Courage California Announces Endorsements of State Legislative CandidatesÂ
Courage California has announced the endorsement of seven (7) state legislative candidates, in six (6) districts, three months ahead of the March 5, 2024, primary election in California.Â
- State Senate District 3: Cm. Jackie Elward
- State Senate District 9: Cm. Marisol Rubio
- State Senate District 35: Michelle Chambers
- State Assembly District 6: Evan Minton and School Board Member Paula Villescaz
- State Assembly District 57: Sade Elhawary
- State Assembly District 58: Cm. Clarissa Cervantes
“Courage California is proud to endorse Jackie Elward, Marisol Rubio, Michelle Chambers, Evan Minton, Paula Villescaz, Sade Elhawary, and Clarissa Cervantes as the progressive champions Californians need in office,” said Irene Kao, Executive Director of Courage California. “Our health, safety, and security continue to be threatened by right-wing extremists, wealthy corporations, and leaders who are committed to maintaining a broken status quo. It is imperative that we turn out and vote for leaders on March 5th who are willing to fight for the bold changes we need to protect, restore, and heal our families and communities.
“Courage California is confident that our primary endorsed candidates, Jackie Elward, Marisol Rubio, Michelle Chambers, Evan Minton, Paula Villescaz, Sade Elhawary, and Clarissa Cervantes, will work closely with our communities to strive for equity, justice, and accountability that will impact us all for the better in our day-to-day lives.”
Rohnert Park City Councilmember Jackie Elward
Jackie Elward is a bold, progressive leader who will be a critical voice for the unheard in Sacramento. She will work on the ground with communities and partners on policies that will support working families, address climate change, and invest in our schools.
San Ramon City Councilmember Marisol Rubio
Marisol Rubio is a tireless advocate with the support of a community she has delivered for, on racial, economic, and climate justice. She will be a progressive champion for Contra Costa residents in Sacramento.
Michelle Chambers
Michelle Chambers is a fearless and grounded leader with decades of experience fighting for working families from every angle and on every issue. She understands the urgency of what is at stake for the most impacted communities and has the determination and policy focus to be effective in the Capitol.
Evan Minton
Evan Minton has long been a passionate advocate and partner to Courage California as we have successfully fought for key wins in Sacramento. He brings much-needed experience, perspective, and strong relationships with community groups to be a progressive champion for all underrepresented communities.
San Juan Unified School Board Member Paula Villescaz
Paula Villescaz is a strategic leader who will fight for communities that need a strong and persistent voice in Sacramento. She has deep experience and knowledge of how to move key policies at the state and local levels, and we are proud to endorse her again for her 2024 race.
Sade Elhawary
Sade Elhawary is a dedicated, lifelong organizer who will bring people together to fight for critical policies on healthcare reform, public safety, housing justice, workers’ rights, and climate action. She brings an in-depth understanding of what Los Angeles communities are facing and what it will take to bridge differences to ensure all residents will have opportunities to thrive.
Riverside City Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes
Clarissa Cervantes is a trusted and effective leader who will be a champion for the Inland Empire in Sacramento. She understands the investments and opportunities needed to uplift working families and protect our most vulnerable residents.
Courage California is dedicated to supporting and electing candidates who will actively champion our issues and communities, especially in the face of corporations and special interests and the inertia of a political system that doesn’t always serve our people well. The entire slate of endorsed candidates is made up of women, people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people, and most identify across these key communities.
Jackie Elward, Marisol Rubio, Michelle Chambers, Evan Minton, Paula Villescaz, Sade Elhawary, and Clarissa Cervantes are leaders who will serve all Californians, effectively and equitably. They join Lateefah Simon, Rhodesia Ransom, Sasha Renée Pérez, Eloise Reyes, Monica Wilson, Christy Holstege, DeJonaé Shaw, and Javier Hernadez as Courage California’s primary election-endorsed candidates, announced in August.
Courage California works with local and statewide partners to identify priority races, screen candidates based on their top issues, approach to passing progressive policies, and record of governance and leadership. Â
Voters can learn more about the candidates, ahead of Californian’s March 5th primary election, in Courage California’s Voter Guide: couragevoterguide.org.
