Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Mayor/Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Randall Putz has been a community leader and public service in the Big Bear region for over 15 years, serving on the Big Bear Unified School District Governing Board, the Big Bear Lake City Council, and various other regional governing bodies. Outside of his government experience, Putz has over 25 years of marketing and technology consulting.
Public Safety Platform:
Putz supports “smart policing strategies” to target violent crime and drug trafficking while fostering trusting relationships between citizens and law enforcement officials. He plans to champion investments in fire protection, emergency services, and infrastructure upgrades in rural areas.
While his public safety policy recommendations are vague, IJ Action recommends that voters support Putz for Assembly given the extreme views and problematic backgrounds of his opponents.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Small Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Charles Hughes is a U.S. Navy veteran, a retired law enforcement lieutenant, and small business owner who currently serves as a trustee on the Antelope Valley Union High School District Board.
Public Safety Platform:
Hughes says his public safety priorities focus on strengthening policing and holding offenders accountable. He supports maintaining police funding and protections under the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights, opposes early‑release policies for dangerous offenders, and favors expanding prison capacity if needed to keep such individuals off the streets. He also supports reinstating the death penalty for the most serious crimes, including the murder of law enforcement officers and crimes against children. Hughes has been endorsed by 12 different law enforcement agencies.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Attorney/Businessman
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Steve Fox is a former member of the California State Assembly who represented the 36th district. Before serving in the Legislature, he worked as a public school teacher, an attorney, and a trustee of Antelope Valley College, and he also served on the governing board of Antelope Valley Hospital.
In 2017, then-Assemblymember Fox was accused of sexual harassment, exposing himself to a female aide and then firing her when she reported his behavior. The Assembly settled for $100,000. Ironically, Fox also campaigned against releasing people from prison with sex offense convictions in his district.
Public Safety Platform:
For this campaign, Fox has no campaign website and none of his current views on public safety are readily available.
Website:
No Website
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
School Boardmember/Educator
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Manny Lin is a public school teacher and has served on the school site council and Hesperia Unified School District Board of Trustees, presiding over the Special Education Department.
Public Safety Platform:
One of Lin’s main policy issues is to “prioritize public safety and reduce crime.” He plans to do this with “effective legislation” that restores just penalties and reforms immigration, homelessness, and emergency prevention. His goal in implementing these reforms is ensure that everyone is able to enjoy their freedoms and liberties under the Constitution.
Website:
