Jackie Elward (listed in Progressive Voters Guide)

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.

U.S. Senator

No Recommendation

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.

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

4th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Mike Thompson

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mike Thompson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Thompson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, mental health, awareness, climate disaster and wildfires, and agriculture.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Thompson’s priorities for CD-4 have included 8 bills about research and support to sustain local agriculture in the face of natural disaster; promoting access to health-care services, including mental health and telehealth; and raising awareness about issues like hearing loss, youth health, and Women’s History Month. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Thompson currently sits on 1 committee, the House Ways and Means Committee. He also chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and founded several caucuses relevant to the environmental and economic interests of the 4th District, including the Congressional Wine Caucus and Invasive Species Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Thompson has served in this congressional seat since 1999, when he was elected with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Thompson served as an aide to then State Assemblymember Jackie Speier. He went on to win election to the California State Senate in 1990. He is a longtime supporter of gun safety and veterans’ rights, and has a moderate approach to fiscal spending.

Other background: Rep. Thompson, the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate, is from St. Helena, CA. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Thompson represented California’s 2nd Senate District, where he chaired the Budget Committee.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Thompson (D) and challenger Andrew Engdahl (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Thompson’s campaign has raised $792,177 and is not funded by police money. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $100,000 from the financial services industry. He has also received nearly $20,000 from the real estate sector, and nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Andrew Engdahl
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Engdahl’s campaign has raised less than $100 for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Congressional District includes all of Napa and Lake Counties, and parts of Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties.

Voter registration: 28% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 8% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: CD-4 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 27 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 Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mike Thompson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Thompson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, mental health, awareness, climate disaster and wildfires, and agriculture.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Thompson’s priorities for CD-4 have included 8 bills about research and support to sustain local agriculture in the face of natural disaster; promoting access to health-care services, including mental health and telehealth; and raising awareness about issues like hearing loss, youth health, and Women’s History Month. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Thompson currently sits on 1 committee, the House Ways and Means Committee. He also chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and founded several caucuses relevant to the environmental and economic interests of the 4th District, including the Congressional Wine Caucus and Invasive Species Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Thompson has served in this congressional seat since 1999, when he was elected with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Thompson served as an aide to then State Assemblymember Jackie Speier. He went on to win election to the California State Senate in 1990. He is a longtime supporter of gun safety and veterans’ rights, and has a moderate approach to fiscal spending.

Other background: Rep. Thompson, the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate, is from St. Helena, CA. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Thompson represented California’s 2nd Senate District, where he chaired the Budget Committee.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Thompson (D) and challenger Andrew Engdahl (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Thompson’s campaign has raised $792,177 and is not funded by police money. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $100,000 from the financial services industry. He has also received nearly $20,000 from the real estate sector, and nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Andrew Engdahl
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Engdahl’s campaign has raised less than $100 for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Congressional District includes all of Napa and Lake Counties, and parts of Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties.

Voter registration: 28% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 8% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: CD-4 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 27 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 Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mike Thompson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Thompson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, mental health, awareness, climate disaster and wildfires, and agriculture.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Thompson’s priorities for CD-4 have included 8 bills about research and support to sustain local agriculture in the face of natural disaster; promoting access to health-care services, including mental health and telehealth; and raising awareness about issues like hearing loss, youth health, and Women’s History Month. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Thompson currently sits on 1 committee, the House Ways and Means Committee. He also chairs the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and founded several caucuses relevant to the environmental and economic interests of the 4th District, including the Congressional Wine Caucus and Invasive Species Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Thompson has served in this congressional seat since 1999, when he was elected with over 65% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Thompson served as an aide to then State Assemblymember Jackie Speier. He went on to win election to the California State Senate in 1990. He is a longtime supporter of gun safety and veterans’ rights, and has a moderate approach to fiscal spending.

Other background: Rep. Thompson, the first Vietnam veteran elected to the California State Senate, is from St. Helena, CA. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Thompson represented California’s 2nd Senate District, where he chaired the Budget Committee.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Thompson (D) and challenger Andrew Engdahl (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Thompson’s campaign has raised $792,177 and is not funded by police money. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $100,000 from the financial services industry. He has also received nearly $20,000 from the real estate sector, and nearly $40,000 from the fossil fuel industry.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Andrew Engdahl
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Engdahl’s campaign has raised less than $100 for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Congressional District includes all of Napa and Lake Counties, and parts of Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties.

Voter registration: 28% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 8% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: CD-4 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 27 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.

7th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Doris Matsui

Website

Re-elect Congressional Representative Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Doris Matsui’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Matsui has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and California Democratic Party. In recent elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Jared Huffman.

Top issues: Affordable and accessible health care, internet access, technology education, net neutrality, environmental protections, natural disaster preparedness, energy, and transportation and public works.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Matsui’s priorities for CD-7 have included 19 bills to improve school cybersecurity, expand Medicare treatment access, and address internet transparency. All of these are currently in committee. She has sponsored legislation to support gender equity in education, reduce diesel emissions, and create more transparency in online algorithms.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Matsui currently sits on the Energy & Commerce Committee. She serves as the co-chair of seven caucuses, including Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Rare Disease, Congressional High-Tech, and House Task Force on Aging and Families. She is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Matsui has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 75% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Matsui served as board chair for the KVIE public television station in Sacramento, as well as in leadership roles for the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Children’s Home, and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. Her political involvement began when she volunteered for former President Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, and served on his transition team before becoming a deputy assistant to the president. In this role, one of her responsibilities was supporting the administration’s outreach and engagement with Asian American communities.

Other background: Rep. Matsui is from California’s Central Valley. She is a longtime supporter of reproductive rights, net neutrality, and the arts.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Doris Matsui (D), David Mandel (D), and Tom Silva (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Matsui’s campaign has raised $610,000 as of January 2024, and is not funded by police organizations.

Opposing candidate: David Mandel
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mandel’s campaign has raised $28,000 as of January 2024, and is primarily self-funded.

Opposing candidate: Tom Silva
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Silva’s campaign has raised $4,000 as of January 2024, and is entirely self-funded.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 7th Congressional District includes parts of Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 20% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 21% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: CD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 28 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 Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Doris Matsui’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Matsui has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and California Democratic Party. In recent elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Jared Huffman.

Top issues: Affordable and accessible health care, internet access, technology education, net neutrality, environmental protections, natural disaster preparedness, energy, and transportation and public works.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Matsui’s priorities for CD-7 have included 19 bills to improve school cybersecurity, expand Medicare treatment access, and address internet transparency. All of these are currently in committee. She has sponsored legislation to support gender equity in education, reduce diesel emissions, and create more transparency in online algorithms.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Matsui currently sits on the Energy & Commerce Committee. She serves as the co-chair of seven caucuses, including Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Rare Disease, Congressional High-Tech, and House Task Force on Aging and Families. She is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Matsui has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 75% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Matsui served as board chair for the KVIE public television station in Sacramento, as well as in leadership roles for the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Children’s Home, and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. Her political involvement began when she volunteered for former President Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, and served on his transition team before becoming a deputy assistant to the president. In this role, one of her responsibilities was supporting the administration’s outreach and engagement with Asian American communities.

Other background: Rep. Matsui is from California’s Central Valley. She is a longtime supporter of reproductive rights, net neutrality, and the arts.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Doris Matsui (D), David Mandel (D), and Tom Silva (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Matsui’s campaign has raised $610,000 as of January 2024, and is not funded by police organizations.

Opposing candidate: David Mandel
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mandel’s campaign has raised $28,000 as of January 2024, and is primarily self-funded.

Opposing candidate: Tom Silva
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Silva’s campaign has raised $4,000 as of January 2024, and is entirely self-funded.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 7th Congressional District includes parts of Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 20% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 21% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: CD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 28 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 Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Doris Matsui’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-7 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Matsui has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and California Democratic Party. In recent elections, she has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Jared Huffman.

Top issues: Affordable and accessible health care, internet access, technology education, net neutrality, environmental protections, natural disaster preparedness, energy, and transportation and public works.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Matsui’s priorities for CD-7 have included 19 bills to improve school cybersecurity, expand Medicare treatment access, and address internet transparency. All of these are currently in committee. She has sponsored legislation to support gender equity in education, reduce diesel emissions, and create more transparency in online algorithms.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Matsui currently sits on the Energy & Commerce Committee. She serves as the co-chair of seven caucuses, including Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Rare Disease, Congressional High-Tech, and House Task Force on Aging and Families. She is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Matsui has served in this congressional seat since 2012, when she was elected with over 75% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 36 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Matsui served as board chair for the KVIE public television station in Sacramento, as well as in leadership roles for the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento Children’s Home, and the Sacramento Symphony Orchestra. Her political involvement began when she volunteered for former President Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, and served on his transition team before becoming a deputy assistant to the president. In this role, one of her responsibilities was supporting the administration’s outreach and engagement with Asian American communities.

Other background: Rep. Matsui is from California’s Central Valley. She is a longtime supporter of reproductive rights, net neutrality, and the arts.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Doris Matsui (D), David Mandel (D), and Tom Silva (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Matsui’s campaign has raised $610,000 as of January 2024, and is not funded by police organizations.

Opposing candidate: David Mandel
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mandel’s campaign has raised $28,000 as of January 2024, and is primarily self-funded.

Opposing candidate: Tom Silva
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Silva’s campaign has raised $4,000 as of January 2024, and is entirely self-funded.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 7th Congressional District includes parts of Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 20% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 21% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: CD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 37 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 28 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.

8th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

John Garamendi

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.

Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.

District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.

Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 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 John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.

Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.

District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.

Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 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 John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.

Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.

District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.

Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 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.

9th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Josh Harder

Website

Re-elect Congressional Representative Josh Harder to keep CD-9 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Josh Harder’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to provide representative leadership for the constituents of CD-09 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. This is a seat that Republicans have prioritized to flip to maintain control of the House.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Harder has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club Independent Action, and California Environmental Voters. In his 2022 campaign, he earned the endorsement of former President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, he has also received problematic endorsements in past campaigns, including from the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

Top issues: Workforce development and employment resources, campaign-finance reform, education affordability, and health-care access.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Harder’s priorities for CD-9 have included 22 bills about corporate accountability, artificial intelligence, workforce readiness, natural disaster protections, and agriculture. Nearly all of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to reduce emergency price-gouging from corporations, establish youth workforce development and apprenticeship programs, modernize agriculture and farming, increase the number of funded medical residency programs, and improve mental health care in schools and agricultural industries.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Harder currently sits on the Appropriations Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Harder has served in this congressional seat since 2020, when he won his election against a Republican challenger by 10 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Harder was a small-business leader before returning to his hometown to work as a junior-college business instructor. His younger brother has preexisting medical conditions, and he has cited his family’s experience with the health-care and health-insurance systems as a motivator for his continued advocacy and sponsorship of Medicare for All. Rep. Harder has made some contradictory legislative decisions, including failing to sign on as a co-sponsor of the 2022 H.R. 40 bill, which would begin the formal process of studying the case for reparations to Black Americans, despite indicating that he has been a lifelong proponent of social justice.

Other background: Rep. Harder is from Turlock and now lives in Tracy. His family has been part of the Central Valley community for generations.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Josh Harder (D), Kevin Lincoln (R), and John McBride (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Harder’s campaign has raised $1.5 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, or police interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Kevin Lincoln
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lincoln’s campaign has raised $300,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican John McBride
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McBride’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 9th Congressional District includes parts of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Stanislaus Counties.

Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 15% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: CD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 13 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 5 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 Josh Harder to keep CD-9 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Josh Harder’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to provide representative leadership for the constituents of CD-09 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. This is a seat that Republicans have prioritized to flip to maintain control of the House.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Harder has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club Independent Action, and California Environmental Voters. In his 2022 campaign, he earned the endorsement of former President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, he has also received problematic endorsements in past campaigns, including from the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

Top issues: Workforce development and employment resources, campaign-finance reform, education affordability, and health-care access.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Harder’s priorities for CD-9 have included 22 bills about corporate accountability, artificial intelligence, workforce readiness, natural disaster protections, and agriculture. Nearly all of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to reduce emergency price-gouging from corporations, establish youth workforce development and apprenticeship programs, modernize agriculture and farming, increase the number of funded medical residency programs, and improve mental health care in schools and agricultural industries.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Harder currently sits on the Appropriations Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Harder has served in this congressional seat since 2020, when he won his election against a Republican challenger by 10 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Harder was a small-business leader before returning to his hometown to work as a junior-college business instructor. His younger brother has preexisting medical conditions, and he has cited his family’s experience with the health-care and health-insurance systems as a motivator for his continued advocacy and sponsorship of Medicare for All. Rep. Harder has made some contradictory legislative decisions, including failing to sign on as a co-sponsor of the 2022 H.R. 40 bill, which would begin the formal process of studying the case for reparations to Black Americans, despite indicating that he has been a lifelong proponent of social justice.

Other background: Rep. Harder is from Turlock and now lives in Tracy. His family has been part of the Central Valley community for generations.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Josh Harder (D), Kevin Lincoln (R), and John McBride (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Harder’s campaign has raised $1.5 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, or police interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Kevin Lincoln
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lincoln’s campaign has raised $300,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican John McBride
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McBride’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 9th Congressional District includes parts of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Stanislaus Counties.

Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 15% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: CD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 13 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 5 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 Josh Harder to keep CD-9 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Josh Harder’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to provide representative leadership for the constituents of CD-09 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. This is a seat that Republicans have prioritized to flip to maintain control of the House.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Harder has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Sierra Club Independent Action, and California Environmental Voters. In his 2022 campaign, he earned the endorsement of former President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, he has also received problematic endorsements in past campaigns, including from the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

Top issues: Workforce development and employment resources, campaign-finance reform, education affordability, and health-care access.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Harder’s priorities for CD-9 have included 22 bills about corporate accountability, artificial intelligence, workforce readiness, natural disaster protections, and agriculture. Nearly all of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to reduce emergency price-gouging from corporations, establish youth workforce development and apprenticeship programs, modernize agriculture and farming, increase the number of funded medical residency programs, and improve mental health care in schools and agricultural industries.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: No.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Harder currently sits on the Appropriations Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Harder has served in this congressional seat since 2020, when he won his election against a Republican challenger by 10 points. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 10 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Harder was a small-business leader before returning to his hometown to work as a junior-college business instructor. His younger brother has preexisting medical conditions, and he has cited his family’s experience with the health-care and health-insurance systems as a motivator for his continued advocacy and sponsorship of Medicare for All. Rep. Harder has made some contradictory legislative decisions, including failing to sign on as a co-sponsor of the 2022 H.R. 40 bill, which would begin the formal process of studying the case for reparations to Black Americans, despite indicating that he has been a lifelong proponent of social justice.

Other background: Rep. Harder is from Turlock and now lives in Tracy. His family has been part of the Central Valley community for generations.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Josh Harder (D), Kevin Lincoln (R), and John McBride (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Harder’s campaign has raised $1.5 million as of October 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, or police interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Kevin Lincoln
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lincoln’s campaign has raised $300,000 as of October 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican John McBride
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McBride’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 9th Congressional District includes parts of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Stanislaus Counties.

Voter registration: 43% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 15% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: CD-9 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 13 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 5 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.

10th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Mark DeSaulnier

Website

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters and Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 19 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.

Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord for more than 3 decades.

The Race

Primary election: There are 7 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D), Katherine Piccinini (R), and Nolan Chen (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $226,502 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the real estate industry.

Opposing candidate: Republican Nolan Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen has raised $2,850. However, his campaign is largely self-funded, and he has loaned $2,500 of his own money. No other candidate has filed any campaign receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.

Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.

The Position

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

The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters and Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 19 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.

Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord for more than 3 decades.

The Race

Primary election: There are 7 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D), Katherine Piccinini (R), and Nolan Chen (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $226,502 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the real estate industry.

Opposing candidate: Republican Nolan Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen has raised $2,850. However, his campaign is largely self-funded, and he has loaned $2,500 of his own money. No other candidate has filed any campaign receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.

Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.

The Position

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

The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mark DeSaulnier to keep CD-10 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-10 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. DeSaulnier has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters and Equality California.

Top issues: Health care, transportation and transit, and education and school services.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. DeSaulnier’s priorities for CD-10 have included 19 bills about health care for immunocompromised individuals and those with disabilities, improving education and school services, and developing sustainable and equitable transportation. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. DeSaulnier currently sits on 3 committees, including the House Ethics Committee, the Committee on Education and Labor, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. DeSaulnier has served in this congressional seat since 2014, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Green Party challenger by 58 points.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier was first a union member with Teamsters International and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International, and then a restaurant manager and owner. He maintains strong connections with organized labor. He was elected to the city council of Concord, CA, in 1991, served as mayor from 1993 to 1994, and was then appointed to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, on which he served until 2002. DeSaulnier was then elected to the California State Assembly for one year, followed by the state Senate for one year.

Other background: Rep. DeSaulnier is from Massachusetts and has lived in Concord for more than 3 decades.

The Race

Primary election: There are 7 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D), Katherine Piccinini (R), and Nolan Chen (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. DeSaulnier’s campaign has raised $226,502 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, and the real estate industry.

Opposing candidate: Republican Nolan Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen has raised $2,850. However, his campaign is largely self-funded, and he has loaned $2,500 of his own money. No other candidate has filed any campaign receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 10th Congressional District includes parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 13% Latino, 17% Asian, and 5% Black.

Recent election results: CD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 39 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.

The Position

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

The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.

State Assembly

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

State Assembly, 4th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to keep AD-4 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. While she has opposed some significant progressive legislation during her time in the Assembly, our analysis shows that she will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, California YIMBY, and California Federation of Labor AFL-CIO. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and State Controller Betty Yee. However, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including California Correctional Peace Officers Association and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Public health and health-care access, public education, agriculture, and climate protections.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Aguiar-Curry priorities for AD-4 have included 29 bills about health care, water and irrigation, disease prevention, gaming policy and agriculture. Of these, 16 have been successfully been chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to protect informed consent for residents of nursing facilities, including HPV vaccination in childhood vaccine requirements for school enrollment, and improving compliance with the California Global Warming Solutions Act. This year, she scored 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. Aguiar-Curry has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Aguiar-Curry has failed to cast a vote on many important pieces of legislation over the years, including bills to expand the Racial Justice Act, require corporations to annually report their emissions, prohibit the use of single-use packaging, require the granting of 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave, and protect owners and tenants against evictions. She has also voted against net neutrality, requirements to prevent air pollution, and low-income eviction protections.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is speaker pro-tempore of the Assembly and currently sits on four committees, including Agriculture, Emergency Management, Governmental Organization, and Health. She serves as chair of the Select Committee on Wine. Assm. Aguiar-Curry is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Aguiar-Curry was a water and agriculture consultant, an elected member of the Winters City Council, and the first woman to serve as mayor. She has also held a variety of local volunteer and leadership roles, including chair of the Yolo Housing Commission and vice chair of the Yolo County Water Commision. Historically, her family had strong connections to farming, and she still owns an 80-acre walnut orchard with her brothers. As mayor, she established an agricultural innovation hub, and in the Assembly, she has worked on several projects to protect environmental areas in her district.

Other background: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is from Yolo County.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Aguiar-Curry’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Assembly District includes parts of Yolo, Napa, Lake, Sonoma, and Colusa Counties.

Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 9% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: AD-4 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 Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to keep AD-4 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. While she has opposed some significant progressive legislation during her time in the Assembly, our analysis shows that she will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, California YIMBY, and California Federation of Labor AFL-CIO. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and State Controller Betty Yee. However, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including California Correctional Peace Officers Association and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Public health and health-care access, public education, agriculture, and climate protections.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Aguiar-Curry priorities for AD-4 have included 29 bills about health care, water and irrigation, disease prevention, gaming policy and agriculture. Of these, 16 have been successfully been chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to protect informed consent for residents of nursing facilities, including HPV vaccination in childhood vaccine requirements for school enrollment, and improving compliance with the California Global Warming Solutions Act. This year, she scored 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. Aguiar-Curry has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Aguiar-Curry has failed to cast a vote on many important pieces of legislation over the years, including bills to expand the Racial Justice Act, require corporations to annually report their emissions, prohibit the use of single-use packaging, require the granting of 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave, and protect owners and tenants against evictions. She has also voted against net neutrality, requirements to prevent air pollution, and low-income eviction protections.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is speaker pro-tempore of the Assembly and currently sits on four committees, including Agriculture, Emergency Management, Governmental Organization, and Health. She serves as chair of the Select Committee on Wine. Assm. Aguiar-Curry is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Aguiar-Curry was a water and agriculture consultant, an elected member of the Winters City Council, and the first woman to serve as mayor. She has also held a variety of local volunteer and leadership roles, including chair of the Yolo Housing Commission and vice chair of the Yolo County Water Commision. Historically, her family had strong connections to farming, and she still owns an 80-acre walnut orchard with her brothers. As mayor, she established an agricultural innovation hub, and in the Assembly, she has worked on several projects to protect environmental areas in her district.

Other background: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is from Yolo County.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Aguiar-Curry’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Assembly District includes parts of Yolo, Napa, Lake, Sonoma, and Colusa Counties.

Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 9% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: AD-4 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 Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to keep AD-4 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-4 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district. While she has opposed some significant progressive legislation during her time in the Assembly, our analysis shows that she will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if she is subjected to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, California YIMBY, and California Federation of Labor AFL-CIO. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and State Controller Betty Yee. However, she has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including California Correctional Peace Officers Association and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.

Top issues: Public health and health-care access, public education, agriculture, and climate protections.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Aguiar-Curry priorities for AD-4 have included 29 bills about health care, water and irrigation, disease prevention, gaming policy and agriculture. Of these, 16 have been successfully been chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to protect informed consent for residents of nursing facilities, including HPV vaccination in childhood vaccine requirements for school enrollment, and improving compliance with the California Global Warming Solutions Act. This year, she scored 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. Aguiar-Curry has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Aguiar-Curry has failed to cast a vote on many important pieces of legislation over the years, including bills to expand the Racial Justice Act, require corporations to annually report their emissions, prohibit the use of single-use packaging, require the granting of 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave, and protect owners and tenants against evictions. She has also voted against net neutrality, requirements to prevent air pollution, and low-income eviction protections.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is speaker pro-tempore of the Assembly and currently sits on four committees, including Agriculture, Emergency Management, Governmental Organization, and Health. She serves as chair of the Select Committee on Wine. Assm. Aguiar-Curry is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Aguiar-Curry has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 30 points.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assm. Aguiar-Curry was a water and agriculture consultant, an elected member of the Winters City Council, and the first woman to serve as mayor. She has also held a variety of local volunteer and leadership roles, including chair of the Yolo Housing Commission and vice chair of the Yolo County Water Commision. Historically, her family had strong connections to farming, and she still owns an 80-acre walnut orchard with her brothers. As mayor, she established an agricultural innovation hub, and in the Assembly, she has worked on several projects to protect environmental areas in her district.

Other background: Assm. Aguiar-Curry is from Yolo County.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Aguiar-Curry’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 4th Assembly District includes parts of Yolo, Napa, Lake, Sonoma, and Colusa Counties.

Voter registration: 49% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 9% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: AD-4 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, 9th District

Member of the State Assembly

No Recommendation

This district is a safe Republican seat in the 2024 election cycle with no Democratic challenger running in this race. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary: incumbent Assm. Heath Flora (R) and Tami Nobriga (I). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Flora’s campaign has raised $340,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Tami Nobriga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nobriga’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 9th Assembly District includes parts of San Joaquin, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, and Stanislaus Counties.

Voter registration: 33% Democrat, 40% Republican, and 19% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.

District demographics: 28% Latino, 6% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: AD-9 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 14 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 31 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.

This district is a safe Republican seat in the 2024 election cycle with no Democratic challenger running in this race. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary: incumbent Assm. Heath Flora (R) and Tami Nobriga (I). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Flora’s campaign has raised $340,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests.

Opposing candidate: Tami Nobriga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nobriga’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 9th Assembly District includes parts of San Joaquin, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, and Stanislaus Counties.

Voter registration: 33% Democrat, 40% Republican, and 19% No Party Preference. Republicans typically hold this district.

District demographics: 28% Latino, 6% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: AD-9 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2020 by 14 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 31 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, 10th District

Member of the State Assembly

No Recommendation

Based on our analysis, the two candidates for this position have distinct visions for this Safe Democratic district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.

Endorsements: Assm. Stephanie Nguyen has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, National Women’s Political Caucus California, and California Asian Chamber of Commerce. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Rep. Ami Bera, and Assm. Ash Kalra. However, she has received endorsements from problematic stakeholders, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen, Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Sacramento Police Officers Association, and Elk Grove Police Officers Association.

Vinaya Singh has not received the endorsement of any progressive groups. He is endorsed by Sacramento County GOP and California GOP.

Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Nguyen’s priorities for AD-10 have included 18 bills about crime and public safety, social equity services, health care, and housing. Of these, six have been successfully been chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and all others remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to expand training rotation options for resident doctors, amend the statewide alert system for a missing person under the age of 17, and redefine hate crimes as violent felonies. She scores a CS of 27 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a member of this year’s Hall of Shame for her dismal performance. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Nguyen has supported very few progressive bills that made it to a vote. This year, she failed to cast a vote on 30 of the bills evaluated for the scorecard, including legislation to increase charter school funding accountability, allow judges to recall sentences when there is a change in law after sentencing, and cap security deposits at no more than one month’s rent.

Singh has not held any community leadership positions before, but has focused his campaign on homelessness, limiting immigration, a law and order approach to public safety, improving public education, and college access.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Nguyen has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she was appointed to fill a seat on the Elk Grove City Council in 2017. During the 2018 election cycle, she won her District 4 seat on the council with over 64% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Nguyen was a member of the Elk Grove City Council, where she served a term as vice mayor. She is a career non-profit and foundation executive, and has led Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI) for the last 15 years, which provides workforce training, ESL, computer literacy, and job placement services to members of the API community. Assm. Nguyen’s husband is a police officer, and she has received significant campaign support from the law enforcement community.

Singh has not run for public office before.

Singh is a computer engineer and has worked for the Indian Space Research Organization and NASA. He immigrated to the United States in 1999, earned a PhD in Management, and has worked in IT and governance research. His campaign slogan is Make California Great Again, and he has focused his political interest on government corruption and a hawkish approach to crime and inflation.

Other background: Assm. Nguyen has lived in Elk Grove for nearly 20 years. She is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees.

Singh is from India, and became a US citizen in 2016.

The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Stephanie Nguyen (D), and Vinaya Singh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Nguyen’s campaign has raised $337,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Republican Vinaya Singh’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 10th Assembly District includes parts of Sacramento County.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 20% Latino, 27% Asian, and 16% Black.

Recent election results: AD-10 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 38 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 28 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, 11th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Lori Wilson

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Assemblymember Lori Wilson to keep AD-11 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Lori Wilson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-11 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wilson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Local government regulations, climate change and emissions reduction, homelessness and housing, youth development and mentoring, and farming and sustainability.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wilson’s priorities for AD-11 have included 31 bills about housing, climate protections, education, and utility accessibility. Of these, eight have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to support air quality management in the Bay Area, ban the use of facial-recognition software in police body cameras, and promote recognition of Black and women’s history events. She is the parent of a transgender child, and has been an outspoken advocate for the transgender community during her time in the Assembly. This session, she has authored AB957 to ensure that a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity and expression is considered in determinations of custody in family law proceedings. Assm. Wilson is also the author of ACA 8, which seeks to eliminate language that creates an exception for indentured servitude in the state constitution. She scores a CS of 84 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wilson has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. However, she failed to cast a vote on several important bills, including to increase worker protections during a business closure, to require oil well owners to fund decommission and restoration of the site, and to improve funding reporting requirements for charter schools.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wilson serves as the assistant majority whip of the State Assembly. She currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Local Government, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Accountability and Administrative Review. She is the chair of the Standing Committee on Transportation, and the Select Committee on Transportation and Emergency Preparedness. Assm. Wilson also serves as the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wilson has served in this assembly seat since April 2022, when she won a special election with over 93% of the vote. In November 2022, she won her first full general election term against an Independent challenger by 19 points.

Prior to running for office, Assm. Wilson worked as a director of finance, and used her professional understanding of fiscal policy to support fair-housing initiatives, economic improvements, and job growth in Suisun City. Wilson was elected to serve on the Suisun City Council in 2012, and acted as the vice mayor for six years. In 2018, she was elected to serve as mayor, and worked to improve economic conditions, establish pandemic health-care access, and end homelessness. Under Wilson’s leadership, Suisun City reduced its unemployment and maintained a rate that was consistently lower than the state average. She also created partnerships with local organizations to support individuals experiencing homelessness, to improve mental-health response times, and to house families affected by wildfires.

Other background: Assm. Lori Wilson is from Fresno and has lived in Suisun City for 18 years. Wilson was the first Black female mayor to serve in Solano County.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lori Wilson (D), David Ennis (R), Jeffrey Flack (D), and Wanda Wallace (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wilson’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 11th Assembly District includes parts of Solano, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 23% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 19% Latino, 15% Asian, and 15% Black.

Recent election results: AD-11 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 27 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 15 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 Lori Wilson to keep AD-11 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Lori Wilson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-11 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wilson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Local government regulations, climate change and emissions reduction, homelessness and housing, youth development and mentoring, and farming and sustainability.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wilson’s priorities for AD-11 have included 31 bills about housing, climate protections, education, and utility accessibility. Of these, eight have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to support air quality management in the Bay Area, ban the use of facial-recognition software in police body cameras, and promote recognition of Black and women’s history events. She is the parent of a transgender child, and has been an outspoken advocate for the transgender community during her time in the Assembly. This session, she has authored AB957 to ensure that a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity and expression is considered in determinations of custody in family law proceedings. Assm. Wilson is also the author of ACA 8, which seeks to eliminate language that creates an exception for indentured servitude in the state constitution. She scores a CS of 84 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wilson has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. However, she failed to cast a vote on several important bills, including to increase worker protections during a business closure, to require oil well owners to fund decommission and restoration of the site, and to improve funding reporting requirements for charter schools.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wilson serves as the assistant majority whip of the State Assembly. She currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Local Government, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Accountability and Administrative Review. She is the chair of the Standing Committee on Transportation, and the Select Committee on Transportation and Emergency Preparedness. Assm. Wilson also serves as the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wilson has served in this assembly seat since April 2022, when she won a special election with over 93% of the vote. In November 2022, she won her first full general election term against an Independent challenger by 19 points.

Prior to running for office, Assm. Wilson worked as a director of finance, and used her professional understanding of fiscal policy to support fair-housing initiatives, economic improvements, and job growth in Suisun City. Wilson was elected to serve on the Suisun City Council in 2012, and acted as the vice mayor for six years. In 2018, she was elected to serve as mayor, and worked to improve economic conditions, establish pandemic health-care access, and end homelessness. Under Wilson’s leadership, Suisun City reduced its unemployment and maintained a rate that was consistently lower than the state average. She also created partnerships with local organizations to support individuals experiencing homelessness, to improve mental-health response times, and to house families affected by wildfires.

Other background: Assm. Lori Wilson is from Fresno and has lived in Suisun City for 18 years. Wilson was the first Black female mayor to serve in Solano County.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lori Wilson (D), David Ennis (R), Jeffrey Flack (D), and Wanda Wallace (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wilson’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 11th Assembly District includes parts of Solano, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 23% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 19% Latino, 15% Asian, and 15% Black.

Recent election results: AD-11 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 27 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 15 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 Lori Wilson to keep AD-11 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Lori Wilson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-11 and will govern effectively in the best interest of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wilson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California.

Top issues: Local government regulations, climate change and emissions reduction, homelessness and housing, youth development and mentoring, and farming and sustainability.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wilson’s priorities for AD-11 have included 31 bills about housing, climate protections, education, and utility accessibility. Of these, eight have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to support air quality management in the Bay Area, ban the use of facial-recognition software in police body cameras, and promote recognition of Black and women’s history events. She is the parent of a transgender child, and has been an outspoken advocate for the transgender community during her time in the Assembly. This session, she has authored AB957 to ensure that a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity and expression is considered in determinations of custody in family law proceedings. Assm. Wilson is also the author of ACA 8, which seeks to eliminate language that creates an exception for indentured servitude in the state constitution. She scores a CS of 84 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wilson has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote. However, she failed to cast a vote on several important bills, including to increase worker protections during a business closure, to require oil well owners to fund decommission and restoration of the site, and to improve funding reporting requirements for charter schools.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wilson serves as the assistant majority whip of the State Assembly. She currently sits on 12 committees, including Appropriations, Banking & Finance, Local Government, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Accountability and Administrative Review. She is the chair of the Standing Committee on Transportation, and the Select Committee on Transportation and Emergency Preparedness. Assm. Wilson also serves as the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wilson has served in this assembly seat since April 2022, when she won a special election with over 93% of the vote. In November 2022, she won her first full general election term against an Independent challenger by 19 points.

Prior to running for office, Assm. Wilson worked as a director of finance, and used her professional understanding of fiscal policy to support fair-housing initiatives, economic improvements, and job growth in Suisun City. Wilson was elected to serve on the Suisun City Council in 2012, and acted as the vice mayor for six years. In 2018, she was elected to serve as mayor, and worked to improve economic conditions, establish pandemic health-care access, and end homelessness. Under Wilson’s leadership, Suisun City reduced its unemployment and maintained a rate that was consistently lower than the state average. She also created partnerships with local organizations to support individuals experiencing homelessness, to improve mental-health response times, and to house families affected by wildfires.

Other background: Assm. Lori Wilson is from Fresno and has lived in Suisun City for 18 years. Wilson was the first Black female mayor to serve in Solano County.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Lori Wilson (D), David Ennis (R), Jeffrey Flack (D), and Wanda Wallace (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wilson’s campaign has raised $465,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: None of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 11th Assembly District includes parts of Solano, Contra Costa, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 48% Democrat, 23% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 19% Latino, 15% Asian, and 15% Black.

Recent election results: AD-11 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 27 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 15 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, 12th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Damon Connolly

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Assemblymember Damon Connolly to keep AD-12 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Connolly’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Connolly has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, North Bay Labor Council, and Equality California.

Top issues: Infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, health care, public safety, and inclusion.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Connolly’s priorities for AD-12 have included 27 bills about environmental protections, wildfire resiliency, increased awareness for unique health conditions, and support for youth and young adults. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and all others remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase awareness and support of health conditions like Lupus and sustainable actions like composting. 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. Connolly has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote this year, and earned the designation of Honorable Mention.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Connolly currently sits on 5 committees, including the Agriculture, Budget, Environmental Safety, Utilities and Energy, and Judiciary committees. He is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Connolly has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with 52% of the vote.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Connolly served as a Marin County supervisor. He ran unopposed in 2018 and won over 98% of the vote. He won a seat on the San Rafael City Council in 2007, was re-elected in 2011, and served as vice mayor. Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council, Connolly was the Miller Creek Elementary School District Board president and a deputy attorney general. He served as the prosecuting attorney in cases the state brought against energy companies that took advantage during the 2000 energy crisis, and served as a founding board member for Marin Clean Energy. Beyond energy and climate work, Connolly has been involved with many local organizations, including Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Marin County Housing Authority, Marin Open Space District, and the Metropolitan Water Commission.

Other background: Assm. Connolly is from the Bay Area and has lived in San Rafael for over 25 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Damon Connolly (D), Eryn Cervantes (R), and Andrew Podshadley (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Connolly’s campaign has raised $372,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Andrew Podshadley
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Podshadley’s campaign has raised $3,100 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 12th Assembly District includes Marin County and parts of Sonoma and San Francisco Counties.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 12% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black.

Recent election results: AD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 52 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 Damon Connolly to keep AD-12 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Connolly’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Connolly has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, North Bay Labor Council, and Equality California.

Top issues: Infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, health care, public safety, and inclusion.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Connolly’s priorities for AD-12 have included 27 bills about environmental protections, wildfire resiliency, increased awareness for unique health conditions, and support for youth and young adults. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and all others remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase awareness and support of health conditions like Lupus and sustainable actions like composting. 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. Connolly has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote this year, and earned the designation of Honorable Mention.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Connolly currently sits on 5 committees, including the Agriculture, Budget, Environmental Safety, Utilities and Energy, and Judiciary committees. He is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Connolly has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with 52% of the vote.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Connolly served as a Marin County supervisor. He ran unopposed in 2018 and won over 98% of the vote. He won a seat on the San Rafael City Council in 2007, was re-elected in 2011, and served as vice mayor. Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council, Connolly was the Miller Creek Elementary School District Board president and a deputy attorney general. He served as the prosecuting attorney in cases the state brought against energy companies that took advantage during the 2000 energy crisis, and served as a founding board member for Marin Clean Energy. Beyond energy and climate work, Connolly has been involved with many local organizations, including Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Marin County Housing Authority, Marin Open Space District, and the Metropolitan Water Commission.

Other background: Assm. Connolly is from the Bay Area and has lived in San Rafael for over 25 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Damon Connolly (D), Eryn Cervantes (R), and Andrew Podshadley (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Connolly’s campaign has raised $372,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Andrew Podshadley
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Podshadley’s campaign has raised $3,100 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 12th Assembly District includes Marin County and parts of Sonoma and San Francisco Counties.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 12% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black.

Recent election results: AD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 52 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 Damon Connolly to keep AD-12 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Connolly’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-12 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Connolly has received the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, North Bay Labor Council, and Equality California.

Top issues: Infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, health care, public safety, and inclusion.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Connolly’s priorities for AD-12 have included 27 bills about environmental protections, wildfire resiliency, increased awareness for unique health conditions, and support for youth and young adults. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and all others remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase awareness and support of health conditions like Lupus and sustainable actions like composting. 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. Connolly has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote this year, and earned the designation of Honorable Mention.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Connolly currently sits on 5 committees, including the Agriculture, Budget, Environmental Safety, Utilities and Energy, and Judiciary committees. He is also a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Connolly has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with 52% of the vote.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Connolly served as a Marin County supervisor. He ran unopposed in 2018 and won over 98% of the vote. He won a seat on the San Rafael City Council in 2007, was re-elected in 2011, and served as vice mayor. Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors and the City Council, Connolly was the Miller Creek Elementary School District Board president and a deputy attorney general. He served as the prosecuting attorney in cases the state brought against energy companies that took advantage during the 2000 energy crisis, and served as a founding board member for Marin Clean Energy. Beyond energy and climate work, Connolly has been involved with many local organizations, including Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Marin County Housing Authority, Marin Open Space District, and the Metropolitan Water Commission.

Other background: Assm. Connolly is from the Bay Area and has lived in San Rafael for over 25 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Assm. Damon Connolly (D), Eryn Cervantes (R), and Andrew Podshadley (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Connolly’s campaign has raised $372,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Andrew Podshadley
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Podshadley’s campaign has raised $3,100 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 12th Assembly District includes Marin County and parts of Sonoma and San Francisco Counties.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 12% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black.

Recent election results: AD-12 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 52 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, 15th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Monica Wilson

Website Endorsements

Courage California endorses Monica Wilson for State Assembly to put AD-15 on the right track for progress.

Monica Wilson’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wilson has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Courage California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like SEIU, United Healthcare Workers West, Contra Costa Labor Council, California Faculty Association, and AFSCME.

Electoral history: Wilson has run for City Council in her home community of Antioch, and was recently reelected to her fourth term with 35% of the vote. She was the first African American woman elected to Antioch City Council. Wilson also ran for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in 2016 but did not win.

Top issues: Police reform, housing, and mental health.

Priority bills: As an Antioch City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat homelessness, enact police reform, and protect the environment. She advocated for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for homeless shelters, additional temporary and semi-permanent housing options, and hiring of a homeless outreach coordinator, and voted in favor of a rent-stabilization ordinance. Wilson has also championed expansion of mental-health response teams, bans on new liquor stores in underserved neighborhoods, and addressing racial disparities in education and healthcare. In the wake of the recent Antioch Police Department racist text messaging scandal, she called for staff and equity audits for the Department.

Governance and community leadership experience: Monica Wilson is a City Councilmember in the city of Antioch, which she does to fight rising homelessness, housing costs, and cost of living. She has been a longtime supporter of protections from sexual exploitation. She helped to found Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Task Force with the district attorney. Alongside her work in the public sphere, she worked as a senior program manager with Love Never Fails, a nonprofit providing support to survivors of human trafficking.

Other background: Wilson is from Washington, DC. She received her BS in business from Howard University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

The Race

Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Monica Wilson (D), Sonia Ledo (R), Karen Mitchoff (D), and Anamarie Avila Farias (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Monica Wilson’s campaign has raised $192,741 and is not funded by the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, corporate PACs, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Karen Mitchoff and Anamarie Avila Farias
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mitchoff’s campaign has raised $56,000 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has received over $20,000 from fossil fuel interests—over a third of her total donations. Farias’ campaign has raised $32,724 and is funded by the real estate industry and the police.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 15th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 13% Asian, and 11% Black.

Recent election results: AD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 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.

Courage California endorses Monica Wilson for State Assembly to put AD-15 on the right track for progress.

Monica Wilson’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wilson has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Courage California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like SEIU, United Healthcare Workers West, Contra Costa Labor Council, California Faculty Association, and AFSCME.

Electoral history: Wilson has run for City Council in her home community of Antioch, and was recently reelected to her fourth term with 35% of the vote. She was the first African American woman elected to Antioch City Council. Wilson also ran for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in 2016 but did not win.

Top issues: Police reform, housing, and mental health.

Priority bills: As an Antioch City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat homelessness, enact police reform, and protect the environment. She advocated for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for homeless shelters, additional temporary and semi-permanent housing options, and hiring of a homeless outreach coordinator, and voted in favor of a rent-stabilization ordinance. Wilson has also championed expansion of mental-health response teams, bans on new liquor stores in underserved neighborhoods, and addressing racial disparities in education and healthcare. In the wake of the recent Antioch Police Department racist text messaging scandal, she called for staff and equity audits for the Department.

