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Welcome to the Courage California Progressive Voters Guide! We compile the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Voting has changed in Santa Clara County this year. The Voter’s Choice Act was enacted in the county to make voting more convenient. Changes include an expanded period of in-person early voting, every registered voter in the county will receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and every registered voter in the county is able to vote in-person at any Vote Center in their county. Have questions about the changes to voting in Santa Clara County? Find out how to vote in Santa Clara County.
Federal
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Courage California endorses Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for President and Vice President to keep America on the right track for progress.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have track records and policy positions that demonstrate that they will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have the endorsement of many groups, including Courage California, Reproductive Freedom for All, Sierra Club, National Organization for Women PAC, League of Conservation Voters, Gen-Z for Change, Black Voters Matter, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Vice President Harris has also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including seven state AFL-CIO delegations, North America’s Building Trades Union, National Education Association, IATSE, National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and American Federation of Teachers. She has the support of the Democratic National Committee, and an overwhelming number of Democratic leaders, including current President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, five current cabinet secretaries, 46 sitting U.S. senators, 200 members of the House of Representatives, and 23 Democratic state governors.
Priority policies: The Biden-Harris administration has had policy successes across diverse issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law, which made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking-water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to move the bill forward, creating nearly 170,000 clean-energy jobs, increasing clean-energy investments by $110 billion, and capping insulin at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden tasked Vice President Harris with leading the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and their advocacy resulted in a significant new bill that strengthens background-check laws, incentivizes state-based red-flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products that Americans use daily.
The Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% in January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $144 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
After the leaking of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and curtailed a national right to abortion, Vice President Harris was tapped to act as a messenger for the administration on the importance of access to reproductive health care. She guided the development of executive action on the issue, has been an outspoken advocate of restoring the right to abortion care, and urged President Biden to make a public rhetorical connection between the rolling back of abortion rights and the conservative effort to limit access to infertility treatment.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subjected to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders called on the Biden administration to advocate sooner for a ceasefire in Gaza. Vice President Harris has reaffirmed her strong support for Israel, and has been more forceful in calling for a ceasefire, hostage release, increase in aid to Gazans, and the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big-city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies. To advance this issue, Vice President Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration in Mexico and Central America, including boosting economic growth and strengthening democracy in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. While these efforts have not made a meaningful difference in the number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border to date, they have resulted in a memorandum of understanding with the Mexican government that provided an initial $4 billion investment in root-cause work in the region and an additional $5.2 billion investment from private companies. This funding is supporting entrepreneurial projects, affordable housing, climate protections, access to health care, food security, and labor rights initiatives.
Governance and community leadership experience: Vice President Harris has served in the White House since 2020, when she was elected with President Joe Biden on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate, winning her 2016 election with over 60% of the vote. During her time in the Senate, she sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the city and county of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education- and workforce-reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Gov. Walz has served as governor of Minnesota since 2018, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by seven points. He served six terms in Congress, representing the rural and moderate MN-1 district, and winning his last reelection in 2016 with 50% of the vote.
Gov. Walz has moved the state forward on a variety of issues, including codifying the right to abortion in the state, establishing a paid family-leave program, legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, expanding background-check requirements for firearm purchases, and creating a coverage mandate for gender-affirming care.
Gov. Walz joined the Army National Guard when he was 17 years old, and remained a reservist for 24 years, before retiring as a master sergeant in 2004 to run for Congress. While never deployed to a combat zone, Gov. Walz was stationed in a support role in Italy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He remained a strong supporter of veterans and the military during his time in Congress, eventually serving as a ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Prior to entering public service, Gov. Walz spent 15 years as a high school teacher, spending a year teaching in China before returning to Nebraska and eventually moving to a school district in Mankato, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Gov. Walz served as an assistant coach on the football team, the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance, and head of Educational Travel Adventures organization, where he helped organize annual student trips to China.
Other background: Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both immigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
Gov. Walz is from a small town in Nebraska, and has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent President Joe Biden (D) 89%, Marianne Williamson (D) 4%, and Dean Phillips (D) 3%. In July 2024, President Biden publicly announced his decision to end his presidential campaign, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Democrats swiftly coalesced around Vice President Harris’s candidacy, and she earned enough delegates for the formal party nomination during a virtual roll-call vote on August 2, 2024. On August 6, she selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as her running mate. They have been awarded California’s delegates and will appear as the Democratic nominees for president and vice president in the November 5 general election, running against the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Vice President Harris’s campaign has raised $488 million as of August 2024, including $247 million transferred from the Biden campaign after President Joe Biden departed the race.
Opposing candidate: Republican President Donald Trump
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: President Trump’s campaign has raised $264 million.
The Position
The president of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Elect Rep. Adam Schiff to the United States Senate to keep California on the right track for progress.
Rep. Adam Schiff’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for Californians and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse state.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, East Area Progressive Democrats, Giffords PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, Sierra Forward, and a large number of labor unions. He is also endorsed by an overwhelming number of leaders across local, state, and federal offices, including Sen. Alex Padilla; nearly the entire Democratic California Congressional delegation; Gov. Gavin Newsom; and a majority of the Democratic members of the state Senate and Assembly. Rep. Schiff’s endorsers include his primary opponents Rep. Katie Porter, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Top issues: Health-care access, sustainability and climate action, press freedom, affordable housing development, reproductive justice, national security, and AI regulation.
Priority bills: Rep. Schiff is an attorney and a public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, and health care. He rose to prominence as the chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump administration. During this Congress, he has sponsored 59 bills on housing affordability, national security, and press freedom, all of which remain in committee. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor-organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable-housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse.
Rep. Schiff is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies. However, he has been criticized for maintaining a moderate lean, including on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, which resulted in his 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq. He is a longtime loyalist of Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, who selected him over the more progressive Rep. Jerry Nadler for his appointment as chair of the House Intelligence Committee in 2015. Rep. Schiff has also been consistently hawkish on foreign policy, casting votes in favor of increases in military spending in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, and providing consistent support to Israel in the form of military funding and defense of expanded settlements. Rep. Schiff has been heavily criticized for his controversial approach to the Senate primary in March 2024, where his campaign ran millions of dollars in targeted ads that highlighted little-known Republican candidate Steve Garvey and ultimately helped elevate him to the general election over the two more progressive candidates, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Schiff currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as an assistant United States attorney before being elected to California’s state Senate in 1996.
Other background: Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The Race
Primary election results: There were 31 candidates in the March 2024 primary and the results included Rep. Adam Schiff (D) 32%, Steve Garvey (R) 32%, Rep. Katie Porter (D) 15%, and Rep. Barbara Lee (D) 10%. Rep. Adam Schiff and Steve Garvey will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Schiff’s campaign has raised $37 million and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Steve Garvey
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Garvey’s campaign has raised $10.9 million and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
Congress
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
16th Congressional District
Based on our analysis, the two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Endorsements: Sam Liccardo has the endorsement of some groups, including Sierra Club, Everytown for Gun Safety, Laborer’s International Union of North America, and BOLD PAC. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Sharice Davids, and State Controller Malia Cohen.
Assm. Evan Low has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, and many labor unions. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Ro Khanna, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Ash Kalra.
Key initiatives: In his two terms as mayor of San Jose, Liccardo successfully piloted initiatives to increase housing for the homeless population, including the conversion of motels, and the construction of prefabricated housing units. He also worked on initiatives to grow the number of officers in the San Jose Police Department, increase the minimum wage, and create workforce development programs across industries. In 2023, after Liccardo had left office, a court found that he had violated public records laws as mayor by intentionally conducting some city business on his personal accounts and failing to transparently search and provide records of that business.
This year, Assm. Low’s priorities for his district, AD-26, have included 56 bills about election protections and reform, increasing access to health-care professions, and marriage equality. Of these, 8 have been successfully chaptered into law, 9 have died, and all others remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve election integrity and security, adjust transportation infrastructure, and address crime and public safety. He is also responsible for authoring ACA 5, which is the originating bill for Proposition 3, which will appear on statewide ballots in November. Proposition 3 will formally repeal the discriminatory Proposition 8, and protect marriage equality in the California State Constitution. Assm. Low scored a Courage Score of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Low has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, during the 2023 legislative session Assm. Low did not support legislation to prohibit the use of facial-recognition software in officer-worn body cameras, allow resentencing for individuals impacted by firearm enhancements, or increase regulations and reporting requirements for charter schools.
Governance and community leadership experience: Liccardo was elected mayor of San Jose in 2014 with over 50% of the vote. In 2018, he won his reelection bid by 62 points.
Prior to his election to the mayor’s seat, Liccardo served in the San Jose City Council from 2006 to 2014, where he advocated for housing initiatives. Before entering public service, he worked as an attorney as a felony prosecutor with the San Jose District Attorney’s Office, and as a federal prosecutor with the Southern District of California.
Assm. Low has served in his assembly seat since 2014, when he was elected with nearly 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 48 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Low served on the Campbell City Council. He later served as mayor of Campbell and was an instructor at De Anza Community College. Assm. Low has been a longtime supporter of job creation and marriage equality.
Other background: Liccardo is from Saratoga and lives in San Jose.
Assm. Low is from Silicon Valley.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Sam Liccardo (D) 21%, Assm. Evan Low (D) 17%, Joe Simitian (D) 17%, Peter Ohtaki (R) 13%, Peter Dixon (D) 8%, Rishi Kumar (D) 7%, Karl Ryan (R) 6%, and Julie Lythcott-Haims (D) 6%. Sam Liccardo and Assm. Evan Low will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election. Simitian originally qualified for the run-off when he and Asm. Low tied for second place, but a PAC led by a supporter and ally of Liccardo called for a recount, which resulted in a higher vote count for Low, removing Simitian from the run-off.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sam Liccardo’s campaign has raised $4.3 million and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Evan Low’s campaign has raised $2.4 million and is funded by corporate PAC and fossil fuel interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 16th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 27% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 26% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 53 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 45 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, the two candidates for this position have distinct visions for the district. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
Endorsements: Sam Liccardo has the endorsement of some groups, including Sierra Club, Everytown for Gun Safety, Laborer’s International Union of North America, and BOLD PAC. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Sharice Davids, and State Controller Malia Cohen.
Assm. Evan Low has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, and many labor unions. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Ro Khanna, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Ash Kalra.
Key initiatives: In his two terms as mayor of San Jose, Liccardo successfully piloted initiatives to increase housing for the homeless population, including the conversion of motels, and the construction of prefabricated housing units. He also worked on initiatives to grow the number of officers in the San Jose Police Department, increase the minimum wage, and create workforce development programs across industries. In 2023, after Liccardo had left office, a court found that he had violated public records laws as mayor by intentionally conducting some city business on his personal accounts and failing to transparently search and provide records of that business.
This year, Assm. Low’s priorities for his district, AD-26, have included 56 bills about election protections and reform, increasing access to health-care professions, and marriage equality. Of these, 8 have been successfully chaptered into law, 9 have died, and all others remain in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to improve election integrity and security, adjust transportation infrastructure, and address crime and public safety. He is also responsible for authoring ACA 5, which is the originating bill for Proposition 3, which will appear on statewide ballots in November. Proposition 3 will formally repeal the discriminatory Proposition 8, and protect marriage equality in the California State Constitution. Assm. Low scored a Courage Score of 80 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Low has supported some progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, during the 2023 legislative session Assm. Low did not support legislation to prohibit the use of facial-recognition software in officer-worn body cameras, allow resentencing for individuals impacted by firearm enhancements, or increase regulations and reporting requirements for charter schools.
Governance and community leadership experience: Liccardo was elected mayor of San Jose in 2014 with over 50% of the vote. In 2018, he won his reelection bid by 62 points.
Prior to his election to the mayor’s seat, Liccardo served in the San Jose City Council from 2006 to 2014, where he advocated for housing initiatives. Before entering public service, he worked as an attorney as a felony prosecutor with the San Jose District Attorney’s Office, and as a federal prosecutor with the Southern District of California.
Assm. Low has served in his assembly seat since 2014, when he was elected with nearly 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 48 points.
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Assm. Low served on the Campbell City Council. He later served as mayor of Campbell and was an instructor at De Anza Community College. Assm. Low has been a longtime supporter of job creation and marriage equality.
Other background: Liccardo is from Saratoga and lives in San Jose.
Assm. Low is from Silicon Valley.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Sam Liccardo (D) 21%, Assm. Evan Low (D) 17%, Joe Simitian (D) 17%, Peter Ohtaki (R) 13%, Peter Dixon (D) 8%, Rishi Kumar (D) 7%, Karl Ryan (R) 6%, and Julie Lythcott-Haims (D) 6%. Sam Liccardo and Assm. Evan Low will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election. Simitian originally qualified for the run-off when he and Asm. Low tied for second place, but a PAC led by a supporter and ally of Liccardo called for a recount, which resulted in a higher vote count for Low, removing Simitian from the run-off.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sam Liccardo’s campaign has raised $4.3 million and is funded by real estate and corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Assm. Evan Low’s campaign has raised $2.4 million and is funded by corporate PAC and fossil fuel interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 16th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 27% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 26% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-16 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 53 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 45 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.
17th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Ro Khanna to keep CD-17 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Ro Khanna’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of CD-17 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Khanna has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, Equality California, League of Conservation Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including Sen. Alex Padilla, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Top issues: Labor rights, environmental protections, green jobs, technology and digital security, and oil and gas taxation.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Khanna’s priorities for CD-17 have included 20 bills about farm system reform, oil and gas taxation, social programs, the food supply chain, and green energy. All are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation to support state-based universal health-care systems, fortify the food-supply chain, establish Supreme Court term limits, and create protections for meatpacking factory workers. Rep. Khanna has been critical of recent harmful Supreme Court decisions, and introduced the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, which would create 18-year term limits for Justices.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Rep. Khanna serves as a deputy whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Khanna currently sits on the Armed Services, Oversight and Reform, and United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committees. He is a member of the Congressional Native American Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Khanna has served in this congressional seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 60% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Khanna served in the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Commerce. He is a longtime supporter of labor and environmental causes, and advocates for investment in green jobs and digital infrastructure. He has also worked to increase and transform manufacturing jobs. In the House, he has been dedicated to digital security and modernization. He was tapped by Speaker Pelosi to draft an Internet Bill of Rights, which described the rights that digital citizens should have in terms of privacy, access, and equity online. He is an attorney and spent his early career as an economics professor at Stanford University.
Other background: Rep. Ro Khanna grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Fremont, CA. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago, and then earned a law degree from Yale University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna (D) 63%, Anita Chen (R) 27%, Ritesh Tandon (D) 5%, and Mario Art Ramirez (D) 4%. Rep. Ro Khanna and Anita Chen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Ro Khanna’s campaign has raised $8.9 million and is not funded by police, real estate, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Anita Chen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Chen’s campaign has raised $36,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 17th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 15% Latino, 47% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-17 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 47 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 41 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
18th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Zoe Lofgren to keep CD-18 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Lofgren has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Immigration, the environment, safety, agriculture.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Lofgren’s priorities for CD-18 have included 15 bills about expanding pathways to citizenship and employment for immigrants, and prioritizing public safety in construction and development. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Lofgren currently sits on 2 committees, including the House Committee on the Judiciary. She is also the ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Lofgren has served in this congressional seat since 1994, when she was elected with over 45% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 32 points.
Prior to her role as a member of Congress, she was an immigration lawyer, taught at Santa Clara Law School, and served as staff assistant to Congressman Don Edwards. Rep. Lofgren has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, and LGBTQIA+ equity. In Congress, she helped pass the DREAM Act of 2019 (and 2010), and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, and has called for an end to the detention centers, and for foreign aid to end the instability in Central America that leads to people fleeing their homes. As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. However, she has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on holding Big Tech more accountable, even on antitrust bills that have bipartisan support and despite strong support from her constituents.
Other background: Rep. Lofgren was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attended Stanford and Santa Clara Law School.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D) 51%, Peter Hernandez (R) 33%, and Charlene Concepción Nijmeh (D) 11%. Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Peter Hernandez will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s campaign has raised $1.8 million and is not funded by police interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests, including Realtors PAC, Sempra Energy Employees PAC, Google Netpac, and Amazon.com.
Opposing candidate: Republican Peter Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $139,000 and is funded by corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Congressional District includes San Benito County and parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 51% Latino, 14% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.
Recent election results: CD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 44 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Zoe Lofgren to keep CD-18 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Lofgren has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Immigration, the environment, safety, agriculture.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Lofgren’s priorities for CD-18 have included 15 bills about expanding pathways to citizenship and employment for immigrants, and prioritizing public safety in construction and development. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Lofgren currently sits on 2 committees, including the House Committee on the Judiciary. She is also the ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Lofgren has served in this congressional seat since 1994, when she was elected with over 45% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 32 points.
Prior to her role as a member of Congress, she was an immigration lawyer, taught at Santa Clara Law School, and served as staff assistant to Congressman Don Edwards. Rep. Lofgren has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, and LGBTQIA+ equity. In Congress, she helped pass the DREAM Act of 2019 (and 2010), and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, and has called for an end to the detention centers, and for foreign aid to end the instability in Central America that leads to people fleeing their homes. As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. However, she has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on holding Big Tech more accountable, even on antitrust bills that have bipartisan support and despite strong support from her constituents.
Other background: Rep. Lofgren was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attended Stanford and Santa Clara Law School.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D) 51%, Peter Hernandez (R) 33%, and Charlene Concepción Nijmeh (D) 11%. Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Peter Hernandez will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s campaign has raised $1.8 million and is not funded by police interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests, including Realtors PAC, Sempra Energy Employees PAC, Google Netpac, and Amazon.com.
Opposing candidate: Republican Peter Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $139,000 and is funded by corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Congressional District includes San Benito County and parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 51% Latino, 14% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.
Recent election results: CD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 44 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Zoe Lofgren to keep CD-18 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-18 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Lofgren has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California and California Environmental Voters, as well as labor unions like United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Immigration, the environment, safety, agriculture.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Lofgren’s priorities for CD-18 have included 15 bills about expanding pathways to citizenship and employment for immigrants, and prioritizing public safety in construction and development. All currently remain in committee.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Lofgren currently sits on 2 committees, including the House Committee on the Judiciary. She is also the ranking member on the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Lofgren has served in this congressional seat since 1994, when she was elected with over 45% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 32 points.
Prior to her role as a member of Congress, she was an immigration lawyer, taught at Santa Clara Law School, and served as staff assistant to Congressman Don Edwards. Rep. Lofgren has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights, abortion protections, and LGBTQIA+ equity. In Congress, she helped pass the DREAM Act of 2019 (and 2010), and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in the House. She has opposed the Trump administration's immigration policies, and has called for an end to the detention centers, and for foreign aid to end the instability in Central America that leads to people fleeing their homes. As the representative for the heart of Silicon Valley, she has been active on internet and technology issues. She fought the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the NSA surveillance of Americans, and recently introduced the Online Privacy Act. However, she has been criticized for not taking a stronger stance on holding Big Tech more accountable, even on antitrust bills that have bipartisan support and despite strong support from her constituents.
Other background: Rep. Lofgren was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attended Stanford and Santa Clara Law School.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D) 51%, Peter Hernandez (R) 33%, and Charlene Concepción Nijmeh (D) 11%. Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Peter Hernandez will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s campaign has raised $1.8 million and is not funded by police interests. She has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests, including Realtors PAC, Sempra Energy Employees PAC, Google Netpac, and Amazon.com.
Opposing candidate: Republican Peter Hernandez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Hernandez’s campaign has raised $139,000 and is funded by corporate PAC interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 18th Congressional District includes San Benito County and parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 17% Republican, and 23% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 51% Latino, 14% Asian, and 3% Black. This district is considered to be one of the 16 strong Latino seats in the California congressional delegation.
Recent election results: CD-18 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 44 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
19th Congressional District
Reelect Congressional Representative Jimmy Panetta to keep CD-19 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-19 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Panetta has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, and Equality California. He also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Dawn Addis, and Assm. Gail Pellerin. However, Rep. Panetta has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous election cycles, including Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Taxation, trade, environmental protections, military and national security, health, and protections for marginalized communities
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Panetta’s priorities for CD-19 have included 40 bills about coastal conservation, military pay equity, wildfire and disaster preparedness programs, and increasing real estate market availability. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to ensure protections for transgender dependents of military members, increase the access farmers have to resources after agricultural disasters, and improve food security and pay equity for members of the military. Rep. Panetta is a longtime supporter of environmental protection and introduced several bills this term to protect the California coast from oil and gas leases, create emergency wildfire-reduction processes, and establish agricultural programs and resources to protect family farms.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Panetta currently sits on three committees, including Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Budget. He serves in leadership for the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and is a chief deputy whip for the House of Representatives. He is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Panetta has served in Congress since 2016, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Panetta spent his early career as a prosecutor in the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. After the start of the Iraq War, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was deployed to active duty in Afghanistan. He is a longtime supporter of establishing robust veteran services, and has been outspoken in his advocacy for health services and research for this population. He is also a strong voice for continued environmental protections and preservation in coastal regions of the state.
Other background: Rep. Panetta grew up on California’s central coast. He attended public schools during his early education, and earned his law degree at Santa Clara University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D) 65%, Jason Michael Anderson (R) 29%, Sean Dougherty (GRN) 6%. Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Jason Michael Anderson will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s campaign has raised $2.6 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including National Association of Realtors PAC, Google LLC, Edison International PAC, and Comcast Corporation.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jason Michael Anderson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $13,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 19th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats have held this seat since 2012 when Rep. Zoe Lofgren won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 17% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-19 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Jimmy Panetta to keep CD-19 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-19 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Panetta has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, and Equality California. He also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Dawn Addis, and Assm. Gail Pellerin. However, Rep. Panetta has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous election cycles, including Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Taxation, trade, environmental protections, military and national security, health, and protections for marginalized communities
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Panetta’s priorities for CD-19 have included 40 bills about coastal conservation, military pay equity, wildfire and disaster preparedness programs, and increasing real estate market availability. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to ensure protections for transgender dependents of military members, increase the access farmers have to resources after agricultural disasters, and improve food security and pay equity for members of the military. Rep. Panetta is a longtime supporter of environmental protection and introduced several bills this term to protect the California coast from oil and gas leases, create emergency wildfire-reduction processes, and establish agricultural programs and resources to protect family farms.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Panetta currently sits on three committees, including Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Budget. He serves in leadership for the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and is a chief deputy whip for the House of Representatives. He is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Panetta has served in Congress since 2016, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Panetta spent his early career as a prosecutor in the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. After the start of the Iraq War, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was deployed to active duty in Afghanistan. He is a longtime supporter of establishing robust veteran services, and has been outspoken in his advocacy for health services and research for this population. He is also a strong voice for continued environmental protections and preservation in coastal regions of the state.
Other background: Rep. Panetta grew up on California’s central coast. He attended public schools during his early education, and earned his law degree at Santa Clara University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D) 65%, Jason Michael Anderson (R) 29%, Sean Dougherty (GRN) 6%. Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Jason Michael Anderson will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s campaign has raised $2.6 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including National Association of Realtors PAC, Google LLC, Edison International PAC, and Comcast Corporation.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jason Michael Anderson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $13,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 19th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats have held this seat since 2012 when Rep. Zoe Lofgren won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 17% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-19 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Reelect Congressional Representative Jimmy Panetta to keep CD-19 on the right track for progress.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of CD-19 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Panetta has the endorsement of many groups, including California Environmental Voters, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, and Equality California. He also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Assm. Dawn Addis, and Assm. Gail Pellerin. However, Rep. Panetta has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous election cycles, including Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Taxation, trade, environmental protections, military and national security, health, and protections for marginalized communities
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Panetta’s priorities for CD-19 have included 40 bills about coastal conservation, military pay equity, wildfire and disaster preparedness programs, and increasing real estate market availability. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored and passed legislation to ensure protections for transgender dependents of military members, increase the access farmers have to resources after agricultural disasters, and improve food security and pay equity for members of the military. Rep. Panetta is a longtime supporter of environmental protection and introduced several bills this term to protect the California coast from oil and gas leases, create emergency wildfire-reduction processes, and establish agricultural programs and resources to protect family farms.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Panetta currently sits on three committees, including Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Budget. He serves in leadership for the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and is a chief deputy whip for the House of Representatives. He is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Panetta has served in Congress since 2016, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Panetta spent his early career as a prosecutor in the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. After the start of the Iraq War, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was deployed to active duty in Afghanistan. He is a longtime supporter of establishing robust veteran services, and has been outspoken in his advocacy for health services and research for this population. He is also a strong voice for continued environmental protections and preservation in coastal regions of the state.
Other background: Rep. Panetta grew up on California’s central coast. He attended public schools during his early education, and earned his law degree at Santa Clara University.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D) 65%, Jason Michael Anderson (R) 29%, Sean Dougherty (GRN) 6%. Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Jason Michael Anderson will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s campaign has raised $2.6 million and is not funded by police interests. He has received problematic donations from fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including National Association of Realtors PAC, Google LLC, Edison International PAC, and Comcast Corporation.
Opposing candidate: Republican Jason Michael Anderson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Anderson’s campaign has raised $13,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 19th Congressional District includes parts of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 21% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference. Democrats have held this seat since 2012 when Rep. Zoe Lofgren won and flipped it from red to blue.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 17% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: CD-19 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 30 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
State Assembly
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly, 23rd District
Reelect Assemblymember Marc Berman to keep AD-23 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Marc Berman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Notably, Assm. Berman’s office was named in a workplace-harassment complaint that was made by a former staffer in 2022. The complaint alleged that a supervisor in his Los Altos office consistently made sex-based comments and advances toward female staffers, and provided preferential support to one female member of the staff. Assm. Berman made no staffing changes as a result of the complaint, and has failed to publicly work toward reforming the state legislative workplace-complaint process. Voters should continue to work to hold him accountable for any failures in leadership related to this or other incidents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Berman has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Top issues: Education and STEM programs, firearm and weapons safety, election access and security, health care, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This legislative cycle, Assm. Berman’s priorities for AD-23 have included 57 bills about election security, firearm safety, education, and housing and lodging. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to eliminate hidden fees in the booking of short-term lodging, update the fee structure for affordable housing developers to increase the revenue stream for these projects, establish a utility workforce-development program, and improve access and retention of financial aid for California students. In 2024, he proposed legislation to prevent AI-enabled child exploitation, close loopholes to strengthen revenge porn laws, expand computer science instruction to all public high school students, ensure incarcerated juveniles have access to equal educational opportunities, and protect elections from extremism and intimidation. He scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Berman supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Assm. Berman has failed to cast a vote on some critical legislation, including bills to prohibit discrimination based on caste, and improve air quality in San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, he failed to support AB1604, which would increase charter school accountability by placing more reporting requirements on financial distributions from the Charter School Facility Grant. Assm. Berman has previously accepted campaign donations from California Charter Schools Association Advocates for Great Public Schools.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Berman currently sits on four standing committees, including Elections, Insurance, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Professions and the Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California. Assm. Berman is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Berman has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 46 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Berman served as an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council, supporting significant improvements to the city’s infrastructure and public safety. Assm. Berman is a longtime supporter of voting rights and reform. During law school, he worked as a summer analyst with the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and was an author of the Assembly bill that made California a permanent vote-by-mail state.
Other background: Assm. Berman is from Palo Alto. Prior to his public service, he was an attorney in private practice and worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, a STEM-focused nonprofit organization.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Marc Berman (D) 57%, Lydia Kou (D) 20%, Gus Mattammal (R) 11%, and Allan Marson (R) 11%. Assm. Marc Berman and Lydia Kou will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Berman’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, AirBnB Inc, Disney Worldwide Services Inc, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Lydia Kou
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kou’s campaign has raised $115,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 28% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat. It has been held by democratic Assm. Marc Berman since 2022.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Marc Berman to keep AD-23 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Marc Berman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Notably, Assm. Berman’s office was named in a workplace-harassment complaint that was made by a former staffer in 2022. The complaint alleged that a supervisor in his Los Altos office consistently made sex-based comments and advances toward female staffers, and provided preferential support to one female member of the staff. Assm. Berman made no staffing changes as a result of the complaint, and has failed to publicly work toward reforming the state legislative workplace-complaint process. Voters should continue to work to hold him accountable for any failures in leadership related to this or other incidents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Berman has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Top issues: Education and STEM programs, firearm and weapons safety, election access and security, health care, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This legislative cycle, Assm. Berman’s priorities for AD-23 have included 57 bills about election security, firearm safety, education, and housing and lodging. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to eliminate hidden fees in the booking of short-term lodging, update the fee structure for affordable housing developers to increase the revenue stream for these projects, establish a utility workforce-development program, and improve access and retention of financial aid for California students. In 2024, he proposed legislation to prevent AI-enabled child exploitation, close loopholes to strengthen revenge porn laws, expand computer science instruction to all public high school students, ensure incarcerated juveniles have access to equal educational opportunities, and protect elections from extremism and intimidation. He scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Berman supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Assm. Berman has failed to cast a vote on some critical legislation, including bills to prohibit discrimination based on caste, and improve air quality in San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, he failed to support AB1604, which would increase charter school accountability by placing more reporting requirements on financial distributions from the Charter School Facility Grant. Assm. Berman has previously accepted campaign donations from California Charter Schools Association Advocates for Great Public Schools.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Berman currently sits on four standing committees, including Elections, Insurance, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Professions and the Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California. Assm. Berman is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Berman has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 46 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Berman served as an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council, supporting significant improvements to the city’s infrastructure and public safety. Assm. Berman is a longtime supporter of voting rights and reform. During law school, he worked as a summer analyst with the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and was an author of the Assembly bill that made California a permanent vote-by-mail state.
Other background: Assm. Berman is from Palo Alto. Prior to his public service, he was an attorney in private practice and worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, a STEM-focused nonprofit organization.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Marc Berman (D) 57%, Lydia Kou (D) 20%, Gus Mattammal (R) 11%, and Allan Marson (R) 11%. Assm. Marc Berman and Lydia Kou will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Berman’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, AirBnB Inc, Disney Worldwide Services Inc, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Lydia Kou
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kou’s campaign has raised $115,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 28% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat. It has been held by democratic Assm. Marc Berman since 2022.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Marc Berman to keep AD-23 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Marc Berman’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of AD-23 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Notably, Assm. Berman’s office was named in a workplace-harassment complaint that was made by a former staffer in 2022. The complaint alleged that a supervisor in his Los Altos office consistently made sex-based comments and advances toward female staffers, and provided preferential support to one female member of the staff. Assm. Berman made no staffing changes as a result of the complaint, and has failed to publicly work toward reforming the state legislative workplace-complaint process. Voters should continue to work to hold him accountable for any failures in leadership related to this or other incidents.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Berman has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. He has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Top issues: Education and STEM programs, firearm and weapons safety, election access and security, health care, and environmental protections.
Priority bills: This legislative cycle, Assm. Berman’s priorities for AD-23 have included 57 bills about election security, firearm safety, education, and housing and lodging. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to eliminate hidden fees in the booking of short-term lodging, update the fee structure for affordable housing developers to increase the revenue stream for these projects, establish a utility workforce-development program, and improve access and retention of financial aid for California students. In 2024, he proposed legislation to prevent AI-enabled child exploitation, close loopholes to strengthen revenge porn laws, expand computer science instruction to all public high school students, ensure incarcerated juveniles have access to equal educational opportunities, and protect elections from extremism and intimidation. He scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Berman supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Assm. Berman has failed to cast a vote on some critical legislation, including bills to prohibit discrimination based on caste, and improve air quality in San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, he failed to support AB1604, which would increase charter school accountability by placing more reporting requirements on financial distributions from the Charter School Facility Grant. Assm. Berman has previously accepted campaign donations from California Charter Schools Association Advocates for Great Public Schools.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Berman currently sits on four standing committees, including Elections, Insurance, and Transportation. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Business and Professions and the Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California. Assm. Berman is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Berman has served in this assembly seat since 2016, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 46 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Berman served as an elected member of the Palo Alto City Council, supporting significant improvements to the city’s infrastructure and public safety. Assm. Berman is a longtime supporter of voting rights and reform. During law school, he worked as a summer analyst with the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and was an author of the Assembly bill that made California a permanent vote-by-mail state.
Other background: Assm. Berman is from Palo Alto. Prior to his public service, he was an attorney in private practice and worked with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, a STEM-focused nonprofit organization.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Marc Berman (D) 57%, Lydia Kou (D) 20%, Gus Mattammal (R) 11%, and Allan Marson (R) 11%. Assm. Marc Berman and Lydia Kou will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Berman’s campaign has raised $1.3 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, AirBnB Inc, Disney Worldwide Services Inc, California Real Estate PAC, and California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC.
Opposing candidate: Democrat Lydia Kou
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Kou’s campaign has raised $115,000 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 23rd Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 28% No Party Preference. Prior to redistricting, Republicans typically held this seat. It has been held by democratic Assm. Marc Berman since 2022.
District demographics: 9% Latino, 27% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-23 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 59 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 24th District
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Alex Lee to keep AD-24 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Lee’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-24 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Lee has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Sierra Club California, Working Families Party, and AFSCME California. He has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Ash Kalra, and Assm. Isaac Bryan.
Top issues: Water quality and climate protections, affordable housing, transportation, education and student supports, and political reforms.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Lee’s priorities for AD-24 have included 45 bills about affordable housing, transportation, education, and water quality. Of these, 12 have been successfully chaptered into law, six have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on city streets, ensure that Google and Yelp listings include phone numbers that go directly to small businesses, provide incentives for the adaptive reuse of motels and hotels, and improve drinking water access for Californians who use domestic wells. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase tenant protections in civil eviction proceedings, reduce barriers to developing housing in tribal communities, improve the BART system by updating its financial structure, and allow public workers to express solidarity with their unionized counterparts by honoring picket lines during strikes. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Lee supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and currently serves as Chair.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Lee currently sits on four committees, including Budget, Housing and Community Development, and Labor and Employment. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Human Services and chair of the Select Committee on Social Housing. He is also a member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Lee has served in this assembly seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 70% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 38 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Lee interned at the district office of former Congressman Mike Honda and several California legislators. He is a longtime champion of movements to improve social equity across communities.
Other background: Assm. Lee is from San Jose. He became California’s youngest and the first openly bisexual legislator upon his election to this seat.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Alex Lee (D) 68%, Bob Brunton (R) 22%, and Marti Souza (R) 9%. Assm. Alex Lee and Bob Brunton will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Lee’s campaign has raised $632,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Bob Brunton
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Brunton’s campaign has raised $258 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 24th Assembly District includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 50% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 31% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 54% Asian, and 4% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Asian seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-24 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 25th District
Reelect Assemblymember Ash Kalra to keep AD-25 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Ash Kalra’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Kalra has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Labor and employment, environmental protections, health coverage, education, and housing.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Kalra’s priorities for AD-25 have included 65 bills about universal health care, labor and worker protections, school safety, and deforestation. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to extend the Young Adult Deferred Entry program to 2026, require transit systems to notify their unions when transitioning to autonomous driving technologies, expand Residential Care Facilities for Elderly people, and disallow the use of bench warrants for infractions or minor citations. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase the availability of cat-neutering services, require courts to dismiss victimless misdemeanors for individuals who have already received a state prison sentence, improve access to data for people seeking relieve through the Racial Justice Act, and providing a statewide guarantee of health care for all. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Assm. Kalra has frequently received the Courage Score All-Star distinction and has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, he authored or co-authored four bills that were evaluated for the scorecard, including AB1082 to adjust guidelines for health-care workers to report domestic violence and abuse, and AB1266 to eliminate the use of bench warrants.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and is the chair emeritus.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Kalra currently sits on four committees, including Housing and Community Development, Transportation, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Judiciary, and chair of the Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers. Assm. Kalra is also a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Kalra has served in the Assembly since 2016, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 40 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Kalra served two terms as a member of the San Jose City Council, and was the first Indian-American elected to the body. Before entering public service, he spent 11 years as a Santa Clara County Public Defender, and taught law courses at Lincoln Law School. He is a longtime supporter of public safety, and improving local economic and transportation development for the betterment of his San Jose community.
Other background: Assm. Kalra is a longtime resident of San Jose.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Ash Kalra (D) 52%, Ted Stroll (R) 26%, and Lan Ngo (D) 22%. Assm. Ash Kalra and Ted Stroll will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Kalra’s campaign has raised $493,000 and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Ted Stroll
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Stroll’s campaign has raised $5,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 27% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 38% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Ash Kalra to keep AD-25 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Ash Kalra’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Kalra has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Labor and employment, environmental protections, health coverage, education, and housing.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Kalra’s priorities for AD-25 have included 65 bills about universal health care, labor and worker protections, school safety, and deforestation. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to extend the Young Adult Deferred Entry program to 2026, require transit systems to notify their unions when transitioning to autonomous driving technologies, expand Residential Care Facilities for Elderly people, and disallow the use of bench warrants for infractions or minor citations. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase the availability of cat-neutering services, require courts to dismiss victimless misdemeanors for individuals who have already received a state prison sentence, improve access to data for people seeking relieve through the Racial Justice Act, and providing a statewide guarantee of health care for all. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Assm. Kalra has frequently received the Courage Score All-Star distinction and has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, he authored or co-authored four bills that were evaluated for the scorecard, including AB1082 to adjust guidelines for health-care workers to report domestic violence and abuse, and AB1266 to eliminate the use of bench warrants.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and is the chair emeritus.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Kalra currently sits on four committees, including Housing and Community Development, Transportation, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Judiciary, and chair of the Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers. Assm. Kalra is also a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Kalra has served in the Assembly since 2016, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 40 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Kalra served two terms as a member of the San Jose City Council, and was the first Indian-American elected to the body. Before entering public service, he spent 11 years as a Santa Clara County Public Defender, and taught law courses at Lincoln Law School. He is a longtime supporter of public safety, and improving local economic and transportation development for the betterment of his San Jose community.
Other background: Assm. Kalra is a longtime resident of San Jose.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Ash Kalra (D) 52%, Ted Stroll (R) 26%, and Lan Ngo (D) 22%. Assm. Ash Kalra and Ted Stroll will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Kalra’s campaign has raised $493,000 and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Ted Stroll
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Stroll’s campaign has raised $5,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 27% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 38% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Ash Kalra to keep AD-25 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Ash Kalra’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-25 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Kalra has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, Sierra Club California, AFSCME California, and California Environmental Voters.
Top issues: Labor and employment, environmental protections, health coverage, education, and housing.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Kalra’s priorities for AD-25 have included 65 bills about universal health care, labor and worker protections, school safety, and deforestation. Of these, 19 have been successfully chaptered into law, seven have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to extend the Young Adult Deferred Entry program to 2026, require transit systems to notify their unions when transitioning to autonomous driving technologies, expand Residential Care Facilities for Elderly people, and disallow the use of bench warrants for infractions or minor citations. In 2024, he proposed legislation to increase the availability of cat-neutering services, require courts to dismiss victimless misdemeanors for individuals who have already received a state prison sentence, improve access to data for people seeking relieve through the Racial Justice Act, and providing a statewide guarantee of health care for all. He scored a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Assm. Kalra has frequently received the Courage Score All-Star distinction and has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote. In 2023, he authored or co-authored four bills that were evaluated for the scorecard, including AB1082 to adjust guidelines for health-care workers to report domestic violence and abuse, and AB1266 to eliminate the use of bench warrants.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes, and is the chair emeritus.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Kalra currently sits on four committees, including Housing and Community Development, Transportation, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. He serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Judiciary, and chair of the Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers. Assm. Kalra is also a member of the California AAPI Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Kalra has served in the Assembly since 2016, when he was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 40 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Assm. Kalra served two terms as a member of the San Jose City Council, and was the first Indian-American elected to the body. Before entering public service, he spent 11 years as a Santa Clara County Public Defender, and taught law courses at Lincoln Law School. He is a longtime supporter of public safety, and improving local economic and transportation development for the betterment of his San Jose community.
Other background: Assm. Kalra is a longtime resident of San Jose.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Ash Kalra (D) 52%, Ted Stroll (R) 26%, and Lan Ngo (D) 22%. Assm. Ash Kalra and Ted Stroll will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Kalra’s campaign has raised $493,000 and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Ted Stroll
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Stroll’s campaign has raised $5,000 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 25th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 16% Republican, and 27% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 34% Latino, 38% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-25 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 40 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 26th District
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Vote for Tara Sreekrishnan or Patrick Ahrens for State Assembly to keep AD-26 on the right track for progress.
Progressive endorsements: Tara Sreekrishnan has the endorsement of many groups, including California Labor Federation, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, California Democratic Women’s Caucus, Climate Action California, and California Women’s List. She has also received the endorsement of some elected leaders, including State Sen. Nancy Skinner, State Sen. Dave Cortese, Assm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg.
Patrick Ahrens has the endorsement of some groups, including California Labor Federation, Equality California, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, California Teachers Association, and National Union of Healthcare Workers. He also has the endorsement of many elected leaders, including outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low, Assm. Marc Berman, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. He has also received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Sheriff Bob Jonsen.
Key initiatives: Sreekrishnan is an elected official and policy official, which she does to support local transformation through public systems. Since 2020, she has been serving as chief of staff and policy director for Sen. Dave Cortese, first on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and now in the state legislature. In these roles, she supports the creation and modification of legislation, and liaises with constituents across issues. Along with her policy work, she has served on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2022, where she advocates for youth development and educational equity for students in Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Los Altos. Sreekrishnan has been an active member of her local community, founding Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, serving as a Citizens Advisory Board member for Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and as board president for Friends of Deer Hollow Farm.
Ahrens is an elected member of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he has worked on initiatives to improve affordability and college access for members of the educational community. His efforts have included advocating for increased affordable housing development for faculty and students through a $200 million investment, and staff-retention improvements. In addition to this work, Ahrens has served as an Assembly staffer for the last 10 years, most recently as a district director for outgoing AD-26 Assm. Evan Low. Ahrens grew up in a family where there were significant substance abuse issues and periods of homelessness, and he recently lost his twin brother to illness. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on how to address the issues of homelessness and housing affordability, the addiction crisis, and poverty.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sreekrishnan ran unopposed for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 2 seat in 2022.
Ahrens won election to the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in 2018, and was reelected in 2022.
Other background: Sreekrishnan is a lifelong resident of Santa Clara County.
Ahrens is from Silicon Valley. He was a first-generation college student.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Patrick Ahrens (D) 34%, Tara Sreekrishnan (D) 27%, Sophie Yan Song (R) 22%, Omar Din (D) 12%, Bob Goodwyn (LIB) 3%, and Ashish Garg (NPP) 2%. Patrick Ahrens and Tara Sreekrishnan will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Ahrens’s campaign has raised $730,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel interests. He has received problematic donations from real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests, including from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC, McDonald’s USA, and California Real Estate PAC.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Sreekrishnan’s campaign has raised $754,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel, corporate PAC, or real estate interests.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 26th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 30% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 36% Asian, and 4% Black.
Recent election results: AD-26 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 28th District
Reelect Assemblymember Gail Pellerin to keep AD-28 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gail Pellerin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Pellerin has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and AFSCME California. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta, and several current and former members of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Assm. Pellerin has also received problematic police endorsements from California Association of Highway Patrol, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Voting rights and election integrity, health care, homelessness and housing, environmental protections, education, and economic growth.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Pellerin’s priorities for AD-28 have included 45 bills about election security, health care, and water and environmental protections. Of these, 18 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to update the election code to ease voting processes for voters registered as No Party Preference, allow voters to process their mail ballot in-person at a vote location, improve accessibility at in-person vote locations, and extend earthquake compliance for three public hospitals in the Santa Clara Valley. In 2024, she has proposed legislation to prohibit political campaigns from distributing deceptive ads or disinformation, increase restrictions on landlords charging rental application fees, and streamline the development of agricultural employee housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. She scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pellerin supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: No
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Pellerin currently sits on four committees, including Appropriations, Natural Resources, and Business and Professions. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Elections. Assm. Pellerin is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pellerin has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 68% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pellerin spent 35 years as a public servant who worked to support marriage-equality issues, fight for voting rights, and strengthen democracy. As Santa Cruz County Clerk, she authored several election guidebooks to assist voters, has implemented innovative voter-outreach programs that targeted high school students, and has made polling places more accessible to people with disabilities. Along with her election advocacy, she has been a longtime supporter of marriage equality.
Other background: Assm. Pellerin is a longtime resident of Santa Cruz County. She has received awards for her work on disability issues, voting rights, and government transparency.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Gail Pellerin (D) 69%, and Liz Lawler (R) 31%. Assm. Gail Pellerin and Liz Lawler will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pellerin’s campaign has raised $636,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include NextEra Energy Resources, McDonald’s Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Real Estate PAC, and Amazon.com Services.
Opposing candidate: Republican Liz Lawler
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lawler’s campaign has raised $17,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 28th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and Santa Curz Counties.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 15% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Gail Pellerin to keep AD-28 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gail Pellerin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Pellerin has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and AFSCME California. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta, and several current and former members of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Assm. Pellerin has also received problematic police endorsements from California Association of Highway Patrol, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Voting rights and election integrity, health care, homelessness and housing, environmental protections, education, and economic growth.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Pellerin’s priorities for AD-28 have included 45 bills about election security, health care, and water and environmental protections. Of these, 18 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to update the election code to ease voting processes for voters registered as No Party Preference, allow voters to process their mail ballot in-person at a vote location, improve accessibility at in-person vote locations, and extend earthquake compliance for three public hospitals in the Santa Clara Valley. In 2024, she has proposed legislation to prohibit political campaigns from distributing deceptive ads or disinformation, increase restrictions on landlords charging rental application fees, and streamline the development of agricultural employee housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. She scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pellerin supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: No
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Pellerin currently sits on four committees, including Appropriations, Natural Resources, and Business and Professions. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Elections. Assm. Pellerin is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pellerin has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 68% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pellerin spent 35 years as a public servant who worked to support marriage-equality issues, fight for voting rights, and strengthen democracy. As Santa Cruz County Clerk, she authored several election guidebooks to assist voters, has implemented innovative voter-outreach programs that targeted high school students, and has made polling places more accessible to people with disabilities. Along with her election advocacy, she has been a longtime supporter of marriage equality.
Other background: Assm. Pellerin is a longtime resident of Santa Cruz County. She has received awards for her work on disability issues, voting rights, and government transparency.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Gail Pellerin (D) 69%, and Liz Lawler (R) 31%. Assm. Gail Pellerin and Liz Lawler will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pellerin’s campaign has raised $636,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include NextEra Energy Resources, McDonald’s Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Real Estate PAC, and Amazon.com Services.
Opposing candidate: Republican Liz Lawler
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lawler’s campaign has raised $17,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 28th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and Santa Curz Counties.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 15% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assemblymember Gail Pellerin to keep AD-28 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Gail Pellerin’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-28 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Pellerin has the endorsement of many groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California, and AFSCME California. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta, and several current and former members of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. Assm. Pellerin has also received problematic police endorsements from California Association of Highway Patrol, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.
Top issues: Voting rights and election integrity, health care, homelessness and housing, environmental protections, education, and economic growth.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Assm. Pellerin’s priorities for AD-28 have included 45 bills about election security, health care, and water and environmental protections. Of these, 18 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, she sponsored and passed legislation to update the election code to ease voting processes for voters registered as No Party Preference, allow voters to process their mail ballot in-person at a vote location, improve accessibility at in-person vote locations, and extend earthquake compliance for three public hospitals in the Santa Clara Valley. In 2024, she has proposed legislation to prohibit political campaigns from distributing deceptive ads or disinformation, increase restrictions on landlords charging rental application fees, and streamline the development of agricultural employee housing in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. She scored a CS of 93 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Pellerin supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote last year.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: No
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Pellerin currently sits on four committees, including Appropriations, Natural Resources, and Business and Professions. She serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Elections. Assm. Pellerin is also a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Pellerin has served in this assembly seat since 2022, when she was elected with over 68% of the vote.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Pellerin spent 35 years as a public servant who worked to support marriage-equality issues, fight for voting rights, and strengthen democracy. As Santa Cruz County Clerk, she authored several election guidebooks to assist voters, has implemented innovative voter-outreach programs that targeted high school students, and has made polling places more accessible to people with disabilities. Along with her election advocacy, she has been a longtime supporter of marriage equality.
Other background: Assm. Pellerin is a longtime resident of Santa Cruz County. She has received awards for her work on disability issues, voting rights, and government transparency.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assm. Gail Pellerin (D) 69%, and Liz Lawler (R) 31%. Assm. Gail Pellerin and Liz Lawler will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Pellerin’s campaign has raised $636,000 and is funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests. Her problematic donors include NextEra Energy Resources, McDonald’s Corporation, Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC, California Real Estate PAC, and Amazon.com Services.
Opposing candidate: Republican Liz Lawler
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lawler’s campaign has raised $17,000 and is primarily self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 28th Assembly District includes parts of Santa Clara and Santa Curz Counties.
Voter registration: 52% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 24% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 15% Asian, and 2% Black.
Recent election results: AD-28 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 48 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 38 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Assembly, 29th District
Reelect Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to keep AD-29 on the right track for progress.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-29 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Speaker Rivas has the endorsement of many groups, including AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including a police group.
Top issues: Agriculture, environmental protections, water management, farmworker rights and protections, education, taxation, and reproductive rights.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Speaker Rivas’s priorities for AD-29 have included 11 bills about water management, global warming, and school meals. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to update flood protection for the Pajaro River Levee system, improve infrastructure for the production and distribution of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, allow labor officials to review paper copies of worker payroll records against electronic versions, and bring awareness to stuttering and school nutrition. In previous sessions, Assm. Rivas has established himself as a strong supporter of agricultural workers. He secured the enactment of the first-in-the-nation COVID-19 Farmworker Relief Package, which included access to PPE and testing, temporary housing, and access to health care and the courts, and he also championed the Farmworker Housing Act, which streamlined the process to build quality housing for farmworkers and their families. He has scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, in each of the last three legislative years. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Speaker Rivas has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote since 2021.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Speaker Rivas currently sits on six committees, including Mobility in the Golden State, Social Housing, State Parks, Status of Boys and Men of Color, and California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs. He took over as Speaker of the Assembly in June 2023. Assm. Rivas is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Speaker Rivas has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 28 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Speaker Rivas held several community leadership positions, including working as a firefighter and a teacher. In 2010, he was elected to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to ban Big Oil and fracking in the county. Speaker Rivas grew up in the Central Coast farmworker community, and has been a longtime supporter of initiatives to protect the environment and California’s natural resources.
Other background: Speaker Rivas grew up in Paicines and now lives in Hollister. He is a lifelong resident of the 29th district, and credits his labor organizer grandfather with inspiring his path to public service. Notably, Speaker Rivas’s brother, Rick Rivas, has been one of his closest advisors for much of his political career. Rick Rivas is a vice president of the American Beverage Association and also serves as an advisor for a problematic campaign donor network called Govern for California, which has worked against organized labor in the past and is funded primarily by big tech donors.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D) 65%, and J.W. Paine (R) 35%. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and J.W. Paine will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assembly Speaker Rivas’s campaign has raised $3.4 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests. His problematic donors include Bloom Energy Corporation, AT&T Services Inc, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PAC, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican J.W. Paine
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Paine’s campaign has raised $10,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 29th Assembly District includes parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-29 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 20 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to keep AD-29 on the right track for progress.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-29 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Speaker Rivas has the endorsement of many groups, including AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including a police group.
Top issues: Agriculture, environmental protections, water management, farmworker rights and protections, education, taxation, and reproductive rights.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Speaker Rivas’s priorities for AD-29 have included 11 bills about water management, global warming, and school meals. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to update flood protection for the Pajaro River Levee system, improve infrastructure for the production and distribution of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, allow labor officials to review paper copies of worker payroll records against electronic versions, and bring awareness to stuttering and school nutrition. In previous sessions, Assm. Rivas has established himself as a strong supporter of agricultural workers. He secured the enactment of the first-in-the-nation COVID-19 Farmworker Relief Package, which included access to PPE and testing, temporary housing, and access to health care and the courts, and he also championed the Farmworker Housing Act, which streamlined the process to build quality housing for farmworkers and their families. He has scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, in each of the last three legislative years. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Speaker Rivas has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote since 2021.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Speaker Rivas currently sits on six committees, including Mobility in the Golden State, Social Housing, State Parks, Status of Boys and Men of Color, and California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs. He took over as Speaker of the Assembly in June 2023. Assm. Rivas is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Speaker Rivas has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 28 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Speaker Rivas held several community leadership positions, including working as a firefighter and a teacher. In 2010, he was elected to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to ban Big Oil and fracking in the county. Speaker Rivas grew up in the Central Coast farmworker community, and has been a longtime supporter of initiatives to protect the environment and California’s natural resources.
Other background: Speaker Rivas grew up in Paicines and now lives in Hollister. He is a lifelong resident of the 29th district, and credits his labor organizer grandfather with inspiring his path to public service. Notably, Speaker Rivas’s brother, Rick Rivas, has been one of his closest advisors for much of his political career. Rick Rivas is a vice president of the American Beverage Association and also serves as an advisor for a problematic campaign donor network called Govern for California, which has worked against organized labor in the past and is funded primarily by big tech donors.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D) 65%, and J.W. Paine (R) 35%. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and J.W. Paine will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assembly Speaker Rivas’s campaign has raised $3.4 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests. His problematic donors include Bloom Energy Corporation, AT&T Services Inc, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PAC, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican J.W. Paine
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Paine’s campaign has raised $10,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 29th Assembly District includes parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-29 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 20 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
Reelect Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to keep AD-29 on the right track for progress.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-29 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Speaker Rivas has the endorsement of many groups, including AFSCME California, Sierra Club California, and California Environmental Voters. He has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including a police group.
Top issues: Agriculture, environmental protections, water management, farmworker rights and protections, education, taxation, and reproductive rights.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Speaker Rivas’s priorities for AD-29 have included 11 bills about water management, global warming, and school meals. Of these, six have been successfully chaptered into law and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to update flood protection for the Pajaro River Levee system, improve infrastructure for the production and distribution of solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, allow labor officials to review paper copies of worker payroll records against electronic versions, and bring awareness to stuttering and school nutrition. In previous sessions, Assm. Rivas has established himself as a strong supporter of agricultural workers. He secured the enactment of the first-in-the-nation COVID-19 Farmworker Relief Package, which included access to PPE and testing, temporary housing, and access to health care and the courts, and he also championed the Farmworker Housing Act, which streamlined the process to build quality housing for farmworkers and their families. He has scored a CS of 100 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, in each of the last three legislative years. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Speaker Rivas has supported all progressive bills that made it to a vote since 2021.
Member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus?: Yes
Committee leadership/membership: Speaker Rivas currently sits on six committees, including Mobility in the Golden State, Social Housing, State Parks, Status of Boys and Men of Color, and California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs. He took over as Speaker of the Assembly in June 2023. Assm. Rivas is also a member of the California Legislative Latino Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Speaker Rivas has served in this assembly seat since 2018, when he was elected with over 68% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Republican challenger by 28 points.
Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Speaker Rivas held several community leadership positions, including working as a firefighter and a teacher. In 2010, he was elected to the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to ban Big Oil and fracking in the county. Speaker Rivas grew up in the Central Coast farmworker community, and has been a longtime supporter of initiatives to protect the environment and California’s natural resources.
Other background: Speaker Rivas grew up in Paicines and now lives in Hollister. He is a lifelong resident of the 29th district, and credits his labor organizer grandfather with inspiring his path to public service. Notably, Speaker Rivas’s brother, Rick Rivas, has been one of his closest advisors for much of his political career. Rick Rivas is a vice president of the American Beverage Association and also serves as an advisor for a problematic campaign donor network called Govern for California, which has worked against organized labor in the past and is funded primarily by big tech donors.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D) 65%, and J.W. Paine (R) 35%. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and J.W. Paine will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assembly Speaker Rivas’s campaign has raised $3.4 million and is funded by police, fossil fuel, corporate PAC, and real estate interests. His problematic donors include Bloom Energy Corporation, AT&T Services Inc, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PAC, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican J.W. Paine
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Paine’s campaign has raised $10,800 and is funded primarily by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 29th Assembly District includes parts of Monterey, Santa Clara, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Voter registration: 53% Democrat, 19% Republican, and 21% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 55% Latino, 6% Asian, and 2% Black. This district is considered to be one of the strong Latino seats in the California Assembly delegation.
Recent election results: AD-29 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 40 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 20 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 62 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 17 seats and one seat is vacant.
State Senate
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
State Senator, 13th District
Reelect State Senator Josh Becker to keep SD-13 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Josh Becker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-13 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Becker has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters and SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Clean energy, emissions reduction, voter protections, technology accessibility, mental health care, and criminal justice reform.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Becker’s priorities for SD-13 have included 43 bills about energy efficiency, criminal justice reform, health care, environmental protections, and renewable energy. Of these, 10 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve energy savings and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in large buildings, provide state funding for affordable housing development, increase resources for workforce development programs, and create protections against harassment for election workers. In 2024, he proposed legislation to allow a minor whose case has been dismissed to petition to have their records sealed, create a working group to evaluate the use of AI in schools, and create a working group to support the provision of CalFresh benefits for individuals reentering after incarceration. He scored a CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Becker supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Sen. Becker failed to cast a vote on AB616 to improve medical transparency and affordability by requiring transparency in the financial and data reports of large medical groups.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Becker currently sits on seven committees, including Budget & Fiscal Review, Transportation, Joint Legislative Budget, and Business, Professions, & Economic Development. He serves as chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy. He also serves as vice chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Becker has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 75% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Becker was a public-policy leader, where he invested in supporting communities in economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, education, and health. In 2000, he created the Full Circle Fund, a community organization funding Bay Area nonprofits to create positive change. Additionally, Becker was appointed to the CA State Workforce Development Board for five years by Governor Jerry Brown, and later served the community of San Mateo on the Child Care Partnership Council. Becker also founded Clean Tech for Barack Obama, co-founded the Stanford Board Fellows program to train students to serve on the boards of local nonprofits, and co-founded New Cycle Capital.
Other background: Sen. Becker has lived in Menlo Park for over 20 years. He is a longtime supporter of business initiatives that create an ongoing social impact across communities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Josh Becker (D) 74%, Alexander Glew (R) 19%, Christina Laskowski (R) 8%. Sen. Josh Becker and Alexander Glew will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Josh Becker’s campaign has raised $1.6 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and AT&T Services Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alexander Glew
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Glew’s campaign has raised $1,500 and is funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 13th State Senate District includes parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 26% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-13 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 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.
Reelect State Senator Josh Becker to keep SD-13 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Josh Becker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-13 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Becker has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters and SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Clean energy, emissions reduction, voter protections, technology accessibility, mental health care, and criminal justice reform.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Becker’s priorities for SD-13 have included 43 bills about energy efficiency, criminal justice reform, health care, environmental protections, and renewable energy. Of these, 10 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve energy savings and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in large buildings, provide state funding for affordable housing development, increase resources for workforce development programs, and create protections against harassment for election workers. In 2024, he proposed legislation to allow a minor whose case has been dismissed to petition to have their records sealed, create a working group to evaluate the use of AI in schools, and create a working group to support the provision of CalFresh benefits for individuals reentering after incarceration. He scored a CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Becker supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Sen. Becker failed to cast a vote on AB616 to improve medical transparency and affordability by requiring transparency in the financial and data reports of large medical groups.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Becker currently sits on seven committees, including Budget & Fiscal Review, Transportation, Joint Legislative Budget, and Business, Professions, & Economic Development. He serves as chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy. He also serves as vice chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Becker has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 75% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Becker was a public-policy leader, where he invested in supporting communities in economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, education, and health. In 2000, he created the Full Circle Fund, a community organization funding Bay Area nonprofits to create positive change. Additionally, Becker was appointed to the CA State Workforce Development Board for five years by Governor Jerry Brown, and later served the community of San Mateo on the Child Care Partnership Council. Becker also founded Clean Tech for Barack Obama, co-founded the Stanford Board Fellows program to train students to serve on the boards of local nonprofits, and co-founded New Cycle Capital.
Other background: Sen. Becker has lived in Menlo Park for over 20 years. He is a longtime supporter of business initiatives that create an ongoing social impact across communities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Josh Becker (D) 74%, Alexander Glew (R) 19%, Christina Laskowski (R) 8%. Sen. Josh Becker and Alexander Glew will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Josh Becker’s campaign has raised $1.6 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and AT&T Services Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alexander Glew
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Glew’s campaign has raised $1,500 and is funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 13th State Senate District includes parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 26% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-13 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 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.
Reelect State Senator Josh Becker to keep SD-13 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Josh Becker’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of SD-13 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Becker has the endorsement of some groups, including California Environmental Voters and SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Clean energy, emissions reduction, voter protections, technology accessibility, mental health care, and criminal justice reform.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Becker’s priorities for SD-13 have included 43 bills about energy efficiency, criminal justice reform, health care, environmental protections, and renewable energy. Of these, 10 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, two have been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to improve energy savings and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in large buildings, provide state funding for affordable housing development, increase resources for workforce development programs, and create protections against harassment for election workers. In 2024, he proposed legislation to allow a minor whose case has been dismissed to petition to have their records sealed, create a working group to evaluate the use of AI in schools, and create a working group to support the provision of CalFresh benefits for individuals reentering after incarceration. He scored a CS of 95 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Becker supported most progressive bills that made it to a vote last year. That said, Sen. Becker failed to cast a vote on AB616 to improve medical transparency and affordability by requiring transparency in the financial and data reports of large medical groups.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Becker currently sits on seven committees, including Budget & Fiscal Review, Transportation, Joint Legislative Budget, and Business, Professions, & Economic Development. He serves as chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy. He also serves as vice chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Becker has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 75% of the vote.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Becker was a public-policy leader, where he invested in supporting communities in economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, education, and health. In 2000, he created the Full Circle Fund, a community organization funding Bay Area nonprofits to create positive change. Additionally, Becker was appointed to the CA State Workforce Development Board for five years by Governor Jerry Brown, and later served the community of San Mateo on the Child Care Partnership Council. Becker also founded Clean Tech for Barack Obama, co-founded the Stanford Board Fellows program to train students to serve on the boards of local nonprofits, and co-founded New Cycle Capital.
Other background: Sen. Becker has lived in Menlo Park for over 20 years. He is a longtime supporter of business initiatives that create an ongoing social impact across communities.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Josh Becker (D) 74%, Alexander Glew (R) 19%, Christina Laskowski (R) 8%. Sen. Josh Becker and Alexander Glew will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Josh Becker’s campaign has raised $1.6 million and has received donations from fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Edison International, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, and AT&T Services Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Alexander Glew
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Glew’s campaign has raised $1,500 and is funded by individual donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 13th State Senate District includes parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Voter registration: 54% Democrat, 14% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 14% Latino, 26% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-13 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 58 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 50 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
State Senator, 15th District
Reelect State Senator Dave Cortese to keep SD-15 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Cortese’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of SD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Cortese has the endorsement of some groups, including California Teachers Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Assm. Ash Kalra, four members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei. Sen. Cortese has received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Deputy Sherriff’s Association.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, public safety, environmental protections and clean energy, health-care access, education, transportation, and government accountability.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Cortese’s priorities for SD-15 have included 49 bills about workers’ compensation, occupational safety, criminal justice, and civil law. Of these, 16 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to provide religious freedom accommodations in correctional facilities, expand the road construction careers program through the California Workforce Development Board, and increase protections for youth against opioid and fentanyl overdoses. In 2024, he proposed legislation to permit individuals serving death or life in prison sentences to apply for judicial review, expand access to medically necessary substance abuse and mental health treatment, permit the adaptive reuse of a hotel to house San Jose students, and strengthen protections for farm workers in extreme heat. He scored a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Cortese has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, he failed to cast a vote on AB28 to add an 11% sales tax to firearm and ammunition purchases, and AB12 to cap security deposit requirements at no more than one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Cortese currently sits on seven committees, including Education, Housing, Human Services, Insurance, and Ethics. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Sen. Cortese is a member of the California Native American Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Cortese has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2014, he ran for mayor of San Jose, but was defeated in the general election.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Cortese was a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, where he worked to bring increased equity and justice to the community. He served as the Board’s president for four years, and led on several initiatives, including addressing and reducing homelessness in the region, advocating for changes to criminal justice custody operations, and decreasing the number of children involved in the child welfare system. Before entering public service, Sen. Cortese ran a large family agriculture and real estate business, and served as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Valley Transportation Authority, and served as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District. In each of these roles, Cortese worked to build funding for capital projects intended to support local communities.
Other background: Sen. Cortese is from East San Jose. He is the son of former Assm. Dominic Cortese.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Dave Cortese (D) 69%, Robert Paul Howell (R) 19%, and Tony Loaiza (R) 12%. Sen. Dave Cortese and Robert Paul Howell will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Dave Cortese’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Southern California Edison, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, AT&T, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Robert Paul Howell
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Howell’s campaign has raised $10,000 and is entirely self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 15th State Senate District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 29% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Reelect State Senator Dave Cortese to keep SD-15 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Cortese’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of SD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Cortese has the endorsement of some groups, including California Teachers Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Assm. Ash Kalra, four members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei. Sen. Cortese has received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Deputy Sherriff’s Association.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, public safety, environmental protections and clean energy, health-care access, education, transportation, and government accountability.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Cortese’s priorities for SD-15 have included 49 bills about workers’ compensation, occupational safety, criminal justice, and civil law. Of these, 16 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to provide religious freedom accommodations in correctional facilities, expand the road construction careers program through the California Workforce Development Board, and increase protections for youth against opioid and fentanyl overdoses. In 2024, he proposed legislation to permit individuals serving death or life in prison sentences to apply for judicial review, expand access to medically necessary substance abuse and mental health treatment, permit the adaptive reuse of a hotel to house San Jose students, and strengthen protections for farm workers in extreme heat. He scored a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Cortese has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, he failed to cast a vote on AB28 to add an 11% sales tax to firearm and ammunition purchases, and AB12 to cap security deposit requirements at no more than one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Cortese currently sits on seven committees, including Education, Housing, Human Services, Insurance, and Ethics. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Sen. Cortese is a member of the California Native American Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Cortese has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2014, he ran for mayor of San Jose, but was defeated in the general election.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Cortese was a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, where he worked to bring increased equity and justice to the community. He served as the Board’s president for four years, and led on several initiatives, including addressing and reducing homelessness in the region, advocating for changes to criminal justice custody operations, and decreasing the number of children involved in the child welfare system. Before entering public service, Sen. Cortese ran a large family agriculture and real estate business, and served as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Valley Transportation Authority, and served as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District. In each of these roles, Cortese worked to build funding for capital projects intended to support local communities.
Other background: Sen. Cortese is from East San Jose. He is the son of former Assm. Dominic Cortese.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Dave Cortese (D) 69%, Robert Paul Howell (R) 19%, and Tony Loaiza (R) 12%. Sen. Dave Cortese and Robert Paul Howell will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Dave Cortese’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Southern California Edison, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, AT&T, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Robert Paul Howell
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Howell’s campaign has raised $10,000 and is entirely self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 15th State Senate District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 29% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Reelect State Senator Dave Cortese to keep SD-15 on the right track for progress.
Sen. Cortese’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a representative voice for the constituents of SD-15 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Sen. Cortese has the endorsement of some groups, including California Teachers Association, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and SEIU California. He has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Assm. Ash Kalra, four members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei. Sen. Cortese has received a problematic endorsement from Santa Clara County Deputy Sherriff’s Association.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing, public safety, environmental protections and clean energy, health-care access, education, transportation, and government accountability.
Priority bills: This legislative session, Sen. Cortese’s priorities for SD-15 have included 49 bills about workers’ compensation, occupational safety, criminal justice, and civil law. Of these, 16 have been successfully chaptered into law, three have died, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. In 2023, he sponsored and passed legislation to provide religious freedom accommodations in correctional facilities, expand the road construction careers program through the California Workforce Development Board, and increase protections for youth against opioid and fentanyl overdoses. In 2024, he proposed legislation to permit individuals serving death or life in prison sentences to apply for judicial review, expand access to medically necessary substance abuse and mental health treatment, permit the adaptive reuse of a hotel to house San Jose students, and strengthen protections for farm workers in extreme heat. He scored a CS of 86 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Sen. Cortese has supported many progressive bills that made it to a vote. That said, he failed to cast a vote on AB28 to add an 11% sales tax to firearm and ammunition purchases, and AB12 to cap security deposit requirements at no more than one month of rent.
Committee leadership/membership: Sen. Cortese currently sits on seven committees, including Education, Housing, Human Services, Insurance, and Ethics. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Sen. Cortese is a member of the California Native American Legislative Caucus.
Governance and community leadership experience: Sen. Cortese has served in this state Senate seat since 2020, when he was elected with over 54% of the vote. In 2014, he ran for mayor of San Jose, but was defeated in the general election.
Prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Cortese was a member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, where he worked to bring increased equity and justice to the community. He served as the Board’s president for four years, and led on several initiatives, including addressing and reducing homelessness in the region, advocating for changes to criminal justice custody operations, and decreasing the number of children involved in the child welfare system. Before entering public service, Sen. Cortese ran a large family agriculture and real estate business, and served as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Valley Transportation Authority, and served as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District. In each of these roles, Cortese worked to build funding for capital projects intended to support local communities.
Other background: Sen. Cortese is from East San Jose. He is the son of former Assm. Dominic Cortese.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included incumbent Sen. Dave Cortese (D) 69%, Robert Paul Howell (R) 19%, and Tony Loaiza (R) 12%. Sen. Dave Cortese and Robert Paul Howell will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Sen. Dave Cortese’s campaign has raised $1.4 million and is funded by fossil fuel, real estate, corporate PAC, and police interests. His problematic donors include Southern California Edison, California Real Estate PAC, California Correctional Peace Officers Association PAC, AT&T, and AirBnB Inc.
Opposing candidate: Republican Robert Paul Howell
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Howell’s campaign has raised $10,000 and is entirely self-funded.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 15th State Senate District includes parts of Santa Clara County.
Voter registration: 51% Democrat, 18% Republican, and 26% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 28% Latino, 29% Asian, and 3% Black.
Recent election results: SD-15 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 43 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 36 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
County District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.
Santa Clara County, District 2
Elect Betty Duong for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Betty Duong’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Duong has the endorsement of some groups, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Housing Action Coalition, Democratic Activists for Women Now, and many labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Ash Kalra, Assm. Alex Lee, and Treasurer Fiona Ma. However, Duong has received problematic endorsements from Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Santa Clara County, and Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers’ Association.
Electoral history: Duong has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing policy, public safety and early intervention programs, and mental health resources.
Governance and community leadership experience: Duong is an attorney and a public administrator, which she does to bring resources and opportunities to her community. After obtaining her law degree, she spent time in private practice before transitioning to public work at Legal Aid Society’s Employment Law Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal services for the Vietnamese American Workers’ Rights Project. Duong has worked directly for Santa Clara County for over 10 years, including in the Office of Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Office of the County Executive. She currently serves as chief of staff to current District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Duong is the child of Vietnamese refugees, and spent much of her childhood translating for her parents and helping her family navigate social programs and public assistance. She credits this formative experience with inspiring her pursuit of legal and governmental work.
Other background: Duong is from San Jose, and has lived in District 2 all her life.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Betty Duong 32%, Madison Nguyen 29%, Corina Herrera-Loera 24%, Nelson McElmurry 10%, and Jennifer Margaret Celaya 5%. Betty Duong and Madison Nguyen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Duong’s campaign has raised $152,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Madison Nguyen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nguyen’s campaign has raised $215,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California's sixth most populous county. District 2 includes portions of San Jose.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.8 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by a 5-person Board of Supervisors and a county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Betty Duong for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Betty Duong’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Duong has the endorsement of some groups, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Housing Action Coalition, Democratic Activists for Women Now, and many labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Ash Kalra, Assm. Alex Lee, and Treasurer Fiona Ma. However, Duong has received problematic endorsements from Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Santa Clara County, and Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers’ Association.
Electoral history: Duong has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing policy, public safety and early intervention programs, and mental health resources.
Governance and community leadership experience: Duong is an attorney and a public administrator, which she does to bring resources and opportunities to her community. After obtaining her law degree, she spent time in private practice before transitioning to public work at Legal Aid Society’s Employment Law Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal services for the Vietnamese American Workers’ Rights Project. Duong has worked directly for Santa Clara County for over 10 years, including in the Office of Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Office of the County Executive. She currently serves as chief of staff to current District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Duong is the child of Vietnamese refugees, and spent much of her childhood translating for her parents and helping her family navigate social programs and public assistance. She credits this formative experience with inspiring her pursuit of legal and governmental work.
Other background: Duong is from San Jose, and has lived in District 2 all her life.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Betty Duong 32%, Madison Nguyen 29%, Corina Herrera-Loera 24%, Nelson McElmurry 10%, and Jennifer Margaret Celaya 5%. Betty Duong and Madison Nguyen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Duong’s campaign has raised $152,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Madison Nguyen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nguyen’s campaign has raised $215,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California's sixth most populous county. District 2 includes portions of San Jose.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.8 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by a 5-person Board of Supervisors and a county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Betty Duong for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Betty Duong’s policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Duong has the endorsement of some groups, including Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Housing Action Coalition, Democratic Activists for Women Now, and many labor unions. She has also received the endorsement of many local leaders, including State Controller Malia Cohen, Assm. Ash Kalra, Assm. Alex Lee, and Treasurer Fiona Ma. However, Duong has received problematic endorsements from Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Santa Clara County, and Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers’ Association.
Electoral history: Duong has not run for public office before.
Top issues: Homelessness and housing policy, public safety and early intervention programs, and mental health resources.
Governance and community leadership experience: Duong is an attorney and a public administrator, which she does to bring resources and opportunities to her community. After obtaining her law degree, she spent time in private practice before transitioning to public work at Legal Aid Society’s Employment Law Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal services for the Vietnamese American Workers’ Rights Project. Duong has worked directly for Santa Clara County for over 10 years, including in the Office of Supervisor Cindy Chavez, the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Office of the County Executive. She currently serves as chief of staff to current District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Duong is the child of Vietnamese refugees, and spent much of her childhood translating for her parents and helping her family navigate social programs and public assistance. She credits this formative experience with inspiring her pursuit of legal and governmental work.
Other background: Duong is from San Jose, and has lived in District 2 all her life.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Betty Duong 32%, Madison Nguyen 29%, Corina Herrera-Loera 24%, Nelson McElmurry 10%, and Jennifer Margaret Celaya 5%. Betty Duong and Madison Nguyen will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Duong’s campaign has raised $152,000 and is not funded by fossil fuel or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Madison Nguyen
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Nguyen’s campaign has raised $215,000 and is funded by real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California's sixth most populous county. District 2 includes portions of San Jose.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.8 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.3 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by a 5-person Board of Supervisors and a county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Santa Clara County, District 5
Elect Sally Lieber for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Sally Lieber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Lieber has the endorsement of some groups, including Mountain View Housing Justice Coalition, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, California Renters’ Council, Silicon Valley DSA, and South Bay YIMBY. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including organizer Dolores Huerta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Lieber has run for office previously, and won her race to represent the California State Board of Equalization’s District 2 in 2022 with 69% of the vote. Lieber served as a Mountain View City Councilmember after winning election in 2020 with the second-highest vote total for the at-large seat. This was Lieber’s second turn on the city council, where she first served as mayor and vice mayor after winning election in 1998. She was then elected to the 22nd Assembly District seat in 2002, and won reelection in 2004 and 2006. Prior to winning her 2022 race, she had unsuccessfully run for seats in the California State Senate in 2020 and 2012.
Top issues: Sustainable county staffing, homelessness and affordable housing, childcare accessibility, environmental protection, mental health care resources and public health, public safety, and government transparency.
Governance and community leadership experience: Lieber is a longtime public official, which she does to support advocacy, local politics, and communities. She has served as vice chair of the State Board of Equalization since she took office in January 2023. Prior to this state role, Lieber had recently taken her second turn on the Mountain View City Council, where she had previously served terms as a councilmember and as mayor. In this role, she worked on committees for finance, inclusion, transportation, and youth services. She also served three terms as the assemblymember for the 22nd district. While in the legislature, she worked on bills that increased the minimum wage, addressed sea-level rise, codified human trafficking as a felony, and created the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights.
Other background: Lieber has lived in California for over 40 years, spending much of that time as a resident of Mountain View.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Margaret Abe-Koga 42%, Sally Lieber 25%, Peter Fung 20%, Barry Chang 7%, and Sandy Sans 6%. Margaret Abe-Koga and Sally Lieber will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lieber’s campaign has raised $26,600 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Margaret Abe-Koga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Abe-Koga’s campaign has raised $155,000 and is funded by police and real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California’s sixth most populous county. District 5 includes Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and unincorporated areas.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.9 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.2 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by the five-member Board of Supervisors and the county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Sally Lieber for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Sally Lieber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Lieber has the endorsement of some groups, including Mountain View Housing Justice Coalition, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, California Renters’ Council, Silicon Valley DSA, and South Bay YIMBY. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including organizer Dolores Huerta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Lieber has run for office previously, and won her race to represent the California State Board of Equalization’s District 2 in 2022 with 69% of the vote. Lieber served as a Mountain View City Councilmember after winning election in 2020 with the second-highest vote total for the at-large seat. This was Lieber’s second turn on the city council, where she first served as mayor and vice mayor after winning election in 1998. She was then elected to the 22nd Assembly District seat in 2002, and won reelection in 2004 and 2006. Prior to winning her 2022 race, she had unsuccessfully run for seats in the California State Senate in 2020 and 2012.
Top issues: Sustainable county staffing, homelessness and affordable housing, childcare accessibility, environmental protection, mental health care resources and public health, public safety, and government transparency.
Governance and community leadership experience: Lieber is a longtime public official, which she does to support advocacy, local politics, and communities. She has served as vice chair of the State Board of Equalization since she took office in January 2023. Prior to this state role, Lieber had recently taken her second turn on the Mountain View City Council, where she had previously served terms as a councilmember and as mayor. In this role, she worked on committees for finance, inclusion, transportation, and youth services. She also served three terms as the assemblymember for the 22nd district. While in the legislature, she worked on bills that increased the minimum wage, addressed sea-level rise, codified human trafficking as a felony, and created the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights.
Other background: Lieber has lived in California for over 40 years, spending much of that time as a resident of Mountain View.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Margaret Abe-Koga 42%, Sally Lieber 25%, Peter Fung 20%, Barry Chang 7%, and Sandy Sans 6%. Margaret Abe-Koga and Sally Lieber will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lieber’s campaign has raised $26,600 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Margaret Abe-Koga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Abe-Koga’s campaign has raised $155,000 and is funded by police and real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California’s sixth most populous county. District 5 includes Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and unincorporated areas.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.9 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.2 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by the five-member Board of Supervisors and the county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Sally Lieber for Supervisor to put Santa Clara County on the right track for progress.
Sally Lieber’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Santa Clara County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Lieber has the endorsement of some groups, including Mountain View Housing Justice Coalition, California Working Families Party, California Women’s List, California Renters’ Council, Silicon Valley DSA, and South Bay YIMBY. She has also received endorsements from some local leaders, including organizer Dolores Huerta, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Electoral history: Lieber has run for office previously, and won her race to represent the California State Board of Equalization’s District 2 in 2022 with 69% of the vote. Lieber served as a Mountain View City Councilmember after winning election in 2020 with the second-highest vote total for the at-large seat. This was Lieber’s second turn on the city council, where she first served as mayor and vice mayor after winning election in 1998. She was then elected to the 22nd Assembly District seat in 2002, and won reelection in 2004 and 2006. Prior to winning her 2022 race, she had unsuccessfully run for seats in the California State Senate in 2020 and 2012.
Top issues: Sustainable county staffing, homelessness and affordable housing, childcare accessibility, environmental protection, mental health care resources and public health, public safety, and government transparency.
Governance and community leadership experience: Lieber is a longtime public official, which she does to support advocacy, local politics, and communities. She has served as vice chair of the State Board of Equalization since she took office in January 2023. Prior to this state role, Lieber had recently taken her second turn on the Mountain View City Council, where she had previously served terms as a councilmember and as mayor. In this role, she worked on committees for finance, inclusion, transportation, and youth services. She also served three terms as the assemblymember for the 22nd district. While in the legislature, she worked on bills that increased the minimum wage, addressed sea-level rise, codified human trafficking as a felony, and created the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights.
Other background: Lieber has lived in California for over 40 years, spending much of that time as a resident of Mountain View.
The Race
Primary election results: The March 2024 results included Margaret Abe-Koga 42%, Sally Lieber 25%, Peter Fung 20%, Barry Chang 7%, and Sandy Sans 6%. Margaret Abe-Koga and Sally Lieber will contend in a run-off in the November 5 general election.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Lieber’s campaign has raised $26,600 and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Margaret Abe-Koga
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Abe-Koga’s campaign has raised $155,000 and is funded by police and real estate interests.
The District
County: Santa Clara County is California’s sixth most populous county. District 5 includes Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and unincorporated areas.
Governance structure: Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.9 million people and manages an estimated budget of $10.2 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Santa Clara County is governed by the five-member Board of Supervisors and the county executive, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition 2 is a $10 billion bond measure to fund repairs and facilities upgrades for public K–12 buildings and community colleges within the state. Based on our analysis, there are distinct perspectives on the initiative. We recommend that you choose the position that best aligns to your values on this issue.
Proposition 2 aims to replenish the funds needed to continue ongoing building updates in public-education buildings, many of which have stalled since funds from the last bond measure in 2016 ran out. This measure will distribute funds across two buckets of public education: $8.5 billion for K–12 institutions and $1.5 billion for community colleges. The proposition dictates a model for fund distribution that would require local districts to raise 35% to 40% of the project costs through a local bond or other financing before requesting a match from the state. The exact match requirement depends on a formula that includes factors such as the socioeconomic status of students, the wealth of the district, the size of the district, and other considerations. Districts can apply for matching funds to be used for renovation or new construction projects, with an intent to ensure that public-education structures provide all learners with safe environmental conditions. A similar bond measure for $15 billion failed in 2020 after receiving only 47% of the vote. After much discussion in the state legislature, Proposition 2 requests that a simple majority of voters pass a smaller bond measure to renew this funding stream for public-school facility maintenance and upkeep.
Equity and Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 was placed on the ballot by the state legislature as a result of passing id=202320240AB247" target="blank">AB 247 (Muratsuchi). Over 30 allied equity and community-based organizations and impacted school districts opposed AB 247, arguing that the matching formula and first-come first-served funding process favors better-resourced districts. To their point, studies have shown that the matching fund formula has delivered four times as much in state bond funds to wealthy districts as low-wealth districts over decades.
What voting YES on Proposition 2 means:
- Research indicates that student learning is boosted when education facilities are modernized, climate-controlled, and have updated electrical infrastructure. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide a meaningful funding stream to allow more students to have access to technology and classroom environments that will improve learning outcomes. Yet, due to the equity concerns identified above, it is not clear whether this funding will reach students who need it the most.
- Due to delays in repair and renovation, many districts have resorted to repurposing gymnasiums as cafeterias, and using auxiliary classrooms. Recent data shows that over one third of California students are enrolled in a school that doesn’t meet minimum facility standards. These conditions can diminish student access to technology, adequate learning space, and physical education classes. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide more districts with the resources they need to expand facilities and ensure comprehensive learning opportunities for students.
What voting NO on Proposition 2 means:
- If Prop 2 passes, there likely will not be another school-funding bond opportunity for 5–10 years. An alternative to voting yes for this bond would be to support education equity advocates in pursuing legislative and legal avenues to make the funding and distribution rules more equitable and serve the highest-need school districts.
Top supporters of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 has received support from many school districts in the state, including the nation’s second-largest public district, Los Angeles Unified School District, which has an enrollment of over 660,000 students. It has also been popular with education administrators and leaders, and has earned the support of the Association of California School Administrators, and the California School Boards Association.
- The powerful education advocacy group Coalition for Adequate School Housing has also provided its support to Proposition 2.
Top opponents of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 is opposed by the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Proposition 2 is a $10 billion bond measure to fund repairs and facilities upgrades for public K–12 buildings and community colleges within the state. Based on our analysis, there are distinct perspectives on the initiative. We recommend that you choose the position that best aligns to your values on this issue.
Proposition 2 aims to replenish the funds needed to continue ongoing building updates in public-education buildings, many of which have stalled since funds from the last bond measure in 2016 ran out. This measure will distribute funds across two buckets of public education: $8.5 billion for K–12 institutions and $1.5 billion for community colleges. The proposition dictates a model for fund distribution that would require local districts to raise 35% to 40% of the project costs through a local bond or other financing before requesting a match from the state. The exact match requirement depends on a formula that includes factors such as the socioeconomic status of students, the wealth of the district, the size of the district, and other considerations. Districts can apply for matching funds to be used for renovation or new construction projects, with an intent to ensure that public-education structures provide all learners with safe environmental conditions. A similar bond measure for $15 billion failed in 2020 after receiving only 47% of the vote. After much discussion in the state legislature, Proposition 2 requests that a simple majority of voters pass a smaller bond measure to renew this funding stream for public-school facility maintenance and upkeep.
Equity and Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 was placed on the ballot by the state legislature as a result of passing id=202320240AB247" target="blank">AB 247 (Muratsuchi). Over 30 allied equity and community-based organizations and impacted school districts opposed AB 247, arguing that the matching formula and first-come first-served funding process favors better-resourced districts. To their point, studies have shown that the matching fund formula has delivered four times as much in state bond funds to wealthy districts as low-wealth districts over decades.
What voting YES on Proposition 2 means:
- Research indicates that student learning is boosted when education facilities are modernized, climate-controlled, and have updated electrical infrastructure. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide a meaningful funding stream to allow more students to have access to technology and classroom environments that will improve learning outcomes. Yet, due to the equity concerns identified above, it is not clear whether this funding will reach students who need it the most.
- Due to delays in repair and renovation, many districts have resorted to repurposing gymnasiums as cafeterias, and using auxiliary classrooms. Recent data shows that over one third of California students are enrolled in a school that doesn’t meet minimum facility standards. These conditions can diminish student access to technology, adequate learning space, and physical education classes. Voting YES on Proposition 2 will provide more districts with the resources they need to expand facilities and ensure comprehensive learning opportunities for students.
What voting NO on Proposition 2 means:
- If Prop 2 passes, there likely will not be another school-funding bond opportunity for 5–10 years. An alternative to voting yes for this bond would be to support education equity advocates in pursuing legislative and legal avenues to make the funding and distribution rules more equitable and serve the highest-need school districts.
Top supporters of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 has received support from many school districts in the state, including the nation’s second-largest public district, Los Angeles Unified School District, which has an enrollment of over 660,000 students. It has also been popular with education administrators and leaders, and has earned the support of the Association of California School Administrators, and the California School Boards Association.
- The powerful education advocacy group Coalition for Adequate School Housing has also provided its support to Proposition 2.
Top opponents of Proposition 2:
- Proposition 2 is opposed by the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Vote YES on Proposition 3 to protect marriage equality in the state constitution.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined the only valid and recognized marriages in the state as those between a man and a woman, with 52% of the vote. Although Proposition 8 remains in the state constitution, it was overturned by the state Supreme Court in a decision that went into effect in 2013, and was further overruled by the federal Supreme Court’s 2015 when same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Proposition 3 would formally repeal Proposition 8, remove the constitutional language indicating that marriage is between a man and a woman, and affirm the fundamental right to marry.
Why voting YES on Proposition 3 matters:
- While marriage equality is protected nationally, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to be targeted by discriminatory legislation across the country. A YES vote would reaffirm California’s commitment to protecting the rights of these communities.
- The Supreme Court’s current right-wing majority has vocalized their interest in overturning the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and recently voted in favor of a website designer’s refusal to create online wedding pages for LGBTQIA+ couples because she claimed it infringed on her right to free speech. A YES vote would ensure that marriage equality is protected in California even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the national legalization.
- To date, Nevada is the only state that has amended its state constitution to create protection for marriage equality. A YES vote will make California a progressive leader on this issue and create significant protections for the 2.7 million state residents who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Top supporters of Proposition 3:
- This proposition originated as a bill, ACA 5, which was authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, passed both chambers of the legislature with bipartisan support, and has received vocal support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and several other elected officials.
- Many LGBTQIA+ and progressive groups support this constitutional amendment, including ACLU California Action, Courage California, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Reproductive Freedom for All California.
Top opponents of Proposition 3:
- California Capitol Connection, a Baptist lobbying group, leads the opposition to ACA 5 and argues that the Bible defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
- The opposition has also been supported by other groups with religious affiliations, including California Family Council, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Freedom in Action, and Real Impact.
- Notably, Proposition 3 has not encountered resistance from many of the groups that worked tirelessly to pass the discriminatory Proposition 8 sixteen years ago. Prop 8 was supported by various religious groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the San Diego branch of the Church of Scientology. These groups have not issued a stance or made significant financial contributions to deter Proposition 3.
Vote YES on Proposition 3 to protect marriage equality in the state constitution.
In 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined the only valid and recognized marriages in the state as those between a man and a woman, with 52% of the vote. Although Proposition 8 remains in the state constitution, it was overturned by the state Supreme Court in a decision that went into effect in 2013, and was further overruled by the federal Supreme Court’s 2015 when same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Proposition 3 would formally repeal Proposition 8, remove the constitutional language indicating that marriage is between a man and a woman, and affirm the fundamental right to marry.
Why voting YES on Proposition 3 matters:
- While marriage equality is protected nationally, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to be targeted by discriminatory legislation across the country. A YES vote would reaffirm California’s commitment to protecting the rights of these communities.
- The Supreme Court’s current right-wing majority has vocalized their interest in overturning the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and recently voted in favor of a website designer’s refusal to create online wedding pages for LGBTQIA+ couples because she claimed it infringed on her right to free speech. A YES vote would ensure that marriage equality is protected in California even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the national legalization.
- To date, Nevada is the only state that has amended its state constitution to create protection for marriage equality. A YES vote will make California a progressive leader on this issue and create significant protections for the 2.7 million state residents who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Top supporters of Proposition 3:
- This proposition originated as a bill, ACA 5, which was authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Evan Low, passed both chambers of the legislature with bipartisan support, and has received vocal support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and several other elected officials.
- Many LGBTQIA+ and progressive groups support this constitutional amendment, including ACLU California Action, Courage California, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Reproductive Freedom for All California.
Top opponents of Proposition 3:
- California Capitol Connection, a Baptist lobbying group, leads the opposition to ACA 5 and argues that the Bible defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
- The opposition has also been supported by other groups with religious affiliations, including California Family Council, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Freedom in Action, and Real Impact.
- Notably, Proposition 3 has not encountered resistance from many of the groups that worked tirelessly to pass the discriminatory Proposition 8 sixteen years ago. Prop 8 was supported by various religious groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the San Diego branch of the Church of Scientology. These groups have not issued a stance or made significant financial contributions to deter Proposition 3.
Vote YES on Proposition 4 to increase funding for critical climate protections and environmental infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration made a commitment to spend $54 billion on climate protections, some of which were cut to balance the state’s budget. Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act, would allow the state to borrow $10 billion to be urgently allocated across a variety of climate projects and reimbursed by taxpayers through a bond. The bill outlines allocations for these funds that include $3.8 billion for safe drinking and groundwater projects, $1.5 billion for wildfire protections, $1.2 billion for coastal infrastructure efforts, $1.2 billion to protect biodiversity, and $450 million for extreme heat mitigation. With a focus on water, wildfire, and the coast, this funding is designed to create present-day solutions that will stop or reverse existing climate challenges and mitigate the need for more expensive projects in the future.
Why voting YES on Proposition 4 matters:
- Proposition 4 mandates that 40% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities, which it defines as areas where the median household income is less than 80% of the region’s average. Voting YES will ensure that the communities most negatively impacted by environmental disinvestment will benefit from these climate projects.
- Along with providing benefits for water, wildfire, and coastal areas, Proposition 4 will also allocate funds to address wildlife habitat preservation, build public parks, increase sustainable farming operations, and fight air pollution. Voting YES will provide for these initiatives for wide-ranging community benefits across the state.
- An analysis from the California Natural Resources Agency indicates that without action today, the state’s climate-related expenses could rise to $113 billion annually by 2050. Voting YES on Proposition 4 will allow the state to take immediate action to establish more protections and adaptability to avert high annual expenses in the coming decades.
Top supporters of Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has the support of many environmental, labor, and justice groups, including Environmental Defense Fund, California Coastal Protection Network, California Water Impact Network, and WateReuse California.
- SB867, which moved Proposition 4 forward to the ballot, was introduced in February 2023 and authored by Sen. Ben Allen, Sen. Josh Becker, Assm. Eduardo Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Sen. Monique Limón, Sen. Anthony Portatino, Sen. Henry Stern, and Assm. Lori Wilson. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has been publicly opposed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argues that repayment of the bond with interest will result in an overall taxpayer cost in excess of $19 billion over 30 years. They argue that asking future generations to shoulder a financial burden they did not have the opportunity to vote on directly is unjust, though the prevailing analysis is that inaction will cost the state more money. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association generally opposes raising public revenue to pay for critical infrastructure, programs, and services, including bonds that have been popular with voters.
Vote YES on Proposition 4 to increase funding for critical climate protections and environmental infrastructure projects.
In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration made a commitment to spend $54 billion on climate protections, some of which were cut to balance the state’s budget. Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act, would allow the state to borrow $10 billion to be urgently allocated across a variety of climate projects and reimbursed by taxpayers through a bond. The bill outlines allocations for these funds that include $3.8 billion for safe drinking and groundwater projects, $1.5 billion for wildfire protections, $1.2 billion for coastal infrastructure efforts, $1.2 billion to protect biodiversity, and $450 million for extreme heat mitigation. With a focus on water, wildfire, and the coast, this funding is designed to create present-day solutions that will stop or reverse existing climate challenges and mitigate the need for more expensive projects in the future.
Why voting YES on Proposition 4 matters:
- Proposition 4 mandates that 40% of funding must benefit disadvantaged communities, which it defines as areas where the median household income is less than 80% of the region’s average. Voting YES will ensure that the communities most negatively impacted by environmental disinvestment will benefit from these climate projects.
- Along with providing benefits for water, wildfire, and coastal areas, Proposition 4 will also allocate funds to address wildlife habitat preservation, build public parks, increase sustainable farming operations, and fight air pollution. Voting YES will provide for these initiatives for wide-ranging community benefits across the state.
- An analysis from the California Natural Resources Agency indicates that without action today, the state’s climate-related expenses could rise to $113 billion annually by 2050. Voting YES on Proposition 4 will allow the state to take immediate action to establish more protections and adaptability to avert high annual expenses in the coming decades.
Top supporters of Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has the support of many environmental, labor, and justice groups, including Environmental Defense Fund, California Coastal Protection Network, California Water Impact Network, and WateReuse California.
- SB867, which moved Proposition 4 forward to the ballot, was introduced in February 2023 and authored by Sen. Ben Allen, Sen. Josh Becker, Assm. Eduardo Garcia, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, Sen. Monique Limón, Sen. Anthony Portatino, Sen. Henry Stern, and Assm. Lori Wilson. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 4:
- Proposition 4 has been publicly opposed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argues that repayment of the bond with interest will result in an overall taxpayer cost in excess of $19 billion over 30 years. They argue that asking future generations to shoulder a financial burden they did not have the opportunity to vote on directly is unjust, though the prevailing analysis is that inaction will cost the state more money. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association generally opposes raising public revenue to pay for critical infrastructure, programs, and services, including bonds that have been popular with voters.
Vote YES on Proposition 5 to make it easier to pass local bonds and taxes to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure development.
At the local level, the California Constitution currently requires that general obligation bonds and special taxes for both affordable housing and public infrastructure projects earn a two-thirds supermajority vote, or 67%, to pass. Proposition 5 seeks to reduce that vote threshold to 55% of the popular vote to provide local governments with a better opportunity to move forward on these local service and development projects using public funds. The proposition also establishes accountability standards to require annual, independent audits of the use of funds, and create citizen oversight committees to evaluate spending.
Why voting YES on Proposition 5 matters:
- Over the last several years, California has seen a growing population of unhoused people, chronically high housing costs, and the highest rate of poverty in the country. Each of these issues are directly tied to a lack of affordable housing development across communities. Reducing the vote threshold to a more attainable level by voting YES on Proposition 5 would improve the likelihood that local governments could pass funding measures to address these issues.
- Since Proposition 39 passed in 2000, local school districts have been able to pass bond measures with the lower 55% requirement. The effectiveness of this vote threshold reduction establishes a strong precedent for the changes proposed in Proposition 5. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would expand this principle to fund housing and infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure improvements, like upgrades to roads, water systems, public parks, and libraries, improve quality of life in a community and increase existing property values. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would make it easier for municipalities to fund projects to expand broadband access, improve public safety, amend water sanitation and quality, protect property against flooding and sea level changes, and build hospitals.
Top supporters of Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has the endorsement of many groups, including California Association of Housing Authorities, California State Association of Counties, California Transit Association, California State Council of Laborers, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Urban Counties of California. It has also received the support of several cities, including Camarillo, Davis, Gustine, Laguna Beach, Lathrop, Lodi, Moorpark, and San Luis Obispo.
- Proposition 5 was authored in the state legislature as ACA 1 by Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry, Assm. Marc Berman, Assm. Matt Haney, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Buffy Wicks. It received over 65% support from floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has been heavily opposed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association (HJTA), whose stated mission is to protect Proposition 13 and ensure the right to limited taxation. Howard and Estelle Jarvis participated in the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, before founding HJTA to continue to advocate against tax increases. HJTA argues that Proposition 5 threatens Proposition 13 and existing protections for taxpayers, and that it will ultimately result in increased taxation in the state.
Misinformation about Proposition 5 includes:
- Opponents of Proposition 5 claim that it is a direct attack on Proposition 13, which passed in 1978 and restricted property tax increases by capping a homeowners’ general levy tax to just 1% of their home’s assessed value. This is FALSE. Proposition 5 modernizes the process by which a passing vote can be achieved for specific categories of funding but does not repeal Proposition 13.
- Opponents claim that Proposition 5 will make California less affordable for working families and renters. This is FALSE. Creating an easier process for municipalities to fund housing and infrastructure development will increase the availability of housing units and effectively draw down an inflated cost of living that has been exacerbated by housing scarcity.
Vote YES on Proposition 5 to make it easier to pass local bonds and taxes to fund affordable housing and public infrastructure development.
At the local level, the California Constitution currently requires that general obligation bonds and special taxes for both affordable housing and public infrastructure projects earn a two-thirds supermajority vote, or 67%, to pass. Proposition 5 seeks to reduce that vote threshold to 55% of the popular vote to provide local governments with a better opportunity to move forward on these local service and development projects using public funds. The proposition also establishes accountability standards to require annual, independent audits of the use of funds, and create citizen oversight committees to evaluate spending.
Why voting YES on Proposition 5 matters:
- Over the last several years, California has seen a growing population of unhoused people, chronically high housing costs, and the highest rate of poverty in the country. Each of these issues are directly tied to a lack of affordable housing development across communities. Reducing the vote threshold to a more attainable level by voting YES on Proposition 5 would improve the likelihood that local governments could pass funding measures to address these issues.
- Since Proposition 39 passed in 2000, local school districts have been able to pass bond measures with the lower 55% requirement. The effectiveness of this vote threshold reduction establishes a strong precedent for the changes proposed in Proposition 5. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would expand this principle to fund housing and infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure improvements, like upgrades to roads, water systems, public parks, and libraries, improve quality of life in a community and increase existing property values. Voting YES on Proposition 5 would make it easier for municipalities to fund projects to expand broadband access, improve public safety, amend water sanitation and quality, protect property against flooding and sea level changes, and build hospitals.
Top supporters of Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has the endorsement of many groups, including California Association of Housing Authorities, California State Association of Counties, California Transit Association, California State Council of Laborers, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Urban Counties of California. It has also received the support of several cities, including Camarillo, Davis, Gustine, Laguna Beach, Lathrop, Lodi, Moorpark, and San Luis Obispo.
- Proposition 5 was authored in the state legislature as ACA 1 by Assm. Cecelia Aguiar-Curry, Assm. Marc Berman, Assm. Matt Haney, Assm. Alex Lee, and Assm. Buffy Wicks. It received over 65% support from floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Top opposition to Proposition 5:
- Proposition 5 has been heavily opposed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association (HJTA), whose stated mission is to protect Proposition 13 and ensure the right to limited taxation. Howard and Estelle Jarvis participated in the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, before founding HJTA to continue to advocate against tax increases. HJTA argues that Proposition 5 threatens Proposition 13 and existing protections for taxpayers, and that it will ultimately result in increased taxation in the state.
Misinformation about Proposition 5 includes:
- Opponents of Proposition 5 claim that it is a direct attack on Proposition 13, which passed in 1978 and restricted property tax increases by capping a homeowners’ general levy tax to just 1% of their home’s assessed value. This is FALSE. Proposition 5 modernizes the process by which a passing vote can be achieved for specific categories of funding but does not repeal Proposition 13.
- Opponents claim that Proposition 5 will make California less affordable for working families and renters. This is FALSE. Creating an easier process for municipalities to fund housing and infrastructure development will increase the availability of housing units and effectively draw down an inflated cost of living that has been exacerbated by housing scarcity.
Vote YES on Proposition 6 to eliminate involuntary servitude or slavery of any form as a criminal punishment that can be used by the state.
California’s state constitution outlaws slavery but maintains language that allows for involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for a crime. Proposition 6 would repeal that language and replace it with language that clearly outlaws the use of involuntary servitude under any circumstances, and allows the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to instead issue credits to incarcerated people for the acceptance of voluntary work assignments during their incarceration. This bill was strongly supported by the Legislative Black Caucus, which included it as part of a larger package designed to move the state forward on reparations.
Why voting YES on Proposition 6 matters:
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 would join California with over 30 other states that have struck down the archaic practice of involuntary servitude in their state constitutions.
- The current policy further enriches prisons by allowing them to require inmates to work for wages as low as eight cents an hour. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will eliminate forced labor in the state prison system and provide for more dignity in the earning capacity and rehabilitation process of incarcerated people.
- The incarcerated population in California is disproportionately made up of Black and Latino men. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will disrupt the ongoing legacy of slavery and exploitation that has historically impacted these populations.
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 will allow incarcerated people to exercise more autonomy in shaping their rehabilitation and pursuit of voluntary work experience during their time in the prison system.
Top supporters of Proposition 6:
- Proposition 6 has the support of many social justice advocacy organizations, including Courage California, ACLU California Action, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and League of Women Voters California. It has also received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- ACA 8, the bill associated with Proposition 6, was authored by Assm. Lori Wilson, and introduced in February 2023. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Misinformation about Proposition 6 includes:
- While there has been no public opposition to Proposition 6, there have been some expressed concerns from Republican lawmakers that this bill would result in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation being required to compensate incarcerated people at minimum-wage rates for their voluntary work contributions. This is FALSE. AB 628, a new law related to Proposition 6, directly contradicts this argument, stating that it does not require that the state supply minimum wage to incarcerated workers. AB 628 dictates that the Department of Corrections would have the authority to set compensation standards within the prison system.
Vote YES on Proposition 6 to eliminate involuntary servitude or slavery of any form as a criminal punishment that can be used by the state.
California’s state constitution outlaws slavery but maintains language that allows for involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for a crime. Proposition 6 would repeal that language and replace it with language that clearly outlaws the use of involuntary servitude under any circumstances, and allows the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to instead issue credits to incarcerated people for the acceptance of voluntary work assignments during their incarceration. This bill was strongly supported by the Legislative Black Caucus, which included it as part of a larger package designed to move the state forward on reparations.
Why voting YES on Proposition 6 matters:
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 would join California with over 30 other states that have struck down the archaic practice of involuntary servitude in their state constitutions.
- The current policy further enriches prisons by allowing them to require inmates to work for wages as low as eight cents an hour. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will eliminate forced labor in the state prison system and provide for more dignity in the earning capacity and rehabilitation process of incarcerated people.
- The incarcerated population in California is disproportionately made up of Black and Latino men. Voting YES on Proposition 6 will disrupt the ongoing legacy of slavery and exploitation that has historically impacted these populations.
- Voting YES on Proposition 6 will allow incarcerated people to exercise more autonomy in shaping their rehabilitation and pursuit of voluntary work experience during their time in the prison system.
Top supporters of Proposition 6:
- Proposition 6 has the support of many social justice advocacy organizations, including Courage California, ACLU California Action, the California Immigrant Policy Center, and League of Women Voters California. It has also received the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- ACA 8, the bill associated with Proposition 6, was authored by Assm. Lori Wilson, and introduced in February 2023. It received over 82% support in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
Misinformation about Proposition 6 includes:
- While there has been no public opposition to Proposition 6, there have been some expressed concerns from Republican lawmakers that this bill would result in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation being required to compensate incarcerated people at minimum-wage rates for their voluntary work contributions. This is FALSE. AB 628, a new law related to Proposition 6, directly contradicts this argument, stating that it does not require that the state supply minimum wage to incarcerated workers. AB 628 dictates that the Department of Corrections would have the authority to set compensation standards within the prison system.
Vote YES on Proposition 32 to raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026.
In 2016, the California state legislature passed SB 3 to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023, and mandated adjustments for inflation tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). SB 3 also established unique timelines for businesses to provide wage increases based on the number of people employed. Proposition 32 would follow a similar format to continue to increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, with a required CPI-based increase after $18/hour has been reached. The proposition also includes a provision that would allow the governor to delay the increases up to two times in response to an unexpected economic downturn.
Why voting YES on Proposition 32 matters:
- While California maintains a higher minimum wage than other states, the current standard still puts workers earning minimum wage far below the state’s average cost of living. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will move California forward in closing this socioeconomic gap for workers.
- Some industries in the state have secured union-negotiated wage increases over the last few years, including a move to $25/hour for health-care workers, and $20/hour for fast-food workers. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will advance the earning power of workers who do not benefit from the protection and advocacy of labor unions.
- Static wages can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain stable housing, health care, and access to quality food. These limitations can have long-term impacts on the health and safety of households and communities. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will help level the playing field and mitigate some of these challenges across the state.
- Recent estimates have shown that the minimum wage would be over $25 per hour if it had kept pace with economic productivity since the 1960s. Voting YES will move California closer to providing this realistic living wage to workers.
Top supporters of Proposition 32:
- Proposition 32 has received support from Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit group that advocates for anti-poverty initiatives. The group is led by progressive entrepreneur Joe Sanberg, who has also supported earned income tax credits for low-income families, and founded the state’s largest anti-poverty program, CalEITC4Me.
- After recent success in raising wages in health care and fast-food service, there is some debate in some labor unions about whether this blanket approach to wage increases is as strategic as pursuing industry-based efforts.
Top opposition to Proposition 32:
- The California Republican Party has formally opposed Proposition 32, citing concerns about the negative financial impacts on business within the state.
- Some business leaders have been critical of Proposition 32, expressing concerns that allowing political winds to determine this element of economic growth is irresponsible. They argue that markets should dictate wage growth, and that this increase will squeeze business owners, who will then shift the cost burden to consumers.
Vote YES on Proposition 32 to raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026.
In 2016, the California state legislature passed SB 3 to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023, and mandated adjustments for inflation tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). SB 3 also established unique timelines for businesses to provide wage increases based on the number of people employed. Proposition 32 would follow a similar format to continue to increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, with a required CPI-based increase after $18/hour has been reached. The proposition also includes a provision that would allow the governor to delay the increases up to two times in response to an unexpected economic downturn.
Why voting YES on Proposition 32 matters:
- While California maintains a higher minimum wage than other states, the current standard still puts workers earning minimum wage far below the state’s average cost of living. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will move California forward in closing this socioeconomic gap for workers.
- Some industries in the state have secured union-negotiated wage increases over the last few years, including a move to $25/hour for health-care workers, and $20/hour for fast-food workers. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will advance the earning power of workers who do not benefit from the protection and advocacy of labor unions.
- Static wages can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain stable housing, health care, and access to quality food. These limitations can have long-term impacts on the health and safety of households and communities. Voting YES on Proposition 32 will help level the playing field and mitigate some of these challenges across the state.
- Recent estimates have shown that the minimum wage would be over $25 per hour if it had kept pace with economic productivity since the 1960s. Voting YES will move California closer to providing this realistic living wage to workers.
Top supporters of Proposition 32:
- Proposition 32 has received support from Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit group that advocates for anti-poverty initiatives. The group is led by progressive entrepreneur Joe Sanberg, who has also supported earned income tax credits for low-income families, and founded the state’s largest anti-poverty program, CalEITC4Me.
- After recent success in raising wages in health care and fast-food service, there is some debate in some labor unions about whether this blanket approach to wage increases is as strategic as pursuing industry-based efforts.
Top opposition to Proposition 32:
- The California Republican Party has formally opposed Proposition 32, citing concerns about the negative financial impacts on business within the state.
- Some business leaders have been critical of Proposition 32, expressing concerns that allowing political winds to determine this element of economic growth is irresponsible. They argue that markets should dictate wage growth, and that this increase will squeeze business owners, who will then shift the cost burden to consumers.
Vote YES on Proposition 33 to give cities and counties the authority to rein in high rental prices through rent control measures.
In 1995, the state legislature passed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited rent control in single-family homes, condominium units, and newly built rental properties. In cities that already had rent control in place at the time of Costa-Hawkins, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, the definition of “new” was backdated to those earlier ordinances. Proposition 33 would repeal Costa-Hawkins, allow municipalities to reestablish rent limits on any housing in their jurisdiction, and prohibit the state from limiting any later establishment or expansion of rent control. Similar ballot initiatives, Proposition 10 in 2018 and Proposition 21 in 2020, failed by a margin of nearly 20 points.
Why voting YES on Proposition 33 matters:
- California is experiencing a faster rate increase in homelessness than any other state in the country. Recent data shows an annual increase of up to 7% in statewide homelessness between 2022 and 2023, and partially attributes this ongoing crisis to increasing rents and housing unaffordability. Voting YES on this initiative will allow local governments to prevent homelessness and support unhoused neighbors by putting measures in place to regulate costs in the housing market and strengthen renter protections.
- Community development and growth is aided by the long-term investment in housing security of local residents who establish a personal network, professional ties, and social connections in a neighborhood. Voting YES on this initiative will help ensure that individuals and families investing in their local community will not be priced out of their home by unchecked rental price increases.
- Recent Zillow data indicates that rental costs across the state have increased by as much as 40% since the start of the pandemic in 2020. This data includes striking increases in inland regions of the state that have previously been considered more affordable, including 39% in Bakersfield, 38% in Fresno, and 37% in Riverside. Voting YES on this initiative will limit these inflated year-over-year rental-cost increases across the state.
Top supporters of Proposition 33:
- This initiative is sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and their associated initiative, Housing Is a Human Right. These organizations work at the intersection of health, social equity, and human rights, and have been strong advocates of communities impacted by the unsustainable increase in housing costs within the state. They sponsored the previous ballot-measure efforts to repeal Costa-Hawkins. Notably, AHF has a track record of being a problematic landlord, especially as one the the biggest landlords in Skid Row in Los Angeles.
- Additional endorsers of this effort include Pomona United Stable Housing Coalition, Housing Now! California, Healing and Justice Center, SLO Rent Coalition, Oakland Tenants Union, ACCE, and IE Votes. This initiative has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Barbara Lee, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and many local mayors and council members.
- Stakeholders in support of this initiative raised $13.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024, with the majority of those dollars contributed directly by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Top opposition to Proposition 33:
- Committees in opposition to this initiative, Californians for Responsible Housing and Californians to Protect Affordable Housing, have raised $2.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024. These committees have received direct sponsorship, and the majority of their funding, from the California Apartment Association that represents landlords, including corporations that own rental properties.
Misinformation about Proposition 33 includes:
- Stakeholders who oppose this initiative claim that it will reduce housing supply by forcing landlords to convert their rental apartments into sellable condos, and creating local housing ordinances that make affordable housing development more difficult. This is FALSE. While this initiative would limit corporate landlords from imposing skyrocketing rent increases on families, it does not dictate that rents must be held below market rate, and it does not suggest that local building or development standards would be directly impacted.
- Objectors have also argued that this initiative would impose rent control on privately owned residences, limiting an owner’s ability to set the rent for their property. This is FALSE. This initiative does not contain special restrictions for private owners, but it would make them subject to the same equitable market-rate expectations that apply to rental apartment owners.
Vote YES on Proposition 33 to give cities and counties the authority to rein in high rental prices through rent control measures.
In 1995, the state legislature passed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited rent control in single-family homes, condominium units, and newly built rental properties. In cities that already had rent control in place at the time of Costa-Hawkins, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, the definition of “new” was backdated to those earlier ordinances. Proposition 33 would repeal Costa-Hawkins, allow municipalities to reestablish rent limits on any housing in their jurisdiction, and prohibit the state from limiting any later establishment or expansion of rent control. Similar ballot initiatives, Proposition 10 in 2018 and Proposition 21 in 2020, failed by a margin of nearly 20 points.
Why voting YES on Proposition 33 matters:
- California is experiencing a faster rate increase in homelessness than any other state in the country. Recent data shows an annual increase of up to 7% in statewide homelessness between 2022 and 2023, and partially attributes this ongoing crisis to increasing rents and housing unaffordability. Voting YES on this initiative will allow local governments to prevent homelessness and support unhoused neighbors by putting measures in place to regulate costs in the housing market and strengthen renter protections.
- Community development and growth is aided by the long-term investment in housing security of local residents who establish a personal network, professional ties, and social connections in a neighborhood. Voting YES on this initiative will help ensure that individuals and families investing in their local community will not be priced out of their home by unchecked rental price increases.
- Recent Zillow data indicates that rental costs across the state have increased by as much as 40% since the start of the pandemic in 2020. This data includes striking increases in inland regions of the state that have previously been considered more affordable, including 39% in Bakersfield, 38% in Fresno, and 37% in Riverside. Voting YES on this initiative will limit these inflated year-over-year rental-cost increases across the state.
Top supporters of Proposition 33:
- This initiative is sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and their associated initiative, Housing Is a Human Right. These organizations work at the intersection of health, social equity, and human rights, and have been strong advocates of communities impacted by the unsustainable increase in housing costs within the state. They sponsored the previous ballot-measure efforts to repeal Costa-Hawkins. Notably, AHF has a track record of being a problematic landlord, especially as one the the biggest landlords in Skid Row in Los Angeles.
- Additional endorsers of this effort include Pomona United Stable Housing Coalition, Housing Now! California, Healing and Justice Center, SLO Rent Coalition, Oakland Tenants Union, ACCE, and IE Votes. This initiative has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Barbara Lee, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. María Elena Durazo, and many local mayors and council members.
- Stakeholders in support of this initiative raised $13.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024, with the majority of those dollars contributed directly by AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Top opposition to Proposition 33:
- Committees in opposition to this initiative, Californians for Responsible Housing and Californians to Protect Affordable Housing, have raised $2.9 million as of the first quarter of 2024. These committees have received direct sponsorship, and the majority of their funding, from the California Apartment Association that represents landlords, including corporations that own rental properties.
Misinformation about Proposition 33 includes:
- Stakeholders who oppose this initiative claim that it will reduce housing supply by forcing landlords to convert their rental apartments into sellable condos, and creating local housing ordinances that make affordable housing development more difficult. This is FALSE. While this initiative would limit corporate landlords from imposing skyrocketing rent increases on families, it does not dictate that rents must be held below market rate, and it does not suggest that local building or development standards would be directly impacted.
- Objectors have also argued that this initiative would impose rent control on privately owned residences, limiting an owner’s ability to set the rent for their property. This is FALSE. This initiative does not contain special restrictions for private owners, but it would make them subject to the same equitable market-rate expectations that apply to rental apartment owners.
Vote NO on Proposition 34 to continue to permit health-care providers to have autonomy in deciding how to use revenue earned through the federal discount prescription drug program.
Proposition 34 is a real estate industry effort to limit organizations that receive federal drug program funding—especially the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—from funding ballot initiatives, including supporting Proposition 33 on rent control on this general election ballot.
The initiative seeks to create a new category of state entities called “prescription drug price manipulators,” and to place tight restrictions on the requirements those organizations must meet to maintain their tax-exempt status. The initiative defines prescription drug price manipulators as any entity that is an active participant in the federal 340B drug price discount program, is licensed to act as a health-care provider in the state, contracts with Medi-Cal as a provider, has contributed over $100 million over the last 10 years to initiatives unrelated to direct patient care, and has owned multifamily properties that have received a minimum of 500 government violations. If passed, Proposition 34 would require organizations designated as prescription drug price manipulators to spend a minimum of 98% of their revenues from the federal prescription drug program on direct patient care activities, and also abstain from any conduct that could be viewed as in opposition to public health and safety. In addition, Proposition 34 would codify the Medi-Cal Rx program, which was established in 2019 via an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In recent years, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which meets all the criteria for a prescription drug price manipulator, has provided extensive funding and advocacy support to ballot initiatives intended to support low-income housing development. Proposition 34, which is supported by a variety of actors with real estate interests, would curtail this organization’s capacity to distribute its funds in support of affordable housing initiatives.
Why voting NO on Proposition 34 matters:
- Real estate interests and their benefactors across the state are responsible for rental increases that have exceeded 35% in some regions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will ensure that organizations like AHF can continue to allocate funding to disrupt the cynical and greedy business practices of the real estate industry.
- The California Apartment Association and similar groups frequently provide financial support to state and local initiatives and candidates. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will prevent the creation of a new and narrow restricted category of funder, and would rebuke a hypocritical attempt by a wealthy industry lobbyist to restrict their opposition.
Top opposition to Proposition 34:
- The stated target of Proposition 34, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has publicly opposed the initiative, arguing that their efforts to purchase single-occupancy hotels and other multi-unit structures has resulted in the permanent housing of over 1,000 people over the years and has been instrumental in supporting California’s unhoused population. Notably, recent investigations have revealed that many of AHF’s housing units are in disrepair and have not been properly maintained.
- Consumer Watchdog and National Organization for Women have also come out in opposition to Proposition 34.
Top supporters of Proposition 34:
- California Apartment Association is the lead sponsor of Proposition 34 and the associated Protect Patients Now campaign, and has dishonestly framed the initiative as a patient care protection measure. In their view, limiting AHF’s political spending will require the organization to reinvest funds in low-income patient care, and will prevent them from overcharging the government for prescription drugs through the Medi-Cal Rx program. In reality, their sponsorship of Proposition 34 is a direct attack on a political opponent, and they have not prioritized patient protection in any way prior to this ballot measure. California Apartment Association has contributed over $11 million in support of Proposition 34.
- Proposition 34 has also received support from the California Republican Party, ALS Association, and San Francisco Women’s Cancer Network.
Vote NO on Proposition 34 to continue to permit health-care providers to have autonomy in deciding how to use revenue earned through the federal discount prescription drug program.
Proposition 34 is a real estate industry effort to limit organizations that receive federal drug program funding—especially the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—from funding ballot initiatives, including supporting Proposition 33 on rent control on this general election ballot.
The initiative seeks to create a new category of state entities called “prescription drug price manipulators,” and to place tight restrictions on the requirements those organizations must meet to maintain their tax-exempt status. The initiative defines prescription drug price manipulators as any entity that is an active participant in the federal 340B drug price discount program, is licensed to act as a health-care provider in the state, contracts with Medi-Cal as a provider, has contributed over $100 million over the last 10 years to initiatives unrelated to direct patient care, and has owned multifamily properties that have received a minimum of 500 government violations. If passed, Proposition 34 would require organizations designated as prescription drug price manipulators to spend a minimum of 98% of their revenues from the federal prescription drug program on direct patient care activities, and also abstain from any conduct that could be viewed as in opposition to public health and safety. In addition, Proposition 34 would codify the Medi-Cal Rx program, which was established in 2019 via an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In recent years, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which meets all the criteria for a prescription drug price manipulator, has provided extensive funding and advocacy support to ballot initiatives intended to support low-income housing development. Proposition 34, which is supported by a variety of actors with real estate interests, would curtail this organization’s capacity to distribute its funds in support of affordable housing initiatives.
Why voting NO on Proposition 34 matters:
- Real estate interests and their benefactors across the state are responsible for rental increases that have exceeded 35% in some regions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will ensure that organizations like AHF can continue to allocate funding to disrupt the cynical and greedy business practices of the real estate industry.
- The California Apartment Association and similar groups frequently provide financial support to state and local initiatives and candidates. Voting NO on Proposition 34 will prevent the creation of a new and narrow restricted category of funder, and would rebuke a hypocritical attempt by a wealthy industry lobbyist to restrict their opposition.
Top opposition to Proposition 34:
- The stated target of Proposition 34, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has publicly opposed the initiative, arguing that their efforts to purchase single-occupancy hotels and other multi-unit structures has resulted in the permanent housing of over 1,000 people over the years and has been instrumental in supporting California’s unhoused population. Notably, recent investigations have revealed that many of AHF’s housing units are in disrepair and have not been properly maintained.
- Consumer Watchdog and National Organization for Women have also come out in opposition to Proposition 34.
Top supporters of Proposition 34:
- California Apartment Association is the lead sponsor of Proposition 34 and the associated Protect Patients Now campaign, and has dishonestly framed the initiative as a patient care protection measure. In their view, limiting AHF’s political spending will require the organization to reinvest funds in low-income patient care, and will prevent them from overcharging the government for prescription drugs through the Medi-Cal Rx program. In reality, their sponsorship of Proposition 34 is a direct attack on a political opponent, and they have not prioritized patient protection in any way prior to this ballot measure. California Apartment Association has contributed over $11 million in support of Proposition 34.
- Proposition 34 has also received support from the California Republican Party, ALS Association, and San Francisco Women’s Cancer Network.
Vote NO on Proposition 35 to protect investments in critical community health programs, retain higher funding allocations for Medi-Cal, and give the state legislature more flexibility to respond to community needs.
In 2023, the state legislature passed AB 119 to reimpose a tax on managed care organizations (MCO) in the state that had been dormant since 2012. MCOs provide health insurance coverage to their enrollees at a fixed monthly cost, and the tax is based on the number of monthly enrollees that a given MCO has. Commercial plans pay a lower rate ($1.75/member) than Medi-Cal health plans ($274/member). The renewed tax is in effect through December 2026. Proposition 35 would make the tax permanent and place a ceiling on the amount of tax that commercial health plans would be required to pay ($2.75/member). Proposition 35 would also redirect billions of dollars that support the Medi-Cal program and the state general fund to specified provider rate increases, and effectively reduce Medi-Cal investments by $1 billion to $2 billion a year, including in the current 2024/2025 budget.
In the 2024/2025 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, important health groups and services—including emergency department physician services, abortion care and family planning, ground emergency medical transportation, community health workers, private duty nurses, and adult and pediatric day health centers—receive investments and Medi-Cal rate increases. Children who qualify for Medi-Cal but are at risk of automatic disenrollment (80% annually) because of administrative or procedural issues are also supported for continued coverage in the state budget. If Prop 35 passes, these groups will not receive any of the MCO tax funds, which will go to rate increases in other areas.
Top supporters of Proposition 35:
- Proposition 35 has received support from a wide array of health-care stakeholders, including California Hospital Association, California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the Coalition to Protect Access to Care. Health-care providers have supported the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility in the state, and view this initiative as an opportunity to further expand the services they provide and the patient population they engage with and prevent state leaders from repurposing the funds, as Governor Newsom has sought to do.
- Proposition 35 has also received the support of the California Republican Party and the California Democratic Party. AB 119 received bipartisan support when it was passed in 2023, earning over 85% of the vote in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
- Supporters have raised over $19 million for Proposition 35, including donations from California Hospitals Committee on Issues, and Global Medical Response Inc.
Top opposition to Proposition 35:
- While there is not currently a committee working in opposition to Proposition 35, Courage California joins health-equity advocates, like the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Children’s Partnership, and League of Women Voters, in opposition to this ballot measure.
Vote NO on Proposition 35 to protect investments in critical community health programs, retain higher funding allocations for Medi-Cal, and give the state legislature more flexibility to respond to community needs.
In 2023, the state legislature passed AB 119 to reimpose a tax on managed care organizations (MCO) in the state that had been dormant since 2012. MCOs provide health insurance coverage to their enrollees at a fixed monthly cost, and the tax is based on the number of monthly enrollees that a given MCO has. Commercial plans pay a lower rate ($1.75/member) than Medi-Cal health plans ($274/member). The renewed tax is in effect through December 2026. Proposition 35 would make the tax permanent and place a ceiling on the amount of tax that commercial health plans would be required to pay ($2.75/member). Proposition 35 would also redirect billions of dollars that support the Medi-Cal program and the state general fund to specified provider rate increases, and effectively reduce Medi-Cal investments by $1 billion to $2 billion a year, including in the current 2024/2025 budget.
In the 2024/2025 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, important health groups and services—including emergency department physician services, abortion care and family planning, ground emergency medical transportation, community health workers, private duty nurses, and adult and pediatric day health centers—receive investments and Medi-Cal rate increases. Children who qualify for Medi-Cal but are at risk of automatic disenrollment (80% annually) because of administrative or procedural issues are also supported for continued coverage in the state budget. If Prop 35 passes, these groups will not receive any of the MCO tax funds, which will go to rate increases in other areas.
Top supporters of Proposition 35:
- Proposition 35 has received support from a wide array of health-care stakeholders, including California Hospital Association, California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the Coalition to Protect Access to Care. Health-care providers have supported the expansion of Medi-Cal eligibility in the state, and view this initiative as an opportunity to further expand the services they provide and the patient population they engage with and prevent state leaders from repurposing the funds, as Governor Newsom has sought to do.
- Proposition 35 has also received the support of the California Republican Party and the California Democratic Party. AB 119 received bipartisan support when it was passed in 2023, earning over 85% of the vote in final floor votes in both the Assembly and the state Senate.
- Supporters have raised over $19 million for Proposition 35, including donations from California Hospitals Committee on Issues, and Global Medical Response Inc.
Top opposition to Proposition 35:
- While there is not currently a committee working in opposition to Proposition 35, Courage California joins health-equity advocates, like the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Alliance for Retired Americans, the Children’s Partnership, and League of Women Voters, in opposition to this ballot measure.
Vote NO on Proposition 36 to prevent a return to over-incarceration and maintain the investment in rehabilitation services, reentry programs, and lowered incarceration rates established by Proposition 47.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47 with over 59% of the vote to reclassify some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, including low-value shoplifting, grand theft, forgery, fraud, and the personal use of illegal drugs. This change effectively reduced the state’s prison burden, and allowed the government to divert funds previously used for incarceration to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Proposition 36 would make changes to Proposition 47 by increasing the sentence for possession of certain quantities of illegal drugs, adding fentanyl to the list of illegal drugs that can warrant a felony charge, and making low-value property theft a felony for repeat offenders.
Why voting NO on Proposition 36 matters:
- Proposition 36 would upend the progress that Proposition 47 established to increase community investment in mental health services, substance use treatment, and diversion programs, and refocusing on mass incarceration. Voting NO will ensure that California remains focused on rehabilitation and reentry programs for individuals involved in low-level crimes.
- A fiscal-impact statement associated with Proposition 36 estimates that it will ultimately result in a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars annually in court costs and the expense of housing an increased prison population. Voting NO will allow these critical funds to continue to be spent on truancy, youth services, rehabilitation, and substance-use treatment programs.
- Recent data suggests that criminalizing personal drug use is largely ineffective, and tends to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Additionally, it often results in destabilizing long-term consequences, like the disruption of family relationships, and difficulty in accessing employment opportunities and public assistance. Voting NO on Proposition 36 will maintain the misdemeanor status for these crimes while continuing to support social programs in addressing the root causes of addiction and criminal behavior.
Top opposition to Proposition 36:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke out against modifications to Proposition 47 in early 2024, and opposes Proposition 36. He and other Democratic lawmakers briefly worked on a more moderate measure to address fentanyl and retail theft, but ultimately withdrew it.
- The Stop the Prison Spending Scam campaign opposing Proposition 36 is led by Californians for Safety and Justice and includes ACLU California, Smart Justice California, and Courage California.
Top supporters of Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 has received the support of many law-enforcement agencies, including California Sheriffs’ Association, San Francisco Police Officers Association Issues PAC, Kern County Prosecutors Association PAC, California District Attorneys Association, and Association of Deputy District Attorneys PAC. These groups view this initiative as a way to reduce crime rates and curb drug use by returning to the problematic theory that crime can be collectively deterred through the establishment of strong punitive consequences.
- Proposition 36 has also received the support of San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, conservative Democrats who both lead cities in the Bay Area where drug use and property crime have been significant political issues over the last several years. It has also received the support of the California Republican Party.
- Supporters have raised over $9 million, and include business stakeholders who have made exaggerated claims of being negatively impacted by the low-value theft and property crime that Proposition 36 seeks to reclassify – claims that have since been retracted and refuted by more accurate data. Donors include Target Corporation, Walmart, 7-Eleven, American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, and California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.
Vote NO on Proposition 36 to prevent a return to over-incarceration and maintain the investment in rehabilitation services, reentry programs, and lowered incarceration rates established by Proposition 47.
In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47 with over 59% of the vote to reclassify some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, including low-value shoplifting, grand theft, forgery, fraud, and the personal use of illegal drugs. This change effectively reduced the state’s prison burden, and allowed the government to divert funds previously used for incarceration to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Proposition 36 would make changes to Proposition 47 by increasing the sentence for possession of certain quantities of illegal drugs, adding fentanyl to the list of illegal drugs that can warrant a felony charge, and making low-value property theft a felony for repeat offenders.
Why voting NO on Proposition 36 matters:
- Proposition 36 would upend the progress that Proposition 47 established to increase community investment in mental health services, substance use treatment, and diversion programs, and refocusing on mass incarceration. Voting NO will ensure that California remains focused on rehabilitation and reentry programs for individuals involved in low-level crimes.
- A fiscal-impact statement associated with Proposition 36 estimates that it will ultimately result in a price tag of hundreds of millions of dollars annually in court costs and the expense of housing an increased prison population. Voting NO will allow these critical funds to continue to be spent on truancy, youth services, rehabilitation, and substance-use treatment programs.
- Recent data suggests that criminalizing personal drug use is largely ineffective, and tends to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Additionally, it often results in destabilizing long-term consequences, like the disruption of family relationships, and difficulty in accessing employment opportunities and public assistance. Voting NO on Proposition 36 will maintain the misdemeanor status for these crimes while continuing to support social programs in addressing the root causes of addiction and criminal behavior.
Top opposition to Proposition 36:
- Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke out against modifications to Proposition 47 in early 2024, and opposes Proposition 36. He and other Democratic lawmakers briefly worked on a more moderate measure to address fentanyl and retail theft, but ultimately withdrew it.
- The Stop the Prison Spending Scam campaign opposing Proposition 36 is led by Californians for Safety and Justice and includes ACLU California, Smart Justice California, and Courage California.
Top supporters of Proposition 36:
- Proposition 36 has received the support of many law-enforcement agencies, including California Sheriffs’ Association, San Francisco Police Officers Association Issues PAC, Kern County Prosecutors Association PAC, California District Attorneys Association, and Association of Deputy District Attorneys PAC. These groups view this initiative as a way to reduce crime rates and curb drug use by returning to the problematic theory that crime can be collectively deterred through the establishment of strong punitive consequences.
- Proposition 36 has also received the support of San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, conservative Democrats who both lead cities in the Bay Area where drug use and property crime have been significant political issues over the last several years. It has also received the support of the California Republican Party.
- Supporters have raised over $9 million, and include business stakeholders who have made exaggerated claims of being negatively impacted by the low-value theft and property crime that Proposition 36 seeks to reclassify – claims that have since been retracted and refuted by more accurate data. Donors include Target Corporation, Walmart, 7-Eleven, American Petroleum and Convenience Store Association, and California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.