Lena Gonzalez (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.

City of Long Beach, District 6

Depending on where you live, you may have the below city district races on your ballot.

Long Beach City Council, District 6

Non-Partisan

Suely Saro

Website

Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.

Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.

Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.

Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.

Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

The District

City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.

Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.

The Position

Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Long Beach are ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.

Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.

Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.

Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.

Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

The District

City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.

Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.

The Position

Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Long Beach are ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

Councilmember Suely Saro’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of City Council District 6 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Councilmember Saro has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Dems of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO.

Top issues: Economic development and opportunities, pandemic recovery, housing solutions and livable neighborhoods, improving infrastructure and public safety, protecting the environment, and promoting health equity and accessibility.

Key initiatives: Councilmember Saro has worked with the city’s Economic Development Department to provide more support to local businesses during their COVID-19 recovery, create coalitions across neighborhoods to improve collaboration, and operationalize a $14.5 million discretionary funds distribution from State Sen. Lena Gonzalez. Although Long Beach has the largest Cambodian population outside Cambodia, Councilmember Saro is the first Cambodian American to serve on the Long Beach City Council, and has been a strong advocate of investing in the city’s cultural heritage and honoring the immigrant experience. She has worked to develop a cultural vision plan to provide a framework for funding culture-based centers and events, and has brought her background in labor organizing, youth development, and economic mobility to her work on the City Council.

Governance and community leadership experience: Councilmember Saro has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 59% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the City Council, Councilmember Saro was the first Cambodian American executive director of Khmer Girls in Action. She later advocated for health equity through the Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles, and co-founded and served as board chair for Women for Women Foundation, which works toward economic security and disability access for Cambodians. She is a longtime supporter of labor rights and public safety, having previously served as chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission. She currently serves as board chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Professional Network in Long Beach.

Other background: Councilmember Saron is a longtime resident of Long Beach. She was born to parents who survived the Cambodian genocide and found refuge in Southern California. She holds a doctorate in Education and Organizational Leadership and has been an adjunct faculty member at CSU Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Councilmember Surely Saro, Shayne Whitehead, and Cristino Pinto. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5, unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Councilmember Saro’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two challengers in this race have not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the city as of December 2023.

The District

City: Long Beach is Los Angeles County’s second most populous city. Long Beach’s City Council District 6 includes the communities of St. Mary’s, Hellman, Central, Sunrise, Southeast Wrigley, and Memorial Heights.

Governance structure: Long Beach City Council oversees the needs of 465,000 people and manages an estimated operating budget of $3.2 billion annually. Long Beach is managed by a council-manager-structured government.

The Position

Incorporated cities in California are generally governed by a five-person city council, although Long Beach maintains a 9 district city council and a mayoral seat. A city council is responsible for establishing policy, passing local laws (called ordinances), voting on budget appropriations, and developing an overall vision for the city. City council members in Long Beach are ‎limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.

State Senator, 33rd District

California's 33rd Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County. Notable cities within the district include the Los Angeles County cities and communities of Bell Gardens, Vernon, and most of Long Beach. Democrats typically hold this district. The most recent election results show SD-33 voted for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016 and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2018 by large margins.

Member of the State Senate

Democrat

Lena Gonzalez

Website

All-Star

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.

Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.

Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.

Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.

Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.

District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.

Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.

The Position

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

The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.

Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.

Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.

Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.

Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.

District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.

Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.

The Position

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

The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

Sen. Gonzalez’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-33 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Sen. Gonzalez has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Environmental protections, clean energy infrastructure, public services, economic growth, housing insecurity and affordability, mental health care, college access, and labor and employment protections.

Priority bills: This year, Sen. Gonzalez’s priorities for SD-33 have included 25 bills about climate and air pollution protections, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainability, and labor protections. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation that increases the number of sick days for most California from three to five and requires corporations with more than $1 billion in revenue that operate in California to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. She scores a Lifetime CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Gonzalez has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star.

Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Gonzalez currently sits on seven committees, including Energy, Utilities, and Communication, Environmental Quality, and Health. She serves as chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, and as the Senate Majority whip.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Gonzalez has served in this state Senate seat since 2019, when she won a special election with over 69% of the vote. In 2020, she won a full-term and defeated her Republican challenger by 24 points.

Prior to her election to the state Senate, Sen. Gonzalez served for five years as a councilmember for the Long Beach City Council, where she supported workforce development and housing initiatives. Before entering public service, she worked for Microsoft developing programs that addressed the digital divide and women in STEM.

Other background: Sen. Gonzalez lives in Long Beach. She is a first-generation American.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), and Mario Paz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $957,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by real estate interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, police, and corporate PAC interests, including California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC, Edison International, and AT&T Services, Inc.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: The two Republican challengers in this race have not filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 33rd State Senate District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.

District demographics: 53% Latino, 10% Asian, and 11% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California State Senate delegation.

Recent election results: SD-33 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 50 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.

The Position

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

The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.

State Assembly

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

State Assembly, 54th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Mark Gonzalez

Website Endorsements

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.

Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.

Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.

The Race

Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.

Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.

Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.

Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.

The Race

Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.

Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

Gonzalez’s policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-54 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Gonzalez has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Abundant Housing LA, as well as labor unions like SEIU, California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, IATSE, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He has also been endorsed by elected officials like Gavin Newsom, Reps. Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Electoral history: Gonzalez has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Reproductive rights, economic justice, health care, civil rights, public safety, and housing.

Governance and community leadership experience: Mark Gonzalez is a longtime political organizer who previously worked on several Democratic presidential campaigns, and currently serves as district director for Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, the incumbent in AD-54. He does this to utilize his own experiences and struggles to guide policymaking. He chairs the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and has been a longtime supporter of voting access, spearheading a series of voter-registration drives for new citizens. He organized around reproductive rights in 2022, helping to pass a constitutional amendment in California protecting abortion access, and organized in 2023 to raise the minimum wage for health-care workers.

Other background: Gonzalez is from Los Angeles. He earned his BA from California State University Northridge.

The Race

Primary election: There are 3 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Mark Gonzalez (D), Elaine Alaniz (R), and John Yi (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $584,149 and is not funded by the police. He has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, and corporate PACs.

Opposing candidate: Democrat John Yi and Republican Elaine Alaniz
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Yi’s campaign has raised $60,550. As of January 2024, Alaniz has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 54th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 59% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 54% Latino, 24% Asian, and 8% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-54 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 58 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

State Assembly, 57th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Sade Elhawary

Website Endorsements

Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.

Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.

Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.

Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.

The Race

Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.

Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.

Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.

Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.

The Race

Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Endorsed By: Courage California

Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.

Elhawary’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-57 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Elhawary has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood, Smart Justice California, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, California Environmental Voters, California Democratic Renters Council, Equality California, and California Working Families Party, as well as labor unions like AFSCME, California Labor Federation, California Federation of Teachers, California Nurses Association, and SEIU. She has also been endorsed by elected officials like Mayor Karen Bass, LA County Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber, and more.

Electoral history: Elhawary has not run for office previously.

Top issues: Housing, education, youth workforce development, community safety, healthcare, reproductive rights, protecting immigrants, and equality.

Governance and community leadership experience: Sade Elhawary is a community organizer and an educator, which she does because hopes to dismantle systems of oppression and improve outcomes for women and youth of color. In her current role at Community Coalition, she focuses on youth and community engagement, and helped build the Center for Community Organizing. Elhawary helped organize and pass the School Climate Bill of Rights to reduce racial profiling in Los Angeles schools, as well as the CRISES Act, which provided for community teams to respond to non-violent emergencies rather than police. She also served as Youth Engagement Campaign Manager on Karen Bass’ mayoral campaign. As a Black Latina, Elhawary is committed to creating lasting Black and Brown solidarity.

Other background: Elhawary is from Los Angeles. She is the third generation of her family to live in this district, and raised a foster daughter from the district. Elhawary earned her BA from UCLA and a master’s in education from Harvard, and was a history teacher and college counselor to high school students. She helped launch the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York.

The Race

Primary election: There are 5 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Sade Elhawary (D), Efren Martinez (D), Greg Akili (D), and Dulce Vasquez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Elhawary’s campaign has raised $354,133 and is not funded by corporate PACs, the fossil fuel industry, the real estate industry, or the police.

Opposing candidate: Democrats Efren Martinez, Greg Akili, and Dulce Vasquez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Martinez’s campaign has raised $326,621 and is funded by corporate PACs and the real estate industry. He has also accepted more than $25,000 from police lobbying groups and the fossil fuel industry respectively. Vasquez’s campaign has raised $166,199. Akili has raised $68,710.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 57th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 63% Democrat, 7% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 57% Latino, 4% Asian, and 30% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-57 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 73 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 69 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Endorsed By: Courage California

State Assembly, 62nd District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Jose Luis Solache

Website Endorsements

Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.

Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.

Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.

Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.

Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.

Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.

Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.

Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.

Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.

Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.

Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Elect Jose Luis Solache for State Assembly to put AD-62 on the right track for progress.

Jose Luis Solache’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-62 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Solache has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Federation of Teachers, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Assm. Anthony Rendon, Assm. Tina McKinnor, and Assm. Rick Zbur.

Electoral history: Solache ran for Lynwood City Council in 2013 and won in a 9-person field with over 19% of the vote, and is still serving as a councilmember. Solache launched a failed bid for the State Senate District 33 seat in a 2019 special election, but lost by 40 points to Sen. Lena Gonzalez.

Top issues: Education, homelessness and affordable housing, mental health-care access, sustainability and clean energy, worker protections and job creation, public safety, and health-care access.

Governance and community leadership experience: Solache is a local public official, which he does to improve the lives of the constituents across his community. He has served on the Lynwood City Council for ten years, including stints as the mayor and mayor pro-tem. In this role, he has worked to create more government transparency, fund new parks projects, and bring more jobs to Lynwood. Prior to his election to the Council, Solache was the youngest Latino member elected to the Lynwood Board of Education, where he was reelected in 2007 and 2011 and served as board president several times. He has been a longtime advocate of educational equity and youth-development programs.

Other background: Solache is a longtime resident of Lynwood. He is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and works as president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jose Luis Solache (D), Maria Estrada (D), and Paul Jones (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Solache’s campaign has raised $474,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 62nd Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 67% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 67% Latino, 7% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-62 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 34 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

State Assembly, 64th District

Member of the State Assembly

No Recommendation

The Democratic incumbent in this race has a problematic track record and is considered to be a safe win in this district. We make no recommendation in this race.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Blanca Pacheco has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in past elections, including police groups.

Raul Ortiz has the endorsement of the California Republican Assembly, Patriots for Freedom PAC, and the Orange County Republican Party.

Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Pacheco’s priorities for AD-64 have included 14 bills about health professions and licensure, literacy, and property records. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to expand permissions for the use of trial court interpreters, amend permissions for the placement of public advertising displays, and consider establishing new procurement goals for renewable hydrogen. She scores a CS of 30 out of 100 and is in our Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pacheco has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. Assm. Pacheco has avoided votes on several critical progressive bills this session, including those to increase the fast-food minimum wage to $20/hour, close loopholes for no-fault just cause evictions, increase charter school accountability by requiring more reporting of grant fund use, and improve worker protections against retaliation from supervisors or companies. She also voted no on two important criminal justice reform bills, AB93 and SB365. Assm. Pacheco is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.

Ortiz has not cited any public service positions aside from his work as a Christian faith leader. His denominational and congregational affiliations are unclear.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pacheco has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 61% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pacheco served as the first-ever Latina mayor of Downey. She was first elected to the Downey City Council in 2016 and became mayor in 2020. She previously served as president of the League of California Cities, Los Angeles Division. Prior to serving in local office, Pacheco worked as an attorney and provided pro bono services to legal organizations. She has been a longtime supporter of modernizing infrastructure and programs that fight climate change.

Ortiz ran for this seat in 2022, but lost in the general election by 22 points to incumbent Assm. Blanca Pacheco.

Ortiz is a pest-control manager and a pastor. He has cited his Christian faith as a motivator for his effort to win elected office. His platform includes improving public safety, removing critical race theory from school curriculums, closing the borders, and addressing the sale of street drugs. He is a strong supporter of parental rights, the second amendment, and limiting access to abortion care.

Other background: Assm. Pacheco is a longtime resident of Downey.

Ortiz is from Norwalk and now lives in La Mirada.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Blanca Pacheco (D) and Raul Ortiz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pacheco’s campaign has raised $563,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortiz’s campaign has raised $700 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-64 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

The Democratic incumbent in this race has a problematic track record and is considered to be a safe win in this district. We make no recommendation in this race.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Blanca Pacheco has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in past elections, including police groups.

Raul Ortiz has the endorsement of the California Republican Assembly, Patriots for Freedom PAC, and the Orange County Republican Party.

Key initiatives: This year, Assm. Pacheco’s priorities for AD-64 have included 14 bills about health professions and licensure, literacy, and property records. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. She has sponsored and passed legislation to expand permissions for the use of trial court interpreters, amend permissions for the placement of public advertising displays, and consider establishing new procurement goals for renewable hydrogen. She scores a CS of 30 out of 100 and is in our Hall of Shame on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pacheco has supported few progressive bills that made it to a vote. Assm. Pacheco has avoided votes on several critical progressive bills this session, including those to increase the fast-food minimum wage to $20/hour, close loopholes for no-fault just cause evictions, increase charter school accountability by requiring more reporting of grant fund use, and improve worker protections against retaliation from supervisors or companies. She also voted no on two important criminal justice reform bills, AB93 and SB365. Assm. Pacheco is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan and bicameral group that claims that their collaborative work allows them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating legislation. In reality, the Problem Solvers Caucus actively works with problematic industries against progressive policies.

Ortiz has not cited any public service positions aside from his work as a Christian faith leader. His denominational and congregational affiliations are unclear.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pacheco has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 61% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pacheco served as the first-ever Latina mayor of Downey. She was first elected to the Downey City Council in 2016 and became mayor in 2020. She previously served as president of the League of California Cities, Los Angeles Division. Prior to serving in local office, Pacheco worked as an attorney and provided pro bono services to legal organizations. She has been a longtime supporter of modernizing infrastructure and programs that fight climate change.

Ortiz ran for this seat in 2022, but lost in the general election by 22 points to incumbent Assm. Blanca Pacheco.

Ortiz is a pest-control manager and a pastor. He has cited his Christian faith as a motivator for his effort to win elected office. His platform includes improving public safety, removing critical race theory from school curriculums, closing the borders, and addressing the sale of street drugs. He is a strong supporter of parental rights, the second amendment, and limiting access to abortion care.

Other background: Assm. Pacheco is a longtime resident of Downey.

Ortiz is from Norwalk and now lives in La Mirada.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Blanca Pacheco (D) and Raul Ortiz (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pacheco’s campaign has raised $563,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ortiz’s campaign has raised $700 and is not funded by police, real estate, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 64th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 65% Latino, 10% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.

Recent election results: AD-64 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 33 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

State Assembly, 65th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Mike Gipson

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.

Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.

Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.

Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.

Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Re-elect Assemblymember Mike Gipson to keep AD-65 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Gipson’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative leader for the constituents of AD-65. While he has received funding support from problematic interests and has not supported some significant legislation that made it to a vote, our analysis shows that he will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subject to increased community accountability.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Gipson has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, AFSCME California, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Public education, public safety, universal health care, homelessness and housing, green energy programs, reproductive justice, and transportation infrastructure.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Gipson’s priorities for AD-65 have included 30 bills about career and technical education, taxation and public funds, education, and health care. Of these, 11 have been successfully chaptered into law, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to provide foster children and homeless youth with priority access to intersession academic programs, amend the consequences for violating traffic laws, require that anyone using a 3-D printer to create a firearm be a state-licensed firearm manufacturer, and clarify housing law to allow property held by a non-profit public benefit corporation be exempt from taxation. He scores a CS of 77 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Gipson has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, Assm. Gipson has failed to cast a vote on several important pieces of legislation, including bills to establish safe injection sites, increase greenhouse gas accountability for corporations, and guarantee that 90% of bail premiums be returned when charges are dismissed.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Gipson currently sits on four committees, including Business & Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation. He is also the chair of the Select Committees on Police Reform, and Parts & Goods Movement. Assm. Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and served as Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair until 2023. He is chair of Council of State Governments West, a non-profit organization that serves western state legislatures.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014, when he was elected with over 63% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Democratic challenger by 24 points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Gipson was a member of the Carson City Council for a decade, and served as the mayor pro tempore. He spent his early career as a police officer in the Maywood Police Department, which was ultimately disbanded after failed efforts at reform. While Assm. Gipson has had success in securing budget allocations to benefit youth services, education expansion, and mental health resources in his district, he also has concerning connections to police, fossil fuel, and corporate PAC donors. These affiliations raise questions about some of his legislative choices, including voting against environmental bills like SB100 and AB1328, which required a statewide transition to carbon energy, and addressed the environmental impact of oil wells, respectively. He has also withheld support for SB731, which aimed to make it more difficult for police officers found guilty of misconduct to be hired by another state law-enforcement agency, and for bills that sought to expand due process protections and provide counsel to minors during interrogation.

Other background: Assm. Gipson is from Los Angeles and is a longtime resident of Carson. He was raised by working parents and credits their determination with inspiring his interest in public service.

The Race

Primary election: Assm. Mike Gipsonn (D) is running unopposed in the March 5 primary.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Gipson’s campaign has raised $524,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, police, fossil fuel, and real estate interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 65th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 60% Democrat, 11% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 49% Latino, 9% Asian, and 29% Black.

Recent election results: AD-65 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 60 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 54 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

State Assembly, 69th District

Member of the State Assembly

Democrat

Josh Lowenthal

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.

Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.

Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.

Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.

Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Re-elect Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal to keep AD-69 on the right track for progress.

Assm. Josh Lowenthal’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-69 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lowenthal has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Sierra Club California, California Nurses Association, California Environmental Voters, and AFSCME California.

Top issues: Homelessness and housing, education, taxation, public safety, and economic development.

Priority bills: This year, Assm. Lowenthal’s priorities for AD-69 have included 20 bills about taxation, planning and zoning, drug testing, and public records administration. Of these, seven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to require the state Department of Education to issue guidelines and policy on body shaming in schools, include firearm parts in requirements to report lost or stolen guns, and expand prohibitions on the demolition of residential housing units. He scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lowenthal has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote this session.

Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lowenthal currently sits on 13 committees, including Appropriations, Business & Professions, Privacy & Consumer Protections, Rules, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Select Committee on Automation and Workforce Development, and as chair of the Select Committee on the Digital Frontier and Technological Accounting and Transparency. He is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lowenthal has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 58% of the vote. In 2018, he ran for the AD-72 seat, but was defeated by a Republican challenger in the general election by three points.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Lowenthal was an entrepreneur, a businessman, and a former teacher. He worked as the COO and then president of FreeConferenceCall.com, and as the general manager of the information aggregator company Plum. As a business owner, Lowenthal called for increased job creation, more funding for public education, and greater accessibility in higher education. He previously served as president of Children Today, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, and still sits on their board of directors.

Other background: Josh Lowenthal is a lifelong resident of Long Beach. As the son of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and former State Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, he has deep ties to the political establishment of Long Beach.

The Race

Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Josh Lowenthal (D), and Joshua Rodriguez (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lowenthal’s campaign has raised $430,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Republican Joshua Rodriguez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rodriguez’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 69th Assembly District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 31% Latino, 17% Asian, and 13% Black.

Recent election results: AD-69 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 45 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.

The Position

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

The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.

Congress

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

42nd Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Robert Garcia

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Congressional Representative Robert Garcia to keep CD-42 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Robert Garcia’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-42 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garcia has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Voting rights and election security, worker protections and fair pay, education reform and universal pre-K, immigration reform, and civil rights protections.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garcia’s priorities for CD-42 have included 14 bills about housing infrastructure, human rights, consumer protections, and air pollution. Of these, one is on the House floor for a vote and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase affordable housing availability by eliminating parking minimums, protect consumers from rental-car overbooking, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from shipping, and defend human rights internationally.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garcia currently sits on three committees, including Homeland Security, Oversight and Accountability, and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. He is a member of the Hispanic Caucus and the Equality Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garcia has served in this congressional seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garcia served two terms as mayor of Long Beach. In this role, Rep. Garcia has worked with the Biden administration to shelter unaccompanied minors who cross the U.S.-Mexico border, establish a guaranteed income pilot for low-income families, and move the city toward tuition-free community college. After losing his mother and stepfather to COVID-19, he received national recognition for his administration’s aggressive rollout of the vaccine, which successfully prioritized teachers, frontline workers, and elderly community members, and resulted in an early reopening of Long Beach Public Schools. While his policy ambitions are progressive, he has implemented a coalition approach to legislating, and encourages collaboration with local governments on non-legislative solutions to social issues. He has cited progressive change in American law with affording him several life-changing privileges, including his family’s access to housing and Medicaid during his youth, his public education, his naturalization as a U.S. citizen at 21, and his right to marry his partner after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges.

Other background: Rep. Garcia has lived in Southern California since immigrating to the United States from Peru when he was five years old.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D), John Briscoe (R), and Jasmin Nicole Lopez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $510,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the FEC as of October 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 42nd Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 55% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat.

District demographics: 52% Latino, 10% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 46 points and Gavin Newsome for governor in 2022 by 34 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 Robert Garcia to keep CD-42 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Robert Garcia’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-42 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garcia has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Voting rights and election security, worker protections and fair pay, education reform and universal pre-K, immigration reform, and civil rights protections.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garcia’s priorities for CD-42 have included 14 bills about housing infrastructure, human rights, consumer protections, and air pollution. Of these, one is on the House floor for a vote and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase affordable housing availability by eliminating parking minimums, protect consumers from rental-car overbooking, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from shipping, and defend human rights internationally.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garcia currently sits on three committees, including Homeland Security, Oversight and Accountability, and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. He is a member of the Hispanic Caucus and the Equality Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garcia has served in this congressional seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garcia served two terms as mayor of Long Beach. In this role, Rep. Garcia has worked with the Biden administration to shelter unaccompanied minors who cross the U.S.-Mexico border, establish a guaranteed income pilot for low-income families, and move the city toward tuition-free community college. After losing his mother and stepfather to COVID-19, he received national recognition for his administration’s aggressive rollout of the vaccine, which successfully prioritized teachers, frontline workers, and elderly community members, and resulted in an early reopening of Long Beach Public Schools. While his policy ambitions are progressive, he has implemented a coalition approach to legislating, and encourages collaboration with local governments on non-legislative solutions to social issues. He has cited progressive change in American law with affording him several life-changing privileges, including his family’s access to housing and Medicaid during his youth, his public education, his naturalization as a U.S. citizen at 21, and his right to marry his partner after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges.

Other background: Rep. Garcia has lived in Southern California since immigrating to the United States from Peru when he was five years old.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D), John Briscoe (R), and Jasmin Nicole Lopez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $510,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the FEC as of October 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 42nd Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 55% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat.

District demographics: 52% Latino, 10% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 46 points and Gavin Newsome for governor in 2022 by 34 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 Robert Garcia to keep CD-42 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Robert Garcia’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-42 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garcia has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.

Top issues: Voting rights and election security, worker protections and fair pay, education reform and universal pre-K, immigration reform, and civil rights protections.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garcia’s priorities for CD-42 have included 14 bills about housing infrastructure, human rights, consumer protections, and air pollution. Of these, one is on the House floor for a vote and the rest remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to increase affordable housing availability by eliminating parking minimums, protect consumers from rental-car overbooking, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from shipping, and defend human rights internationally.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garcia currently sits on three committees, including Homeland Security, Oversight and Accountability, and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. He is a member of the Hispanic Caucus and the Equality Caucus.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garcia has served in this congressional seat since 2022, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garcia served two terms as mayor of Long Beach. In this role, Rep. Garcia has worked with the Biden administration to shelter unaccompanied minors who cross the U.S.-Mexico border, establish a guaranteed income pilot for low-income families, and move the city toward tuition-free community college. After losing his mother and stepfather to COVID-19, he received national recognition for his administration’s aggressive rollout of the vaccine, which successfully prioritized teachers, frontline workers, and elderly community members, and resulted in an early reopening of Long Beach Public Schools. While his policy ambitions are progressive, he has implemented a coalition approach to legislating, and encourages collaboration with local governments on non-legislative solutions to social issues. He has cited progressive change in American law with affording him several life-changing privileges, including his family’s access to housing and Medicaid during his youth, his public education, his naturalization as a U.S. citizen at 21, and his right to marry his partner after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges.

Other background: Rep. Garcia has lived in Southern California since immigrating to the United States from Peru when he was five years old.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Robert Garcia (D), John Briscoe (R), and Jasmin Nicole Lopez (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garcia’s campaign has raised $510,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign finance receipts with the FEC as of October 2023.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 42nd Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 55% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat.

District demographics: 52% Latino, 10% Asian, and 9% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-42 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 46 points and Gavin Newsome for governor in 2022 by 34 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.

44th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

Democrat

Nanette Barragán

Website Endorsements

Re-elect Congressional Representative Nanette Barragán to keep CD-44 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Nanette Barragán’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Barragán has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democratic Club, League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, and California Environmental Voters.

Top issues: Health care, sustainability, public lands.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Barragán’s priorities for CD-44 have included 12 bills about accessibility of public lands to underrepresented groups, expanding green energy options, increasing access to dental and health care, and expanding health-care coverage for children. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Barragán currently sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Barragán has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 44 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Barragán led outreach efforts for African Americans in the Office of Public Liaison for the Clinton White House and worked on racial health disparities for the NAACP. Rep. Barragán also previously fought for low-income families at the Los Angeles Legal Aid Foundation. She is a longtime supporter of environmental justice and battling health disparities.

Other background: Rep. Barragán was born and raised in the Harbor Area. She began her career in public service in the late 1990s. Prior to practicing law, Barragán served as an extern to Justice Carlos Moreno of the Supreme Court of California.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Nanette Barragán (D) and Roger Groh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Barragán’s campaign has raised $421,686 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry as well as the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $35,000 from big pharma.

Opposing candidate: Republican Roger Groh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: As of January 2024, Groh’s campaign has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 44th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 51% Latino, 13% Asian, and 15% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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 Nanette Barragán to keep CD-44 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Nanette Barragán’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Barragán has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democratic Club, League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, and California Environmental Voters.

Top issues: Health care, sustainability, public lands.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Barragán’s priorities for CD-44 have included 12 bills about accessibility of public lands to underrepresented groups, expanding green energy options, increasing access to dental and health care, and expanding health-care coverage for children. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Barragán currently sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Barragán has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 44 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Barragán led outreach efforts for African Americans in the Office of Public Liaison for the Clinton White House and worked on racial health disparities for the NAACP. Rep. Barragán also previously fought for low-income families at the Los Angeles Legal Aid Foundation. She is a longtime supporter of environmental justice and battling health disparities.

Other background: Rep. Barragán was born and raised in the Harbor Area. She began her career in public service in the late 1990s. Prior to practicing law, Barragán served as an extern to Justice Carlos Moreno of the Supreme Court of California.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Nanette Barragán (D) and Roger Groh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Barragán’s campaign has raised $421,686 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry as well as the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $35,000 from big pharma.

Opposing candidate: Republican Roger Groh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: As of January 2024, Groh’s campaign has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 44th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 51% Latino, 13% Asian, and 15% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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 Nanette Barragán to keep CD-44 on the right track for progress.

Rep. Nanette Barragán’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-44 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Rep. Barragán has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including Equality California, Stonewall Democratic Club, League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, and California Environmental Voters.

Top issues: Health care, sustainability, public lands.

Priority bills: This year, Rep. Barragán’s priorities for CD-44 have included 12 bills about accessibility of public lands to underrepresented groups, expanding green energy options, increasing access to dental and health care, and expanding health-care coverage for children. All currently remain in committee.

Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.

Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Barragán currently sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Barragán has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 44 points.

Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Barragán led outreach efforts for African Americans in the Office of Public Liaison for the Clinton White House and worked on racial health disparities for the NAACP. Rep. Barragán also previously fought for low-income families at the Los Angeles Legal Aid Foundation. She is a longtime supporter of environmental justice and battling health disparities.

Other background: Rep. Barragán was born and raised in the Harbor Area. She began her career in public service in the late 1990s. Prior to practicing law, Barragán served as an extern to Justice Carlos Moreno of the Supreme Court of California.

The Race

Primary election: There are 2 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including incumbent Rep. Nanette Barragán (D) and Roger Groh (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Barragán’s campaign has raised $421,686 and is not funded by the police. She has accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry as well as the real estate industry. She has also accepted donations from corporate PACs, including more than $35,000 from big pharma.

Opposing candidate: Republican Roger Groh
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: As of January 2024, Groh’s campaign has not filed any donation receipts for the current election cycle.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 44th Congressional District includes parts of Los Angeles County.

Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.

District demographics: 51% Latino, 13% Asian, and 15% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.

Recent election results: CD-44 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 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.

45th Congressional District

Member of the House of Representatives

No Recommendation

Based on our analysis, two of the Democratic candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. The DCCC has designated this district as a priority flip in 2024, and we recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.

Endorsements: Kim Nguyen-Penaloza has the endorsement of some groups, including National Women’s Political Caucus, California Teachers Association, National Education Association, and Orange County Labor Federation. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Lou Correa, Rep. Sara Jacobs, State Sen. Monique Limón, and OC Supervisor Katrina Foley. In previous campaigns, Nguyen-Penaloza has had the endorsement and support of several law enforcement groups, and was criticized for some of her pro-carceral policy positions.

Derek Tran has the endorsement of a few groups, including New Democrat Coalition Action Fund. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Judy Chu, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez.

Key initiatives: Nguyen-Penaloza supported the establishment of Be Well OC, a mobile response team that provides deescalation, crisis support, and case management for individuals experiencing mental health issues and homelessness. She has championed economic development, improvements to local parks and infrastructure, and initiatives to ease the transition for new immigrants in the region. In 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve on the state’s California Film Commission, and serves as the city’s liaison to the League of California Cities. She is the youngest person ever elected to the City Council.

Tran is a personal injury, employment, and discrimination attorney in private practice, which he does to provide representation to immigrants, victims of discrimination, and other marginalized groups. Tran was appointed to serve as a member of the Orange Traffic Commission, where he provides support to ongoing efforts to decrease traffic pollution, streamline infrastructure projects, and support highway planning. In addition to these roles, he also co-owns a local pharmacy with his pharmacist wife. He is a board member with the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, and chairs the organization’s Education Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Nguyen-Penaloza ran for Garden Grove City Council in 2016, and won with over 56% of the vote. In 2020, she won re-election with over 75% of the vote. She has also run for the Orange County Board of Supervisors twice. In 2020, she failed to advance out of the primary. In 2022, she lost in the general election by four points.

In addition to her work on the City Council, Nguyen-Penaloza is a health insurance program manager with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. During college, she served as a legislative intern for Rep. Lou Correa. Prior to joining the Garden Grove City Council, she observed that the local district maps were inequitable, and drafted a redistricting plan to present to the council. Her proposal was ultimately adopted and implemented by the city.

Tran has not run for public office before.

Prior to running for office, Tran served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom before enrolling in law school at Glendale College of Law. Tran volunteers with at-risk youth through Sunburst Academy, and is an active member of Rotary International.

Other background: Nguyen-Penaloza is a lifelong resident of this district. She is the daughter of Vietnamese and Mexican immigrants.

Tran is from southern California. He is the son of Vietnamese refugees.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Kim Nguyen-Penaloza (D), Derek Tran (D), Cheyenne Hunt (D), Aditya Paj (D), and incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Nguyen-Penaloza’s campaign has raised $206,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tran’s campaign has raised $535,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hunt’s campaign has raised $327,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Paj’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Steel’s campaign has raised $3.2 million as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 45th Congressional District includes parts of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Voter registration: 38% Democrat, 32% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Partisan control of this seat has flipped several times over the last ten years.

District demographics: 23% Latino, 37% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: CD-45 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 6 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 2 points.

The Position

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

The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.

Based on our analysis, two of the Democratic candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. The DCCC has designated this district as a priority flip in 2024, and we recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.

Endorsements: Kim Nguyen-Penaloza has the endorsement of some groups, including National Women’s Political Caucus, California Teachers Association, National Education Association, and Orange County Labor Federation. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Lou Correa, Rep. Sara Jacobs, State Sen. Monique Limón, and OC Supervisor Katrina Foley. In previous campaigns, Nguyen-Penaloza has had the endorsement and support of several law enforcement groups, and was criticized for some of her pro-carceral policy positions.

Derek Tran has the endorsement of a few groups, including New Democrat Coalition Action Fund. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Judy Chu, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez.

Key initiatives: Nguyen-Penaloza supported the establishment of Be Well OC, a mobile response team that provides deescalation, crisis support, and case management for individuals experiencing mental health issues and homelessness. She has championed economic development, improvements to local parks and infrastructure, and initiatives to ease the transition for new immigrants in the region. In 2020, she was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to serve on the state’s California Film Commission, and serves as the city’s liaison to the League of California Cities. She is the youngest person ever elected to the City Council.

Tran is a personal injury, employment, and discrimination attorney in private practice, which he does to provide representation to immigrants, victims of discrimination, and other marginalized groups. Tran was appointed to serve as a member of the Orange Traffic Commission, where he provides support to ongoing efforts to decrease traffic pollution, streamline infrastructure projects, and support highway planning. In addition to these roles, he also co-owns a local pharmacy with his pharmacist wife. He is a board member with the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, and chairs the organization’s Education Committee.

Governance and community leadership experience: Nguyen-Penaloza ran for Garden Grove City Council in 2016, and won with over 56% of the vote. In 2020, she won re-election with over 75% of the vote. She has also run for the Orange County Board of Supervisors twice. In 2020, she failed to advance out of the primary. In 2022, she lost in the general election by four points.

In addition to her work on the City Council, Nguyen-Penaloza is a health insurance program manager with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. During college, she served as a legislative intern for Rep. Lou Correa. Prior to joining the Garden Grove City Council, she observed that the local district maps were inequitable, and drafted a redistricting plan to present to the council. Her proposal was ultimately adopted and implemented by the city.

Tran has not run for public office before.

Prior to running for office, Tran served in the Army during Operation Enduring Freedom before enrolling in law school at Glendale College of Law. Tran volunteers with at-risk youth through Sunburst Academy, and is an active member of Rotary International.

Other background: Nguyen-Penaloza is a lifelong resident of this district. She is the daughter of Vietnamese and Mexican immigrants.

Tran is from southern California. He is the son of Vietnamese refugees.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Kim Nguyen-Penaloza (D), Derek Tran (D), Cheyenne Hunt (D), Aditya Paj (D), and incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Nguyen-Penaloza’s campaign has raised $206,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: Tran’s campaign has raised $535,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hunt’s campaign has raised $327,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Paj’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.

Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Steel’s campaign has raised $3.2 million as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate, corporate PAC, and fossil fuel interests.

The District

Counties in district: California’s 45th Congressional District includes parts of Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Voter registration: 38% Democrat, 32% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Partisan control of this seat has flipped several times over the last ten years.

District demographics: 23% Latino, 37% Asian, and 3% Black.

Recent election results: CD-45 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 6 points and Brian Dahle for governor in 2022 by 2 points.

The Position

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

The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 53 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.

Los Angeles County

Voting has changed in Los Angeles County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Also, in-person voters in Los Angeles County will have the opportunity to use the new Ballot Marking Device, a touchscreen with audio features, to mark their ballots. Have questions about the changes to voting in Los Angeles County? Find out how to vote in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles District Attorney

Non-Partisan

George Gascón

Website Endorsements

Re-elect District Attorney George Gascón to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

District Attorney George Gascón’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: District Attorney Gascón has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Top issues: Public safety, police accountability, criminal justice reform, reducing violent crime, immigration, climate justice, and ending mass incarceration.

Key initiatives: District Attorney Gascón has successfully returned the DA’s office to its pre-pandemic felony case filing rate, eliminated the death penalty from sentencing, and stopped the scheduling of executions for individuals previously sentenced to death. He has also reduced the frequency of transferring minors to adult court, and has recalled cases in which minors were sentenced. District Attorney Gascón has also reduced the frequency of sentence enhancements, a policy that saves California taxpayers millions of dollars in prison costs. After a March 2021 State Supreme Court decision that eliminated cash bail in the state for individuals who can’t afford it, District Attorney Gascón’s office stopped seeking bail for misdemeanor and nonviolent felonies, which has increased the equity of the criminal justice system.

District Attorney Gascón faced two recall efforts in 2021 and 2022, although neither gathered enough valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot. A recall was supported by controversial former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and District Attorney Gascón’s efforts to reform the dysfunctional and inequitable criminal justice system have been unpopular with rank-and-file law enforcement.

Governance and community leadership experience: District Attorney Gascón has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote.

Prior to his election in Los Angeles, District Attorney Gascón served two terms as San Francisco DA, where he increased the prosecution of sexual assault cases, and created a new law-enforcement unit focused on addressing child abuse and sexual assault. He implemented practices and resources that centered on survivors, and has proposed policies that protect undocumented, LGBTQIA+, and student survivors while prioritizing cultural and linguistic competency. He is a staunch opponent of the death penalty, often citing its disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities, and has implemented reformist sentencing policies since his election as Los Angeles DA. District Attorney Gascón’s track record and position on law-enforcement accountability is rare, particularly for someone with a law enforcement background. During his term as San Francisco DA, Gascón prosecuted more than 30 police officers for criminal conduct. In 2019, while many police, law-enforcement officials, and prosecutors fought against its passage, he advocated for Assembly Bill 392, also known as the Stephon Clark Bill, which created a stricter standard for police use of force. He remains the only law-enforcement official in California to advocate for this legislation and his willingness to pursue police brutality cases has been a highlight of his prosecutorial leadership.

Other background: District Attorney Gascón is from Cuba and immigrated to Los Angeles when he was 13. He has had a 40-year career in law enforcement, in which he started as a beat cop and rose through the ranks to serve as chief of police in San Francisco before pursuing elected office.

The Race

Primary election: There are 12 candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including District Attorney George Gascón, John McKinney, Maria Ramirez, Jonathan Hatami, and Nathan Hochman. 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: District Attorney Gascón’s campaign has raised $100,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: John McKinney
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McKinney’s campaign has raised $165,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Maria Ramirez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ramirez’s campaign has raised $166,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Jonathan Hatami
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hatami’s campaign has raised $240,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate, police, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Nathan Hochman
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hochman’s campaign has raised $645,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. Los Angeles County has a population of 9.7 million and a demographic breakdown of 49% Latino, 16% Asian, 9% Black.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s District Attorney oversees an office of nearly 1,000 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. It is the largest local district attorney office in the nation.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district Attorney to manage prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes Municipal and Superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.

Re-elect District Attorney George Gascón to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

District Attorney George Gascón’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: District Attorney Gascón has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Top issues: Public safety, police accountability, criminal justice reform, reducing violent crime, immigration, climate justice, and ending mass incarceration.

Key initiatives: District Attorney Gascón has successfully returned the DA’s office to its pre-pandemic felony case filing rate, eliminated the death penalty from sentencing, and stopped the scheduling of executions for individuals previously sentenced to death. He has also reduced the frequency of transferring minors to adult court, and has recalled cases in which minors were sentenced. District Attorney Gascón has also reduced the frequency of sentence enhancements, a policy that saves California taxpayers millions of dollars in prison costs. After a March 2021 State Supreme Court decision that eliminated cash bail in the state for individuals who can’t afford it, District Attorney Gascón’s office stopped seeking bail for misdemeanor and nonviolent felonies, which has increased the equity of the criminal justice system.

District Attorney Gascón faced two recall efforts in 2021 and 2022, although neither gathered enough valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot. A recall was supported by controversial former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and District Attorney Gascón’s efforts to reform the dysfunctional and inequitable criminal justice system have been unpopular with rank-and-file law enforcement.

Governance and community leadership experience: District Attorney Gascón has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote.

Prior to his election in Los Angeles, District Attorney Gascón served two terms as San Francisco DA, where he increased the prosecution of sexual assault cases, and created a new law-enforcement unit focused on addressing child abuse and sexual assault. He implemented practices and resources that centered on survivors, and has proposed policies that protect undocumented, LGBTQIA+, and student survivors while prioritizing cultural and linguistic competency. He is a staunch opponent of the death penalty, often citing its disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities, and has implemented reformist sentencing policies since his election as Los Angeles DA. District Attorney Gascón’s track record and position on law-enforcement accountability is rare, particularly for someone with a law enforcement background. During his term as San Francisco DA, Gascón prosecuted more than 30 police officers for criminal conduct. In 2019, while many police, law-enforcement officials, and prosecutors fought against its passage, he advocated for Assembly Bill 392, also known as the Stephon Clark Bill, which created a stricter standard for police use of force. He remains the only law-enforcement official in California to advocate for this legislation and his willingness to pursue police brutality cases has been a highlight of his prosecutorial leadership.

Other background: District Attorney Gascón is from Cuba and immigrated to Los Angeles when he was 13. He has had a 40-year career in law enforcement, in which he started as a beat cop and rose through the ranks to serve as chief of police in San Francisco before pursuing elected office.

The Race

Primary election: There are 12 candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including District Attorney George Gascón, John McKinney, Maria Ramirez, Jonathan Hatami, and Nathan Hochman. 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: District Attorney Gascón’s campaign has raised $100,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: John McKinney
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McKinney’s campaign has raised $165,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Maria Ramirez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ramirez’s campaign has raised $166,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Jonathan Hatami
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hatami’s campaign has raised $240,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate, police, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Nathan Hochman
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hochman’s campaign has raised $645,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. Los Angeles County has a population of 9.7 million and a demographic breakdown of 49% Latino, 16% Asian, 9% Black.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s District Attorney oversees an office of nearly 1,000 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. It is the largest local district attorney office in the nation.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district Attorney to manage prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes Municipal and Superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.

Re-elect District Attorney George Gascón to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

District Attorney George Gascón’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: District Attorney Gascón has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Top issues: Public safety, police accountability, criminal justice reform, reducing violent crime, immigration, climate justice, and ending mass incarceration.

Key initiatives: District Attorney Gascón has successfully returned the DA’s office to its pre-pandemic felony case filing rate, eliminated the death penalty from sentencing, and stopped the scheduling of executions for individuals previously sentenced to death. He has also reduced the frequency of transferring minors to adult court, and has recalled cases in which minors were sentenced. District Attorney Gascón has also reduced the frequency of sentence enhancements, a policy that saves California taxpayers millions of dollars in prison costs. After a March 2021 State Supreme Court decision that eliminated cash bail in the state for individuals who can’t afford it, District Attorney Gascón’s office stopped seeking bail for misdemeanor and nonviolent felonies, which has increased the equity of the criminal justice system.

District Attorney Gascón faced two recall efforts in 2021 and 2022, although neither gathered enough valid petition signatures to qualify for the ballot. A recall was supported by controversial former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, and District Attorney Gascón’s efforts to reform the dysfunctional and inequitable criminal justice system have been unpopular with rank-and-file law enforcement.

Governance and community leadership experience: District Attorney Gascón has served in this seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote.

Prior to his election in Los Angeles, District Attorney Gascón served two terms as San Francisco DA, where he increased the prosecution of sexual assault cases, and created a new law-enforcement unit focused on addressing child abuse and sexual assault. He implemented practices and resources that centered on survivors, and has proposed policies that protect undocumented, LGBTQIA+, and student survivors while prioritizing cultural and linguistic competency. He is a staunch opponent of the death penalty, often citing its disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities, and has implemented reformist sentencing policies since his election as Los Angeles DA. District Attorney Gascón’s track record and position on law-enforcement accountability is rare, particularly for someone with a law enforcement background. During his term as San Francisco DA, Gascón prosecuted more than 30 police officers for criminal conduct. In 2019, while many police, law-enforcement officials, and prosecutors fought against its passage, he advocated for Assembly Bill 392, also known as the Stephon Clark Bill, which created a stricter standard for police use of force. He remains the only law-enforcement official in California to advocate for this legislation and his willingness to pursue police brutality cases has been a highlight of his prosecutorial leadership.

Other background: District Attorney Gascón is from Cuba and immigrated to Los Angeles when he was 13. He has had a 40-year career in law enforcement, in which he started as a beat cop and rose through the ranks to serve as chief of police in San Francisco before pursuing elected office.

The Race

Primary election: There are 12 candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including District Attorney George Gascón, John McKinney, Maria Ramirez, Jonathan Hatami, and Nathan Hochman. 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: District Attorney Gascón’s campaign has raised $100,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: John McKinney
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: McKinney’s campaign has raised $165,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Maria Ramirez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Ramirez’s campaign has raised $166,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Jonathan Hatami
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hatami’s campaign has raised $240,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by real estate, police, and fossil fuel interests.

Opposing candidate: Nathan Hochman
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hochman’s campaign has raised $645,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. Los Angeles County has a population of 9.7 million and a demographic breakdown of 49% Latino, 16% Asian, 9% Black.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s District Attorney oversees an office of nearly 1,000 deputy district attorneys, and the prosecution of criminal offenses across the county and unincorporated areas. It is the largest local district attorney office in the nation.

The Position

Each of the 58 counties in California elects a district Attorney to manage prosecution of criminal offenses related to the violation of state and county law. The district attorney has investigative authority, manages the apprehension of individuals identified through the investigative process, and holds charging and prosecutorial power. The work of the district attorney includes Municipal and Superior court operations, and serving as a legal liaison to the grand jury. The county Board of Supervisors provides financial oversight to the district attorney’s office, but holds no operational power over their work. District attorneys are elected to four-year terms in office.

County District Races

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

Los Angeles County, District 2

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, District 2

Non-Partisan

Holly Mitchell

Website Endorsements

Courage California endorses Supervisor Holly Mitchell for re-election to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Supervisor Mitchell has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles County Action Fund, Los Angeles Federation of Labor, Sierra Club, California Working Families Party, and The Black Women’s Democratic Club. She also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand, Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.

Top issues: Alleviating poverty, universal basic income, climate protections, reducing oil drilling within the county, mental health care response, equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and family and youth development.

Key initiatives: Supervisor Mitchell has used her first term to successfully pass several important motions, including a first in the nation phased ban of oil drilling in Los Angeles County, a plan to transition fossil fuel workers to clean-energy jobs, and a guaranteed basic income pilot program. She also presented and passed a motion to establish behavioral health care teams at the Restorative Care Villages, a housing and health-care collaboration between Los Angeles County and University of Southern California. These mental health response teams provide real-time preventative intervention for residents in crisis. Supervisor Mitchell has been a progressive presence on the Board, combining her knowledge of the legislative process with her interest in building a secure social safety net across the county to give all residents the resources they need to thrive.

Governance and community leadership experience: Supervisor Mitchell has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Board of Supervisors, Sen. Mitchell was elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and moved to the state Senate in 2013. In the state Senate, she served as the first African American chair of the powerful Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. During her tenure, Sen. Mitchell was a strong proponent of criminal justice reform. She passed a set of criminal justice reforms that consisted of 10 laws to reduce barriers for Californians affected by the criminal justice system by reducing sentence enhancements for low-level drugs, removing court fees for the innocent, sealing arrest records for people not convicted, ending the sentencing of juveniles to life without parole, and other advancements. She was a notable progressive influence in other areas as well, with nearly 90 bills signed into law on issues that included homelessness, mental health, children’s rights, and job protections. Before holding elected office, Supervisor Mitchell was a longtime non-profit executive and ran Crystal Stairs, Inc., a youth and family development agency.

As a legislator, Supervisor Mitchell scored an overall 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and often earned the All-Star designation.

Other background: Supervisor Mitchell is a third-generation Angeleno, and continues to reside in Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Katrina Williams, Clint Carlton, and Daphne Bradford. 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: Supervisor Mitchell’s campaign has raised $153,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel or police interests.

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

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California’s most populous county. District 2 includes
Leimert Park, Carson, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, portions of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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.

Courage California endorses Supervisor Holly Mitchell for re-election to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Supervisor Mitchell has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles County Action Fund, Los Angeles Federation of Labor, Sierra Club, California Working Families Party, and The Black Women’s Democratic Club. She also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand, Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.

Top issues: Alleviating poverty, universal basic income, climate protections, reducing oil drilling within the county, mental health care response, equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and family and youth development.

Key initiatives: Supervisor Mitchell has used her first term to successfully pass several important motions, including a first in the nation phased ban of oil drilling in Los Angeles County, a plan to transition fossil fuel workers to clean-energy jobs, and a guaranteed basic income pilot program. She also presented and passed a motion to establish behavioral health care teams at the Restorative Care Villages, a housing and health-care collaboration between Los Angeles County and University of Southern California. These mental health response teams provide real-time preventative intervention for residents in crisis. Supervisor Mitchell has been a progressive presence on the Board, combining her knowledge of the legislative process with her interest in building a secure social safety net across the county to give all residents the resources they need to thrive.

Governance and community leadership experience: Supervisor Mitchell has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Board of Supervisors, Sen. Mitchell was elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and moved to the state Senate in 2013. In the state Senate, she served as the first African American chair of the powerful Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. During her tenure, Sen. Mitchell was a strong proponent of criminal justice reform. She passed a set of criminal justice reforms that consisted of 10 laws to reduce barriers for Californians affected by the criminal justice system by reducing sentence enhancements for low-level drugs, removing court fees for the innocent, sealing arrest records for people not convicted, ending the sentencing of juveniles to life without parole, and other advancements. She was a notable progressive influence in other areas as well, with nearly 90 bills signed into law on issues that included homelessness, mental health, children’s rights, and job protections. Before holding elected office, Supervisor Mitchell was a longtime non-profit executive and ran Crystal Stairs, Inc., a youth and family development agency.

As a legislator, Supervisor Mitchell scored an overall 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and often earned the All-Star designation.

Other background: Supervisor Mitchell is a third-generation Angeleno, and continues to reside in Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Katrina Williams, Clint Carlton, and Daphne Bradford. 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: Supervisor Mitchell’s campaign has raised $153,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel or police interests.

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

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California’s most populous county. District 2 includes
Leimert Park, Carson, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, portions of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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.

Endorsed By: Courage California

Courage California endorses Supervisor Holly Mitchell for re-election to keep Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Supervisor Mitchell has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Courage California, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles County Action Fund, Los Angeles Federation of Labor, Sierra Club, California Working Families Party, and The Black Women’s Democratic Club. She also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand, Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.

Top issues: Alleviating poverty, universal basic income, climate protections, reducing oil drilling within the county, mental health care response, equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and family and youth development.

Key initiatives: Supervisor Mitchell has used her first term to successfully pass several important motions, including a first in the nation phased ban of oil drilling in Los Angeles County, a plan to transition fossil fuel workers to clean-energy jobs, and a guaranteed basic income pilot program. She also presented and passed a motion to establish behavioral health care teams at the Restorative Care Villages, a housing and health-care collaboration between Los Angeles County and University of Southern California. These mental health response teams provide real-time preventative intervention for residents in crisis. Supervisor Mitchell has been a progressive presence on the Board, combining her knowledge of the legislative process with her interest in building a secure social safety net across the county to give all residents the resources they need to thrive.

Governance and community leadership experience: Supervisor Mitchell has served in this seat since 2020, when she was elected with over 60% of the vote.

Prior to her election to the Board of Supervisors, Sen. Mitchell was elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and moved to the state Senate in 2013. In the state Senate, she served as the first African American chair of the powerful Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. During her tenure, Sen. Mitchell was a strong proponent of criminal justice reform. She passed a set of criminal justice reforms that consisted of 10 laws to reduce barriers for Californians affected by the criminal justice system by reducing sentence enhancements for low-level drugs, removing court fees for the innocent, sealing arrest records for people not convicted, ending the sentencing of juveniles to life without parole, and other advancements. She was a notable progressive influence in other areas as well, with nearly 90 bills signed into law on issues that included homelessness, mental health, children’s rights, and job protections. Before holding elected office, Supervisor Mitchell was a longtime non-profit executive and ran Crystal Stairs, Inc., a youth and family development agency.

As a legislator, Supervisor Mitchell scored an overall 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and often earned the All-Star designation.

Other background: Supervisor Mitchell is a third-generation Angeleno, and continues to reside in Los Angeles.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Katrina Williams, Clint Carlton, and Daphne Bradford. 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: Supervisor Mitchell’s campaign has raised $153,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by fossil fuel or police interests.

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

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California’s most populous county. District 2 includes
Leimert Park, Carson, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, portions of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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.

Endorsed By: Courage California

Los Angeles County, District 5

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, District 5

Non-Partisan

Chris Holden

Website Endorsements

Elect Chris Holden for Supervisor to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Assm. Chris Holden’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Holden has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA County Democratic Party, and SEIU2015. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sec. of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, Assm. Isaac Bryan, and several city councilmembers.

Electoral history: Assm. Holden has served in the State Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 58% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 20 points.

Top issues: Workforce development programs, worker protections, transportation, criminal justice reform, improving public services, and environmental protections.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Holden is a public official, and has used his positions to improve access to economic and educational opportunities for his constituents. As a member of the State Assembly, he has successfully passed legislation to improve worker conditions, fund local libraries and hiking trails, and invest in improved services for individuals with disabilities. He has also been a strong proponent of establishing dual enrollment options for high school students to reduce the time and financial burden of college and to increase access to local career pathways.

Assm. Holden scores a Lifetime CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his commitment to progressive values. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Holden has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote, although he has failed to cast a vote on bills related to charter school regulation, expanding single-use recyclables, and predatory lending protections.

Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Holden was a local elected official, serving for 24 years on the Pasadena City Council, including a turn as mayor. During this time, he also served as a member of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. Assm. Holden also owns a local real estate firm, CHMB Consulting. He is a longtime supporter of transportation expansion and college and career access for high school students. As a city councilmember and assemblymember, he has worked on initiatives to expand light rail and public transportation options for local constituents.

Other background: Assm. Holden is a lifelong resident of Pasadena.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Assm. Chris Holden, incumbent Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Konstantine Anthony, Perry Goldberg, and Marlon Marroquin. 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: Assm. Holden’s campaign has raised $663,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, real estate, fossil fuel, and police interests.
Opposing candidate: Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Supervisor Barger’s campaign has raised $595,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Konstantine Anthony
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anthony’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. District 5 includes Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Glendale, Glendora, La Verne, Lancaster, portions of Los Angeles, portions of Los Feliz, Monrovia, portions of North Hollywood, Palmdale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Porter Ranch, Shadow Hills, Universal Studios, Valley Village, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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 Chris Holden for Supervisor to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Assm. Chris Holden’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Holden has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA County Democratic Party, and SEIU2015. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sec. of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, Assm. Isaac Bryan, and several city councilmembers.

Electoral history: Assm. Holden has served in the State Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 58% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 20 points.

Top issues: Workforce development programs, worker protections, transportation, criminal justice reform, improving public services, and environmental protections.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Holden is a public official, and has used his positions to improve access to economic and educational opportunities for his constituents. As a member of the State Assembly, he has successfully passed legislation to improve worker conditions, fund local libraries and hiking trails, and invest in improved services for individuals with disabilities. He has also been a strong proponent of establishing dual enrollment options for high school students to reduce the time and financial burden of college and to increase access to local career pathways.

Assm. Holden scores a Lifetime CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his commitment to progressive values. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Holden has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote, although he has failed to cast a vote on bills related to charter school regulation, expanding single-use recyclables, and predatory lending protections.

Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Holden was a local elected official, serving for 24 years on the Pasadena City Council, including a turn as mayor. During this time, he also served as a member of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. Assm. Holden also owns a local real estate firm, CHMB Consulting. He is a longtime supporter of transportation expansion and college and career access for high school students. As a city councilmember and assemblymember, he has worked on initiatives to expand light rail and public transportation options for local constituents.

Other background: Assm. Holden is a lifelong resident of Pasadena.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Assm. Chris Holden, incumbent Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Konstantine Anthony, Perry Goldberg, and Marlon Marroquin. 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: Assm. Holden’s campaign has raised $663,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, real estate, fossil fuel, and police interests.
Opposing candidate: Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Supervisor Barger’s campaign has raised $595,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Konstantine Anthony
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anthony’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. District 5 includes Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Glendale, Glendora, La Verne, Lancaster, portions of Los Angeles, portions of Los Feliz, Monrovia, portions of North Hollywood, Palmdale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Porter Ranch, Shadow Hills, Universal Studios, Valley Village, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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 Chris Holden for Supervisor to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Assm. Chris Holden’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Los Angeles County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Assm. Holden has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, LA County Democratic Party, and SEIU2015. He has also received the endorsement of many state and local leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sec. of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Assm. Speaker Robert Rivas, Assm. Isaac Bryan, and several city councilmembers.

Electoral history: Assm. Holden has served in the State Assembly since 2012, when he was elected with 58% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 20 points.

Top issues: Workforce development programs, worker protections, transportation, criminal justice reform, improving public services, and environmental protections.

Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Holden is a public official, and has used his positions to improve access to economic and educational opportunities for his constituents. As a member of the State Assembly, he has successfully passed legislation to improve worker conditions, fund local libraries and hiking trails, and invest in improved services for individuals with disabilities. He has also been a strong proponent of establishing dual enrollment options for high school students to reduce the time and financial burden of college and to increase access to local career pathways.

Assm. Holden scores a Lifetime CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for his commitment to progressive values. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Holden has supported the most progressive bills that made it to a vote, although he has failed to cast a vote on bills related to charter school regulation, expanding single-use recyclables, and predatory lending protections.

Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Holden was a local elected official, serving for 24 years on the Pasadena City Council, including a turn as mayor. During this time, he also served as a member of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. Assm. Holden also owns a local real estate firm, CHMB Consulting. He is a longtime supporter of transportation expansion and college and career access for high school students. As a city councilmember and assemblymember, he has worked on initiatives to expand light rail and public transportation options for local constituents.

Other background: Assm. Holden is a lifelong resident of Pasadena.

The Race

Primary election: There are five candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Assm. Chris Holden, incumbent Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Konstantine Anthony, Perry Goldberg, and Marlon Marroquin. 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: Assm. Holden’s campaign has raised $663,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC, real estate, fossil fuel, and police interests.
Opposing candidate: Supervisor Kathryn Barger
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Supervisor Barger’s campaign has raised $595,000 as of December 2023, and is funded by police, real estate, and corporate PAC interests.

Opposing candidate: Konstantine Anthony
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anthony’s campaign has raised $35,000 as of December 2023, and is funded entirely by individual donors.

The District

County: Los Angeles County is California's most populous county. District 5 includes Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Glendale, Glendora, La Verne, Lancaster, portions of Los Angeles, portions of Los Feliz, Monrovia, portions of North Hollywood, Palmdale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Porter Ranch, Shadow Hills, Universal Studios, Valley Village, and unincorporated communities.

Governance structure: Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 9.7 million people and manages an estimated budget of $39 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Los Angeles County is governed by the Board of Supervisors, which has executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial authority. Voters also elect an assessor, a district attorney, and a sheriff, who work alongside the Board of Supervisors to govern within the county.

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.

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Los Angeles County, Judge of the Superior Court, Seat #39

George Turner Jr.

Website

Elect George Turner Jr. to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

George Turner Jr.’s track record and legal background demonstrate that he will use his judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Turner has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. He has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Turner is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Turner has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Turner is running for election to bring a democratized approach to the bench. He is interested in fairness, rehabilitation, and repairing a system that often does not support the rights and dignity of all.

Governance and community leadership experience: Turner has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 15 years, including working with defendants in juvenile and criminal trials. He has a strong interest in providing legal representation to vulnerable and marginalized communities, and currently works in a unit focused on individuals experiencing homelessness. Turner’s legal approach centers the equitable protection of human rights, especially for individuals who have been disadvantaged by broken social systems.

Other background: Turner is a lifelong resident of Inglewood.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including George Turner Jr., Ronda Dixon, Jacob Lee, and Steve Napolitano. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect George Turner Jr. to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

George Turner Jr.’s track record and legal background demonstrate that he will use his judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Turner has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. He has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Turner is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Turner has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Turner is running for election to bring a democratized approach to the bench. He is interested in fairness, rehabilitation, and repairing a system that often does not support the rights and dignity of all.

Governance and community leadership experience: Turner has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 15 years, including working with defendants in juvenile and criminal trials. He has a strong interest in providing legal representation to vulnerable and marginalized communities, and currently works in a unit focused on individuals experiencing homelessness. Turner’s legal approach centers the equitable protection of human rights, especially for individuals who have been disadvantaged by broken social systems.

Other background: Turner is a lifelong resident of Inglewood.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including George Turner Jr., Ronda Dixon, Jacob Lee, and Steve Napolitano. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect George Turner Jr. to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

George Turner Jr.’s track record and legal background demonstrate that he will use his judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Turner has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. He has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Turner is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Turner has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Turner is running for election to bring a democratized approach to the bench. He is interested in fairness, rehabilitation, and repairing a system that often does not support the rights and dignity of all.

Governance and community leadership experience: Turner has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 15 years, including working with defendants in juvenile and criminal trials. He has a strong interest in providing legal representation to vulnerable and marginalized communities, and currently works in a unit focused on individuals experiencing homelessness. Turner’s legal approach centers the equitable protection of human rights, especially for individuals who have been disadvantaged by broken social systems.

Other background: Turner is a lifelong resident of Inglewood.

The Race

Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including George Turner Jr., Ronda Dixon, Jacob Lee, and Steve Napolitano. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Los Angeles County, Judge of the Superior Court, Seat #48

Ericka Wiley

Website Endorsements

Elect Ericka Wiley for Superior Court to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Ericka Wiley’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wiley has the endorsement of some local groups, including SEIU Local 721, LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148, The National Women’s Political Caucus, and LA County Federation of Labor. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including nine current judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Wiley is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Wiley has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Wiley is running for election to bring fairness, patience, integrity, compassion, and a community approach to the bench. She will work to promote just sentencing, criminal justice reform, and breaking the cycle of recidivism through her judicial work.

Governance and community leadership experience: Wiley has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 20 years, which she does to bring advocacy and a restorative approach to the individuals she works with. With a strong understanding of the dysfunctions within the criminal justice system, she has worked to create resources and pathways to recovery for her clients. Wiley has worked within her community to educate young people about the legal system and the rights they hold as citizens, and has been a supervising and training attorney for new lawyers joining the Los Angeles County legal community.

Other background: Wiley is from Los Angeles, and returned to the city after attending college in Nashville and completing her law degree at the University of Cincinnati.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Ericka Wiley, Malik Burroughs, and Renee Rose. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect Ericka Wiley for Superior Court to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Ericka Wiley’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wiley has the endorsement of some local groups, including SEIU Local 721, LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148, The National Women’s Political Caucus, and LA County Federation of Labor. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including nine current judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Wiley is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Wiley has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Wiley is running for election to bring fairness, patience, integrity, compassion, and a community approach to the bench. She will work to promote just sentencing, criminal justice reform, and breaking the cycle of recidivism through her judicial work.

Governance and community leadership experience: Wiley has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 20 years, which she does to bring advocacy and a restorative approach to the individuals she works with. With a strong understanding of the dysfunctions within the criminal justice system, she has worked to create resources and pathways to recovery for her clients. Wiley has worked within her community to educate young people about the legal system and the rights they hold as citizens, and has been a supervising and training attorney for new lawyers joining the Los Angeles County legal community.

Other background: Wiley is from Los Angeles, and returned to the city after attending college in Nashville and completing her law degree at the University of Cincinnati.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Ericka Wiley, Malik Burroughs, and Renee Rose. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect Ericka Wiley for Superior Court to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

Ericka Wiley’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Wiley has the endorsement of some local groups, including SEIU Local 721, LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148, The National Women’s Political Caucus, and LA County Federation of Labor. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including nine current judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, and LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. Wiley is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Wiley has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Wiley is running for election to bring fairness, patience, integrity, compassion, and a community approach to the bench. She will work to promote just sentencing, criminal justice reform, and breaking the cycle of recidivism through her judicial work.

Governance and community leadership experience: Wiley has been a public defender in Los Angeles County for over 20 years, which she does to bring advocacy and a restorative approach to the individuals she works with. With a strong understanding of the dysfunctions within the criminal justice system, she has worked to create resources and pathways to recovery for her clients. Wiley has worked within her community to educate young people about the legal system and the rights they hold as citizens, and has been a supervising and training attorney for new lawyers joining the Los Angeles County legal community.

Other background: Wiley is from Los Angeles, and returned to the city after attending college in Nashville and completing her law degree at the University of Cincinnati.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Ericka Wiley, Malik Burroughs, and Renee Rose. 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: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Los Angeles County, Judge of the Superior Court, Seat #97

La Shae Henderson

Website

Elect La Shae Henderson to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

La Shae Henderson’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Henderson has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Henderson is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Henderson has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Henderson is running for election to bring impartiality, fairness, equity, and accountability to the bench. She is committed to rendering verdicts based on the facts presented in the courtroom, and taking an unbiased approach to each case.

Governance and community leadership experience: Henderson was a public defender in Los Angeles County for 18 years, and now works in private practice. During her time as a public defender, she worked on cases in the civil contempt and racial justice unit, family law, and juvenile justice division. She is bilingual, and served as a training attorney for fellow lawyers interested in more legal strategies for working inside of the Racial Justice Act. She is experienced in case review and legal analysis, and is dedicated to ensuring that her analysis of the case before her is never predetermined or rooted in bias. Henderson has also long been involved in her community, including as a youth pastor at a local church, and as a professor at her alma mater, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Other background: Henderson has lived in Los Angeles for 20 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including La Shae Henderson, Sam Abourched, and Sharon Ransom. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect La Shae Henderson to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

La Shae Henderson’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Henderson has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Henderson is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Henderson has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Henderson is running for election to bring impartiality, fairness, equity, and accountability to the bench. She is committed to rendering verdicts based on the facts presented in the courtroom, and taking an unbiased approach to each case.

Governance and community leadership experience: Henderson was a public defender in Los Angeles County for 18 years, and now works in private practice. During her time as a public defender, she worked on cases in the civil contempt and racial justice unit, family law, and juvenile justice division. She is bilingual, and served as a training attorney for fellow lawyers interested in more legal strategies for working inside of the Racial Justice Act. She is experienced in case review and legal analysis, and is dedicated to ensuring that her analysis of the case before her is never predetermined or rooted in bias. Henderson has also long been involved in her community, including as a youth pastor at a local church, and as a professor at her alma mater, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Other background: Henderson has lived in Los Angeles for 20 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including La Shae Henderson, Sam Abourched, and Sharon Ransom. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

Elect La Shae Henderson to put Los Angeles County on the right track for progress.

La Shae Henderson’s track record and legal background demonstrate that she will use her judicial prudence effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.

Progressive endorsements: Henderson has the endorsement of some local groups, including LA County Public Defenders Union Local 148 and Culver City Democratic Club. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, and LA Superior Court Judge Holly Hancock. Henderson is part of the three-candidate Defenders of Justice slate developed by La Defensa, Ground Game LA, and Working Families Party.

Electoral history: Henderson has not run for public office before.

Top issues: According to campaign materials, Henderson is running for election to bring impartiality, fairness, equity, and accountability to the bench. She is committed to rendering verdicts based on the facts presented in the courtroom, and taking an unbiased approach to each case.

Governance and community leadership experience: Henderson was a public defender in Los Angeles County for 18 years, and now works in private practice. During her time as a public defender, she worked on cases in the civil contempt and racial justice unit, family law, and juvenile justice division. She is bilingual, and served as a training attorney for fellow lawyers interested in more legal strategies for working inside of the Racial Justice Act. She is experienced in case review and legal analysis, and is dedicated to ensuring that her analysis of the case before her is never predetermined or rooted in bias. Henderson has also long been involved in her community, including as a youth pastor at a local church, and as a professor at her alma mater, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.

Other background: Henderson has lived in Los Angeles for 20 years.

The Race

Primary election: There are three candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including La Shae Henderson, Sam Abourched, and Sharon Ransom. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.

Candidate fundraising and pledges: None of the candidates in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with Los Angeles County as of December 2023.

The District

County: The Superior Court of Los Angeles County operates as the trial court for criminal, civil, and other cases filed in the county.

The Position

Judges of the California Superior Courts are elected in nonpartisan, county-wide elections to six-year terms. Once voted in, a judge can run for retention at the expiration of their term. A retention election is a process by which voters decide whether an incumbent judge should remain for another term. If the judge, when not facing an opponent, does not obtain a certain percentage of voters (often 50%), they are removed from the position. Many judges join the court through a gubernatorial appointment. If a judge is appointed, they compete in the next general election following the appointment.

California has 58 trial, or superior courts, one in each county. In the more than 450 courthouses of the superior courts, a judge and sometimes a jury hears witness testimony and other evidence. These courts hear civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases. The judge decides cases through the application of relevant law to the relevant facts.

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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Lena Gonzalez

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Lena Gonzalez

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

33rd 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 Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect Councilmember Suely Saro to keep Long Beach on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Re-elect State Senate Representative Lena Gonzalez to keep SD-33 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Elect Mark Gonzalez to put AD-54 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Courage California endorses Sade Elhawary for State Assembly to put AD-57 on the right track for progress.

The Race

The District

The Position

Selected Endorsements