Governance and community leadership experience: Monica Wilson is a City Councilmember in the city of Antioch, which she does to fight rising homelessness, housing costs, and cost of living. She has been a longtime supporter of protections from sexual exploitation. She helped to found Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Task Force with the district attorney. Alongside her work in the public sphere, she worked as a senior program manager with Love Never Fails, a nonprofit providing support to survivors of human trafficking.

Other background: Wilson is from Washington, DC. She received her BS in business from Howard University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

The Race

Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Monica Wilson (D), Sonia Ledo (R), Karen Mitchoff (D), and Anamarie Avila Farias (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Monica Wilson’s campaign has raised $192,741 and is not funded by the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, corporate PACs, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Karen Mitchoff and Anamarie Avila Farias
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mitchoff’s campaign has raised $56,000 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has received over $20,000 from fossil fuel interests—over a third of her total donations. Farias’ campaign has raised $32,724 and is funded by the real estate industry and the police.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 15th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 13% Asian, and 11% Black.

Recent election results: AD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 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.

Endorsed By: Courage California

Courage California endorses Monica Wilson for State Assembly to put AD-15 on the right track for progress.

Monica Wilson’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wilson has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Planned Parenthood, Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Evolve California, Courage California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like SEIU, United Healthcare Workers West, Contra Costa Labor Council, California Faculty Association, and AFSCME.

Electoral history: Wilson has run for City Council in her home community of Antioch, and was recently reelected to her fourth term with 35% of the vote. She was the first African American woman elected to Antioch City Council. Wilson also ran for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in 2016 but did not win.

Top issues: Police reform, housing, and mental health.

Priority bills: As an Antioch City Councilmember, she has been a strong supporter of action to combat homelessness, enact police reform, and protect the environment. She advocated for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for homeless shelters, additional temporary and semi-permanent housing options, and hiring of a homeless outreach coordinator, and voted in favor of a rent-stabilization ordinance. Wilson has also championed expansion of mental-health response teams, bans on new liquor stores in underserved neighborhoods, and addressing racial disparities in education and healthcare. In the wake of the recent Antioch Police Department racist text messaging scandal, she called for staff and equity audits for the Department.

Governance and community leadership experience: Monica Wilson is a City Councilmember in the city of Antioch, which she does to fight rising homelessness, housing costs, and cost of living. She has been a longtime supporter of protections from sexual exploitation. She helped to found Contra Costa’s Human Trafficking Task Force with the district attorney. Alongside her work in the public sphere, she worked as a senior program manager with Love Never Fails, a nonprofit providing support to survivors of human trafficking.

Other background: Wilson is from Washington, DC. She received her BS in business from Howard University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.

The Race

Primary election: There are 4 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Monica Wilson (D), Sonia Ledo (R), Karen Mitchoff (D), and Anamarie Avila Farias (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Monica Wilson’s campaign has raised $192,741 and is not funded by the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, corporate PACs, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Karen Mitchoff and Anamarie Avila Farias
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mitchoff’s campaign has raised $56,000 and is funded by corporate PACs and the fossil fuel industry. She has received over $20,000 from fossil fuel interests—over a third of her total donations. Farias’ campaign has raised $32,724 and is funded by the real estate industry and the police.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 15th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 22% Latino, 13% Asian, and 11% Black.

Recent election results: AD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 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.

Endorsed By: Courage California

State Senator, 3rd District

Member of the State Senate

Democrat

Jackie Elward

Website Endorsements

Courage California endorses Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

Elward’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-3 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elward has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, California Environmental Voters, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Damon Connolly, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and several local county supervisors, city councilmembers, and education leaders.

Electoral history: Elward ran for Rohnert City Council in 2018, but lost after only earning 18% of the vote. She ran again in 2020 and was elected with over 56% of the vote. She has served a term as mayor.

Top issues: Education, affordable housing development, homelessness, mental health services, climate justice, support organized labor, public safety, and civil rights advocacy.

Priority bills: As a member of the Rohnert Park City Council, Elward has been a strong supporter of efforts to complete a 60-unit housing project for the local homeless community, and increase development in the downtown area. During her time as mayor, she also moved forward a police accountability initiative, which included the appointment of an independent auditor, crisis-management training, and use-of-force training. She also serves as the Council’s liaison to several local initiatives, including Sonoma Clean Power Authority, Sonoma County Continuum of Care, Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, and Waste and Recycling.

Governance and community leadership experience: Along with her City Council work, Elward is an educator and an activist, which she does to bring leadership to her local community. She has served as a teacher and staff member at Santa Rosa French American Charter School for several years. Elward is also the founder of Les Enfants Baobab, which is a non-profit organization designed to provide resources, including education and clothing, to students in Kinshasa, where she lived and studied.

Other background: Elward is from Democratic Republic of Congo, and immigrated to the United States in the early aughts. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Rohnert Park City Council, and the first Black female immigrant to serve as mayor.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jackie Elward (D), Thomas Bogue (R), Christopher Cabaldon (D), Jimih Jones (R), and Rozzana Verder-Aliga (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elward’s campaign has raised $132,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Christopher Cabaldon
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cabaldon’s campaign has raised $214,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Rozzana Verder-Aliga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Verder-Aliga’s campaign has raised $342,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 3rd State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 21% Latino, 13% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: SD-3 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 23 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 Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

Elward’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-3 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elward has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, California Environmental Voters, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Damon Connolly, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and several local county supervisors, city councilmembers, and education leaders.

Electoral history: Elward ran for Rohnert City Council in 2018, but lost after only earning 18% of the vote. She ran again in 2020 and was elected with over 56% of the vote. She has served a term as mayor.

Top issues: Education, affordable housing development, homelessness, mental health services, climate justice, support organized labor, public safety, and civil rights advocacy.

Priority bills: As a member of the Rohnert Park City Council, Elward has been a strong supporter of efforts to complete a 60-unit housing project for the local homeless community, and increase development in the downtown area. During her time as mayor, she also moved forward a police accountability initiative, which included the appointment of an independent auditor, crisis-management training, and use-of-force training. She also serves as the Council’s liaison to several local initiatives, including Sonoma Clean Power Authority, Sonoma County Continuum of Care, Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, and Waste and Recycling.

Governance and community leadership experience: Along with her City Council work, Elward is an educator and an activist, which she does to bring leadership to her local community. She has served as a teacher and staff member at Santa Rosa French American Charter School for several years. Elward is also the founder of Les Enfants Baobab, which is a non-profit organization designed to provide resources, including education and clothing, to students in Kinshasa, where she lived and studied.

Other background: Elward is from Democratic Republic of Congo, and immigrated to the United States in the early aughts. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Rohnert Park City Council, and the first Black female immigrant to serve as mayor.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jackie Elward (D), Thomas Bogue (R), Christopher Cabaldon (D), Jimih Jones (R), and Rozzana Verder-Aliga (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elward’s campaign has raised $132,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Christopher Cabaldon
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cabaldon’s campaign has raised $214,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Rozzana Verder-Aliga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Verder-Aliga’s campaign has raised $342,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 3rd State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 21% Latino, 13% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: SD-3 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 23 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 Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

Elward’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-3 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elward has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, California Environmental Voters, and Working Families Party. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assm. Damon Connolly, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and several local county supervisors, city councilmembers, and education leaders.

Electoral history: Elward ran for Rohnert City Council in 2018, but lost after only earning 18% of the vote. She ran again in 2020 and was elected with over 56% of the vote. She has served a term as mayor.

Top issues: Education, affordable housing development, homelessness, mental health services, climate justice, support organized labor, public safety, and civil rights advocacy.

Priority bills: As a member of the Rohnert Park City Council, Elward has been a strong supporter of efforts to complete a 60-unit housing project for the local homeless community, and increase development in the downtown area. During her time as mayor, she also moved forward a police accountability initiative, which included the appointment of an independent auditor, crisis-management training, and use-of-force training. She also serves as the Council’s liaison to several local initiatives, including Sonoma Clean Power Authority, Sonoma County Continuum of Care, Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, and Waste and Recycling.

Governance and community leadership experience: Along with her City Council work, Elward is an educator and an activist, which she does to bring leadership to her local community. She has served as a teacher and staff member at Santa Rosa French American Charter School for several years. Elward is also the founder of Les Enfants Baobab, which is a non-profit organization designed to provide resources, including education and clothing, to students in Kinshasa, where she lived and studied.

Other background: Elward is from Democratic Republic of Congo, and immigrated to the United States in the early aughts. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Rohnert Park City Council, and the first Black female immigrant to serve as mayor.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jackie Elward (D), Thomas Bogue (R), Christopher Cabaldon (D), Jimih Jones (R), and Rozzana Verder-Aliga (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elward’s campaign has raised $132,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Christopher Cabaldon
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Cabaldon’s campaign has raised $214,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Democrat Rozzana Verder-Aliga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Verder-Aliga’s campaign has raised $342,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 3rd State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Sacramento Counties.

Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 22% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 21% Latino, 13% Asian, and 9% Black.

Recent election results: SD-3 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 23 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

County District Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.

Contra Costa County, District 5

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, District 5

Non-Partisan

Shanelle Scales-Preston

Website Endorsements

Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.

Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.

Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.

Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.

Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.

Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. 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: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

The District

County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.

Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.

Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.

Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.

Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.

Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.

Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. 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: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

The District

County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.

Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.

Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.

Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.

Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.

Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.

Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. 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: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.

The District

County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.

Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Sacramento County, District 4

Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Non-Partisan

Braden Murphy

Website Endorsements

Elect Braden Murphy for Supervisor to put Sacramento County on the right track for progress.

Braden Murphy’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Sacramento County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Murphy has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, California Democratic Renters Council, Wellstone Progressive Democrats of Sacramento, and ACCE Action. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Citrus Heights Councilwoman Porsche Middleton, and Folsom Cordova School Board Member Kara Lofthouse.

Electoral history: Murphy ran for the California State Board of Equalization District 1 seat in 2022. He came in third with 14% of the vote, and did not advance beyond the primary.

Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, homelessness and affordable housing, and infrastructure repairs.

Governance and community leadership experience: Murphy was born with cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for universal health care and universal early-childhood education. His platform focuses on providing a living wage to all residents of the county, and ensuring that the region has adequate and affordable housing options. He would also work to address mental health care supports, particularly in county jail facilities, and to ensure that municipal services are funded and managed. In previous campaigns, Murphy has spoken about how the failure to transition to universal health care and education policy models can limit the capacity of families and individuals with disabilities to transition to a middle-class lifestyle. He would bring this knowledge to his equity efforts as an elected official.

Other background: Murphy is from Folsom.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Braden Murphy and Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriguez. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Braden Murphy’s campaign has raised $2,300 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Mayor Rosario Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $16,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Sacramento County is California’s eighth most populous county. District 4 includes Antelope, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Orangevale, Rancho Murieta, and Rio Linda.

Governance structure: Sacramento County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.5 million people and manages an estimated budget of $8.8 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Sacramento County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the county executive, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Braden Murphy for Supervisor to put Sacramento County on the right track for progress.

Braden Murphy’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Sacramento County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Murphy has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, California Democratic Renters Council, Wellstone Progressive Democrats of Sacramento, and ACCE Action. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Citrus Heights Councilwoman Porsche Middleton, and Folsom Cordova School Board Member Kara Lofthouse.

Electoral history: Murphy ran for the California State Board of Equalization District 1 seat in 2022. He came in third with 14% of the vote, and did not advance beyond the primary.

Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, homelessness and affordable housing, and infrastructure repairs.

Governance and community leadership experience: Murphy was born with cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for universal health care and universal early-childhood education. His platform focuses on providing a living wage to all residents of the county, and ensuring that the region has adequate and affordable housing options. He would also work to address mental health care supports, particularly in county jail facilities, and to ensure that municipal services are funded and managed. In previous campaigns, Murphy has spoken about how the failure to transition to universal health care and education policy models can limit the capacity of families and individuals with disabilities to transition to a middle-class lifestyle. He would bring this knowledge to his equity efforts as an elected official.

Other background: Murphy is from Folsom.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Braden Murphy and Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriguez. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Braden Murphy’s campaign has raised $2,300 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Mayor Rosario Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $16,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Sacramento County is California’s eighth most populous county. District 4 includes Antelope, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Orangevale, Rancho Murieta, and Rio Linda.

Governance structure: Sacramento County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.5 million people and manages an estimated budget of $8.8 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Sacramento County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the county executive, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Braden Murphy for Supervisor to put Sacramento County on the right track for progress.

Braden Murphy’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Sacramento County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Murphy has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, California Democratic Renters Council, Wellstone Progressive Democrats of Sacramento, and ACCE Action. He has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Citrus Heights Councilwoman Porsche Middleton, and Folsom Cordova School Board Member Kara Lofthouse.

Electoral history: Murphy ran for the California State Board of Equalization District 1 seat in 2022. He came in third with 14% of the vote, and did not advance beyond the primary.

Top issues: Economic growth and job creation, homelessness and affordable housing, and infrastructure repairs.

Governance and community leadership experience: Murphy was born with cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for universal health care and universal early-childhood education. His platform focuses on providing a living wage to all residents of the county, and ensuring that the region has adequate and affordable housing options. He would also work to address mental health care supports, particularly in county jail facilities, and to ensure that municipal services are funded and managed. In previous campaigns, Murphy has spoken about how the failure to transition to universal health care and education policy models can limit the capacity of families and individuals with disabilities to transition to a middle-class lifestyle. He would bring this knowledge to his equity efforts as an elected official.

Other background: Murphy is from Folsom.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Braden Murphy and Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriguez. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Braden Murphy’s campaign has raised $2,300 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Mayor Rosario Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Rodriguez’s campaign has raised $16,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Sacramento County is California’s eighth most populous county. District 4 includes Antelope, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Orangevale, Rancho Murieta, and Rio Linda.

Governance structure: Sacramento County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.5 million people and manages an estimated budget of $8.8 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Sacramento County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the county executive, who acts as their agent.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Solano County, District 1

Solano County Board of Supervisors, District 1

Non-Partisan

Cassandra James

Website Endorsements

Elect Cassandra James for Supervisor to put Solano County on the right track for progress.

Cassandra James’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Solano County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: James has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Safer California PAC, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, and Bay Rising Action. She has also received many community leaders, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Assm. Mia Bonta, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, and Suisun City Vice Mayor Princess Washington.

Electoral history: James has not run for public office previously.

Top issues: Economic growth, homelessness and housing, creating pathways to the middle class, and equitable distribution of resources.

Governance and community leadership experience: James is a housing advocate, which she does to connect local residents to the resources they need to live with dignity in their community. She currently serves as a specialist in the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, where she has worked to provide local community members with emergency rental assistance, access to food and medicine, and safety from domestic violence. James sees the connection between the economic disparity experienced by her clients and the wealth enjoyed by many landlords and homeowners, and has learned how to leverage her multimillion-dollar budget and authority to advocate for resources and support. Prior to her work with the Mayor’s Office, James worked as a crisis intervention specialist and a health worker, which allowed her to build a stronger understanding of the criminal justice system and the various barriers to housing access. She has been an active member of her local political community, and currently serves as vice chair of the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, and vice president of the Solano-Napa Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action. James represented District 1 on the 2021 Solano County Redistricting Advisory Committee.

Other background: James is from San Francisco and has lived in Vallejo for over 13 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Cassandra James and Michael Wilson. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: James’s campaign has raised $40,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Solano County is California’s 19th most populous county. District 1 includes the northern portions of Vallejo.

Governance structure: Solano County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 450,000 people and manages an estimated budget of $1.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Solano County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which serves as the legislature and works in coordination with several other elected officials, including the sheriff-coroner, district attorney, assessor, auditor-controller, and treasurer.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Cassandra James for Supervisor to put Solano County on the right track for progress.

Cassandra James’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Solano County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: James has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Safer California PAC, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, and Bay Rising Action. She has also received many community leaders, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Assm. Mia Bonta, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, and Suisun City Vice Mayor Princess Washington.

Electoral history: James has not run for public office previously.

Top issues: Economic growth, homelessness and housing, creating pathways to the middle class, and equitable distribution of resources.

Governance and community leadership experience: James is a housing advocate, which she does to connect local residents to the resources they need to live with dignity in their community. She currently serves as a specialist in the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, where she has worked to provide local community members with emergency rental assistance, access to food and medicine, and safety from domestic violence. James sees the connection between the economic disparity experienced by her clients and the wealth enjoyed by many landlords and homeowners, and has learned how to leverage her multimillion-dollar budget and authority to advocate for resources and support. Prior to her work with the Mayor’s Office, James worked as a crisis intervention specialist and a health worker, which allowed her to build a stronger understanding of the criminal justice system and the various barriers to housing access. She has been an active member of her local political community, and currently serves as vice chair of the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, and vice president of the Solano-Napa Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action. James represented District 1 on the 2021 Solano County Redistricting Advisory Committee.

Other background: James is from San Francisco and has lived in Vallejo for over 13 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Cassandra James and Michael Wilson. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: James’s campaign has raised $40,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Solano County is California’s 19th most populous county. District 1 includes the northern portions of Vallejo.

Governance structure: Solano County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 450,000 people and manages an estimated budget of $1.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Solano County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which serves as the legislature and works in coordination with several other elected officials, including the sheriff-coroner, district attorney, assessor, auditor-controller, and treasurer.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Elect Cassandra James for Supervisor to put Solano County on the right track for progress.

Cassandra James’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Solano County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: James has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Safer California PAC, Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, and Bay Rising Action. She has also received many community leaders, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Assm. Mia Bonta, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, and Suisun City Vice Mayor Princess Washington.

Electoral history: James has not run for public office previously.

Top issues: Economic growth, homelessness and housing, creating pathways to the middle class, and equitable distribution of resources.

Governance and community leadership experience: James is a housing advocate, which she does to connect local residents to the resources they need to live with dignity in their community. She currently serves as a specialist in the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, where she has worked to provide local community members with emergency rental assistance, access to food and medicine, and safety from domestic violence. James sees the connection between the economic disparity experienced by her clients and the wealth enjoyed by many landlords and homeowners, and has learned how to leverage her multimillion-dollar budget and authority to advocate for resources and support. Prior to her work with the Mayor’s Office, James worked as a crisis intervention specialist and a health worker, which allowed her to build a stronger understanding of the criminal justice system and the various barriers to housing access. She has been an active member of her local political community, and currently serves as vice chair of the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, and vice president of the Solano-Napa Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action. James represented District 1 on the 2021 Solano County Redistricting Advisory Committee.

Other background: James is from San Francisco and has lived in Vallejo for over 13 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary: Cassandra James and Michael Wilson. A candidate can win this race outright in the primary if they receive more than 50% of the vote.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: James’s campaign has raised $40,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Michael Wilson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Wilson’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate interests.

The District

County: Solano County is California’s 19th most populous county. District 1 includes the northern portions of Vallejo.

Governance structure: Solano County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 450,000 people and manages an estimated budget of $1.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Solano County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which serves as the legislature and works in coordination with several other elected officials, including the sheriff-coroner, district attorney, assessor, auditor-controller, and treasurer.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities, which are administered by their own city councils, and unincorporated areas, which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition #1

No Position

Vote on Proposition 1

Proposition 1 will establish a $6.4 billion bond to fund an increase in the number of treatment beds and housing units the state provides to individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, and to direct counties to reallocate their Mental Health Services Act funding to address the local housing shortage.

In an effort to address an ongoing housing shortage and addiction crisis in the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills—SB326 and AB531—to send a $6.4 billion bond measure to voters in March. This bond would be used to increase capacity in health care and housing across the state by adding 6,800 behavioral health treatment beds, building 4,300 housing units, and creating 26,000 outpatient treatment slots for Californians. Proposition 1 would also require each county to redirect 30% of its Mental Health Services Act funding to housing, including creating new real estate development, and the provision of rental subsidies. Mental Health Services Act funds are raised through a tax on millionaires in the state, and the reallocated portion is expected to total $1 billion annually across the state. Overall, Proposition 1 aims to reduce homelessness and tent encampments, and provide support to individuals who do not have the resources to address behavioral health challenges.

Top support for Proposition 1:

- The legislation that sent Proposition 1 to voters received overwhelming support from the state legislature. SB326 received a unanimous floor vote in the Senate, and earned 68 floor votes in the Assembly. AB531 received 35 floor votes in the Senate, and 66 floor votes in the Assembly.
- YES ON 1 has received over $10.7 million in donations, primarily through Yes on Prop 1—Governor Newsom’s Ballot Measure Committee. The committee has received donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association Truth in American Government Fund, AirBnB, Google, and PG&E.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has enthusiastically supported Proposition 1, arguing that the establishment of more treatment options and housing units has the potential to have a significant impact on marginalized populations within the state over time, and is a humane approach to this ongoing public health crisis.

Top opposition to Proposition 1:

- Groups like Disability Rights California and the League of Women Voters California are concerned that this policy could be interpreted to permit involuntary treatment of mental health and addiction patients in locked facilities. They argue that this aspect of the bill is regressive and is the result of hasty passage, a lack of meaningful legislative debate, and limited input from community groups. Republican activist Carl DeMaio, his conservative PAC Reform California, and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are also opposing Proposition 1.
- Some housing and homeless advocates have criticized Proposition 1’s narrow projected impact on a statewide homeless population that is estimated to include 180,000 people. With over half of the proposed new housing units earmarked for veterans, the number of homeless civilians who will benefit from this program is statistically insignificant.
- Proposition 1 has raised concerns among opponents—including several counties and county leaders—around its mandate that 30% of county Mental Health Services Act funding be allocated to address local housing shortages. Stripping funding out of this budget line to fund housing programs will disrupt existing and effective county mental health programs, many of which are tailored to serve marginalized local populations, including Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color.

Proposition 1 will establish a $6.4 billion bond to fund an increase in the number of treatment beds and housing units the state provides to individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, and to direct counties to reallocate their Mental Health Services Act funding to address the local housing shortage.

In an effort to address an ongoing housing shortage and addiction crisis in the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills—SB326 and AB531—to send a $6.4 billion bond measure to voters in March. This bond would be used to increase capacity in health care and housing across the state by adding 6,800 behavioral health treatment beds, building 4,300 housing units, and creating 26,000 outpatient treatment slots for Californians. Proposition 1 would also require each county to redirect 30% of its Mental Health Services Act funding to housing, including creating new real estate development, and the provision of rental subsidies. Mental Health Services Act funds are raised through a tax on millionaires in the state, and the reallocated portion is expected to total $1 billion annually across the state. Overall, Proposition 1 aims to reduce homelessness and tent encampments, and provide support to individuals who do not have the resources to address behavioral health challenges.

Top support for Proposition 1:

- The legislation that sent Proposition 1 to voters received overwhelming support from the state legislature. SB326 received a unanimous floor vote in the Senate, and earned 68 floor votes in the Assembly. AB531 received 35 floor votes in the Senate, and 66 floor votes in the Assembly.
- YES ON 1 has received over $10.7 million in donations, primarily through Yes on Prop 1—Governor Newsom’s Ballot Measure Committee. The committee has received donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association Truth in American Government Fund, AirBnB, Google, and PG&E.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has enthusiastically supported Proposition 1, arguing that the establishment of more treatment options and housing units has the potential to have a significant impact on marginalized populations within the state over time, and is a humane approach to this ongoing public health crisis.

Top opposition to Proposition 1:

- Groups like Disability Rights California and the League of Women Voters California are concerned that this policy could be interpreted to permit involuntary treatment of mental health and addiction patients in locked facilities. They argue that this aspect of the bill is regressive and is the result of hasty passage, a lack of meaningful legislative debate, and limited input from community groups. Republican activist Carl DeMaio, his conservative PAC Reform California, and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are also opposing Proposition 1.
- Some housing and homeless advocates have criticized Proposition 1’s narrow projected impact on a statewide homeless population that is estimated to include 180,000 people. With over half of the proposed new housing units earmarked for veterans, the number of homeless civilians who will benefit from this program is statistically insignificant.
- Proposition 1 has raised concerns among opponents—including several counties and county leaders—around its mandate that 30% of county Mental Health Services Act funding be allocated to address local housing shortages. Stripping funding out of this budget line to fund housing programs will disrupt existing and effective county mental health programs, many of which are tailored to serve marginalized local populations, including Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color.

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Jackie Elward

Courage California endorses Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Courage California endorses Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Selected Endorsements

Jackie Elward

Courage California endorses Jackie Elward for State Senate to put SD-3 on the right track for progress.

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Selected Endorsements

3rd Senate District

Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.

The Race

The Position

Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.

The Race

The Position

Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.

The Race

The 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

The Candidates

The District

The 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

The Candidates

The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative Mike Thompson to keep CD-4 on the right track for progress.

The Race

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The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

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Re-elect Congressional Representative Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

The Race

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Re-elect Congressional Representative Doris Matsui to keep CD-7 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

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Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

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Re-elect Congressional Representative Josh Harder to keep CD-9 on the right track for progress.

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The District

The Position

Re-elect Congressional Representative Josh Harder to keep CD-9 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District