Assembly District 59
No Recommendation:
Phillip Chen (R) Incumbent Grade F
Dave Obrand (D)
Incumbent – Grade C
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Assembly Member / Mom
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Peace Officers Research Association of CA (PORAC PAC)
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA PAC)
National Peace Officers & Firefighters Benefit Association
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association PAC
Huntington Beach Police Officers Association PAC
Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC
LA County Probation Officers Union AFSCME Local 685
Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PAC
California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC
Background:
Assemblymember Lisa Calderon was first elected to the State Assembly in 2020, succeeding her stepson, Ian Calderon. Prior to running for the Assembly she was a Government and Policy Advisor at Edison International.
Public Safety Platform:
Assemblymember Lisa Calderon does not have a public safety platform on her campaign website, nor does she list her endorsers. She has supported certain justice reform bills in the Legislature while not voting on others. This year she did not vote for AB 2709 to strengthen visitation rights, and voted for AB 1990, which IJ Action strongly opposed, and would have authorized physical custody for petty shoplifting.
She earned a “C” on the IJ Action Legislative Scorecard last year, voting in support of 4 of the bills we prioritized, but skipping votes on AB 1310, to retroactively give judges more discretion to lessen or remove gun enhancements, and AB 93, to end warrantless searches by police. Both in 2023 and 2024, she earned a “C” on IJ Action’s Scorecard. Due to her inconsistent voting record, strong support from law enforcement, and the extreme tough-on-crime views of her opponent, IJ Action has no recommendation in this race.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Whittier City Councilmember
Law Enforcement Contributions: None as of 8/23/24
Background:
Martinez was first elected to the Whittier City Council in 2020, and a former public school teacher in Whittier.
Public Safety Platform:
On her campaign website, Martinez states: “I’m committed to law and order, supporting our law enforcement and securing our borders. Let’s strengthen our military and protect national security. Your right to self-defense is essential, and I’ll stand up for it.”
Her website also focuses on her religious views and stances on abortion and the 2nd Amendment. Furthermore, Martinez has endorsed Proposition 36, a measure that will appear on the November 2024 General Election ballot that would bring back felony charges for drug possession, create new enhancements for retail theft, and gut major components of Proposition 47. It is being led by district attorneys, police and prison associations, and big corporations like Walmart and Home Depot.
Website:
No Recommendation:
Phillip Chen (R) Incumbent Grade F
Dave Obrand (D)
Harm Reduction:
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) Incumbent Grade B
Joseph Rubay (R)
Recommended:
Gregg Hart (D)
Incumbent Grade A+
Sari M. Domingues (R)