Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Councilmember/Community Organizer
Law Enforcement Contributions:
None as of 9/16/26
Background:
John Erickson has served on the West Hollywood City Council since 2020. Prior to that, he worked as the Vice President of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.
Public Safety Platform:
IJ Action has endorsed John Erickson for SD 24. In his candidate questionnaire and subsequent interview, Erickson stated his opposition to the Death Penalty, Life Without Parole, the Three Strikes Law, and any attempts to roll back Prop 57. He also expressed support for sentencing reforms, restoring the right to vote to currently incarcerated people, and co-governing with people impacted by incarceration. He has also committed to not take any campaign contributions from law enforcement.
He is endorsed by other progressive allies, such as the California Working Families Party and La Defensa. For these reasons, and given the pro-law enforcement leanings of his opponent, IJ Action is proud to endorse John Erickson for Senate.
Website:
Political Party:
Democrat
Ballot Designation:
Small Business Owner
Law Enforcement Contributions:
Background:
Brian Goldsmith is an attorney who has also worked as a political journalist and a tech business founder.
Public Safety Platform:
On his campaign website, Goldsmith shares that he supports increasing criminal penalties for low-level offenses, stating: “We can’t go back to mass incarceration…but at the same time, we shouldn’t tolerate smash and grabs, property crime, and violent assaults. I supported Prop 36 because I believe the pendulum swung too far in favor of permitting lawlessness.”
He is endorsed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League and tough-on-crime Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Website:
