COVID-19 IN CALIFORNIA
Early data from Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit are showing that COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting people of color, especially Black populations. Some California county health officials are looking to collect more data on race to analyze who is being hardest hit by the virus.
CalMatters looks at the challenges faced by another vulnerable population: people with disabilities and the families and caretakers who care for them.
Capitol and Main launched a new podcast, “Pandemic Nation,” that “will share the stories of everyone from nurses to home health care workers to janitors and supermarket clerks, and will also include a roundup of late-breaking news about COVID-19 and its effects on society’s most vulnerable populations.” You can also listen to CDT co-founder Steve Phillip’s latest Democracy in Color podcast, “One Virus, Two Americas,” on how the responses to the virus have differed along partisan lines and what it means for the November election.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a moratorium on water utility shutoffs for nonpayment via an executive order. It also orders water utilities to be restored to residents whose service has been cut off since May 4, when Newsom declared a state of emergency.
Fifty-three people who work in California prisons have tested positive for COVID-19. A panel of federal judges have denied a bid for a mass release of California prisoners, but left open a process for lawyers to pursue with the state. Alameda cut its jail population in response to COVID-19, but the Judicial Council of California approved emergency measures that temporarily suspend the right to a “speedy and public trial,” which could leave people in jails for much longer. The state Judicial Council voted to eliminate bail for defendants charged with misdemeanors and most nonviolent felonies and allow remote pretrial proceedings, effective for 90 days after the declaration of the state of emergency.
The state has secured 7,000 hotel beds to house homeless vulnerable to COVID-19. Homeless advocates are pushing for greater urgency to protect the over 150,000 Californians who are homeless and are arguably all vulnerable, due to that fact.
Per the LA Times, small business groups are advocating for Governor Newsom to delay the scheduled minimum wage increase (up to $14/hour in January for most businesses) because of the impacts of COVID-19. Labor groups are preparing to fight for the increase since low-income workers are being most impacted by the crisis.
The California legislature pushed the date of in-person reconvening by three weeks from April 13 to May 4.
The Sacramento Bee looks into how candidates are campaigning in the midst of COVID-19, focusing especially on some key congressional races in the Central Valley. “Underdog candidates like [CD22 Democratic candidate Phil] Arballo have been trying to get in front of voters by volunteering in their communities, staying in touch with supporters by phone and hosting online fundraisers to keep their campaigns moving forward.”
CALIFORNIA VOTERS
Supporters of the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative submitted 1.7 million signatures of support to qualify the measure for the November ballot. That’s nearly twice the number needed to qualify, and the most signatures ever submitted in the state for a ballot initiative. The $12 billion that will be restored to local government and schools annually will be more critical than ever, especially in rebuilding infrastructure to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. The most recent poll showed that 58% of likely California voters support the initiative.
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION
Joseph R. Biden – 27.9% (+3.0% from March 4)
Bernie Sanders – 35.9% (+2.3%)
This list only includes candidates who have won at least 15% of the vote, the threshold to earn statewide delegates. Seventeen other candidates have between 0.0%-13.2% of the vote.
CONGRESSIONAL RACES
CENTRAL VALLEY
All four Central Valley congressional races below are top priority races for CDT partner Communities for a New California (CNC).
Congressional District 10
Josh Harder (D – Incumbent) – 43.6% (+3.8%)
Ted Howze (R) – 34.3% (-3.2%)
The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 49.1% of the vote, and the three Republicans 50.9% in this Leans Democratic seat.
Congressional District 16
Jim Costa (D – Incumbent) – 37.5% (no change since March 4)
Kevin Cookingham (R) – 35.2% (-3.3%)
The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 64.8% of the vote, and the one Republican 35.2% in this Likely Democratic/Safe Democratic seat. CNC prioritized progressive challenger Esmeralda Soria for this seat, and will continue to look to challenge Jim Costa, the most moderate member of the House, until a progressive, more representative candidate prevails.
Congressional District 21
TJ Cox (D – Incumbent) – 38.7% (+2.6% since March 4)
David G. Valadao (R) – 49.7% (-3.4%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 47.9% of the vote, and the two Republicans 52.1% in this Toss-Up seat.
Congressional District 22
Phil Arballo (D) – 25.0% (+1.5% since March 4)
Devin G. Nunes (R-Incumbent) – 56.1% (-3.3%)
The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 41.2% of the vote, Republican incumbent Devin Nunes 56.1%, and the one NPP 2.7% in this Likely Republican seat.
LOS ANGELES
Congressional District 25 (Los Angeles) – Regular election
Christy Smith (D) – 31.7% (+0.9% since March 4)
Mike Garcia (R) – 23.9% (-1.6%)
The six Democratic candidates secured an overall 48.9% of the vote, the six Republicans 49.6%, and the one NPP 1.4% in this Toss-Up/Lean Democratic seat.
Congressional District 25 (Los Angeles) – Special election
Christy Smith (D) – 36.1%
Mike Garcia (R) – 25.4%
The six Democratic candidates secured an overall 50.5% of the vote, and the six Republicans 49.4% in this Toss-Up/Lean Democratic seat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) are each spending around $1 million to win this special election.
ORANGE COUNTY
All three Orange County congressional races below are top priority Democratic protects for CDT partner Orange County Civic Engagement Table Action (OCCETA).
Congressional District 39 (Orange County)
Gil Cisneros (D-Incumbent) – 46.9% (+2.6% since March 4)
Young Kim (R) – 48.3% (-2.5%)
The one NPP candidate secured 4.8% of the vote in this Toss-Up/Lean Democratic seat.
Congressional District 45
Katie Porter (D-Incumbent) – 50.8% (+2.7% since March 4)
Greg Raths (R) – 17.9% (-1.0%)
The Democratic incumbent Katie Porter secured an overall 50.8% of the vote, and the six Republicans 48.2% in this Toss-Up/Likely Democratic seat.
Congressional District 48
Harley Rouda (D-Incumbent) – 46.7% (+3.0% since March 4)
Michelle Steel (R) – 34.9% (-1.8%)
The Democratic incumbent Harley Rouda secured an overall 46.7% of the vote, the four Republicans 50.6%, and the one American Independent 2.7% in this Toss-Up/Lean Democratic seat.
SAN DIEGO
Congressional District 49 (which also includes a small portion of Orange County)
Mike Levin (D-Incumbent) – 56.6% (+3.8% since March 4)
Brian Maryott (R) – 43.4% (-3.8%)
This is a Likely Democratic/Safe Democratic seat.
Congressional District 50
Ammar Campa-Najjar* (D) – 36.5% (+2.1%)
Darrell Issa (R) – 23.1% (-1.8%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 42.2% of the vote, the four Republicans 55.7%, the one Peace and Freedom 0.9%, and the three NPPs 1.2% in this Likely Republican/Safe Republican seat. CDT is supporting Ammar again in 2020 — after he narrowly lost this seat to then-Republican incumbent Duncan Hunter in 2018 — and his candidacy is a priority for CDT partners Engage San Diego Action Fund and Alliance San Diego Mobilization Fund.
Congressional District 53
Georgette Gómez (D) – 20.0% (+1.4%)
Sarah Jacobs (D) – 29.1% (-0.5%)
The eleven Democratic candidates secured an overall 71.1% of the vote, the three Republicans 27.9%, and the one NPP 0.9% in this Safe Democratic seat.
STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES
Senate District 5 (Central Valley)
Susan Talamantes Eggman* (D) – 34.9% (+3.5% since March 4)
Jim Ridenour (R) – 24.0% (-3.9%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 54.3% of the vote, and the three Republicans 45.7% in this Likely Democratic seat. Since CDT-endorsed Susan Talamantes Eggman is a sitting Assemblymember in an overlapping district, she has a distinct advantage going into the general election.
Senate District 7 (Contra Costa)
Steve Glazer (D – Incumbent) – 48.3% (+0.1% since March 4)
Julie Mobley (R) – 27.2% (-2.5%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 72.7% of the vote, and the one Republican 27.2% in this Safe Democratic seat.
Senate District 13 (Silicon Valley)
Josh Becker (D) – 23.8% (+3.4% since March 4)
Alexander Glew (R) – 17.3% (-3.9%)
The five Democratic candidates secured an overall 80.6% of the vote, the one Republican 17.3%, and the one Libertarian 2.1% in this Safe Democratic seat.
Senate District 15 (Silicon Valley)
Dave Cortese* (D) – 33.9% (+0.9%)
Ann Ravel (D) – 22.1% (+2.3%)
The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 72.9% of the vote, the two Republicans 16.3%, and the two NPPs 10.8% in this Safe Democratic seat.
Senate District 23 (Inland Empire)
Abigail Medina* (D) – 28.0% (+1.7%)
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R) – 24.9% (-0.2%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 45.4% of the vote, and the three Republicans 54.6% in this Leans Republican seat. Since CDT-endorsed Abigail Medina already serves on the San Bernardino School Board and almost flipped an overlapping assembly seat in 2018, she has higher name recognition, boosting her chances to winning the general election. CDT partner Inland Empire United (IE United) is leading an independent expenditure in support of Abigail.
Senate District 28 (Inland Empire)
Elizabeth Romero (D) – 23.5% (+1.8%)
Melissa Melendez (R) – 40.5% (-1.0%)
This is a special election for Republican Jeff Stone’s seat after he was appointed to the federal Department of Labor. The run-off is May 12, 2020, though several CDT allies are trying to push back the vote to ensure greater voter engagement. The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 47.3% of the vote, and the two Republicans 52.6% in this Leans Republican seat. One of IE United’s partners will support Elizabeth Romero’s candidacy for the run-off.
Senate District 29 (Orange County)
Josh Newman (D) – 33.5% (+0.8%)
Ling Ling Chang (R – Incumbent) – 47.4% (-1.9%)
The two Democratic candidates secured an overall 52.6% of the vote, and the one Republican 47.4% in this Leans Republican seat.
Assembly District 9 (Sacramento)
Jim Cooper (D – Incumbent) – 43.8% (+2.0% since March 4)
Eric M. Rigard (R) – 29.4% (-6.0%)
The three Democratic candidates secured an overall 70.6% of the vote, and the one Republican 29.4% in this Safe Democratic seat.
Assembly District 13 (Stockton)
Kathy Miller (D) – 32.0%
Carlos Villapudua (D) – 36.0%
This election is to replace CDT-endorsed Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman, who is leading her SD5 race. CDT ally Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs endorsed San Joaquin County Supervisor Kathy Miller for this Safe Democratic seat. Kathy Miller narrowly made it into the general election by a 30-vote margin over Democrat Christina Fugazi.
Assembly District 25 (Fresno-Santa Clara)
Alex Lee (D) – 15.4%
Bob Brunton (R) – 20.8%
The eight Democratic candidates secured an overall 79.2% of the vote, and the one Republican 20.8% in this Safe Democratic seat. Alex Lee has worked as a Legislative Policy Advisor in the California State Senate (for Senator Henry Stern) and Assembly (for Assemblymember Evan Low).
Assembly District 36 (Los Angeles)
Steve Fox (D) – 17.3% (+1.5%)
Tom Lackey (R – Incumbent) – 53.0% (-3.6%)
The seven Democratic candidates secured an overall 47.0% of the vote, and Republican incumbent Tom Lackey 53.0% in this Likely Republican seat. CDT-endorsed Johnathon Ervin placed third in the primary.
Assembly District 38 (Los Angeles)
Suzette Martinez Valladares (R) – 31.8%
Lucie Lapoint Volotzky (R) – 17.6%
The five Democrats split their overall 50.7% vote, guaranteeing that this will be flipped back to a Republican seat in the general election, despite this otherwise having been a toss-up seat.
Assembly District 42 (Inland Empire/Central Valley)
Andrew F. Kotyuk (R) – 33.6% (-1.1%)
Chad Mayes (NPP – Incumbent) – 35.0% (-0.8%)
CDT-endorsed DeniAntionette Mazingo secured 31.4% of the vote, making this a tight race, but one that she will ultimately not advance into the general for. Mayes would be the first NPP elected to state office.
LOCAL RACES
Sacramento City Council District 4 – Nonpartisan
Katie Valenzuela – 53% (no change since March 4)
Steve Hansen (Incumbent) – 47% (+1%)
Katie Valenzuela is the Policy and Political Director of CDT partner California Environmental Justice Alliance, and will now serve as the most progressive Sacramento city councilmember.
Fresno Mayor – Nonpartisan (Central Valley)
Jerry Dyer – 51.57% (-2.91% since March 4)
Andrew Janz – 39.93 (+7.46%)
Andrew Janz conceded to former police chief Jerry Dyer on March 11. Communities for a New California will continue to prioritize this seat and will challenge former police chief and Mayor-elect Jerry Dyer in 2024. Fresno mayors serve 4-year terms, up to a total 8 years.
Los Angeles District Attorney – Nonpartisan
Jackie Lacey (Incumbent) – 48.65% (-2.04% since March 4)
George Gascón* – 28.22% (+1.39%)
CDT endorsed George Gascón and former public defender Rachel Rossi garnered a total 51.35% of the vote against conservative incumbent Jackie Lacey.
Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, District 2 – Nonpartisan
Herb J. Wesson Jr. – 29.93% 30.07% (-2.16% since March 4)
Holly J. Mitchell* – 29.04% (+3.52%)
CDT endorsed Senator Holly Mitchell for this seat.
San Diego Mayor – Nonpartisan
Todd Gloria** – 41.48% (+1.15% since March 4)
Barbara Bry – 22.91% (-0.71%)
CDT partner Engage San Diego Action Fund endorsed Todd Gloria in this race to replace a termed out Republican with a progressive Democrat. This will be a tough general election between Gloria and Progressive Democrat Barbara Bry. San Diego will have its first Democratic mayor since Bob Filner resigned in 2013.