Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
California State Assemblymember
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Connolly is a sitting state Assemblymember running for the Senate seat, which is now open after the incumbent termed out. In the Assembly, Connolly had not authored many pieces of legislation concerning public safety; however, he did introduce a bill to try and provide better trained medical staff to respond to substance use disorders in prisons, which Initiate Justice supported.
Additionally, Connolly has received an “A” on the IJ Action Scorecard all three years that we have evaluated the Legislature for their voting records.
Public Safety Platform:
While Connolly does not have a public safety platform on his campaign website, he does state that “promoting social justice and racial and gender equity” is a “core tenet” of his life and career. In addressing homelessness, he also prioritizes a housing-first model and stresses “mental health and addiction support…recidivism intervention, and direct help for vulnerable youth” as prevention methods.
Although it is disappointing that he has received campaign contributions from ;aw enforcement, IJ Action recommends that voters elect Connolly in SD 2 due to his strong justice reform voting record and given the extreme views of his opponents.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Small Businesswoman
Law Enforcement Contributions: Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Gibbs is a resident of Novato and a co-owner of a small business called Vintage Vehicles. She also serves on the Novato Downtown Business Association
Public Safety Platform:
On her campaign website, Gibbs states that she “stands behind tough-on-crime policies and supports law enforcement agencies,” and that “immigration enforcement is crucial to her, calling for secure borders, and cooperation with Federal Law Enforcement of immigration laws.”
Website:
https://tief4senate.org/
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
School Trustee/Dad
Law Enforcement Contributions: Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Aaron Smith is currently a member of the Carpinteria Unified School District, however he has no campaign website and there is no information about him readily available online.
Public Safety Platform:
Website:
No Website
