Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Assemblymember
Law Enforcement Contributions:
L.A. County Probation Officers Union AFSCME No. 685 PAC
Background:
Assemblymember Ortega was first elected to the State Assembly in 2022, after working for many years in the labor movement. She was formerly on the Public Safety Committee and generally voted to support good legislation and opposed tough on crime measures. In 2024, Assemblymember Ortega authored AB 2959, a bill IJ Action supported, which would have reduced prices of items in California prison vending machines.
While her voting record is overall strong, earning an “A” on our Legislative Scorecard in 2023 and 2025 and a “B” in 2024, Assemblymember Ortega has also voted to support harmful legislation in the past, such as AB 1990, which failed to pass but would have increased criminal penalties for shoplifting, and SB 14, a bill that expanded the Three Strikes Law.
Public Safety Platform:
On her campaign website, Assemblymember Ortega keeps her views on public safety quite vague, simply stating: “I continue to advocate for neighborhood-based policing approaches where trained, accountable officers are working with the community to fight gun violence.”
Although her voting record has not been perfect and her rhetoric injustice reform is a bit vague, Assemblymember Ortega has in general voted in support of justice reform and therefore IJ Action recommends that voters re-elect her.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Real Estate Appraiser
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Patricia Muga is a real estate appraiser by profession and is involved in local civics by working as an Election Worker and serving on the Alameda County Republican Party Central Committee.
Public Safety Platform:
On her campaign website, Muga does not say much about public safety. In a section entitled “Crime” she states: “Support Your Local Sheriff and Police! Support vagrancy laws and guardianship protection for the addicted and mentally ill.”
Website:
