State Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), candidate for California State Board of Equalization
The California Democratic Party (CADEM) has endorsed former attorney general of California and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for governor and announced its positions on the 14 statewide propositions appearing on California’s Nov. 3 general election ballot.
The endorsements were finalized during the party’s Executive Board meeting in San Diego and released Aug. 2.
Along with Becerra, CADEM endorsed Fiona Ma for lieutenant governor; Shirley N. Weber for secretary of state; Rob Bonta for attorney general; Eleni Kounalakis for treasurer; Malia Cohen for controller; Richard Barrera for superintendent of public instruction; and state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) for insurance commissioner.
The endorsement of Allen for Insurance Commissioner was particularly significant because the insurance commissioner’s race had remained the only statewide contest in which CADEM had not endorsed a candidate following the June primary.
“Every endorsement we make is earned, not given,” said CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks. “California Democrats take a deliberative approach to our endorsement process that puts our values first and ensures our members have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our state.”
The party’s endorsement process includes participation from delegates and Executive Board members representing Democrats across California. Candidates generally must receive at least 60% of the votes cast to secure the party’s endorsement. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the party may declare “no consensus” in the race.
CADEM also endorsed four candidates for the California State Board of Equalization: Nelson Esparza in District 1, Sally Lieber in District 2, state Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) in District 3 and state Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) in District 4.
Gipson is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
On statewide ballot measures, CADEM announced its support for Propositions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38 and 40. The party opposes Propositions 39, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45, according to its official endorsement list.
CADEM issues endorsements in statewide, congressional and legislative races, as well as on statewide ballot propositions. Democratic County Central Committees generally oversee endorsements in municipal and other local contests.
To find out more about your county’s Central Committee and their endorsement process, please use the link below: Find your local County Central Committee.
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Bo Tefu contributed to this report
