecard, AB1028 and AB1310.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. McKinnor currently sits on 16 committees, including Business and Professions, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, and Governmental Organization. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, Select Committees on 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and Select Committee on Restorative Justice. Assm. McKinnor is also secretary of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus and a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. McKinnor has served in this assembly seat since June 2022, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote in a special election to replace AD-62 Assm. Autumn Burke after her mid-term retirement. In the 2022 general election, she won her re-election against a Democratic challenger by 28 points.
Prior to joining the Assembly, Assm. McKinnor was the civic-engagement director for LA Voice and LA Voice Action, an interfaith organization that works with 59 connected congregations in Los Angeles County to bring progressive change to criminal justice, immigration, election reform, and housing reform. She did this work to find diverse and comprehensive solutions to community issues through local collaboration. Assm. McKinnor founded the McKinnor Group, a consulting firm that offers a full spectrum of campaign services to elected officials, candidates, ballot-measure efforts, corporations, non-profits, lobbyists, and other political groups. She has served as a board member with Partnership for Growth LA, and was the operational director for the California Democratic Party. Assm. McKinnor is a collaborative leader, and often seeks input and guidance from individuals and groups that have been directly affected by an issue. She has built a strong network in both the legislative and organizing communities, and has leveraged her deep knowledge of fiscal and people management to create meaningful change.
Other background: Assm. McKinnor has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Tina McKinnor (D) and Alfonso Hernandez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. McKinnor’s campaign has raised $605,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alfonso Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has not filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 61st Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 10% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 6% Asian, and 34% Black.
Recent election results: AD-61 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 68 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 60 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 62nd District
Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.
Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.
Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.
Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.
Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.
Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.
Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.
Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.
Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.
Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.
Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.
Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.
Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.
Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.
Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.
Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 64th District
The Democratic incumbent in this race has a problematic track record and is considered to be a safe win in this district. We make no recommendation in this race.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Blanca Pacheco has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in past elections, including police groups.
Raul Ortiz has the endorsement of the California Republican Assembly, Patriots for Freedom PAC, and the Orange County Republican Party.
Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Pacheco’s priorities for AD-64 have included 14 bills about health professions and licensure, literacy, and property records. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to expand permissions for the use of trial court interpreters, amend permissions for the placement of public advertising displays, and consider establishing new procurement goals for renewable hydrogen. She scores a CS of 30 out of 100 and is in our Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pacheco has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. Assm. Pacheco has avoided votes on several critical progressive bills this session, including those to increase the fast-food minimum wage to $20/hour, close loopholes for no-fault just cause evictions, increase charter school accountability by requiring more reporting of grant fund use, and improve worker protections against retaliation from supervisors or companies. She also voted no on two important criminal justice reform bills, AB93 and SB365. Assm. Pacheco is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Ortiz has not cited any public service positions aside from his work as a Christian faith leader. His denominational and congregational affiliations are unclear.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pacheco has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 61% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pacheco served as the first-ever Latina mayor of Downey. She was first elected to the Downey City Council in 2016 and became mayor in 2020. She previously served as president of the League of California Cities, Los Angeles Division. Prior to serving in local office, Pacheco worked as an attorney and provided pro bono services to legal organizations. She has been a longtime supporter of modernizing infrastructure and programs that fight climate change.
Ortiz ran for this seat in 2022, but lost in the general election by 22 points to incumbent Assm. Blanca Pacheco.
Ortiz is a pest-control manager and a pastor. He has cited his Christian faith as a motivator for his effort to win elected office. His platform includes improving public safety, removing critical race theory from school curriculums, closing the borders, and addressing the sale of street drugs. He is a strong supporter of parental rights, the second amendment, and limiting access to abortion care.
Other background: Assm. Pacheco is a longtime resident of Downey.
Ortiz is from Norwalk and now lives in La Mirada.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Blanca Pacheco (D) and Raul Ortiz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pacheco’s campaign has raised $563,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortiz’s campaign has raised $700 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-64 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
The Democratic incumbent in this race has a problematic track record and is considered to be a safe win in this district. We make no recommendation in this race.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Blanca Pacheco has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in past elections, including police groups.
Raul Ortiz has the endorsement of the California Republican Assembly, Patriots for Freedom PAC, and the Orange County Republican Party.
Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Pacheco’s priorities for AD-64 have included 14 bills about health professions and licensure, literacy, and property records. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to expand permissions for the use of trial court interpreters, amend permissions for the placement of public advertising displays, and consider establishing new procurement goals for renewable hydrogen. She scores a CS of 30 out of 100 and is in our Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pacheco has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. Assm. Pacheco has avoided votes on several critical progressive bills this session, including those to increase the fast-food minimum wage to $20/hour, close loopholes for no-fault just cause evictions, increase charter school accountability by requiring more reporting of grant fund use, and improve worker protections against retaliation from supervisors or companies. She also voted no on two important criminal justice reform bills, AB93 and SB365. Assm. Pacheco is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Ortiz has not cited any public service positions aside from his work as a Christian faith leader. His denominational and congregational affiliations are unclear.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pacheco has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 61% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pacheco served as the first-ever Latina mayor of Downey. She was first elected to the Downey City Council in 2016 and became mayor in 2020. She previously served as president of the League of California Cities, Los Angeles Division. Prior to serving in local office, Pacheco worked as an attorney and provided pro bono services to legal organizations. She has been a longtime supporter of modernizing infrastructure and programs that fight climate change.
Ortiz ran for this seat in 2022, but lost in the general election by 22 points to incumbent Assm. Blanca Pacheco.
Ortiz is a pest-control manager and a pastor. He has cited his Christian faith as a motivator for his effort to win elected office. His platform includes improving public safety, removing critical race theory from school curriculums, closing the borders, and addressing the sale of street drugs. He is a strong supporter of parental rights, the second amendment, and limiting access to abortion care.
Other background: Assm. Pacheco is a longtime resident of Downey.
Ortiz is from Norwalk and now lives in La Mirada.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Blanca Pacheco (D) and Raul Ortiz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pacheco’s campaign has raised $563,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortiz’s campaign has raised $700 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-64 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 65th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.
Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.
The Race
Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.
Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.
The Race
Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.
Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.
The Race
Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.
Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 66th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to keep AD-66 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Al Muratsuchi has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Calpine Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and Edison International. Given Assm. Muratsuchi’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold him accountable to ensure that his legislative efforts remain in the best interest of AD-66 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Muratsuchi has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Teachers Association, California Environmental Voters, SEIU California, and Equality California. He has also received problematic endorsements from several police organizations, including Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Public utilities, environmental and climate protections, education and workforce development, military and veterans, and homelessness and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Muratsuchi’s priorities for AD-66 have included 29 bills about environmental protection, education, and homelessness. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to prohibit the sale of baby food that does not comply with toxic element label guidelines, require the creation of a public awareness campaign to market teaching careers in the state, and improve air quality around some wastewater treatment facilities. He scores a CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Muratsuchi has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Muratsuchi has failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to authorize a judge to recall a sentence in response to changes in the law, increase fairness by not allowing an incarcerated person’s demographics to be considered in decisions about parole, and block other states from being able to access digital data for patients seeking abortion or gender-affirming care in California. He has also voted down two important criminal justice reform bills, AB1310 and AB1306, evaluated for our scorecard.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Muratsuchi currently sits on 15 committees, including Budget, Military & Veterans Affairs, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Education, and the Select Committee on Aerospace. In his role with the Select Committee on Aerospace, he has supported the problematic local growth and success of SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and Northrop Grumman, a defense contractor. Assm. Muratsuchi is a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Muratsuchi was originally elected to the Assembly in 2012, but lost his 2014 reelection bid to Republican David Hadley by a narrow margin. He regained his seat in the 2016 election, and won his 2020 reelection against Republican Arthur Schaper by 26 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Muratsuchi served as a deputy district attorney with the California Department of Justice. A longtime supporter of education reform, he served on the Torrance School Board, and has authored legislation to increase funding for the K–12 system, and to support career technical education. He was recognized as Legislator of the Year in 2019 by the California School Boards Association for his efforts to improve the education landscape for students and families. Assm. Muratsuchi has also partnered with police to construct criminal-justice bills.
Other background: Assm. Al Muratsuchi is a longtime resident of the South Bay of Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Al Muratsuchi (D) and George Barks (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Muratsuchi’s campaign has raised $163,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican George Barks
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barks’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 66th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 22% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-66 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 28 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 14 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to keep AD-66 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Al Muratsuchi has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Calpine Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and Edison International. Given Assm. Muratsuchi’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold him accountable to ensure that his legislative efforts remain in the best interest of AD-66 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Muratsuchi has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Teachers Association, California Environmental Voters, SEIU California, and Equality California. He has also received problematic endorsements from several police organizations, including Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Public utilities, environmental and climate protections, education and workforce development, military and veterans, and homelessness and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Muratsuchi’s priorities for AD-66 have included 29 bills about environmental protection, education, and homelessness. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to prohibit the sale of baby food that does not comply with toxic element label guidelines, require the creation of a public awareness campaign to market teaching careers in the state, and improve air quality around some wastewater treatment facilities. He scores a CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Muratsuchi has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Muratsuchi has failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to authorize a judge to recall a sentence in response to changes in the law, increase fairness by not allowing an incarcerated person’s demographics to be considered in decisions about parole, and block other states from being able to access digital data for patients seeking abortion or gender-affirming care in California. He has also voted down two important criminal justice reform bills, AB1310 and AB1306, evaluated for our scorecard.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Muratsuchi currently sits on 15 committees, including Budget, Military & Veterans Affairs, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Education, and the Select Committee on Aerospace. In his role with the Select Committee on Aerospace, he has supported the problematic local growth and success of SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and Northrop Grumman, a defense contractor. Assm. Muratsuchi is a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Muratsuchi was originally elected to the Assembly in 2012, but lost his 2014 reelection bid to Republican David Hadley by a narrow margin. He regained his seat in the 2016 election, and won his 2020 reelection against Republican Arthur Schaper by 26 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Muratsuchi served as a deputy district attorney with the California Department of Justice. A longtime supporter of education reform, he served on the Torrance School Board, and has authored legislation to increase funding for the K–12 system, and to support career technical education. He was recognized as Legislator of the Year in 2019 by the California School Boards Association for his efforts to improve the education landscape for students and families. Assm. Muratsuchi has also partnered with police to construct criminal-justice bills.
Other background: Assm. Al Muratsuchi is a longtime resident of the South Bay of Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Al Muratsuchi (D) and George Barks (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Muratsuchi’s campaign has raised $163,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican George Barks
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barks’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 66th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 22% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-66 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 28 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 14 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to keep AD-66 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Al Muratsuchi has been a frequent recipient of donations from a variety of problematic funders, including Calpine Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and Edison International. Given Assm. Muratsuchi’s connection to these groups, it is important that voters continue to hold him accountable to ensure that his legislative efforts remain in the best interest of AD-66 constituents instead of wealthy special interests.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Muratsuchi has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Teachers Association, California Environmental Voters, SEIU California, and Equality California. He has also received problematic endorsements from several police organizations, including Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Public utilities, environmental and climate protections, education and workforce development, military and veterans, and homelessness and housing.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Muratsuchi’s priorities for AD-66 have included 29 bills about environmental protection, education, and homelessness. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to prohibit the sale of baby food that does not comply with toxic element label guidelines, require the creation of a public awareness campaign to market teaching careers in the state, and improve air quality around some wastewater treatment facilities. He scores a CS of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Muratsuchi has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Muratsuchi has failed to cast a vote on several critical pieces of legislation, including bills to authorize a judge to recall a sentence in response to changes in the law, increase fairness by not allowing an incarcerated person’s demographics to be considered in decisions about parole, and block other states from being able to access digital data for patients seeking abortion or gender-affirming care in California. He has also voted down two important criminal justice reform bills, AB1310 and AB1306, evaluated for our scorecard.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Muratsuchi currently sits on 15 committees, including Budget, Military & Veterans Affairs, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Education, and the Select Committee on Aerospace. In his role with the Select Committee on Aerospace, he has supported the problematic local growth and success of SpaceX, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and Northrop Grumman, a defense contractor. Assm. Muratsuchi is a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Muratsuchi was originally elected to the Assembly in 2012, but lost his 2014 reelection bid to Republican David Hadley by a narrow margin. He regained his seat in the 2016 election, and won his 2020 reelection against Republican Arthur Schaper by 26 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 20 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Muratsuchi served as a deputy district attorney with the California Department of Justice. A longtime supporter of education reform, he served on the Torrance School Board, and has authored legislation to increase funding for the K–12 system, and to support career technical education. He was recognized as Legislator of the Year in 2019 by the California School Boards Association for his efforts to improve the education landscape for students and families. Assm. Muratsuchi has also partnered with police to construct criminal-justice bills.
Other background: Assm. Al Muratsuchi is a longtime resident of the South Bay of Los Angeles County.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Al Muratsuchi (D) and George Barks (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Muratsuchi’s campaign has raised $163,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican George Barks
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barks’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 66th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 19% Latino, 22% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-66 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 28 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 14 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 67th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva to keep AD-67 on the right track for progress.
Based on our analysis, Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-67 and will govern effectively for this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Quirk-Silva has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Orange County Labor Federation. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and Assm. Isaac Bryan. However, she has also received the endorsement of problematic stakeholders, including Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Mental health, education, building and development, and tourism.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Quirk-Silva’s priorities for AD-67 have included 37 bills about building and development codes, improvement and standardization of mental health services, educational regulations, and services and parental rights for students with special needs. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, one was vetoed, and most others remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow parents and guardians of students with special needs to record meetings with school staff, bolstering school aides for blind students, and increasing awareness of student mental health needs. She scores a Lifetime Courage Score of 41 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Quirk-Silva has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This year, she failed to cast a vote on bills to prohibit the use of facial recognition software in police body cameras, strengthen the authority of the State Water Resources Control Board, restore personal visits to individuals who are incarcerated, and prohibit caste based discrimination. She is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Quirk-Silva currently sits on 4 committees, including the Housing and Community Development committee. She chairs the committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Quirk-Silva began her service in the Assembly in 2012, when she defeated a Republican incumbent with 52% of the vote. She lost her reelection bid in 2014, but returned to the Assembly in 2016. In 2020, she won her re-election against Republican challenger Cynthia Thacker by 16 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Quirk-Silva was a member of the Fullerton City Council and served two terms as mayor. Along with her public service, she had a 30-year career as a teacher, and has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives. She credits her time in the classroom as being the foundation of her collaborative approach to legislating, and her interest in listening to concerns and finding solutions.
Other background: Assm. Quirk-Silva is a lifelong resident of Fullerton.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D), Jacob Woo Ho Lee (NPP), and Beth Culver (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Quirk-Silva’s campaign has raised $547,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 67th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 30% Latino, 32% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-67 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva to keep AD-67 on the right track for progress.
Based on our analysis, Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-67 and will govern effectively for this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Quirk-Silva has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Orange County Labor Federation. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and Assm. Isaac Bryan. However, she has also received the endorsement of problematic stakeholders, including Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Mental health, education, building and development, and tourism.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Quirk-Silva’s priorities for AD-67 have included 37 bills about building and development codes, improvement and standardization of mental health services, educational regulations, and services and parental rights for students with special needs. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, one was vetoed, and most others remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow parents and guardians of students with special needs to record meetings with school staff, bolstering school aides for blind students, and increasing awareness of student mental health needs. She scores a Lifetime Courage Score of 41 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Quirk-Silva has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This year, she failed to cast a vote on bills to prohibit the use of facial recognition software in police body cameras, strengthen the authority of the State Water Resources Control Board, restore personal visits to individuals who are incarcerated, and prohibit caste based discrimination. She is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Quirk-Silva currently sits on 4 committees, including the Housing and Community Development committee. She chairs the committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Quirk-Silva began her service in the Assembly in 2012, when she defeated a Republican incumbent with 52% of the vote. She lost her reelection bid in 2014, but returned to the Assembly in 2016. In 2020, she won her re-election against Republican challenger Cynthia Thacker by 16 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Quirk-Silva was a member of the Fullerton City Council and served two terms as mayor. Along with her public service, she had a 30-year career as a teacher, and has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives. She credits her time in the classroom as being the foundation of her collaborative approach to legislating, and her interest in listening to concerns and finding solutions.
Other background: Assm. Quirk-Silva is a lifelong resident of Fullerton.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D), Jacob Woo Ho Lee (NPP), and Beth Culver (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Quirk-Silva’s campaign has raised $547,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 67th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 30% Latino, 32% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-67 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva to keep AD-67 on the right track for progress.
Based on our analysis, Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-67 and will govern effectively for this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Quirk-Silva has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Orange County Labor Federation. She has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and Assm. Isaac Bryan. However, she has also received the endorsement of problematic stakeholders, including Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Mental health, education, building and development, and tourism.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Quirk-Silva’s priorities for AD-67 have included 37 bills about building and development codes, improvement and standardization of mental health services, educational regulations, and services and parental rights for students with special needs. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, one was vetoed, and most others remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to allow parents and guardians of students with special needs to record meetings with school staff, bolstering school aides for blind students, and increasing awareness of student mental health needs. She scores a Lifetime Courage Score of 41 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Quirk-Silva has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This year, she failed to cast a vote on bills to prohibit the use of facial recognition software in police body cameras, strengthen the authority of the State Water Resources Control Board, restore personal visits to individuals who are incarcerated, and prohibit caste based discrimination. She is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Quirk-Silva currently sits on 4 committees, including the Housing and Community Development committee. She chairs the committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Quirk-Silva began her service in the Assembly in 2012, when she defeated a Republican incumbent with 52% of the vote. She lost her reelection bid in 2014, but returned to the Assembly in 2016. In 2020, she won her re-election against Republican challenger Cynthia Thacker by 16 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Quirk-Silva was a member of the Fullerton City Council and served two terms as mayor. Along with her public service, she had a 30-year career as a teacher, and has been a longtime supporter of education initiatives. She credits her time in the classroom as being the foundation of her collaborative approach to legislating, and her interest in listening to concerns and finding solutions.
Other background: Assm. Quirk-Silva is a lifelong resident of Fullerton.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D), Jacob Woo Ho Lee (NPP), and Beth Culver (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Quirk-Silva’s campaign has raised $547,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 67th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Voter registration: 44% Democrat, 26% Republican, and 25% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 30% Latino, 32% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: AD-67 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 8 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Assembly, 69th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores 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. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.
Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.
Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores 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. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.
Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.
Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores 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. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.
Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.
Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 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 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Congress
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
23rd Congressional District
Elect Derek Marshall to Congress to put CD-23 on the right track for progress.
Derek Marshall’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Marshall has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democrats, and the National Education Association.
Electoral history: Marshall has run for office previously, and lost his race for this congressional seat against the Republican incumbent by 22 points.
Top issues: Climate justice, universal health care, labor, and LGBTQIA+ protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Marshall is a political organizer who is motivated by having witnessed extreme inequality while working in a mutual-aid organization with his family when he was growing up. After studying politics and international relations, Marshall moved to Europe to help found a global research initiative that worked with the UN to hold states accountable for their health and human rights commitments. After returning to California, Marshall helped establish Ground Game LA, an organization that works on housing justice. He also partnered with local community groups to organize arts and culture events to raise money for LGBTQIA+ issues.
Other background: Derek Marshall was raised in a small town. Prior to running for this office, Marshall pursued electoral organizing, working on local Democratic campaigns as well as staffing Sanders’s 2020 presidential campaign in Nevada, helping to deliver the senator’s largest victory in the primary.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Derek Marshall (D), incumbent Jay Obernolte (R), Matthew Favro (D), and Miguel Arceo (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Derek Marshall’s campaign has raised $191,935 and is not funded by corporations, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jay Obernolte
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Obernolte’s campaign has raised $527,576 and is funded by the police and the real estate industry. He is also funded by corporations, and has accepted nearly $25,000 from the pharmaceutical industry and $15,000 from weapons manufacturers. He has accepted nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Congressional District includes parts of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 34% Democrat, 36% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: CD-23 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 10 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 21 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.
Elect Derek Marshall to Congress to put CD-23 on the right track for progress.
Derek Marshall’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Marshall has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democrats, and the National Education Association.
Electoral history: Marshall has run for office previously, and lost his race for this congressional seat against the Republican incumbent by 22 points.
Top issues: Climate justice, universal health care, labor, and LGBTQIA+ protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Marshall is a political organizer who is motivated by having witnessed extreme inequality while working in a mutual-aid organization with his family when he was growing up. After studying politics and international relations, Marshall moved to Europe to help found a global research initiative that worked with the UN to hold states accountable for their health and human rights commitments. After returning to California, Marshall helped establish Ground Game LA, an organization that works on housing justice. He also partnered with local community groups to organize arts and culture events to raise money for LGBTQIA+ issues.
Other background: Derek Marshall was raised in a small town. Prior to running for this office, Marshall pursued electoral organizing, working on local Democratic campaigns as well as staffing Sanders’s 2020 presidential campaign in Nevada, helping to deliver the senator’s largest victory in the primary.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Derek Marshall (D), incumbent Jay Obernolte (R), Matthew Favro (D), and Miguel Arceo (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Derek Marshall’s campaign has raised $191,935 and is not funded by corporations, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jay Obernolte
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Obernolte’s campaign has raised $527,576 and is funded by the police and the real estate industry. He is also funded by corporations, and has accepted nearly $25,000 from the pharmaceutical industry and $15,000 from weapons manufacturers. He has accepted nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Congressional District includes parts of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 34% Democrat, 36% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: CD-23 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 10 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 21 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.
Elect Derek Marshall to Congress to put CD-23 on the right track for progress.
Derek Marshall’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Marshall has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democrats, and the National Education Association.
Electoral history: Marshall has run for office previously, and lost his race for this congressional seat against the Republican incumbent by 22 points.
Top issues: Climate justice, universal health care, labor, and LGBTQIA+ protections.
Governance and community leadership experience: Marshall is a political organizer who is motivated by having witnessed extreme inequality while working in a mutual-aid organization with his family when he was growing up. After studying politics and international relations, Marshall moved to Europe to help found a global research initiative that worked with the UN to hold states accountable for their health and human rights commitments. After returning to California, Marshall helped establish Ground Game LA, an organization that works on housing justice. He also partnered with local community groups to organize arts and culture events to raise money for LGBTQIA+ issues.
Other background: Derek Marshall was raised in a small town. Prior to running for this office, Marshall pursued electoral organizing, working on local Democratic campaigns as well as staffing Sanders’s 2020 presidential campaign in Nevada, helping to deliver the senator’s largest victory in the primary.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Derek Marshall (D), incumbent Jay Obernolte (R), Matthew Favro (D), and Miguel Arceo (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Derek Marshall’s campaign has raised $191,935 and is not funded by corporations, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jay Obernolte
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Obernolte’s campaign has raised $527,576 and is funded by the police and the real estate industry. He is also funded by corporations, and has accepted nearly $25,000 from the pharmaceutical industry and $15,000 from weapons manufacturers. He has accepted nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Congressional District includes parts of Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 34% Democrat, 36% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 4% Asian, and 9% Black.
Recent election results: CD-23 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 10 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 21 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.
26th Congressional District
Re-elect Congressional Representative Julia Brownley to keep CD-26 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Julia Brownley’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she is a member of the centrist New Democrat coalition. Voters should continue to hold her accountable while in office to make sure she represents the people of the district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Brownley has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and League of Conservation Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Veterans’ affairs, sustainability and environmental protections, taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Brownley’s priorities for CD-26 have included 40 bills about services for veterans, mortgage taxes, and increasing sustainability in matters like navy vessels, drilling, and jet fuel. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Brownley currently sits on 2 committees, including the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where she ranks 2nd.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Brownley has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Brownley served three terms in the State Assembly, representing AD-41. She also served as a school board member for three terms, and used her role to advocate for quality educational opportunities for all students, including those with special needs. Rep. Brownley’s early career was spent working in business and marketing. She is a longtime supporter of education reform and veterans’ services, and has been recognized for her legislative efforts in each of these policy areas. However, Rep. Brownley has maintained a moderate voting record, and has failed to promote progressive legislation on issues of importance to her district. Although she often talks about lowering the cost of health care for middle-class families and veterans, she has not publicly supported Medicare for All and accepts significant donations from health industry PACs. Although her district has experienced the effects of California’s wildfire seasons, she has not publicly supported the Green New Deal.
Other background: Rep. Brownley lives in Westlake Village. Prior to entering public service, she worked in marketing and the private business sector.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Julia Brownley (D), Michael Koslow (R), Bruce Boyer (R), and Chris Anstead (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Brownley’s campaign has raised $631,731 and is not funded by the police. She is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including $40,000 from arms weapons manufacturers.
Opposing candidate: Republican Michael Koslow
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Koslow’s campaign has raised $11,650. He has not pledged to refuse donations from the police, the fossil fuel or real estate industry, or corporate PACs.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 32% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: CD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 7 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.
Re-elect Congressional Representative Julia Brownley to keep CD-26 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Julia Brownley’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she is a member of the centrist New Democrat coalition. Voters should continue to hold her accountable while in office to make sure she represents the people of the district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Brownley has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and League of Conservation Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Veterans’ affairs, sustainability and environmental protections, taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Brownley’s priorities for CD-26 have included 40 bills about services for veterans, mortgage taxes, and increasing sustainability in matters like navy vessels, drilling, and jet fuel. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Brownley currently sits on 2 committees, including the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where she ranks 2nd.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Brownley has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Brownley served three terms in the State Assembly, representing AD-41. She also served as a school board member for three terms, and used her role to advocate for quality educational opportunities for all students, including those with special needs. Rep. Brownley’s early career was spent working in business and marketing. She is a longtime supporter of education reform and veterans’ services, and has been recognized for her legislative efforts in each of these policy areas. However, Rep. Brownley has maintained a moderate voting record, and has failed to promote progressive legislation on issues of importance to her district. Although she often talks about lowering the cost of health care for middle-class families and veterans, she has not publicly supported Medicare for All and accepts significant donations from health industry PACs. Although her district has experienced the effects of California’s wildfire seasons, she has not publicly supported the Green New Deal.
Other background: Rep. Brownley lives in Westlake Village. Prior to entering public service, she worked in marketing and the private business sector.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Julia Brownley (D), Michael Koslow (R), Bruce Boyer (R), and Chris Anstead (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Brownley’s campaign has raised $631,731 and is not funded by the police. She is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including $40,000 from arms weapons manufacturers.
Opposing candidate: Republican Michael Koslow
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Koslow’s campaign has raised $11,650. He has not pledged to refuse donations from the police, the fossil fuel or real estate industry, or corporate PACs.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 32% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: CD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 7 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.
Re-elect Congressional Representative Julia Brownley to keep CD-26 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Julia Brownley’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she is a member of the centrist New Democrat coalition. Voters should continue to hold her accountable while in office to make sure she represents the people of the district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Brownley has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and League of Conservation Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Veterans’ affairs, sustainability and environmental protections, taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Brownley’s priorities for CD-26 have included 40 bills about services for veterans, mortgage taxes, and increasing sustainability in matters like navy vessels, drilling, and jet fuel. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Brownley currently sits on 2 committees, including the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where she ranks 2nd.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Brownley has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.
Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Brownley served three terms in the State Assembly, representing AD-41. She also served as a school board member for three terms, and used her role to advocate for quality educational opportunities for all students, including those with special needs. Rep. Brownley’s early career was spent working in business and marketing. She is a longtime supporter of education reform and veterans’ services, and has been recognized for her legislative efforts in each of these policy areas. However, Rep. Brownley has maintained a moderate voting record, and has failed to promote progressive legislation on issues of importance to her district. Although she often talks about lowering the cost of health care for middle-class families and veterans, she has not publicly supported Medicare for All and accepts significant donations from health industry PACs. Although her district has experienced the effects of California’s wildfire seasons, she has not publicly supported the Green New Deal.
Other background: Rep. Brownley lives in Westlake Village. Prior to entering public service, she worked in marketing and the private business sector.
The Race
Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Julia Brownley (D), Michael Koslow (R), Bruce Boyer (R), and Chris Anstead (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Brownley’s campaign has raised $631,731 and is not funded by the police. She is funded by the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including $40,000 from arms weapons manufacturers.
Opposing candidate: Republican Michael Koslow
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Koslow’s campaign has raised $11,650. He has not pledged to refuse donations from the police, the fossil fuel or real estate industry, or corporate PACs.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 32% Latino, 9% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: CD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 20 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 7 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.
27th Congressional District
Elect George Whitesides for Congress to put CD-27 on the right track for progress.
George Whitesides’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has designated this district as a priority flip in 2024 after it was won narrowly by Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in 2022.
Progressive endorsements: Whitesides has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, 3.14 Action Fund, Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, and AFL-CIO. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Adam Schiff, Assm. Pilar Schiavo, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Electoral history: Whitesides has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, wildfire protections and response, reproductive justice, and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.
Governance and community leadership experience: Whitesides is an aerospace professional and a local leader, which he does to support innovation and local job creation, and contribute to solving problems on the ground in his community. He served in leadership at NASA during the Obama Administration before spending ten years as the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, a space innovation and exploration company founded by Richard Branson. Under Whitesides’s leadership, the company grew its operations in the Antelope Valley, created over 700 local jobs, and ran their first commercial space flights. In 2022, he became a co-founder of Megafire Action, a non-profit that seeks to use science, policy, and technology to reduce the number of wildfires annually. As a local leader, Whitesides created collaboration between the aerospace industry and the health-care community during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and serves on the board of directors for the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise.
Other background: George Whitesides is originally from Massachusetts and is a longtime resident of the Antelope Valley. He holds degrees from Princeton University and Cambridge University, and was a Fulbright Scholar.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including George Whitesides (D), and incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: George Whitesides’s campaign has raised $2.2 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. He has donated over $2.1 million to his own campaign.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rep. Mike Garcia
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $2.4 million as of October 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically held this seat until it was redistricted in 2022.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: CD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 12 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 2 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.
Elect George Whitesides for Congress to put CD-27 on the right track for progress.
George Whitesides’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has designated this district as a priority flip in 2024 after it was won narrowly by Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in 2022.
Progressive endorsements: Whitesides has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, 3.14 Action Fund, Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, and AFL-CIO. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Adam Schiff, Assm. Pilar Schiavo, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Electoral history: Whitesides has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, wildfire protections and response, reproductive justice, and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.
Governance and community leadership experience: Whitesides is an aerospace professional and a local leader, which he does to support innovation and local job creation, and contribute to solving problems on the ground in his community. He served in leadership at NASA during the Obama Administration before spending ten years as the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, a space innovation and exploration company founded by Richard Branson. Under Whitesides’s leadership, the company grew its operations in the Antelope Valley, created over 700 local jobs, and ran their first commercial space flights. In 2022, he became a co-founder of Megafire Action, a non-profit that seeks to use science, policy, and technology to reduce the number of wildfires annually. As a local leader, Whitesides created collaboration between the aerospace industry and the health-care community during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and serves on the board of directors for the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise.
