Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
California State Senator
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Prior to joining the State Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was a former Chula Vista police officer and the city’s first Latino and first LGBTQ Mayor. He was also a member of the Chula Vista City Council and served on the California Coastal Commission.
Senator Padilla has an overall good voting record on justice reform in the Legislature, earning a “B” on our Legislative Scorecard in 2023 and an “A” in 2024 and 2025
Public Safety Platform:
Senator Padilla does not have any statements about his views on public safety on his campaign website, but he does list the CA Association of Highway Patrolmen as one of the groups that has endorsed him, and has received campaign contributions from nine different law enforcement organizations.
While these law enforcement contributions are troublesome, Padilla has nonetheless had a good voting record on justice reform and his opponent is vocally against reforms. Therefore, IJ Action recommends Padilla as the Harm Reduction candidate.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
CEO/Educator/Pastor
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Art Hodges is a Bishop overseeing churches in Southern California. He has a history of working in education.
Public Safety Platform:
Hodges strongly critiques “Soft-on-crime policies (like Prop 47)” for leading to “Theft and shoplifting, Early release of dangerous offenders [and] Law enforcement being demoralized or defunded.” Border solutions and “real security” remain a key pillar of his campaign.
Website:
