Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
School Boardmember/Businesswoman
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Sara Deen is the President of the Palos Verdes School Board, a Torrance small business owner, and a family dentist.
Public Safety Platform:
While Deen does not have a public safety platform on her campaign website, she states that she “prioritized student safety and achievement” as President of the Palos Verdes School Board. Her other campaign priorities center on affordability for working families, supporting small business, education, and healthcare.She is endorsed by several healthcare and education-centered organizations.
Given the strong support for law enforcement that most of the other candidates uplift, IJ Action recommends that voters support Sara Deen for AD 66 as the Harm Reduction candidate.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Mayor/Corruption Prosecutor
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Paul Seo is a Deputy Attorney General and veteran who currently serves as the Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes. Prior to that role, he worked for the Los Angeles District Attorney where he spent seven years “prosecuting complex serious and violent felonies”.
Public Safety Platform:
On his campaign website, Seo states that, if elected, he would “partner with law enforcement and work to increase funding for more police, deputy sheriffs, prosecutors, peace officers and Highway Patrol officers.” He also expresses support for fully funding fire departments.
Seo is endorsed by several law enforcement agencies, such as the Association of Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles County, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, and Los Angeles Police Protective League, to name a few.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Small Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Scott Houston describes himself as a public relations professional who currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed). He has also advocated for wildfire prevention and LGBTQ rights.
Public Safety Platform:
Houston does not list his views on public safety on his campaign website; however, he does list his endorsements from several law enforcement organizations such as the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA), Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA), El Segundo Police Officers’ Association, and Gardena Police Officers’ Association.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Beach Commissioner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
Shannon Ruiz-Ross is currently a Beach Commissioner and has sat on the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council for over a decade. She is a union longshoreman by profession.
Public Safety Platform:
Ruiz-Ross does not list her views on public safety or any other issue area on her campaign website.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Registered Nurse
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Jessica Maldonado is a registered nurse by profession who also describes herself as a “faith leader” who has traveled to many parts of the world to volunteer.
Public Safety Platform:
Maldonado has a public safety platform on her campaign website, titled “Restoring Law & Order” where she states: “Public safety is a fundamental right, and it’s time to restore law and order in the South Bay…It’s time to take decisive action to protect our community. I am committed to advocating for stronger laws, supporting our law enforcement, and ensuring that those who commit crimes are held accountable.”
She is endorsed by the California Rifle & Pistol Association.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Small Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Candidate has not raised any campaign funds as of 4/16/26
Background:
George Barks has no campaign website and no information about his background is readily available online.
Public Safety Platform:
Website:
No Website
