California education

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: 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: Help taxpayers contest unfair taxation

Government-published candidate material

Isn't it time normal people had a voice when they needed help from our state government in Sacramento? That's why I'm running for the Board of Equalization. It's an office you may have never heard of that is tasked with helping people when they think the government has unfairly taxed them. First, a little about me. I grew up in Kern County. After high school, I joined the U.S. Army, then after my service, I started a small business that helps local people find good-paying jobs. As a business owner, I've had my share of trying to work through endless government regulations and red tape. Later, I ran for and won a seat in the Assembly, and later, the State Senate. In the legislature, I was known for being a strong, bipartisan voice for public safety. Specifically, I led the charge to make sex trafficking children a felony. This was signed into law and now helps protect our most vulnerable Californians. I've also been a voice for small business owners, farmers, and ranchers. These businesses, often run by families, are the heart of our state. I've worked hard to reduce unfair rules, taxes, and fees, and make it easier for businesses to start, to grow, and to hire more people. As your representative on the Board of Equalization, my goal is clear: to make sure that you have somewhere to turn when you believe you were unfairly taxed and need some help. That's my pledge to you.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 23, 2026

Source topic or question: Ensure equitable assessments and taxpayer assistance

Government-published candidate material

I am honored to serve as your representative and as Chair of the State Board of Equalization, California’s elected property tax oversight board. On the Board, I have worked to expand access to property tax relief, including tax credits for Veterans and low-income families, increased public information on Proposition 19, and advanced consumer protections for homeowners’ insurance. I have fought for affordable housing, supported identity theft protections for property owners, and worked to ensure that the Board is efficient, accountable and transparent. I do not accept contributions from corporate PACs and will always insist that wealthy interests pay what they owe. As a member of the Board, I have taken an oath to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and California, including Proposition13. Over the next four years, I will continue to work for accurate and equitable property tax assessments, expanded taxpayer assistance, and policies that support housing affordability, rapid disaster recovery, and economic stability for working families. Before election to the Board, I served in local, regional, and state government. In the California State Assembly, I authored legislation to raise the statewide minimum wage, protect our coast and the San Francisco Bay, expand renewable energy, increase CalGrant scholarships, and worked to preserve free community college access statewide. I am endorsed by Teachers, Nurses and Firefighters statewide, by the California Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood California, the Sierra Club California, and over forty congressional, state executive and legislative leaders. I am thankful for the support of more than 1.3 million voters in the primary election. I respectfully ask for your vote. www.sallylieber.org

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 14, 2026