Political Party:

Democrat

Ballot Designation:

 Workers Rights Attorney

Law Enforcement Contributions:

None as of 8/23/24

Background:

Mueller is a Civil Rights and Employment Lawyer who also works as an asylum attorney for undocumented community members. He is a former Obama official who worked for the federal Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, and also served a stint in the Santa Clara District Attorney’s office, where he sought to “…protect families by prosecuting sexual predators and fraudsters.”

Mueller challenged the Republican incumbent Senators Scott Wilk in 2020, losing by only 0.8% of the vote. He is running again now that Senator Wilk has termed out.

Public Safety Platform:

Mueller’s campaign website highlights his willingness to champion progressive causes such as providing affordable housing and protecting reproductive freedom, however, his public safety platform indicates a more moderate view, stating: “As a former prosecutor, I am the only candidate in this race who has actually held criminals accountable. We must continue to make community safety a top priority, including protecting families from crime, addressing the rise in smash-and-grabs, focusing investments in our fentanyl crisis, and ensuring our children are safe from gun violence.”

Furthermore, Mueller has expressed strong support for Prop 36, which would increase criminal penalties for shoplifting and drug possession and reduce state funds for mental health treatment, stating that he supports murder charges for those who sell fentanyl and “We have to properly deter criminals from repeatedly stealing” by allowing felony charges for shoplifting. Because both candidates in this race have expressed extreme tough-on-crime views, IJ Action has no recommendation for the SD 23 seat.

Website:

https://www.kippforsenate.com/

Political Party:

Republican

Ballot Designation:

 Small Business Owner

Law Enforcement Contributions:

Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC PAC)
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) Small Contributor Committee
California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC
Los Angeles Police Protective League PAC

Background:

 Valladares is a former Assemblymember from the Santa Clarita Valley who was defeated in 2022 by Democrat Pilar Schiavo after serving only one term. Prior to her time in the legislature, Valladares worked for former Republican Congressman Buck McKeon and as California Director of Hispanic Initiatives for the Republican National Conference.

Public Safety Platform:

Valladares is unabashedly tough-on-crime and pro law enforcement, writing on her campaign website that she “…is taking a strong stance against the pro-criminal policies that have caused crime to explode. She has authored a crime victims support package and is supported by law enforcement.”

She has received the endorsement of several law enforcement agencies such as the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), Peace Officers Research Association of California, Los Angeles Police Protective League, California Association of Highway Patrol, and Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs.

Website:

https://suzettevalladares.com/