California crime

Source topic or question: Fully enforce Proposition 36

Government-published candidate material

We need a new Attorney General. According to FBI data, California ranks 6th highest in the nation for violent crime. Every Californian deserves to feel safe—in their neighborhoods, at school, walking to the store. Too many families don’t feel that way today. Fentanyl is taking our kids. Retail theft is closing the stores we count on. Nearly half of all homeless Americans live in California. And crime always hits working families hardest. I am a husband of 30 years and father of five. I have spent my career trying cases in courtrooms, not politics, as a trial attorney and prosecutor. I enforced Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice and am admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. As a City Attorney, I built a local prosecution program that cut crime by double digits in its first year and made Huntington Beach one of California’s safest cities. I brought residents, leaders, and law enforcement together, and I will do the same as your Attorney General. Californians voted for Prop. 36 overwhelmingly to restore accountability for repeat theft and drug offenses. I will fully enforce it and will prosecute the traffickers poisoning our communities, protect victims, help people off the streets and into treatment, and make sure your tax dollars are spent honestly and effectively. Safe streets and equal justice belong to every community, whatever your zip code or last name. Public safety is not a partisan issue, and I will never treat it like one. www.Gates4AG.com

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 14, 2026

Source topic or question: Challenge federal abuses of power

Candidate campaign source

The fight is far from over — but together we’ll keep standing up to stop unlawful power grabs by the federal government, defend our immigrant communities, protect reproductive freedom, hold greedy corporations accountable, keep our communities safe from gun violence and fentanyl trafficking, safeguard our environment, and so much more.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 14, 2026

Source topic or question: Close loopholes and enforce tax collection

Government-published candidate material

Nelson Esparza is a dedicated public servant and proven champion for California’s working families and small business owners. Raised in California’s Central Valley, Nelson’s life and career have been shaped by a deep commitment to opportunity, fairness, and economic prosperity for all. Nelson is running for the State Board of Equalization to ensure a fair tax system for all Californians. Nelson will fight to close tax loopholes and crack down on tax evaders so that our local governments can continue to invest in public safety, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development. As a long-time educator and economist, Nelson will bring real-world financial expertise to California’s state tax board. On the Fresno City Council, he serves as Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, where he deals with complex financial issues every day. Additionally, he has secured hundreds of millions in investment for our communities. Nelson will oppose new taxes on middle class and working class families as well as small businesses that are already struggling to make ends meet. He’ll fight for more transparency in our tax system, and for fair impartial property tax assessments. Nelson is supported by local law enforcement, teachers, nurses, construction workers, and leaders at the local, state, and federal levels across California—because they know that he has the experience and the drive to protect our tax dollars and our public services. By November 3rd, Vote Nelson Esparza for State Board of Equalization. Learn more at nelsonesparza.com.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Source topic or question: Support law enforcement

Candidate campaign source

Senator Grove is a strong supporter of law enforcement and for protecting California children. In 2023, she authored SB 14, the landmark legislation to establish a felony for sex trafficking children in California which was successfully signed into law. She is a strong defender of small businesses who deserve fair, not punitive, regulation, and supporting critically important agriculture and energy production in the state of California. She resides in Bakersfield with her husband, Rick. They are parents of five children and eleven grandchildren.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 23, 2026

Source topic or question: Fund healthcare, schools and social services

Government-published candidate material

Assemblymember Mike Gipson is a proven leader with decades of experience fighting for working families. He is running for the Board of Equalization to fight for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Mike will fight to close tax loopholes that billionaires and corporations exploit to avoid paying their fair share. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike has dedicated his life's work to public service. He has worked for service employee and public educator unions, as a local city councilmember, a former local police officer, and currently is a member of the California State Assembly. He is the longest-serving Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair in state history. As Assemblyman, Mike has championed groundbreaking laws protecting California children and families from ICE, laws to get 3-D printed “ghost guns” off of the streets and out of the hands of criminals, funding for expanded access to healthcare, education, and childcare, and Investments in mental health services. That's why Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Mike has been a bold leader for the people of our state.” Previously serving as Chief of Staff to the former Board of Equalization Chairman, Mike currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, which oversees the Board of Equalization. On the BOE, Gipson will bring in the funds needed to support quality healthcare, strong schools, and vital social services that sustain families and communities across our state. By June 2nd, vote Mike Gipson for Board of Equalization! Endorsed by nurses, construction workers, and classroom teachers. Visit mikegipson.net

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 14, 2026