Other background: George Whitesides is originally from Massachusetts and is a longtime resident of the Antelope Valley. He holds degrees from Princeton University and Cambridge University, and was a Fulbright Scholar.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including George Whitesides (D), and incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: George Whitesides’s campaign has raised $2.2 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. He has donated over $2.1 million to his own campaign.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rep. Mike Garcia
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $2.4 million as of October 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically held this seat until it was redistricted in 2022.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: CD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 12 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 2 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.
Elect George Whitesides for Congress to put CD-27 on the right track for progress.
George Whitesides’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-27 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has designated this district as a priority flip in 2024 after it was won narrowly by Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in 2022.
Progressive endorsements: Whitesides has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, 3.14 Action Fund, Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, and AFL-CIO. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Adam Schiff, Assm. Pilar Schiavo, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Electoral history: Whitesides has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, wildfire protections and response, reproductive justice, and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare.
Governance and community leadership experience: Whitesides is an aerospace professional and a local leader, which he does to support innovation and local job creation, and contribute to solving problems on the ground in his community. He served in leadership at NASA during the Obama Administration before spending ten years as the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, a space innovation and exploration company founded by Richard Branson. Under Whitesides’s leadership, the company grew its operations in the Antelope Valley, created over 700 local jobs, and ran their first commercial space flights. In 2022, he became a co-founder of Megafire Action, a non-profit that seeks to use science, policy, and technology to reduce the number of wildfires annually. As a local leader, Whitesides created collaboration between the aerospace industry and the health-care community during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and serves on the board of directors for the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise.
Other background: George Whitesides is originally from Massachusetts and is a longtime resident of the Antelope Valley. He holds degrees from Princeton University and Cambridge University, and was a Fulbright Scholar.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including George Whitesides (D), and incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: George Whitesides’s campaign has raised $2.2 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. He has donated over $2.1 million to his own campaign.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rep. Mike Garcia
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $2.4 million as of October 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 27th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.
Voter registration: 42% Democrat, 29% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically held this seat until it was redistricted in 2022.
District demographics: 33% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black.
Recent election results: CD-27 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 12 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 2 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.
28th Congressional District
Re-elect Congressional Representative Judy Chu to keep CD-28 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Judy Chu’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Chu has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Civil liberty, reproductive rights, women’s healthcare, taxation, disaster relief, LGBTQIA+ rights, entrepreneurship and small business support, and immigration protections.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Chu’s priorities for CD-28 have included 24 bills about small-business investment, women’s health, environmental protections, and mental health care. Of these, one has been passed through to the Senate, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored legislation to raise the amount of banking capital that can be invested in SBICs, protect victims of labor violations from removal by the Department of Homeland Security, create resources to destigmatize mental health issues, and prohibit governmental restrictions on abortion care before fetal viability.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Chu currently sits on two committees, Ways and Means, and Small Business. She serves as the chair of the Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Creative Rights Caucus, which supports copyright protections of those in the creative industries.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Chu has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 64% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 32 points.
Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Chu served as mayor of Monterey Park from 1989 to 1994. In 2001, she was elected to the State Assembly, where she served two terms. She served as the 4th District representative on the California State Board of Equalization from 2007 to 2009, before transitioning to her Congressional seat. She was elected to Congress in 2009, becoming the first Chinese American to serve in the institution. Rep. Chu has been a longtime supporter of civil liberties and reproductive rights.
Other background: Rep. Chu grew up in Los Angeles.
The Race
Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Judy Chu (D), Kerry Lewis (R), Robert George Lucero (R), April Verlato (R), and Bonnie Wallace (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Chu’s campaign has raised $687,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: As of October 2023, none of the Republican challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the FEC.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 28th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
Voter registration: 47% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 24% Latino, 35% Asian, and 5% Black.
Recent election results: CD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 34 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 26 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.
Re-elect Congressional Representative Judy Chu to keep CD-28 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Judy Chu’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Chu has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Civil liberty, reproductive rights, women’s healthcare, taxation, disaster relief, LGBTQIA+ rights, entrepreneurship and small business support, and immigration protections.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Chu’s priorities for CD-28 have included 24 bills about small-business investment, women’s health, environmental protections, and mental health care. Of these, one has been passed through to the Senate, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored legislation to raise the amount of banking capital that can be invested in SBICs, protect victims of labor