Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Councilmember/Businesswoman/Mother
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Clarissa Cervantes is a Riverside City Councilmember, businesswoman, and veteran campaign organizer. She is the first woman and second Latina and LGBTQ person elected to represent Ward 2 on the Riverside City Council.
She narrowly lost to incumbent Leticia Castillo in the 2024 general election and is running again in 2026.
Public Safety Platform:
While her campaign website does not outline a detailed criminal justice platform, Cervantes has taken clear positions on public safety and accountability—leading Riverside’s Safe Communities resolution to increase transparency in ICE operations, expanding Know Your Rights protections, and standing up to Sheriff Chad Bianco’s actions, including efforts to challenge his handling of election materials.
Due to her advocacy to hold law enforcement accountable and the poor voting record of the incumbent, IJ Action recommends voters elect Cervantes for AD 58.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Assemblywoman/ Licensed Psychotherapist
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Assemblymember Castillo was first elected to the Legislature in 2024 in California’s closest legislative race. During her first term in office, she earned an “F” on our Legislative Scorecard.
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and first-generation Mexican American, she is a former Riverside County Department of Mental Health clinician.
Public Safety Platform:
Endorsed by Sheriff Bianco and aligned with law enforcement, she frames public safety around claims that Sacramento “protects criminals” and promotes tough-on-crime policies, with no alignment to justice reform.
Website:
