State Elections
Candidate research and notes focused on issues relevant to Israel and the Jewish community
Voter Guide Designations and Criteria – JCAN’s Perspectives
Next to each candidate’s name you will find a color box which reflects our overall assessment of their favorability related specifically to the issues relevant to our OC Jewish community. The criteria used for each ‘box’ is listed below.
Green Squares = Favorable Positions/ No Immediate Concerns noted
Examples include favorable meetings with JCAN, in which the candidate expresses support for policies that promote Jewish community safety, OR public statements supportive of Jewish community safety, including in responses to our questionnaire; AND no other items warranting red flags.
Green Squares with a Gold Ribbon = Proven Upstander for the Jewish Community
Gold ribbons have been reserved for candidates who have previously held elected office and have taken concrete measures in support of our community. This includes measures such as calendaring of Holocaust Remembrance or Jewish American Heritage Month; standing up against discussions of anti-Israel agenda items; intervening on our behalf with other state and local authorities, and/or supporting our lobbying efforts in Sacramento.
Yellow Squares = Some Cause for Concern
Assigned to candidates where we have identified issues that give us pause for concern. This may include inconsistent voting records or declining to complete our questionnaire.
Red = Red Flags are Present
Examples include:
Opposition to or abstention from legislation in support of the Jewish community (e.g., AB715).
Endorsement by CAIR, DSA, Code Pink, or other groups flagged in our index of bad actors.
Stated or demonstrated intention to use their local office to affect matters outside their jurisdiction.
Support for legislation that would harm the Jewish community (e.g., AB2159)
Public statements demonizing or delegitimizing Israel or otherwise applying double standards to Israel [As with the IHRA definition of antisemitism, ordinary criticism of Israel or Israeli policy would not be a red flag.]
Public statements vilifying candidates receiving donations from Jewish or pro-Israel groups.
Refusal to apply existing, otherwise neutral rules, such as time, place, and manner restrictions, or codes of decorum, to unlawful conduct by anti-Jewish groups.
Platforming or being platformed by known anti-Jewish figures (such as Hasan Piker, Nick Fuentes, etc.).
Calling for or endorsing violence against Jews.
White = insufficient information to make an evaluation at this stage
Statewide, Senate, and Assembly Candidates
Profiles include campaign reference buttons, endorsements, full community notes, and questionnaire/outreach status where provided.
The only statewide offices JCAN vetted are Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Attorney General. State Senate and State Assembly candidates are included separately below.
Chad Bianco
no response given
Was invited but did not attend the Jewish California (formerly JPAC) candidates' forum
Reform CA; Multiple Rep Elected officials; Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, Coalition of Jewish Republicans
Steve Hilton
no response given
extensive outreach to Jewish community in Orange County; appeared at the Jewish California candidates forum, notable statements included:
-strong recollection from trip to Israel and meeting with Shimon Peres
-stated we must stand against unions introducing divisive curriculum into schools
-expressed strong rebuke to UCLA officials that response to encampments was unacceptable
-on AB 715, indicated he would focus on enforcement and ensuring that executive appointees do not promote a particular ideology
-noted problems of antisemitism in higher education as well as k-12
-stated he would enforce anti-BDS laws in California
President Donald Trump; Reform CA; Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN)
Antonio Villaraigosa
no response given
appeared at the Jewish California candidates forum, notable statements included:
-his own historical support for Jewish community in LA, and donation to ADL
-curriculum framing ethnic studies as "oppressor versus oppressed" is problematic
-wears a US and Israeli flag pin because he believes in Israel's right to exist; knows what "from the river to the sea means"
-discussed contribution of Jewish community to civil rights movement that "opened the door to people like me." Continued: "And now people like me need to keep the door open to all of us and the rest of us."
-was "embarrassed" and "ashamed" of what happened on UCLA campus, and that it took so long to address the issue
-led a delegation of legislators to Israel on a Jewish Federation trip
-would work with the State of Israel as governor
As Mayor of LA, traveled to Israel on multiple occasions, including to cooperate on security measures. Led LA's celebration of 60th anniversary of Israel's independence.
CA Federation of Labor Unions; Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN)
Tom Steyer
no response given
At the Jewish California candidates forum expressed support for the Jewish communtiy but spoke forcefully against Israel; Appeared on Hasan Piker's show where he repeated libels against Israel; implied that AB 715 was the result of the influence of foreign money; and told Piker that he was the candidate who would make the changes Piker wanted to see.
California Teachers Union (CTA), Our Revolution, CAIR
Katie Porter
no response given
Was invited but did not attend the Jewish California (formerly JPAC) candidates' forum; boasts to have never received AIPAC money
Multiple PACs, Reps Dave Min and Derek Tran
Matt Mahan
no response given
As council member of San Jose: Signed a letter in January 2024, stating "we strongly encourage the US government to implore Hamas and Israel to do all they can to work toward a cessation of hostilities."
Appeared at the Jewish California candidates forum, notable statements included:
-would enter office on day one with a plan to stand up and fully staff the office of civil rights and work with the Jewish community to identify the right person to fill the role of antisemitism coordinator
-agreed that divisive curriculum is part of the problem and needs to be addressed
-as evidence of "how bad it has gotten," noted that the CSU faculty union had called out Jewish California alongside oil and tobacco, as the groups from which candidates must not take support
-Israel "has a right to exist, to defend itself, to be proud of its of its history, of its culture, of its people."
-relationship with Israel is "an important one for our country" and for Silicon Valley
CA Senator Catherine Blakespear, Thrive LA
Tony Thurmond
no response given
Current state superintendent of schools; antisemitism has spiked on his watch
California Faculty Association (CFA), Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) PAC
Xavier Beccera
no response given
Was invited but did not attend the Jewish California (formerly JPAC) candidates' forum
US Rep Gil Cisneros; multiple state and local Reps; multiple labor and Dem orgs
Sonja Shaw
As Chino school board member criticized ethnic studies and said it fosters antisemitism, prevented discussion of a ceasefire resolution although it was demanded by hostile meeting attendees.
CA GOP, Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco, Lincoln Club OC, Moms for Liberty
Josh Newman
Voice in ensuring the state's Ethnic Studies curriculum is free from antisemitism. Has consistently advocated for a version of the curriculum that includes Jewish American history and avoids anti-Zionist tropes. Stood against university requiring a Jewish student to attend classes in an encampment via zoom. Called out problem of antisemitism in California teachers’ unions. Former CA Senator; former Chair of CA Senate's education committee
California Jewish Democrats, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California
Al Muratsuchi
no response given
Was publicly supportive of Israel after October 7, but worked against AB 715, saying: “I hate to be in this position where I have to choose in what I see as a false choice that is being forced on all of us — between fighting antisemitism and coming up with a responsible policy proposal that will not attack education, and that will not suppress critical thinking and open discussion in our classrooms." He ultimately abstained from voting on AB 715.
California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
Gus Mattammal
Prevented discussion of a ceasefire resolution by his municipality as beyond the municipality's jurisdiction. Private educator; advocates for "A is for Average" reform
Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN)
Richard Barrera
no response given
Former president of San Diego Unified school district. Declined to commit to defending AB 715 against legal challenges. In October 2021, board unanimously passed a resolution condemning antisemitism and officially recognizing the IHRA definition of antisemitism as an educational tool for the district. However, has been a public proponent of "Liberated" Ethnic Studies and successfully pushed for SDUSD to make Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement in 2016—years before the state of California followed suit.
Tony Thurmond, California Teachers Association (CTA)
Nichelle Henderson
no response given
In LACCD Henderson has consistently aligned with the California Faculty Association (CFA) and other groups that advocate for the "Liberated" Ethnic Studies Model. These groups view the "guardrails" placed on the state curriculum—which prohibit anti-Jewish or anti-Israel bias—as a form of state-sponsored censorship. LA Community College trustee
California Legislative Black Caucus, California Democratic Legislative Women's Caucus, California Young Democrats, California College Democrats, Iranian American Democrats of California
Frank Lara
no response given
Supportive of liberated ethnic studies movement, Aligns with organizations (including the Peace and Freedom Party) that campaigned against the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in schools. As a leader in the United Educators of San Francisco (UESF), was part of the first major K-12 union to pass a resolution supporting BDS in 2021. In October 2025, appeared on Breakthrough News specifically to criticize AB 715 (a California law aimed at preventing antisemitism in schools), arguing that the law and the appointment of an "Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator" were designed to "police classrooms" and punish teachers for discussing what he termed "Israel's genocide in Gaza."
Vote Socialist California, Peace & Freedom Party, Left Unity Slate
Wendy Castaneda Leal
Current School District Superintendent; focuses on administrative excellence, "Success Now" initiatives, and strong local school board autonomy.
N/A
Ainye Long
no response given
5th-gen teacher and math chair; prioritizes "elevating the schoolhouse," teacher empowerment, and anti-racist/abolitionist faculty training.
N/A
Anthony Rendon
no response given
supported the ethnic studies mandate but distanced himself from more radical anti-Israel rhetoric within his own party. In 2018, he ran against a primary challenger who accused Israel of "genocide," a position Rendon did not share. Former State Assembly Speaker; emphasizes early childhood equity (Universal Pre-K) and leveraging legislative experience for school safety and funding
California Latino Legislative Caucus
Rob Bonta(I)
Sent Questions
Failed to engage regarding Jewish community concerns on antisemitism following October 7, even while conducting outreach to other communities
California Teachers Association (CTA)
Michael Gates
Sent Questions
Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General in Civil Rights Division, US Dep’t of Justice; spearheaded fast tracking of investigation of antisemitism on college campuses post-October 7
California Republican Party, California Parents Union, Several OC Police Officer Unions, The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN), Iranian-American Republican Council
Majorie Mikels
Sent Questions
Attorney; Front page of campaign website displays herself at an Anti-Israel protest with signs stating "Free Palestine, End all US aid to Israel & let Gaza live" being displayed
Left Unity Slate, Peace & Freedom Party
Bob Archuleta (I)
Unable to send since no campaign email
SB 1277 (Stern): Yes on Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education. Co-author of SCR 105 (Human Rights: Gaza). This was a bipartisan resolution developed in partnership with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus condemning the October 7 terrorism, calling for the safe return of all hostages, and advocating for the protection of civilians and humanitarian aid. Supportive of CSNGP, Voted yes on AB715.
DMFILA Strong Support
Araceli Martinez
no response given
N/A
Reform CA
Kelly Seyarto (I)
Unable to send since no campaign email
Voted yes on AB 715
Voted yes on SB 1277 (Stern): Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education
On October 9, 2023, joined the California Senate Republican Caucus in issuing a formal statement following the October 7 attacks declaring that "Israel has every right to defend itself… We stand with Israel. California stands with Israel." Supports California state nonprofit security grant program and adoption of IHRA to combat hate crimes.
CA GOP, Republican Party of Orange County, CA Young Republicans, Reform California
Tiffanie Tate
no response given
N/A
DPOC, California Democratic Party, California Young Democrats, California Legislative Black Caucus, Iranian American Democrats of California
Rhonda Shader
In November 2023, while serving on the OC Human Relations Commission, was part of a unanimous vote to pass a resolution titled “OC Human Relations Commission Mourns with Jewish Community and Denounces Antisemitism.” Was one of two commissioners who voted against a companion resolution denouncing Islamophobia at the same meeting due to concerns that it contained extraneous factually inaccurate content that proponents declined to remove. Groups like CAIR-LA criticized this vote, while supporters of the "no" vote argued the resolutions should not have been conflated or that the language was politically skewed, former mayor of Placentia
California Republican Party, Orange County Republican Party, Reform California, California Women's Leadership Association, California Republican Assembly, California College Republicans, The Lincoln Club of Orange County, Orange County Young Republicans
Avelino Valencia
no response given
Supported ACR176 to acknowledge Holocaust memorial day and endorsed JAHM; supported AB715 & SB1277 holocaust ed, supported CSNSGP, Supported our community during suit against SAUSD
DPOC 2026
Tony Strickland (I)
Supported adoption of Ramat Gan as sister city to Huntington Beach, Championed AB715 and was instrumental in ensuring its successful passage in the legislature.
CA GOP, Republican Party of Orange County, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, California Professional Firefighters, California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United
Chris Duncan
Current San Clemente city council member; Commits to support the IHRA definition and resist any BDS resolutions; firmly stands with the Jewish community
DPOC 2026, California Democratic Party, Community Action Fund (CAF) of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC), California Federation of Labor Unions, California Young Democrats, Equality California, Democratic Women of South Orange County, California Federation of Teachers
Catherine Blakespear(I)
Supported AB715 and SB 1277 (Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education;
In summer 2025, supported CA Senate's Gaza resolution stating that Israel is committing genocide. Multiple approaches from Jewish orgs were met with scant replies and no successful meetings. However – expressed support for adoption of the IHRA definition and resistance to any BDS resolutions
DPOC 2026, California Teachers Association, California Democratic Party, Vicente Sarmiento
Laura Basset
N/A
OCGOP, Lincoln Club of Orange County
Phillip Chen(I)
Actively supported AB715 and helped us ensure its passage. Supported bill condemning the October 7 attack. Supported Adoption of JAHM; Supported recent CA bills in support of Jewish community and has offered to champion passage of IHRA at the state level
CA Republican Party, OC GOP, Reform CA. California Professional Firefighters and others
Victor Hernandez
no response given
N/A
N/A
Blanca Pacheco(I)
no response given
Voted yes on Supported AB715 and SB1277. Sponsored ACR176 to acknowledge Holocaust memorial day and endorsed JAHM;
Democrats For Israel Los Angeles, California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus
Raul Ortiz Jr
Unable to send
N/A
N/A
Ali Sajjad Taj
Current Mayor of Artesia; participated in AJC's Project Interchange Program which brings global leaders to Israel; Actively reached out to our community on multiple occasions
California Professional Firefighters (CPF), Orange County Firefighters Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Cypress Police Officers Association, Buena Park Police officers Association, California Fraternal Order of Police, Fullerton Police Officer Association
Ada Briceno
Declined to respond
As Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) voted against a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
DPOC, California Federation of Teachers, California Faculty Association, CAIR, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California
Paul Gonzales
N/A
N/A
Paulo Morales
no response given
Advocated for expansion of security grant as a retired police officer
OCGOP
Adrian Oscar Ayub
N/A
N/A
Mark Pulido
no response given
Miguel Pulido's son (former long time Santa Ana mayor)
California Teachers Association, California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, California Environmental Voters
David Penaloza
no response given
Verbally supports the Jewish community; opted to abstain from Santa Ana city council ceasefire resolution.
DPOC, California Democratic Party, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS), California Association of Highway Patrolmen, California Federation of Teachers, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, California Latino Legislative Caucus, California Professional Firefighters, California Teachers Association (CTA), California Young Democrats
Jessie Lopez
no response given
Voted yes for SA ceasefire resolution; Active member of anti-Israel groups
California Legislative Progressive Caucus, California Legislative Women’s Caucus, CAIR Action PAC, Chispa, OC Action, California Working Families Party, Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
Mayra Ruiz
N/A
OCGOP 2026
Shannon Wingfield
N/A
N/A
Tri Ta(I)
no response given
Supported AB715. Supported bill condemning the October 7 attack on Israel and antisemitism; Endorsed May JAHM; Supported recent CA bills in support of Jewish community. Attended 50 states trip to Israel, issued a strong formal statement condemning the targeting of students based on their support for Israel.
CA Republican Party, OC GOP, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, California Professional Firefighters, California Women's Leadership Association Political Action Committee, Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, Santa Ana Police Officers Association
Paula Swift
N/A
DPOC, California Democratic Party, California Legislative Black Caucas
Kate Sanchez(I)
no response given
Supported AB715; Supported bill condemning the October 7 attack; Endorsed May JAHM
CA GOP, Reform CA, OC and Riverside GOP, Chad Bianco and OC Sherrif Barnes, multiple local
JJ Galvez
no response given
N/A
DPOC, California Democratic Party, OC Young Democrats, Iranian American Democrats of California
Chris Kluwe
Posted several times why he "fights the genocide in Palestine"; reposted Al-Jazeera claims that the IDF "vaporizes" Palestinian civilians. However, verbal comments and questionnaire indicate unequivocal support for the Jewish community, including support for adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
DPOC 2026, California Teachers Association, CHISPA, CAIR, OC Action
Gracey Van Der Mark
Supported Ramat Gan sister city initiative with Huntington Beach; strong advocate for the Jewish community
OCGOP, California Republican Party, Lincoln Club, OC Young Republicans, HB Police Association
Frank Wagoner
Unable to send
N/A
N/A
Matthew Harper
no response given
Supported Nonprofit security grant when in assembly
N/A
Cottie Petrie Norris(I)
no response given
Supported AB715 and bill condemning the October 7 attack; Endorsed May JAHM; supported CSNSGP
DPOC 2026, California Democratic Party, California Teachers Association, California Democratic Legislative Women’s Caucus
Urson Russell
no response given
N/A
CRA – California Republican Assembly, Lincoln Club of Orange County
Laurie Davies(I)
no response given
Supported AB715, supported bill condemning the October 7 attack, endorsed May JAHM
CA GOP, Reform CA, California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), CA Professional Firefighters (CPF), Crime Survivors PAC
Sergio Farias
Rejected ceasefire resolution as a city council member of San Juan Capistrano
DPOC 2026, California Democratic Party, California Teachers Association (CTA), Equality California