Incumbent Grade A

Political Party:

Democrat

Ballot Designation:

Member of the State Assembly, 78th District

Law Enforcement Contributions:

CA Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA)

Background:

 Assemblymember Ward was first elected in 2020 after serving on the San Diego City Council for several years. Ward was also chief of staff to former State Senator Marty Block.

Public Safety Platform:

Assemblymember Ward does not have a written public safety platform on his campaign website, however, his voting record shows strong support for justice reform issues. 

Assemblymember Ward did not vote for AB 1990 or AB 1960, two bills strongly opposed by IJ Action that would have authorized physical custody for shoplifting and created new enhancements for property damage, respectively. Meanwhile, he supported good bills like AB 2178 to reduce prison capacity and AB 2709 to strengthen visitation rights. 

Last year he earned an “A” on the IJ Action Legislative Scorecard, voting yes on all 6 of the bills we prioritized. This year he earned an “A+” thanks to his not voting for AB 1960, which IJ Action strongly opposed. His website describes him as a “Progressive” on other intersecting issues such as the environment and ending homelessness.

Website:

https://voteforward.com/