Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Community Advocate
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 4/16/26
Background:
Neva Parker is a longtime legislative staffer and small business owner in Placer County. She spent over two decades working in the State Capitol, including roles with the Senate Rules Committee and as Senate Journal Clerk, where she managed official legislative records and processes.
Parker has also operated small businesses in the Roseville area and serves on local advisory commissions focused on community grants and older adults. She is running for Assembly District 5 as a corporate-free candidate, emphasizing her background in public service and connection to the local community.
Public Safety Platform:
Parker outlines a moderate, mixed public safety approach that balances prevention with limited enforcement. She supports funding for treatment programs and local courts tied to Proposition 36, framing public safety through addiction services and community stability. Her platform also emphasizes protecting civil rights and access to essential services, while remaining responsive to voter concerns about safety. Overall, her approach avoids strong positions on policing or incarceration, reflecting a cautious, middle-ground stance.
While her priorities are not in complete alignment with IJ Action, the incumbent in this race has a long history of advocating for more policing and incarceration, therefore, we recommend Parker as the Harm Reduction choice in this race.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Member of State Assembly, 5th District
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Assemblymember Joe Patterson was first elected to the State Assembly in 2022, after serving on the Rocklin City Council for six years and also briefly as Mayor. He has been a vocal opponent of justice reform in the Legislature, earning an “F” on our Scorecard in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Furthermore, he has authored several tough-on-crime bills that IJ Action strongly opposed and helped defeat, such as: AB 1260, which would have created unnecessary requirements for CDCR to notify victims if incarcerated people were being released from prison early due to credit earning and specify which credits they earned; ACA 12 (Alexandra’s Law), a dangerous piece of legislation which would have allowed the courts to charge people who deal fentanyl with manslaughter in the case of overdose; and AB 2470, which would have expanded the Three Strikes Law. He also was one of only a handful of Assemblymembers who did not vote to support SB 245, our co-sponsored bill that created automatic record expungements for formerly incarcerated firefighters.
Public Safety Platform:
Assemblymember Patterson outlines a hardline, tough-on-crime public safety platform centered on expanding law enforcement and increasing punishment. He emphasizes strong support for police, greater resources for law enforcement, and rolling back what he describes as “soft-on-crime” policies to increase accountability and enforcement. His approach prioritizes policing and punishment with no evidence based approaches.
Website:
