As the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election approaches, a number of Black candidates are running for positions in the United States Congress, the State Senate, and the State Assembly. If elected, they would collectively represent a larger proportion of elected officials at the state level than California’s Black population of about 6.5%.
Of the state’s 52 U.S. House of Representatives seats, three are currently held by Black representatives. In the State Senate, which comprises 40 seats and elects half of its members every two years, there are currently two Black Senators. In the Assembly, which has 80 seats up for election every two years, 10 Black Assembly members currently serve.
In this election, five Black candidates are running for Congress, four for State Senate, and 13 for Assembly.
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Below are the Black candidates (in bold letters) running for Congress and the State Legislature:
Congressional Races
In Congressional District 9 (Stockton), Kevin Lincoln (R), Mayor of Stockton, is challenging incumbent Josh Harder (D). Lincoln, a former Marine, is running on a platform focused on economic development, public safety, and government accountability. Harder, meanwhile, has focused on issues like healthcare access and immigration reform.
In Congressional District 12 (Oakland), Lateefah Simon (D), a nonprofit foundation president and civil rights advocate, is running to succeed Rep. Barbara Lee. Simon’s platform emphasizes civil rights, affordable housing, and economic reform. Her opponent, Jennifer Tran (D), a professor and chamber president, is focused on economic development, public safety and leveraging technology for government transparency.
In Congressional District 37 (Southwest L.A.), incumbent Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D) is campaigning on criminal justice reform and expanding healthcare. Her opponent, Juan Rey, a train mechanic running with no party preference (NPP), advocates for populist solutions.
In Congressional District 43 (South L.A.), Maxine Waters (D) is running for re-election. Waters has long championed housing reform, civil rights, and economic justice. Her challenger, Steve Williams (R), a commercial real estate broker, is focused on reducing government regulation and fostering entrepreneurship.
California State Senate Races
In State Senate District 7 (Oakland and Berkeley), Jovanka Beckles (D), an Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit Director, is running on a platform centered on environmental justice, affordable housing, and public transportation reform. Her opponent, Jesse Arreguín (D), the Mayor of Berkeley, is focused on housing and economic development.
In State Senate District 35 (Inglewood and South LA), Michelle Chambers (D), a former Compton City Councilmember, is campaigning on affordable housing, public safety reform, job creation, and healthcare access. She is facing Laura Richardson (D), a former U.S. Congresswoman and Assemblymember, who is focusing on public safety and moderate housing reform. Both candidates aim to replace Sen. Steve Bradford (D), who is term limited.
In State Senate District 39 (San Diego), Assemblymember and medical doctor Akilah Weber (D) is campaigning on healthcare equity, public safety, and job creation. She faces Bob Divine (R), a retired Navy Commander, who is advocating for fiscal restraint and law-and-order policies. This seat is currently held by former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, who is term limited.
California State Assembly Races
In Assembly District 7 (Citrus Heights), Porsche Middleton (D), a city councilmember, is challenging incumbent Josh Hoover (R) on housing reform and local governance.
In Assembly District 11 (Suisun City), incumbent Lori Wilson (D) is focused on healthcare access, economic development, and education. She is facing Dave Ennis (R), a civil engineer who emphasizes infrastructure improvement and reduced government regulation.
In Assembly District 13 (Stockton), business owner Rhodesia Ransom (D) is campaigning on small business growth, educational reform, and economic justice. She faces Denise Aguilar Mendez (R), a non-profit director focused on conservative family values and reducing the size of government. Aguilar Mendez has faced controversy including a guilty plea for welfare fraud.
In Assembly District 18 (Oakland), incumbent Mia Bonta (D) is running on housing reform and education. Her opponent, Andre Sandford, American Independent Party (AIP), advocates for fiscal responsibility and housing cost management.
In Assembly District 55 (Ladera Heights), incumbent Isaac Bryan (D) is running on criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and economic equity. His opponent, Keith G. Cascio (R), is focused on fiscal conservatism and entrepreneurial growth.
In Assembly District 57 (South Los Angeles), Sade Elhawary (D), a community activist and educator, is running on a platform focused on improving affordable housing, addressing homelessness and implementing criminal justice reforms. Her opponent, Efren Martinez (D), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and small business owner, emphasizes economic development and public safety. Both candidates are competing to replace Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D), who is termed out of office.
In Assembly District 60 (Riverside), incumbent Corey Jackson (D) is campaigning on social justice and healthcare reform. His opponent, Ron Edwards (R), a small business owner, is focused on pro-business policies and reducing government regulation.
In Assembly District 61 (Inglewood), incumbent Tina McKinnor (D) is focused on affordable housing and economic justice. She faces Alfonso Hernandez (R), a restaurateur who advocates for small business growth.
In Assembly District 65 (Compton), incumbent Mike Gipson (D) is focusing on public safety and healthcare access, while his opponent, Lydia A. Gutierrez (R), is prioritizing educational reform.
In Assembly District 72 (Huntington Beach), nonprofit executive Dom Jones (D) is running on business growth and community development, while incumbent Diane Dixon (R) is focused on fiscal responsibility and infrastructure improvements.
In Assembly District 77 (San Diego), James Brown (R), an entrepreneur and financial advisor, is focusing on economic policy and job creation. His opponent, incumbent Tasha Boerner (D), is campaigning on healthcare access and environmental protection.
In Assembly District 79 (San Diego), LaShae Sharp-Collins (D), an education leader, is focused on reproductive rights, educational equity, and affordable housing. She faces Colin Parent (D), a La Mesa City Councilmember, who emphasizes housing affordability, climate action, and transportation. This seat is currently held by Akilah Weber, who is running to represent State Senate District 39.
These Black candidates are running to address key issues such as housing, healthcare, public safety, reparations, and economic reform. The diversity of their platforms reflects California’s broad political spectrum, with some focusing on progressive reforms, while others advocate for a shift to more conservative policies.
