California State Senate

District 23

Kip Mueller vs. Suzette Valladares

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CA’S STATE SENATE?

If you want a state senator who wants to help the middle class and address safety through increased government support and intervention, vote KIP MUELLER.

If you want a state senator who wants to help the middle class and address safety through deregulation and economic conservatism, vote for SUZETTE VALLADARES.

KIP MUELLER

Background

  • Grew up in a working-class family, the son of a house painter and a community college counselor.

  • Worked his way through college and law school, eventually becoming a prosecutor focusing on sex crimes, fraud, and corporate abuse.

Experience

  • Currently practices as a workers' rights attorney, representing victims of fraud, harassment, and discrimination.

  • In 2020, narrowly lost a race for the State Senate by just 0.8%, making this 2024 run an effort to flip the district​

Platform

  • Focused on improving conditions for middle-class families, including lowering taxes for working families, making housing more affordable, and growing the local economy by bringing a California State University or University of California campus to the district​

  • Supports tougher penalties for violent criminals, including fentanyl dealers, and is committed to addressing the fentanyl crisis and increasing law enforcement resources to fight retail theft and drug crimes​

  • Has made addressing climate change a priority, advocating for a transition to a clean energy economy. He supports legislation to clean up the air and water, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create green jobs in the district.

SUZETTE VALLADARES

Background

  • Currently the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that partners with law enforcement to support youth.

  • Previously Executive Director of Autism Speaks.

  • Grew up in the district and has deep roots in the community.

Experience

  • Worked as a district representative for Congressman Buck McKeon

Platform

  • Advocates for providing law enforcement with the resources they need and supports tougher penalties for fentanyl dealers and criminals involved in retail theft​

  • Aims to lower taxes, particularly for working families and small businesses, and reduce the financial burden on Californians by addressing high utility and insurance costs

  • Has pledged to address California’s homelessness and fentanyl crises through legislation that improves access to healthcare and provides resources for addiction treatment.

DISTRICT 25

Sasha Renée Pérez vs. Elizabeth Wong Ahlers

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CA’S STATE SENATE?

If you want a state Senator focused social justice, government intervention to address inequality, and expanding rights for women and marginalized communities, vote for SASHA RENÉE PÉREZ.

If you want a state Senator focused on limited government, traditional values, and economic deregulation, vote for ELIZABETH WONG AHLERS.

SASHA RENÉE PÉREZ

Background

  • Former mayor of Alhambra.

  • The daughter of a union electrician and a social worker.

Experience

  • Played a key role in helping local businesses and residents navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, capping fees for third-party delivery services and passing essential worker protections.

  • Led the "Yes on Prop 1" campaign to enshrine abortion rights in the California Constitution and is a recognized advocate for higher education.

Platform

  • Focused on expanding union jobs and protecting workers' rights, particularly for working-class families.

  • Wants to simplify and expand Cal Grant access to benefit more students across California.

  • Aims to reduce housing costs and expand mental health services to address homelessness in her district​.

ELIZABETH WONG AHLERS

Background

  • Businesswoman, a mother of six, and an educator with experience teaching at institutions such as UCLA, Glendale Community College, and Los Angeles Valley College.

Experience

  • Councilwoman in Crescenta Valley

Platform

  • Emphasizes the need for less government interference in daily life, advocating for restored parental rights, particularly in education.

  • Wants to reduce regulations and building costs, which she believes will make housing more accessible and alleviate high insurance costs​.

  • Opposes policies that expand access to abortion and emphasizes the need for moral responsibility in government actions​

Districts 27 and 33 are all safely Democratic. Choose the following:

27: Henry Stern (incumbent)

33: Lena A. Gonzalez

DISTRICT 35

Michelle Chambers vs. Laura Richardson

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CA’S STATE SENATE?

If you prioritize labor rights, job creation, and a candidate with more recent local experience in tackling issues such as homelessness and public safety at the city level, vote for MICHELLE CHAMBERS.

If you prioritize federal experience and prefer a candidate who has a track record of bringing federal resources into the district and is focused on criminal justice reform and environmental justice, vote for LAURA RICHARDSON.

MICHELLE CHAMBERS

Background

  • Strong union connections

  • Worked as a manager at the California Department of Justice where her role involved improving public safety and protecting civil rights

Experience

  • Served in various roles including as a City Councilmember in Compton and as an aide to U.S. Congresswoman Janice Hahn.

  • Held a management position with the California Department of Justice, focusing on public safety and civil rights advocacy.

Platform

  • Prioritizes supporting organized labor and expanding economic opportunities for working-class communities.

  • Wants to expand affordable housing and increasing access to mental health services for the unhoused population.

  • Advocates to fully fund public schools, increasing access to higher education.

LAURA RICHARDSON

Background

  • Raised in the 35th District.

  • Comes from a union family.

  • Earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA and an MBA from USC.

Experience

  • Served in the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 37th District from 2007 to 2013, as well as in the California State Assembly and Long Beach City Council.

  • Earned endorsements from prominent leaders like Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

  • Once disciplined by the House Ethics Committee when in Congress, then lost re-election.

Platform

  • Seeks to expand affordable housing and improve mental health services for the unhoused.

  • Strongly supports labor unions and fair wages

  • Advocates for policies that ensure access to clean air and water.

District 37

Josh Newman (Incumbent) vs. Steven “Steve” Choi

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME IN CA’S STATE SENATE?

If you prioritize progressive values like environmental protection, reproductive rights, and robust public services such as education and healthcare, vote JOSH NEWMAN.

If you prioritize conservative fiscal policies like keeping taxes low, supporting small businesses, and opposing social policies that he views as radical in the education system, vote STEVEN “STEVE” CHOI.

JOSH NEWMAN

Background

  • Strong background in public service, including as a U.S. Army veteran, community activist, and non-profit founder.

  • Holds a degree from Yale University.

  • Founded a non-profit called ArmedForce2Workforce, which helps veterans transition into civilian employment​.

Experience

  • Current Democratic State Senator representing California's 29th Senate District and is running for re-election in the newly redrawn 37th Senate District in 2024.

Platform

  • Staunch advocate for public safety and has worked on policies to combat organized retail theft, reduce gang violence, and address the fentanyl epidemic.

  • Has taken a leadership role in reducing homelessness by bringing together non-profits and law enforcement in Orange County to create programs aimed at getting people off the streets and into housing and treatment.

  • Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Chair of Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs​.

STEVEN “STEVE” CHOI

Background

  • Choi immigrated to the U.S. with just $50, putting himself through school to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.

  • Taught at several universities and founded Dr. Choi’s Academy, a successful tutoring program in Orange County.

Experience

  • Served as a member of the California State Assembly from 2016 to 2022.

  • Served as Mayor and Councilmember of Irvine.

Platform

  • Supports Proposition 13, which limits property tax increases, and opposes any legislation that increases the tax burden on Californians.

  • Emphasizes improving public schools and opposes what he describes as "radical social policies" in the education system. Seeks to focus on traditional academic performance and supports local control over school curricula​.

  • Advocates for a balance between addressing social issues and maintaining strict law enforcement policies.

Districts 42, 43, and 44 are all safely Democratic.

42: Robert Garcia (incumbent)

43: Maxine Waters (incumbent)

44: Nanette Barragán (incumbent)

District 45

Derek Tran vs. Michelle Steel (Incumbent)

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to flip a district key to Democratic congressional control with a representative staunchly against Trump and everything he stands for, vote DEREK TAN.

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country - especially as it concerns a woman’s right to choose, gun control, LGTBQ+ rights, and social safety nets - vote MICHELLE STEEL.

Derek Tran

Background

  • Grew up in Southern California, where his parents opened a small grocery store after fleeing Communist Vietnam.

  • At 18, Tran enlisted in the U.S. Army, which shaped his commitment to public service and teamwork across political lines.

  • After his military service, Tran pursued a law degree and chose to practice in areas that advocate for immigrant and worker rights

Experience

  • Serves on the Orange Traffic Commission, focusing on local infrastructure challenges.

  • Tran and his wife run a pharmacy in Orange County.

Platform

  • Strongly pro-choice and committed to protecting reproductive rights. Vowed to codify Roe v. Wade and protect access to contraception and women's health services, including funding for Planned Parenthood.

  • Supports the LGBTQ+ community and has expressed his commitment to passing the Equality Act and protecting marriage equality.

  • Supports raising teacher salaries, investing in public schools, and expanding vocational and job training programs​.

  • Critical of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, positioning himself as a defender of democracy and human rights. He has pledged to fight back against extremist policies that undermine voting rights, women's rights, and social safety nets​.

Michelle Steel (incumbent)

Background

  • Active in local and national politics for many years.

  • Served as Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and as a member of the California Board of Equalization, where she worked on tax reform and small business issues.

Experience

  • Serves on the Orange Traffic Commission, focusing on local infrastructure challenges.

  • Tran and his wife run a pharmacy in Orange County.

Platform

  • Strongly anti-choice and has supported several anti-abortion measures, including co-sponsoring the Life at Conception Act (although withdrew support later because of IVF concerns.)

  • Consistently opposed measures that expand LGBTQ+ rights. She voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which sought to protect same-sex marriage, and has taken conservative positions on issues related to gender identity​

  • Supports local control over education and opposes government mandates that she believes interfere with parental rights and community standards

  • Aligns closely with Donald Trump on many issues, including her support for conservative policies on immigration, taxation, and deregulation. However, she took a neutral stance on the certification of the 2020 election results and has shown some distance on issues related to the 2021 impeachment.

Districts 46 is safely Democratic.

46: Lou Correa (Incumbent)

District 47

Dave Min vs. Scott Baugh

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to keep a key district Democratic with a candidate that is working to protect those most at risk of losing basic rights, vote DAVE MIN

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country - especially as it concerns a woman’s right to choose, gun control, LGTBQ+ rights, and social safety nets - vote SCOTT BAUGH.

Dave Min

Background

  • Democrat running for California’s 47th Congressional District in 2024.

  • A first-generation Korean American, a former law professor at UC Irvine, and an attorney with extensive experience in financial regulation.

  • Elected to the California State Senate in 2020, where he has successfully passed 28 bills into law​

Experience

  • Roles at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and as a policy advisor to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

  • Experience spans financial regulation, environmental issues, and voter rights.

  • In the California State Senate, focused on progressive legislation, including environmental protections, banning gun sales on state property, and securing abortion rights in the California Constitution​

Platform

  • A strong advocate for reproductive rights. He supported enshrining abortion protections in California's Constitution and has vowed to protect reproductive freedom nationwide if elected to Congress​

  • Supports expanding LGBTQ+ protections and opposes efforts to restrict rights, including protections for marriage equality.

  • Advocates for strengthening public education, including increasing teacher pay and expanding access to higher education.

  • Emphasizes the need to protect democracy and voting rights, framing his campaign as a fight against the divisive politics associated with his Republican opponent​

Scott Baugh

Background

  • Earned a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and a J.D. from the University of the Pacific.

  • Seasoned politician with a background in law and business.

Experience

  • Represented California's 67th State Assembly District and later leading the Republican Party in Orange County

  • Maintained close ties with the Republican establishment and has been involved in fundraising for GOP candidates

Platform

  • Staunchly anti-abortion, opposing access to abortion except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. He supports a nationwide abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest​

  • Opposes same-sex marriage.

  • Supports reduction of federal oversight in education.

  • Emphasizes conservative fiscal policies, advocating for lower taxes, stricter immigration enforcement, and securing the southern border.

District 49

Mike Levin (incumbent) vs. Matt Gunderson

TLDR: WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPRESENT ME?

If you want to keep a key district Democratic with a candidate that is working to protect those most at risk of losing basic rights, vote MIKE LEVIN.

If you don’t care about what a Republican congress will do with our country, but are happy with a moderate Republican, vote MATT GUNDERSON.

MIKE LEVIN

Background

  • Heritage includes Mexican ancestry through his maternal grandparents, and he has emphasized his commitment to representing diverse voices in his district.

  • Co-founded CleanTech OC, an organization focused on advancing renewable energy, before transitioning into politics

Experience

  • Democratic representative for California's 49th Congressional District.

  • First elected in 2018 and has since built a reputation as a progressive advocate, particularly on environmental and veterans' issues.

Platform

  • Staunch supporter of abortion rights and has consistently advocated for protecting reproductive freedom

  • Prioritizes increasing access to affordable education and has supported initiatives aimed at reducing student loan burdens and expanding educational opportunities for all. He is also an advocate for improving STEM education

  • Voted for the 2022 Assault Weapons Ban and supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, both of which aim to reduce gun violence by enacting stricter regulations

  • Platform is focused on progressive issues like climate action, veterans' affairs, and improving infrastructure. He has garnered significant federal funding for his district and is considered one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress​

MATT GUNDERSON

Background

  • Gunderson is a prominent business owner, having successfully operated several car dealerships in Southern California.

  • Campaigning on a platform focused on common-sense solutions and fiscal responsibility

Experience

  • Unsuccessfully ran for the California State Senate in 2022​.

Platform

  • Supports abortion rights with certain limitations, positioning himself as a moderate on this issue. He seeks to distinguish his stance from the more hardline anti-abortion views within the GOP while appealing to voters in his swing district

  • Supports reforming education with a focus on local control, improving quality, and ensuring that schools are well-funded to meet the needs of students​

  • Campaign emphasizes reducing government overreach, fixing the economy, and curbing inflation, which he attributes to the current administration's policies

  • Leans generally moderate as a conservative.