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State Assembly races explainer

Get general information about the election, news coverage, an interactive ballot guide and results on election day.

What does the State Assemblymember do?

  • Cast as many as 3,000 votes a year — and in theory in a way most of their constituents want.   
  • Pass a state spending plan when there’s likely to be a deficit and an uncertain financial picture.
  • Sit through long meetings, unless they get a spot on the powerful Appropriations Committee, where they'll decide behind closed doors and then pass or kill all the bills at once.

Source: CalMatters

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How much does a State Assemblymember get paid?

Rank-and-file Assemblymembers are paid $128,215 a year, plus $214 a day for expenses when the Legislature is in session. Party leaders get higher pay.

Source: CalMatters

💡 Background

The Assembly experienced a “Great Resignation” in 2022 with 25 members taking other jobs or announcing their retirement. And there was more turnover in the 2022 election.

Duties can depend on party affiliation. Democrats — who control 62 of the 80 seats now and want to keep a supermajority — should be prepared to craft important legislation. Republicans should be prepared to spend a lot of time criticizing Democrats and complaining about being frozen out of decisions.

But not all Democrats are alike. They often disagree — about health care, housing, environmental regulation, taxes and labor law. In Democratic-leaning districts, expect unions, left-leaning activists and deep-pocketed business interests to aggressively push the Democrat of their choice.

Rank-and-file Assemblymembers are paid $128,215 a year, plus $214 a day for expenses when the Legislature is in session. Party leaders get higher pay.

The top two finishers in March, regardless of party, moved on to the November general election. There are eight Democrat vs. Democrat races and four Republican vs. Republican. Two American Independent Party candidates also advanced. And six Assemblymembers are uncontested, barring write-in challengers.

Source: CalMatters

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District 74: Key issues and candidates

The state’s 74th District lies along the Southern California coast and straddles San Diego and Orange Counties. It includes the cities of Vista and Oceanside in the south, and San Clemente and Laguna Niguel in the north. The 74th Assembly District is a swing district with nearly even numbers of registered Republicans and Democrats.

What issues is District 74 facing?

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Transportation: Landslides from coastal bluff erosion have stopped Amtrak’s Coaster train services several times. The rail service connects San Diego with L.A. and runs through Orange County. The candidates mention transportation as a priority. Davies wants to widen Interstate 5. Duncan takes an environmentalist approach, saying he supports "reasonable and effective legislation" to reduce greenhouse gases. In 2022, he wrote in an op-ed calling for the state "to begin plans to either divert the rail line inland or finalize construction of an alternate eastbound rail line from San Diego."

Housing affordability and homelessness: An issue that was identified by both candidates as one of their top three priorities. Public safety was also marked as a top issue.

Nuclear waste: The district’s now-closed San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station still has no place to dispose of its nuclear waste. Laurie Davies lists this as one of her priorities; Chris Duncan does not.

Abortion rights: Chris Duncan emphasizes "a woman’s right to choose" as a political priority. Laurie Davies does not mention the issue on her website.

Who are the candidates for District 74?

California Assembly member Laurie Davies, (R) DISTRICT 74. Undated photo.
Courtesy of Laurie Davies for Assembly
This undated photo shows California Assembly member Laurie Davies, (R) DISTRICT 74.

Laurie Davies

  • Republican 
  • Incumbent 

Closer look

After moving to Southern California from the Midwest, Laurie Davies spent 10 years running her wedding planning business. She was elected to the Laguna Niguel City Council in 2012 and became the appointed mayor in 2015. Davies has served in the Assembly since 2020. In 2022, she defeated Chris Duncan in the 74th District.

On the subject of housing, she says California needs to bring down the cost of building a house by eliminating some developer fees, which she says are passed on to the consumer. Davies is also in favor of "streamlining" California’s environmental regulations, under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

On homelessness, Davies says she supports an audit of how California state government has spent money to reduce homelessness, saying it’s not clear that the billions of dollars the state has spent to reduce homelessness has done much good.

Key endorsements

  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association 
  • CA Professional Firefighters 
  • Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego
  • San Diego County Farm Bureau
This undated photo shows Chris Duncan, San Clemente city council member. Duncan is a candidate for California Assembly, 74th District.
Courtesy of Chris Duncan for Assembly.
This undated photo shows Chris Duncan, San Clemente city council member. Duncan is a candidate for California Assembly, 74th District.

Chris Duncan

  • Democrat
  • Attorney and former prosecutor

Closer look

Chris Duncan is a former federal prosecutor for Customs and Border Enforcement. He’s now an attorney for an L.A.-based law firm. He’s a San Clemente city councilman and former appointed mayor.

The California Legislature has a Democratic supermajority in both houses, and Duncan believes his Republican opponent is not being heard.

One solution to California’s housing crisis, he says, is to build more housing communities for seniors, adding that the 74th District has an aging population. If seniors can downsize to senior housing communities, it would free up single family homes for families to live in.

He says we need to focus on underlying problems and disabilities to solve California’s homeless problem. Beyond that there needs to be a law enforcement solution to prevent people from camping in public places.

Key endorsements

  • California Democratic Party 
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
  • California Teachers Association
  • Consumer Attorneys of California

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District 75: Key issues and candidates

This safely Republican seat represents inland San Diego County, a more rural expanse that reaches east from conservative-leaning suburbs such as Poway and Santee.

Prefer listening? Hear the full breakdown of the race

The Scoop

Underpinning this race to succeed termed-out Assemblymember Marie Waldron is a fight over the future of California’s fading Republican Party. Andrew Hayes, the district director for Senate GOP leader Brian Jones, who represents the area, is the choice of the California and San Diego County GOP. But he received less than half as many votes in the primary as outspoken conservative activist and talk radio host Carl DeMaio, who is pitching himself to voters as an aggressive new model to revive the Republican brand. The showdown has already roiled the county GOP, which ousted its chairperson after she unsuccessfully tried to switch the party endorsement from Hayes to DeMaio. More than a third of voters picked a Democrat in the primary, a potentially decisive block that is up for grabs.

What issues is District 75 facing?

Both candidates identified the high cost of living as an issue facing the district. Other issues include skyrocketing fire insurance premiums and the placement of sexually violent predators in the district after they're released from prison.

Who are the candidates for District 75?

Carl DeMaio, candidate for Assembly District 75, poses for a portrait in this undated campaign photo.
Carl DeMaio campaign
Carl DeMaio, candidate for Assembly District 75, poses for a portrait in this undated campaign photo.

Carl DeMaio

  • Republican
  • Small business owner
  • Former San Diego City Council member
  • Founder of Reform California political action committee

Closer look

DeMaio is a familiar figure in the San Diego political scene. He previously served on San Diego’s City Council, and has since run unsuccessful campaigns for San Diego mayor and two Congressional seats.

He casts himself as a political maverick who isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers on the right and the left.

"I think that what we need is more transparency on what's going on behind closed doors in the state Capitol. Our state Legislature does not operate in an open manner with transparency. And the special interests dominate all the decisions. The voice of the people is rarely heard,” DeMaio said.

DeMaio said his top issues include addressing the high cost of living in the region, reducing crime and passing laws that support small businesses.

Key endorsements

  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Andrew Hayes, candidate for Assembly District 75, poses for a portrait in this undated campaign photo.
Andrew Hayes campaign
Andrew Hayes, candidate for Assembly District 75, poses for a portrait in this undated campaign photo.

Andrew Hayes

  • Republican
  • Small business owner
  • Lakeside Unified School Board president

Closer look

Hayes previously served as district director for state Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones.

He said his experience taught him how to get things done, even when he’s in the minority.

"I want to find you issues that have common ground. that's going to take me working the pavement when I first get elected and going and introducing myself to all of my colleague who are not Republican and saying, ‘Hey, where do we agree?’ And that'll help my district on numerous issues,” Hayes said.

He said his top issues include addressing the high cost of living in the region, improving fire insurance options for homeowners and reducing the placement of sexually violent predators in east San Diego County after they’re released from prison.

Key endorsements

  • California Republican Party
  • San Diego County Republican Party
  • Peace Officers Research Association of California
  • California ProLife Council
  • California Labor Federation

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District 76: Key issues and candidates

Climbing from the northern tip of San Diego, through inland suburbs including Escondido and San Marcos, this is politically moderate territory that has been steadily growing more Democratic.

The scoop

After nearly losing his seat in the blue wave of 2018, Assemblymember Brian Maienschein defected to the Democratic Party, blaming the extreme positions and offensive conduct of then-President Donald Trump. Republicans want the district back, but were unable to dislodge Maienschein before he termed out this year. They may have a better shot now that there’s no incumbent. The GOP candidate — Kristie Bruce-Lane, who runs a nonprofit that assists homeless children who have been victims of domestic violence — lost to Maienschein by about 3 percentage points in 2022 and received nearly half the vote in the March primary. She will face Democrat Darshana Patel, a research scientist, who could benefit from growing enthusiasm among liberal voters after the Democratic Party switched presidential nominees.

What issues is District 76 facing?

The candidates have highlighted homelessness, housing, education, and climate change as their key concerns within District 76. Each has criticized the state's housing crisis and rising homelessness, calling for more affordable housing solutions. They also stress the importance of strengthening public education to address long-term community needs. Additionally, the candidates emphasized updating water management, promoting renewable energy and building sustainable infrastructure to address environmental challenges.

Who are the candidates for District 76?

Kristie Bruce-Lane in an undated campaign photo.
Kristie Bruce-Lane
Kristie Bruce-Lane in an undated campaign photo.

Kristie Bruce-Lane

  • Listed on the ballot as a businesswoman and victims advocate
  • Registered Republican

Closer look

Housing and homelessness
Citing the state's high cost of living, Bruce-Lane said she will work to lower the tax burden. She also criticized the state's housing-first policy to solve the homelessness crisis. She said it has failed.

She said her work with children experiencing homelessness allows her to understand the complexity and root causes of homelessness. She supports "enforcement of our laws and will work to address and treat addiction/substance abuse, mental health, and poverty in our communities."

Public safety
Bruce-Lane said violent crime has been rising across the country. She supports "prevention programs for our at-risk youth as well rehabilitation programs for those re-entering our communities." Recent data from the FBI shows that violent crime has been decreasing nationwide.

She also said San Diego is "less safe because of soft-on-crime policies." The county's data shows that crime is decreasing in San Diego.

Education
Bruce-Lane said a high percentage of third-grade San Diego students are not meeting the reading and writing requirements, and she criticized the state's "educational bureaucracy and Sacramento politicians focus on placing blame and not educating our children." Bruce-Lane said she supports vocational education programs to give students trade career options besides college.

Environment
A former director of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Bruce-Lane said she is committed to addressing worsening drought and wildfires in the region. She emphasizes innovation, conservation, and policies for renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and water management.

Key endorsements

  • National Federation of Independent Business California
  • California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Darshana Patel in an undated campaign photo.
Campaign photo
Darshana Patel in an undated campaign photo.

Darshana Patel

    • Listed on the ballot as a scientist and school board member
    • Registered Democrat
    • Endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party

    Closer look

    Housing and homelessness
    Patel said housing and homelessness go hand-in-hand.

    "We need to deliver a strong housing stock to meet the rising demands for our working families and to support small businesses. As we know, our working families are the core of a thriving economy, and we need to make sure that we have housing available for them."

    She said would like to work with community groups to address homelessness and look into a housing-first model.

    "We're facing a statewide crisis in housing and the housing availability. So we will need to work closely together with community groups, environmental groups, and developers to make sure we're meeting the rising demand so that our working families and our small businesses can thrive in our community because that is how our economy gets stronger."

    Education
    As a child of immigrants and as a mother and a school board president, Patel said she understands the importance of education and will work to make sure that California has a high-quality public education system.

    "Public education is the backbone to a stable democracy. So, I'm fully in support of public education and want to make sure that despite declining budget shortfalls, that we're able to fully fund public education. And this ties back to the housing issue. We need to make sure that we have enough housing for our working families, for our educators, so that they can continue to educate our children."

    LGBTQ+ rights
    Patel said the issue of students' pronouns and parental rights are very divisive, but making school safe for students is her top priority.

    "My policies would lean towards making sure that we create a safe, stable learning environment for our children. If our children aren't safe, they aren't learning."

    As for parental rights, she said it's important that parents talk to their children.

    "It's definitely important for parents to have good, open communication with their children."

    Climate Change
    "As a research scientist, I can understand at a very deep level the issues surrounding climate change. I'm the only candidate endorsed by the Sierra Club, so I know that I'll be able to work collaboratively with the experts in the field and build those effective policies."

    Patel said we need to update our water management policy at reservoirs to ensure that they are running at maximum efficiency.

    "So that they can discharge water when appropriate and not based on average cycles, which is how they're currently discharging water. We need to look at putting in our electric charging stations in our higher density housing developments when we have apartments and condos that will also help bridge and reach our climate change goals that we have in California with electrification."

    Key endorsements

    • CA YIMBY
    • Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest
    • California Teachers Association
    • California Labor Federation
    • Sierra Club California

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    District 77: Key issues and candidates

    The 77th State Assembly District represents over 500,000 San Diego residents starting from Carlsbad to Coronado.

    What issues is District 77 facing?

    Housing: Like many parts of California, the 77th District faces challenges related to housing affordability. The high cost of housing has put pressure on low- and middle-class families. There is not enough affordable housing available to keep up with the demand coming from families and individuals facing homelessness.

    Homelessness: More people are entering homelessness than transitioning out and into housing. Ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the district include new initiatives and policies, but the demand for additional resources and housing remains.

    Climate change: A large part of the district is made up of coastline facing different challenges from north to south. Receding beaches and crumbling bluffs in the north impact transportation, the environment and tourism. In the south, pollution from cross-border sewage flowing into the beach has led to high levels of bacteria and beach closures.

    Who are the candidates for District 77?

    77th State Assembly District representative, Tasha Boerner.
    Tasha Boerner
    /
    Tasha Boerner
    77th State Assembly District representative, Tasha Boerner, poses in this undated photo.

    Tasha Boerner

    • State Assemblymember since 2018
    • Former Encinitas City Councilmember
    • Registered Democrat

    Closer look

    If re-elected, the top three issues Boerner will continue to work on:

    Homelessness: "Last year, both San Diego County and the state saw increases in the number of people experiencing homelessness. In the state Assembly, I have authored and supported measures to fund efforts to address this ongoing issue … ”

    Boerner said she’ll focus on:

    • Building needed affordable housing
    • Easing the housing crisis while retaining local control in small communities

    Rising costs: "Inflation and the rising costs of housing, utilities, health care, higher education, and transportation are straining family budgets and jeopardizing our state’s future.”

    Boerner said she’ll focus on:

    • Continuing to hold utilities accountable and work to lower costs so that San Diego remains a desirable place to live, work, and visit
    • Helping local businesses grow and reduce high supply chain costs that have been passed on to consumers

    Climate crisis: "We are experiencing more frequent and severe disasters, including wildfires, droughts, mudslides, bluff failures and storms.”

    Boerner said she’ll focus on:

    • Crafting smart, effective legislation that combats the climate crisis and protects Californians
    • Continuing to be an environmental champion for San Diego and the coast

    Key endorsements

    • California Teachers Association
    • United Nurses Associations of California
    • Sierra Club California
    Assembly District 77 candidate James Browne poses in this undated photo.
    Browne 4 Assembly campaign
    /
    https://browne4assembly.com/
    Assembly District 77 candidate James Browne poses in this undated photo.

    James Browne

      Closer look

      James Browne did not respond to our requests for interviews. On his campaign website, Browne states, “Our community is at a crossroads, and now more than ever, we need leadership that not only understands the challenges we face but has the vision and the drive to address them head-on. From improving our education system and ensuring public safety to fostering economic growth and protecting our beautiful environment, our community deserves a leader who listens, collaborates, and takes decisive action.”

      On Facebook, Browne talks about his political breakthrough:

      “I am not a politician. In fact, I wasn’t even supposed to get this far. If you are one of my followers that knew me for 10+ years then you would know that this is a complete miracle. Where I grew up, no one is doing this. I am not rich and famous, I’m just an ordinary person with extraordinary ambition. I’m running for office because I’m looking to be the solution. I cannot sit by and complain about what is happening without trying to help. We need leadership now more than ever. Leaders who put people over profits.”

      On X, formerly Twitter, he writes: “I’m running to represent our military and veterans, regular Californians and fight for a better education system. Our current representative fails to act as a powerhouse on these issues, let alone to serve as an additional voice on major issues in political landscape facing many Americans today. We need an Assemblyman who will fight for the future, who’s in touch with the sentiments of citizens, and not bought out by the party machine.”

      Key endorsements

      • California Pistol Rifle Association

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      District 78: Key issues and candidates

      The 78th District encompasses several inner and eastern regions of San Diego County, including Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, Hillcrest, and parts of El Cajon.

      Who are the candidates for District 78?

      Assemblymember for District 78 Chris Ward is shown in this undated photo.
      Chris Ward State Assembly campaign
      Assemblymember for District 78 Chris Ward is shown in this undated photo.

      Chris Ward

      • Incumbent, running unopposed
      • Registered Democrat
      • Endorsed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, as well as the California Democratic Party

      Visit his website for more information.

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      District 79: Key issues and candidates

      Prefer listening? Hear the full breakdown of the race

      The district covers a large portion of south central San Diego, but also includes parts of the cities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Chula Vista.

      What issues is District 79 facing?

      Issues facing District 79 include:

      Housing: Rising housing costs are a big issue across San Diego County and people falling into homelessness are on the rise.

      Environmental: Freight trains that potentially carry hazardous materials cross the district on a daily basis.

      Infrastructure: Residents in district 79 suffered greatly from the floods on Jan. 22 and fixing the stormwater drainage systems is critical.

      Who are the candidates for District 79?

      Colin Parent stands near the trolley in this undated image.
      Colin Parent for State Assembly Campaign
      Colin Parent stands near the trolley in this undated image.

      Colin Parent

        • Registered Democrat
        • La Mesa city councilman
        • Executive director of Circulate San Diego

        Closer look

        Parent said the top issues in the district are homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. He points to his work on the La Mesa City Council addressing the issue, including the fact that the city doubled the number of homeless outreach workers in its most recent budget.

        In terms of infrastructure, Parent said the roads in District 79 are in bad shape. He also stated that some roads in the district are in critical need of repair. He points to the January 2022 floods, when storm drains in the district overflowed and flooded some neighborhoods.

        If elected, Parent said he would hold local governments in San Diego County and across the state more accountable for how they spend the money the state gives them. However, he also said the needs of District 79 must be considered equitably, something he said hasn’t happened in the past.

        Key endorsements

        • San Diego Police Officers Association
        • California Professional Firefighters
        • California Environmental Voters
        LaShae Sharp-Collins leans against a mural in this undated image.
        Sharp-Collins for Assembly 2024
        /
        Sharp-Collins for Assembly 2024
        LaShae Sharp-Collins leans against a mural in this undated image.

        LaShae Sharp-Collins

          • Registered Democrat
          • San Diego County Office of Education community engagement specialist
          • She is an adjunct professor at San Diego State University
          • Worked as district director for District 79 for more than nine years

          Closer look

          Sharp-Collins says she’s the best person to represent District 79 partly because she was born and raised there. She states she is more familiar with the issues facing the district than her opponent because she has served as district director for Dr. Akilah Weber, who currently holds the seat, and her mother, Dr. Shirley Weber, who held it before her daughter.

          Sharp-Collins would focus on issues, such as homelessness and the high cost of housing. She says she will work to improve access to high-quality health care, end gun violence and ensure reproductive freedom is preserved.

          Sharp-Collins says District 79 is also facing various environmental challenges that negatively affect the health of residents. She points to what she says are several cancer cluster cases in the district.

          Key endorsements

          • California Democratic Party
          • Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest

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          District 80: Key issues and candidates

          The 80th District covers the southwestern corner of San Diego County and the nation as well, including National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach.

          What issues is District 80 facing?

          Homelessness: Several communities in District 80 are grappling with the state’s homelessness crisis. California is the most populous state in the country, and it also has the highest number of unsheltered residents — with approximately 49% of the nation’s unsheltered population living in the state.

          Cities in the assembly district — including National City and Chula Vista — are considering homeless encampment bans. They will continue to rely on state funding to implement local policies. Whoever represents the district in Sacramento will advocate for further funding amid the state’s growing budget deficit.

          Housing: The lack of affordable housing is reshaping the way people live in the district. High prices force multiple generations to live in a single house, individuals to live in their cars, or simply move south of the border for cheaper housing. While the Legislature has made it easier to build more housing, there are still challenges with homeowners and municipalities blocking new construction.

          The state has made it more difficult for local governments to restrict housing and zoning plans that are seen as unreasonable as long as some units are set aside for affordable housing. Even with those changes there is still not enough housing in the state.

          Education: David Alvarez identified access to affordable education as one of his top priorities. The incumbent, who described himself as the son of undocumented immigrants who didn’t speak English, credits his success to the public education system.

          Alvarez supports expanding access to financial aid opportunities. He also wants to help bring higher education to the South Bay. The state’s budget deficit threatens to cut funding from local school districts.

          Cross-border sewage: Michael Williams, who lives in Imperial Beach, called cross-border sewage pollution the biggest issue facing the district. 

          Chronic beach closures in Imperial Beach impact the entire district, including residents of Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, Chula Vista, and National City accustomed to visiting the Imperial Beach shoreline.

          The federal government has invested millions into upgrading outdated infrastructure.

          Who are the candidates for District 80?

          San Diego Councilman David Alvarez is shown in this photo, May 23, 2018.
          Megan Wood
          San Diego Councilman David Alvarez is shown in this photo, May 23, 2018.

          David Alvarez

          • Incumbent, State Assembly
          • Former San Diego City Councilmember
          • Registered Democrat

          Closer look

          Alvarez is seeking reelection to his first term in the State Assembly. He won a special election to replace Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher’s seat after she vacated it in 2022.

          During his first term, Alvarez prioritized policies aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis. Among them, AB 1449, which exempts affordable housing developments from certain environmental requirements. With a second term, Alvarez would like to prioritize home ownership programs for first-time home buyers. 

          “I really believe strongly that homeownership opportunities are something we should focus on more,” he said.

          Alvarez views homelessness primarily as a housing affordability issue. He also supports the state’s CARE Courts program, which aims to address homelessness by facilitating court-ordered mental health treatment. Critics call that treatment involuntary.

          He also wants cities and counties that receive state funding for homelessness to be more accountable with how they spend that money.

          Alvarez plans to continue efforts to bring higher education to the South Bay. However, instead of the long-touted plan for a single four-year university, Alvarez believes the most realistic plan is a, “multi-institution campus,” with different universities bringing specific programs that are in high demand.

          Key endorsements

          • San Diego County Democratic Party
          Michael Williams, retired naval officer. Candidate for California Assembly, District 80. Undated photo
          Courtesy of Michael Williams
          Michael Williams, retired naval officer. Candidate for California Assembly, District 80. Undated photo

          Michael Williams

            • Retired Naval Officer
            • Former FBI intelligence analyst
            • Registered Republican

            Closer look

            Williams was encouraged to run for office by the local Republican Party. This is his first time running for public office, but not his first experience with public service.

            During the 1990s, the retired Naval officer and FBI intelligence analyst served as a consultant on a committee on fiscal efficiency reform under former San Diego Mayor Susan Golding.

            Williams supports the idea of court-ordered detention and treatment for homeless individuals experiencing substance abuse problems or mental health issues.

            On housing, Williams supports building more housing in rural parts of California and creating economic development zones to encourage more businesses in rural areas. He believes that would encourage Californians to revitalize parts of the state with declining populations.

            Williams criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom for failing to declare a state of emergency over the cross-border sewage crisis.

            “His political base is not here, it’s up in San Francisco and Los Angeles,” he said. “Meanwhile here, we have to suffer from the lack of leadership.”

            Key endorsements

            • The Republican Party of San Diego County

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            Explore your virtual ballot

            We teamed up with Ballot Ready to offer in-depth information about what's on your ballot with this interactive guide!

            • Use your address to get a personalized ballot
            • Get info on candidates, measures, and who supports them
            • Keep track of your choices and use them to vote

            Corrected: October 15, 2024 at 6:36 PM PDT
            Editor's note: A previous version of this explainer incorrectly stated that District 76 includes Camp Pendleton.
            John Carroll is a general assignment reporter and anchor at KPBS. He loves coming up with story ideas that are not being covered elsewhere, but he’s also ready to cover the breaking news of the day.
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            A journalist with 30 years of experience, Tom covers science and technology stories for KPBS' platforms. He has received recognition for his outstanding work in hosting and public affairs reporting from the Unity Awards, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, and the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
            As a North County multimedia producer, Alexander Nguyen creates content for all of KPBS' platforms, including the web and social media.

            As a member of the KPBS I-Team, I hold San Diego's powerful accountable and examine the intersection of state and local government. 
            Gustavo became the Investigative Border Reporter at KPBS in 2021. He was born in Mexico City, grew up in San Diego and has two passports to prove it. He graduated from Columbia University’s School of Journalism in 2013 and has worked in New York City, Miami, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and San Diego. In 2018 he was part of a team of reporters who shared a Pulitzer Prize for explanatory journalism. When he’s not working - and even sometimes when he should be - Gustavo is surfing on both sides of the border.
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            Get general information about the election, news coverage, an interactive ballot guide and results on election day.