Senate District 17
RECOMMENDED
John Laird (D)
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
California State Senator
Law Enforcement Contributions:
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA PAC)
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC PAC)
California Association of Highway Patrolmen PAC
Background:
Senator Laird has been in the public eye since 1981, when he was first elected to Santa Cruz City Council, and later served as the city’s Mayor. He then served in the Assembly and became Secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency from 2011 to 2019. He was elected to the State Senate in 2020.
Public Safety Platform:
Senator Laird does not have a written public safety platform, but has generally voted in favor of progressive criminal justice reform and received an A in our Legislative Scorecard in 2023 and 2024. He is seen widely as a very progressive leader, championing environmental justice and LGBTQ rights issues. He is endorsed by many progressive leaders and organizations, such as former Assemblymember Mark Stone and Assemblymember Ash Kalra.
However, Senator Laird has also received significant campaign contributions from law enforcement and is endorsed by Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart. Nevertheless, IJ Action encourages SD 17 voters to support Senator Laird in this race given the extremist views of his opponent and his strong progressive background.
Website:
Political Party:
Republican
Ballot Designation:
Veterans Advocate / Father
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Salinas Police Benefit Association
Background:
Virrueta is a retired U.S. Army Ranger and Special Forces instructor, and founder of the Salinas Veterans Day Parade.
Public Safety Platform:
Virrueta does not have a policy platform but is endorsed by the Salinas Police Officers Association. In a press release on his website, Virrueta criticizes how the incumbent, John Laird, voted against SB 44 (Alexandra’s Law) which would have escalated criminal penalties for fentanyl dealers, stating: “Our Central Coast incumbent senator was a member of this key committee, and he failed to be a sponsor or supporter of this key bill, which would escalate penalties for fentanyl traffickers, where a young person died from the trafficking. Presently a fentanyl trafficker or gang member only gets a slap on the wrist for selling fentanyl to a young person, who dies from the dose.”
Website: