Incumbent – Grade A
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Assemblymember / Mom
Law Enforcement Contributions:
California Statewide Law Enforcement PAC
California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC
Background:
Assemblymember Wicks was first elected to the State Assembly in 2018 after working for many years as a political strategist, and was credited with being one of the architects of former President Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 grassroots organizing campaigns. Wicks previously chaired the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, and now chairs the Appropriations Committee.
Public Safety Platform:
Assemblymember Wicks prioritizes gun violence prevention on her campaign website, noting that the issue is personal for her as her husband was Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ legislative director when she was shot at a public event in 2011.
She has focused on a community-based approach, stating: “Gun violence is…a multifaceted problem that is connected to so many others — including income inequality, education equity, widespread hunger, a lack of corporate accountability, and so much more… In my first term I secured $30 million in additional funding for the California Violence Intervention Program (CalVIP), for a total of $39 million — the largest investment in the history of the state. I also passed AB 1603, which allowed CalVIP to prioritize its resources, and grant key funding to the most impacted communities.”
As chair of the Appropriations Committee, Wicks has voted down many bad bills that would have created new enhancements and added to the serious and violent felonies list, thus leading to longer prison terms. Her reliable opposition to criminalization bills has earned her IJ Action’s recommendation for AD 14. Assemblymember Wicks earned an “A” on the IJ Action Legislative Scorecard both this year and last year.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Retired Social Scientist
Law Enforcement Contributions:
The candidate has not reported any campaign funds as of 8/23/24
Background:
Smith is a retired public health researcher and scientist who worked for the California State Health Department and for UC Davis on issues like access to medical care, environmental health, and mental health.
Public Safety Platform:
Smith’s platform does not provide much detail, but does include the statement “Jails are not the place for mentally ill people.” While she seems to be aligned with IJ Action on some issues, her campaign is not strong and her opponent has been a good ally in the legislature.
Website:
