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Federal
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law that made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which strengthens background check laws, incentivizes state-based red flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $136 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate. She sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the City and County of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education and workforce reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
The Position
The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law that made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which strengthens background check laws, incentivizes state-based red flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $136 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate. She sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the City and County of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education and workforce reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
The Position
The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
Re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to keep America on track.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have a track record and policy positions that demonstrate that they will continue to govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse nation.
Progressive endorsements: President Biden and Vice President Harris have the endorsement of some progressive groups, including the Sierra Club, Reproductive Freedom for All America, League of Conservation Voters, National Center for Transgender Equality, and Students Demand Action. They have also received the endorsement of a significant number of labor unions, including United Auto Workers, Actors’ Equity Association, AFL-CIO, IATSE, National Nurses United, and the American Federation of Teachers. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have the backing of the Democratic National Committee and a significant number of current and former Democratic officials, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Climate Envoy John Kerry, 14 current governors, 30 sitting U.S. senators, and over 70 members of the House of Representatives. This list includes California’s elected leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Priority policies: The Biden administration has had policy successes across a diversity of issue areas during their first term. Immediately after taking office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden worked to move the American Rescue Plan through Congress and successfully passed legislation to provide stimulus checks, boosts to unemployment payments, and increased funds for education and small-business loans. The plan also ramped up the distribution and administration of vaccines. This legislative effort was followed by the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law that made a $1 billion investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, national road and bridge repair, clean drinking water modifications, and power grid updates. In addition to these investments, the administration passed President Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act, an expansive bill to provide needed funding to cap prescription drug costs for the elderly, increase corporate taxes, invest in clean energy and climate protections, reduce the federal deficit, and increase tax accountability by provided additional funding to the IRS. The White House has indicated that nearly 170,000 clean energy jobs have been created by this legislation, clean energy investments have increased by $110 billion, and insulin has been capped at $35 a month. After years of inaction from the federal government, President Biden signed a significant gun-safety bill into law, which strengthens background check laws, incentivizes state-based red flag laws, and expands limitations on the acquisition of firearms by perpetrators of domestic abuse. President Biden also signed the CHIPS Act into law to increase domestic production of the semiconductors used in the manufacturing of many of the products Americans use daily.
The Biden administration’s economic policies have contributed to the lowest unemployment rate in over 50 years, at 3.4% as of January 2024, economic growth of 3.1% in 2023, and an inflation rate that dropped below 3% at the end of December. The administration has led the U.S. back into the Paris Climate Accord, forgiven $136 billion in education debt, and provided consistent support to striking labor unions across the country. While many of these accomplishments came during the first two years of the administration, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress, President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked across the aisle to move impactful legislation forward for the American people with a divided Congress.
While the administration’s legislative successes have been substantial, they have been subject to significant criticism from progressives during this first term. While President Biden has maintained strong support for Israel during the October 7 Hamas attacks and the Israeli government’s retaliatory attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, the electorate and congressional representatives have expressed concerns about the U.S. government providing continued funding to the Israeli military, and activists and leaders have called on the Biden administration to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. On immigration and the southern border, the federal government’s failure to act has effectively continued the anti-immigrant policies enacted under the Trump administration and caused big city mayors and Democratic governors to publicly request that the White House and Congress pass meaningful legislation to reform an increasingly overwhelmed asylum and immigration system. Under Republican control, Congress has not passed any immigration reforms, and Republican leaders have advocated for more punitive and inhumane immigration policies.
Governance and community leadership experience: President Biden and Vice President Harris have served in the White House since 2020, when they were elected on a joint ticket with 306 electoral votes and over 51% of the national popular vote. Their campaign won six critical swing states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona—to secure the electoral college victory.
Prior to his election, President Biden had a long and prominent political career. He served two terms as former President Barack Obama’s vice president and was responsible for managing the 2009 economic recovery, helping to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act, and acting as the administration’s liaison to the Senate. Before joining the Obama administration, he spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate. He was often critiqued as being an unremarkable, status quo Democrat, and mid-career votes in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act, anti-drug legislation, and the Iraq War reaffirm that characterization. In 1991, Vice President Biden was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and presided over the Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Clarence Thomas, who had been credibly accused of sexual harassment by a former colleague, Anita Hill. Vice President Biden’s mismanagement of the hearing resulted in a targeted and unfair character assassination of Anita Hill and remains a reminder of his complicity in the patriarchal and racist systems on which our American government is built.
Prior to her election, Vice President Harris was the first woman of color elected to represent California in the United States Senate. She sponsored legislation on climate and environmental protections, rental and housing protections, women’s health, and pandemic relief. She was also an original cosponsor of the progressive Green New Deal authored by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. Before serving in the Senate, Vice President Harris had a long legal career in California, serving for 8 years in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to a role as a prosecutor in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she won her bid to become district attorney of the City and County of San Francisco, where she served two terms before being elected as the attorney general for the state of California in 2010. She was the first woman and the first person of color to hold this seat. Vice President Harris’s record was both progressive for the time and complicated by her moderate approach to policing and criminal justice. She has been criticized for failing to institute comprehensive police accountability measures, for not establishing meaningful prison reform, and for taking a hands-off approach to cases related to police misconduct. However, her lenient approach to policing was often punctuated by decidedly progressive support for social justice issues, including the establishment of an education and workforce reentry program designed to diminish recidivism.
Other background: President Biden is from Scranton, PA, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. He has been a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for most of his adult life. Vice President Harris grew up in Berkeley, CA, and was a longtime resident of Los Angeles. She is the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, who both emigrated to the Bay Area in the 1960s.
The Race
Primary election: Eight candidates are running in the March 5 Democratic primary, including incumbent President Joe Biden (D), Rep. Dean Phillips (D), and Marianne Williamson (D). The candidate who receives the most delegates in the national Democratic primary will formally become the party’s designated Presidential candidate in August 2024.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: President Biden’s campaign has raised $56 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, real estate, corporate PAC, or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Rep. Dean Phillips
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Rep. Phillips’s campaign has not filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the FEC as of December 2023.
Opposing candidate: Marianne Williamson
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Williamson’s campaign has raised $2.6 million as of December 2023, and is funded by corporate PAC interests. A significant amount of her campaign funding has been through candidate donations and loans taken out by the candidate.
The Position
The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch of the federal government, and the commander-in-chief for all branches of the armed forces. A president has the power to make diplomatic, executive, and judicial appointments, and can sign into law or veto legislation. Presidential administrations are responsible for both foreign and domestic policy priorities. Presidents are limited to serving two four-year terms in office.
There are 22 candidates running for California’s open U.S. Senate seat. Based on our analysis, three qualified candidates for this position have a distinct vision for the state. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
The Race
Primary election: In October 2022, Governor Newsom appointed labor leader, political advisor, and former Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to serve the remainder of the six-year term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died September 2022 after serving in the U.S. Senate since 1992. There are 22 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D), Rep. Katie Porter (D), and Rep. Adam Schiff (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
The Candidates
Key Initiatives: Representative Barbara Lee is a longtime Congresswoman and has been a consistent progressive voice in Congress. She has been a prolific author of legislation related to ending AIDS/HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, has moved efforts to reduce poverty forward, and was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force after the attacks on September 11, 2001, a controversial position at the time. In recent legislative sessions, she has authored and sponsored legislation to curtail CEO overpay, improve research and public awareness of sickle cell disease, address the national backlog of unprocessed rape kits, and improve mental health resources for students. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Rep. Lee worked as a social worker and founded a mental-health service organization, Community Health Alliance for Neighborhood Growth and Education, to benefit her local East Bay community. She then spent eleven years working on the staff of Rep. Ron Dellums, eventually serving as his chief of staff. After her tenure in congressional staffing, she founded a facilities-management company. A few years later, in 1990, Rep. Lee launched a successful bid for a seat in the California Assembly, where she served for six years, before she was elected to the state Senate.
Representative Katie Porter is an attorney and public servant and has been a strong advocate for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and government transparency. She has gained notoriety for her meticulous and expert style of questioning in congressional hearings, and exercises this skill during Oversight and Reform Committee sessions. Her legislative successes include bills to lower prescription drug prices, increase the fee oil and gas companies pay to drill on public lands, lower the income threshold for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and extend mental healthcare coverage. She has also recently supported efforts to ban members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Porter spent twenty years as a consumer-protection attorney. Ahead of the housing crisis in 2008, she issued early warnings of the financial system’s predatory lending, and has a strong track record of winning cases related to financial regulation. In 2012, then California Attorney General Kamala Harris appointed Rep. Porter to oversee banks as they returned over $18 billion to cheated homeowners in the state.
Representative Adam Schiff is an attorney and public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, healthcare, and voting access. He rose to prominence as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump Administration. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as Assistant United States Attorney before being elected to California’s State Senate in 1996. He is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies, but has cast unfavorable votes on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, including a 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
Community Leadership Experience, Fundraising, and Endorsements: Rep. Lee has served in Congress since 1998, when she was elected with over 66% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection to CD-12 over a Republican challenger by 81 points. Her campaign has raised $3.3 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Rep. Lee has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC, Gen Z for Change, Feminist Majority PAC, Our Revolution, and Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California). She has also received the endorsement of some community and elected leaders, including Dolores Huerta, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
Rep. Porter has served in Congress since 2018, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 3 points. Her campaign has raised $22 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests. Rep. Porter has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Labor Federation, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Women in Leadership PAC. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Rep. Robert Garcia, and State Sen. Catherine Blakespear.
Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points. His campaign has raised $21 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, or fossil fuel interests. Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of some labor groups, including IATSE California Council, IAFF, and Amalgamated Transit Union. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Other background: Rep. Lee is from El Paso, TX, and moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was a child. She attended Mills College, where she served as president of the Black Student Union and invited Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to speak on campus. Her interaction with Rep. Chisholm was an early inspiration for her pursuit of a career in public service.
Rep. Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. Along with her legal practice, she is a longtime tenured professor of law at University of California-Irvine.
Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the Governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now-Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
There are 22 candidates running for California’s open U.S. Senate seat. Based on our analysis, three qualified candidates for this position have a distinct vision for the state. We recommend that you choose the candidate who best aligns to your values in this race.
The Race
Primary election: In October 2022, Governor Newsom appointed labor leader, political advisor, and former Emily’s List President Laphonza Butler to serve the remainder of the six-year term of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died September 2022 after serving in the U.S. Senate since 1992. There are 22 candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D), Rep. Katie Porter (D), and Rep. Adam Schiff (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
The Candidates
Key Initiatives: Representative Barbara Lee is a longtime Congresswoman and has been a consistent progressive voice in Congress. She has been a prolific author of legislation related to ending AIDS/HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, has moved efforts to reduce poverty forward, and was the only member of Congress to vote against the authorization for the use of military force after the attacks on September 11, 2001, a controversial position at the time. In recent legislative sessions, she has authored and sponsored legislation to curtail CEO overpay, improve research and public awareness of sickle cell disease, address the national backlog of unprocessed rape kits, and improve mental health resources for students. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Rep. Lee worked as a social worker and founded a mental-health service organization, Community Health Alliance for Neighborhood Growth and Education, to benefit her local East Bay community. She then spent eleven years working on the staff of Rep. Ron Dellums, eventually serving as his chief of staff. After her tenure in congressional staffing, she founded a facilities-management company. A few years later, in 1990, Rep. Lee launched a successful bid for a seat in the California Assembly, where she served for six years, before she was elected to the state Senate.
Representative Katie Porter is an attorney and public servant and has been a strong advocate for consumer protection, corporate accountability, and government transparency. She has gained notoriety for her meticulous and expert style of questioning in congressional hearings, and exercises this skill during Oversight and Reform Committee sessions. Her legislative successes include bills to lower prescription drug prices, increase the fee oil and gas companies pay to drill on public lands, lower the income threshold for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, and extend mental healthcare coverage. She has also recently supported efforts to ban members of Congress and their families from trading stocks. Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Porter spent twenty years as a consumer-protection attorney. Ahead of the housing crisis in 2008, she issued early warnings of the financial system’s predatory lending, and has a strong track record of winning cases related to financial regulation. In 2012, then California Attorney General Kamala Harris appointed Rep. Porter to oversee banks as they returned over $18 billion to cheated homeowners in the state.
Representative Adam Schiff is an attorney and public official and has been a consistent legislator on issues of government accountability, voting access, healthcare, and voting access. He rose to prominence as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee who led the first impeachment inquiry of the Trump Administration. He has had legislative success on bills to increase pension payments for teachers, expand labor organizing protections, secure nearly $200 million in funding to address affordable housing development and homelessness in the state, create the patient bill of rights, and limit corporate spending to influence elections. He is also the lead author of legislation to end the NRA and the gun industry’s immunity from liability, which prevented victims and their families from seeking legal recourse. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff worked as a law clerk and then as Assistant United States Attorney before being elected to California’s State Senate in 1996. He is a longtime supporter of progressive education, immigration, and environmental policies, but has cast unfavorable votes on issues pertaining to military spending and the use of military force, including a 2002 vote in favor of authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
Community Leadership Experience, Fundraising, and Endorsements: Rep. Lee has served in Congress since 1998, when she was elected with over 66% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection to CD-12 over a Republican challenger by 81 points. Her campaign has raised $3.3 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or corporate PAC interests. Rep. Lee has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Working Families Party, Black Women Organized for Political Action PAC, Gen Z for Change, Feminist Majority PAC, Our Revolution, and Reproductive Freedom for All California (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice California). She has also received the endorsement of some community and elected leaders, including Dolores Huerta, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Controller Malia Cohen, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
Rep. Porter has served in Congress since 2018, when she was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, she won her reelection against a Republican challenger by 3 points. Her campaign has raised $22 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, or real estate interests. Rep. Porter has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including California Labor Federation, National Union of Healthcare Workers, and Women in Leadership PAC. She has also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assm. Alex Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Rep. Robert Garcia, and State Sen. Catherine Blakespear.
Rep. Schiff has served in Congress since 2000, when he was elected with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his reelection against a Democratic challenger by 42 points. His campaign has raised $21 million as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, or fossil fuel interests. Rep. Schiff has the endorsement of some labor groups, including IATSE California Council, IAFF, and Amalgamated Transit Union. He has also received the endorsement of many elected officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Kamlager-Dove, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Tina McKinnor, Assm. Rick Chavez Zbur, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
Other background: Rep. Lee is from El Paso, TX, and moved to the San Fernando Valley when she was a child. She attended Mills College, where she served as president of the Black Student Union and invited Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to speak on campus. Her interaction with Rep. Chisholm was an early inspiration for her pursuit of a career in public service.
Rep. Porter is from Fort Dodge, IA, and now resides in Irvine, CA. Along with her legal practice, she is a longtime tenured professor of law at University of California-Irvine.
Rep. Schiff is from the Bay Area. He holds a law degree from Harvard University.
The District
State: California is the most populous state in the United States, and includes 58 counties and 39 million residents.
Voter registration: Of the 22 million registered voters in the state, 47% are Democrat, 24% are Republican, and 22% have no party preference. Democrats have held the Governor’s seat in the state since 2011.
District demographics: 40% Latino, 16% Asian, and 7% Black
Recent election results: California voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 29 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 18 points. Sen. Feinstein won her 2018 reelection against now-Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de León by 8 points.
The Position
Members of the Senate represent and advocate for the needs of their state constituency and share legislative responsibility with the House of Representatives. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues of national importance. Senators have the exclusive responsibility of providing advice and consent to the executive branch on treaties, and on the nomination and approval of cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and federal judges. The Senate also has the sole authority to bring and try an impeachment of a high official, up to and including removal from office with a two-thirds majority vote.
Each state, regardless of population, is represented by two senators. Senate elections are statewide, and senators are elected to serve a six-year term. There is no term limit for this position.
8th Congressional District
Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.
During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.
Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.
Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.
During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.
Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.
Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
Re-elect Congressional Representative John Garamendi to keep CD-8 on the right track for progress.
During recent redistricting and in response to progressive activists, the new CD-08 was intentionally drawn to ensure that the voting population of the district was equitably represented across white, Black, Latino, and Asian communities. It is the most diverse congressional district created in the state. Rep. John Garamendi is not a resident of this new district and will not provide the kind of diverse representation that activists had hoped their efforts would yield. However, Rep. Garamendi’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that he will continue to be a progressive leader for the constituents of CD-08 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district if he is subjected to community accountability measures.
Progressive endorsements: Rep. Garamendi has the endorsement of some groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and the California Democratic Party. In his 2022 campaign, he also received the endorsement of many elected leaders, including Sen. Alex Padilla, Democratic Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Barack Obama, and many local mayors and city councilmembers. However, Rep. Garamendi has also received endorsements from problematic stakeholders in previous elections, including Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) and California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Top issues: Armed forces, national security, maritime industries, public works, environmental protections, and trade and domestic production.
Priority bills: This year, Rep. Garamendi’s priorities for CD-8 have included 28 bills about clean water, immigration, armed services, and school lunches. All of these bills are currently in committee. He has sponsored legislation designed to prevent military price gouging from the Pentagon, require infrastructure protections and repairs, eliminate tax exemptions in professional sports, and request military support in fighting wildfires.
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus?: Yes.
Committee leadership/membership: Rep. Garamendi currently sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Rep. Garamendi has served in this Congress since 2009, when he won a special election with over 52% of the vote. In 2022, he won his re-election against a Republican challenger by 52 points.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Garamendi held a variety of positions in public service. He served in the state legislature for over 20 years, was appointed deputy secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration, was elected state insurance commissioner, and was lieutenant governor of California before running for Congress. He has been a longtime supporter of land use and environmental protections, working to protect public lands, limit oil and gas development, and conserve California’s water resources. He has used his congressional committee assignments to advocate for military and infrastructure changes that center on environmental and resource protections.
Other background: Rep. Garamendi is from Mokelumne Hill, CA, and has lived in Walnut Grove for most of his adult life. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and served time in the Peace Corps before returning to run for public office in California. He and his wife continue to raise cattle on their property.
The Race
Primary election: There are two candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Rep. John Garamendi (D) and Rudy Recile (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Rep. Garamendi’s campaign has raised $250,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by police or fossil fuel interests.
Opposing candidate: Republican Rudy Recile
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Recile’s campaign has raised $3,000 as of October 2023, and is funded primarily by individual and candidate donations.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 8th Congressional District includes parts of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
Voter registration: 56% Democrat, 13% Republican, and 22% No Party Preference.
District demographics: 23% Latino, 20% Asian, and 19% Black.
Recent election results: CD-8 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 54 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 48 points.
The Position
Congressmembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the United States Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts, each with a population of about 710,000 individuals. Each district elects a representative to the House of Representatives for a two-year term. California has 52 congressional representatives, the largest delegation in the country. There is no term limit for this position.
State Assembly, 14th District
Re-elect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 27 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, eleven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as hair of the Housing and Community Development Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Buffy Wicks (D), Margot Smith (D), and Utkarsh Jain (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $274,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 27 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, eleven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as hair of the Housing and Community Development Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Buffy Wicks (D), Margot Smith (D), and Utkarsh Jain (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $274,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
Re-elect Assemblymember Buffy Wicks to keep AD-14 on the right track for progress.
Assm. Buffy Wicks’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will continue to be a progressive voice for the constituents of AD-14 and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Assm. Wicks has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Equality California, California Environmental Voters, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West.
Top issues: Climate protections, employment protections, homelessness and housing, health education, and gun violence protections.
Priority bills: This year, Assm. Wicks’s priorities for AD-14 have included 27 bills about housing, water and environmental protections, paid family leave, and violence intervention. Of these, eleven have been successfully chaptered into law, one has been vetoed, and the rest remain in committee. A strong supporter of progressive legislation, she scores a CS of 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of legislators’ progressive voting records, and has been designated as a Courage All-Star for almost every legislative year since 2019. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Assm. Wicks has supported nearly all progressive bills that made it to a vote.
Committee leadership/membership: Assm. Wicks currently sits on six committees, including Banking and Finance, Budget, Privacy and Consumer Protection, and Transportation. She serves as hair of the Housing and Community Development Committee.
Governance and community leadership experience: Assm. Wicks has served in the Assembly since 2018, when she was elected with over 53% of the vote. In 2022, she won her re-election against a Republican challenger by 77 points.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Assm. Wicks was deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement at the White House during President Obama’s presidency. She also worked in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as its California state director. Assm. Wicks has been a longtime supporter of women’s rights and health care.
Other background: Assm. Wicks is from Foresthill.
The Race
Primary election: There are three candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Assm. Buffy Wicks (D), Margot Smith (D), and Utkarsh Jain (R). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Assm. Wicks’s campaign has raised $274,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police interests.
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Neither of the challengers in this race have filed any campaign fundraising receipts with the Secretary of State’s office as of December 2023.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 14th Assembly District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 70% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this seat.
District demographics: 17% Latino, 21% Asian, and 14% Black.
Recent election results: AD-14 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 78 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 77 points.
The Position
State assemblymembers represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Assembly has 80 districts. Each represents a population of at least 465,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Assembly for a two-year term. Every two years, all 80 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years) in the Assembly. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a three-quarters supermajority of 60 seats in the California State Assembly, while Republicans hold 19 seats and one seat is held by an Independent.
State Senator, 7th District
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Elect Jovanka Beckles and Kathryn Lybarger for State Senate to keep SD-7 on the right track for progress.
Endorsements: Jovanka Beckles has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including Richmond Progressive Alliance, California Environmental Justice Alliance Action, Women in Politics, Berkeley Tenants Union, and East Bay Democratic Socialists of America. She has also received the endorsement of some local leaders, including Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martínez, Pinole Mayor Devin Murphy, Alameda County DA Pamela Price, and many members of the East Bay City Council.
Kathryn Lybarger has the endorsement of many progressive groups, including United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, Women’s Political Committee Los Angeles, California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, and many other labor unions. She also has the endorsement of many local leaders, including Assm. Anthony Rendon, State Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assm. Liz Ortega, and Hercules Mayor Alex Walker-Griffin.
Key Initiatives: As a member of the Richmond City Council, Beckles has supported initiatives to prevent city contractors from inquiring about past criminal history on job applications, establish a municipal ID program, and increase the minimum wage. She has been a strong advocate for improving housing access and resources, and was instrumental in the passage of rent control and just-cause eviction laws in Richmond. These laws protect tenants’ rights and help keep the city affordable and accessible to individuals and families across income levels. As a member of the Alameda County Transit Board, she has worked to make public transportation more accessible for local residents, maintain service routes, create pandemic protections for drivers and operators, and acknowledge the intersections of racial and transit justice.
As President of the California Labor Federation, Lybarger has been successful in advocating for increasing the minimum wage, equal pay for women, and improving health insurance coverage and the cost of prescription drugs. She represents 2.1 million union members and 1,200 affiliated unions in her role, while also serving as president of AFSCME Local 3299 through her role as a professional gardener at UC Berkeley, where she leads a 30,000 member union. These roles have provided Lybarger with the opportunity to advocate for legislation in Sacramento and provide representative leadership to individuals working across trades and industries.
Governance and Community Leadership Experience: Beckles was elected to the Richmond City Council in 2010 with over 13% of the vote in a 10-person field, and served two terms. In 2020, she was elected to the Alameda County Transit Board Ward 1 seat over the incumbent with 48% of the vote.
Prior to her elected roles, she served on Richmond’s Economic Development Commission, and the Planning Commission. Alongside her public service, Beckles is a mental-health clinician, which she does to support the development of youth and families experiencing hardship. This work has allowed her to create systems and services to meet community needs and improve social and economic advancement. She is a longtime supporter of climate, social, and racial justice, and has used her local leadership roles to bring visibility and resources to these issues.
Lybarger has not run for public office before. She spent her early career as an artist and activist. A member of the queer community, she was involved in efforts to raise awareness for AIDS in the 90s, and has been a consistent supporter of marriage equality and queer family rights. She has spent over 20 years as a blue-collar worker in UC Berkeley’s Facilities division, and has served as head of AFSCME Local 3299 since 2011. She is a longtime supporter of labor organizing, equal treatment, and creating access to living wages for all Californians.
Other background: Beckles is from Panama and immigrated to the United States as a child. If elected, she would be the first queer, Black, Latinx person to serve in the California State Senate.
Lybarger is from the Midwest and has lived in California for nearly 30 years, residing primarily in Berkeley. She and her wife share two adult children with their close friends, a gay couple, and have taken advantage of a recent California law allowing all four adults to establish a legal parental relationship with the children.
The Race
Primary election: There are eight candidates running in the March 5 primary, including Jovanka Beckles (D), Kathryn Lybarger (D), Jesse Arreguín (D), Dan Kalb (D), and Sandré Swanson (D). The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Beckles’s campaign has raised $43,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Lybarger’s campaign has raised $278,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Mayor Arreguín’s campaign has raised $381,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Kalb’s campaign has raised $146,000 as of October 2023, and is not funded by real estate, fossil fuel, police, or corporate PAC interests.
Opponent’s fundraising and pledges: Swanson’s campaign has raised $108,000 as of October 2023 and is funded by police donors.
The District
Counties in district: California’s 7th State Senate District includes parts of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
Voter registration: 69% Democrat, 6% Republican, and 20% No Party Preference. Democrats typically hold this district.
District demographics: 16% Latino, 21% Asian, and 21% Black.
Recent election results: SD-7 voted for Joe Biden for president in 2020 by 79 points and Gavin Newsom for governor in 2022 by 78 points.
The Position
State senators represent and advocate for the needs of their district constituents at the California State Capitol. They are responsible for creating, debating, and voting on legislation that addresses issues within their district.
The California State Senate has 40 districts. Each represents a population of about 930,000 Californians. Representatives are elected to the Senate for a four-year term. Every two years, half of the Senate's 40 seats are subject to election. Members elected before 2012 are restricted to two four-year terms (eight years) in the Senate. Those elected in or after 2012 are allowed to serve 12 years total across both the state Senate or Assembly. This term, Democrats currently hold a two-thirds supermajority of 31 seats in the California State Senate, while Republicans hold 9 seats.
Contra Costa County, District 5
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county-districted races on your ballot.
Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.
Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.
Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.
Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.
Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.
Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5 unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
The District
County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.
Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.
Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.
Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.
Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.
Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.
Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5 unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
The District
County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.
Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Elect Shanelle Scales-Preston for Supervisor to put Contra Costa County on the right track for progress.
Shanelle Scales-Preston’s track record and policy positions demonstrate that she will be a progressive voice for the constituents of Contra Costa County and will govern effectively in the best interests of this diverse district.
Progressive endorsements: Scales-Preston has the endorsement of some progressive groups, including East Bay Action, Planned Parenthood, Contra Costa Labor Council, and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. She has also received endorsements from many elected leaders, including State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, State Sen. Nancy Skinner, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, and local mayors, city councilmembers, and school board members.
Electoral history: Scales-Preston has run for office previously, and won her 2018 race for Pittsburg City Council with 19% of the vote. She was reelected in 2022 with over 26% of the vote.
Top issues: Community development, creating affordable and low-income housing, public transportation investment, economic development, sustainability and environmental protections, youth development programs, and public safety.
Governance and community leadership experience: Scales-Preston currently serves as Mayor of Pittsburg, which she does to provide leadership for the development of social and city services in her community. As a member of the City Council, she has helped to expand high-speed internet access, improved park development, supported the expansion of BART, and pushed forward the construction of an indoor sports complex. Alongside this work, Scales-Preston also serves as board chair for MCE Community Choice Energy, and chair of local transit service company TransPlan. Scales-Preston has had a long career in public service, including 13 years as a congressional field representative, and over eight years in her current role as district director for CD-11 Rep. Mark DeSaulnier. This work has provided her the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across the region and resolve issues for constituents.
Other background: Scales-Preston is a lifelong resident of Pittsburg.
The Race
Primary election: There are four candidates running in the nonpartisan March 5 primary, including Shanelle Scales-Preston, Mike Barbanica, Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez, and Jelani Killings. The top two vote recipients will advance to the general election on November 5 unless one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote and wins outright in the primary.
Candidate fundraising and pledges: Shanelle Scales-Preston’s campaign has raised $14,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Michael Barbanica
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Barbanica’s campaign has raised $52,000 as of December 2023, and is not funded by police, fossil fuel, real estate, or corporate PAC interests.
Opposing candidate: Jelani Killings
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Killings’ campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
Opposing candidate: Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez
Opposing candidate’s fundraising and pledges: Gonzalez’s campaign has not filed any campaign-finance receipts with the county as of October 2023.
The District
County: Contra Costa County is California’s 9th most populous county. District 5 includes Hercules, Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Concord, Mt. View, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Vine Hill, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch.
Governance structure: Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors oversees the needs of 1.1 million people and manages an estimated budget of $5.5 billion annually. According to the County Charter, Contra Costa County is governed by the elected Board of Supervisors, and they receive support from the County Administrator, who acts as their agent.
The Position
Each of the 58 counties in California is governed by a five-person Board of Supervisors. A Board of Supervisors has legislative and executive power to manage county services and resources, including courts, jails, public health, and public lands. They also have quasi-judicial powers, which gives them the right to hold hearings, conduct investigations, and make decisions in a manner similar to judicial courts. Laws passed by Boards of Supervisors are generally called ordinances. Because counties include both incorporated cities which are administered by their own city councils and unincorporated areas which are directly administered by the county, ordinances may or may not apply in different areas of the county. Supervisors are typically limited to 3 terms, or 12 years in office total.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition 1 will establish a $6.4 billion bond to fund an increase in the number of treatment beds and housing units the state provides to individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, and to direct counties to reallocate their Mental Health Services Act funding to address the local housing shortage.
In an effort to address an ongoing housing shortage and addiction crisis in the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills—SB326 and AB531—to send a $6.4 billion bond measure to voters in March. This bond would be used to increase capacity in health care and housing across the state by adding 6,800 behavioral health treatment beds, building 4,300 housing units, and creating 26,000 outpatient treatment slots for Californians. Proposition 1 would also require each county to redirect 30% of its Mental Health Services Act funding to housing, including creating new real estate development, and the provision of rental subsidies. Mental Health Services Act funds are raised through a tax on millionaires in the state, and the reallocated portion is expected to total $1 billion annually across the state. Overall, Proposition 1 aims to reduce homelessness and tent encampments, and provide support to individuals who do not have the resources to address behavioral health challenges.
Top support for Proposition 1:
- The legislation that sent Proposition 1 to voters received overwhelming support from the state legislature. SB326 received a unanimous floor vote in the Senate, and earned 68 floor votes in the Assembly. AB531 received 35 floor votes in the Senate, and 66 floor votes in the Assembly.
- YES ON 1 has received over $10.7 million in donations, primarily through Yes on Prop 1—Governor Newsom’s Ballot Measure Committee. The committee has received donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association Truth in American Government Fund, AirBnB, Google, and PG&E.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has enthusiastically supported Proposition 1, arguing that the establishment of more treatment options and housing units has the potential to have a significant impact on marginalized populations within the state over time, and is a humane approach to this ongoing public health crisis.
Top opposition to Proposition 1:
- Groups like Disability Rights California and the League of Women Voters California are concerned that this policy could be interpreted to permit involuntary treatment of mental health and addiction patients in locked facilities. They argue that this aspect of the bill is regressive and is the result of hasty passage, a lack of meaningful legislative debate, and limited input from community groups. Republican activist Carl DeMaio, his conservative PAC Reform California, and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are also opposing Proposition 1.
- Some housing and homeless advocates have criticized Proposition 1’s narrow projected impact on a statewide homeless population that is estimated to include 180,000 people. With over half of the proposed new housing units earmarked for veterans, the number of homeless civilians who will benefit from this program is statistically insignificant.
- Proposition 1 has raised concerns among opponents—including several counties and county leaders—around its mandate that 30% of county Mental Health Services Act funding be allocated to address local housing shortages. Stripping funding out of this budget line to fund housing programs will disrupt existing and effective county mental health programs, many of which are tailored to serve marginalized local populations, including Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color.
Proposition 1 will establish a $6.4 billion bond to fund an increase in the number of treatment beds and housing units the state provides to individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, and to direct counties to reallocate their Mental Health Services Act funding to address the local housing shortage.
In an effort to address an ongoing housing shortage and addiction crisis in the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills—SB326 and AB531—to send a $6.4 billion bond measure to voters in March. This bond would be used to increase capacity in health care and housing across the state by adding 6,800 behavioral health treatment beds, building 4,300 housing units, and creating 26,000 outpatient treatment slots for Californians. Proposition 1 would also require each county to redirect 30% of its Mental Health Services Act funding to housing, including creating new real estate development, and the provision of rental subsidies. Mental Health Services Act funds are raised through a tax on millionaires in the state, and the reallocated portion is expected to total $1 billion annually across the state. Overall, Proposition 1 aims to reduce homelessness and tent encampments, and provide support to individuals who do not have the resources to address behavioral health challenges.
Top support for Proposition 1:
- The legislation that sent Proposition 1 to voters received overwhelming support from the state legislature. SB326 received a unanimous floor vote in the Senate, and earned 68 floor votes in the Assembly. AB531 received 35 floor votes in the Senate, and 66 floor votes in the Assembly.
- YES ON 1 has received over $10.7 million in donations, primarily through Yes on Prop 1—Governor Newsom’s Ballot Measure Committee. The committee has received donations from police, fossil fuel, real estate, and corporate PAC interests, including from California Correctional Peace Officers Association Truth in American Government Fund, AirBnB, Google, and PG&E.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has enthusiastically supported Proposition 1, arguing that the establishment of more treatment options and housing units has the potential to have a significant impact on marginalized populations within the state over time, and is a humane approach to this ongoing public health crisis.
Top opposition to Proposition 1:
- Groups like Disability Rights California and the League of Women Voters California are concerned that this policy could be interpreted to permit involuntary treatment of mental health and addiction patients in locked facilities. They argue that this aspect of the bill is regressive and is the result of hasty passage, a lack of meaningful legislative debate, and limited input from community groups. Republican activist Carl DeMaio, his conservative PAC Reform California, and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are also opposing Proposition 1.
- Some housing and homeless advocates have criticized Proposition 1’s narrow projected impact on a statewide homeless population that is estimated to include 180,000 people. With over half of the proposed new housing units earmarked for veterans, the number of homeless civilians who will benefit from this program is statistically insignificant.
- Proposition 1 has raised concerns among opponents—including several counties and county leaders—around its mandate that 30% of county Mental Health Services Act funding be allocated to address local housing shortages. Stripping funding out of this budget line to fund housing programs will disrupt existing and effective county mental health programs, many of which are tailored to serve marginalized local populations, including Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color.