While 2024 marks an important election year, at Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest we are invested in the future of our communities for years to come – no matter what.
We understand that voting for and championing candidates who will fight for access to health care, comprehensive sex ed, and reproductive rights in the upcoming November 5, 2024 General Election and beyond will be crucial for the well-being of our communities.
2024 Official Primary Election Results
Congratulations to the following Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest-endorsed and 100% pro-Planned Parenthood rated candidates. With your help, we were able to support the following candidates during the March 5, 2024 Primary Election – it is because of your vote and your advocacy efforts that their seats have either been secured, or have advanced and will be on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024:
Federal Races:
Joseph Biden*
Dr. Raul Ruiz*
Mark Takano*
Will Rollins
Mike Levin*
Scott Peters*
Sara Jacobs*
Juan Vargas*
California State Legislature Races:
Lisa Middleton
Sabrina Cervantes
Dr. Akilah Weber
Christy Holstege
Corey Jackson*
Chris Duncan
Dr. Darshana Patel
Tasha Boerner*
Chris Ward*
David Alvarez*
Local Riverside County Races:
Jose Medina
Richard Roth
Jamie Azpeitia-Sachs*
Local San Diego County Races:
Nora Vargas*
Terra Lawson-Remer*
Sabrina Bazzo*
Richard Barrera*
Leticia Munguia
Todd Gloria*
Brian Maienschein
Joe LaCava*
Marni von Wilpert*
Raul Campillo*
Sean Elo-Rivera*
Ballot Initiatives:
Prop 1 - Passed
*denotes incumbent
Visit electionresults.sos.ca.gov for official March 5, 2024 Primary Election results.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest Opposed City of Calexico Recall
In a special election on April 16th, voters in the City of Calexico were asked whether or not to recall democratically-elected Councilmembers Raul Ureña and Gilberto Manzanarez. The Action Fund strongly opposed the baseless and unnecessary recall, urging voters to vote “No.”
And despite our best efforts, the recall passed. We are grateful to all who voted against the City of Calexico recall on April 16th and made it clear that baseless, anti-trans rhetoric has no place anywhere – especially in the City of Calexico.
Thank you for casting your ballots against the recall, and signaling your belief in continuity, stability, and the democratic process. Together, we have ignited conversations, sparked change, and laid the groundwork for continued action.
At Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, we affirm that all people and residents of Calexico deserve affirming and inclusive spaces to live, thrive, and be their full, authentic selves – free from harmful anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Councilmember Raul Ureña was Calexico’s first openly transgender representative. They were first elected in 2020 to fill the seat of a discharged city council member who was convicted of federal bribery charges. Ureña made an immediate impact, bringing forward reforms and restoring the reputation of the office. Councilmember Gilberto Manzanarez was first elected in 2022.
Together the councilmembers spearheaded progressive change in the city, stabilizing the budget, establishing an on-demand microtransit program, and securing nearly $13 million in grant funding for a downtown transportation hub.
Despite this temporary setback, we recommit to electing champions of reproductive health and rights – candidates who will fight to maintain access to health care, comprehensive sex ed, and reproductive rights in our communities, no matter what.
To continue supporting organizing efforts in Calexico, and across Imperial County, please email [email protected].
Run for Something
At a time when sexual and reproductive health care is under attack like never before – your vote, your voice and your vision matter. Reproductive rights champions should be running for office, at every level of government – from local commissions and school boards, to the topmost arenas of California’s state legislature. Read on for information about running for office in your region, how to secure Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest’s endorsement, and dates that should be on your radar.
Open Seats in Southern California
At Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, we work to advance sexual and reproductive health and justice through advocacy, action, and education. Indeed, Californians work hard to have strong reproductive justice champions in our state and in our region. In November of 2022, California voters codified the right abortion and access to contraception through the passage of Proposition 1 which amended the California state constitution – prohibiting the state from interfering with or denying a person’s reproductive freedom, including the right to an abortion or access to contraception.
We know that when abortion is on the ballot, Californians turn out to the polls. It is our hope to continue to build a pipeline of leaders who will stand strong in support and defense of everyone's right to keep their health care decisions between them and their health care provider.
And we want you to consider running for office, too.
Did you know?
- As of June of 2023, and since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, over 1,500 legislators across the United States are responsible for a patchwork of harmful abortion restrictions and outright bans across the country.
- For four consecutive years, the number of anti-trans bills considered across the U.S. has broken records. Already tin 2024, more than 500 anti-trans bills have been introduced. This unprecedented, rapid increase in attacks on LGBTQ+ rights across the nation has had devastating consequences for trans people, and trans youth in particular – even in California.
- Elections can have a big impact on our day-to-day lives: from issues ranging from affordable housing, to comprehensive sex ed, to funding for libraries and parks, to policies that protect LGBTQ+ students in schools, and more are decided by the people we elect to federal, state and local office.
- Historically marginalized groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, often face barriers to representation in government. Running for office offers an opportunity to challenge these barriers and pave the way for more diverse and inclusive political leadership.
- Running for office provides a platform to address pressing issues and effect meaningful change within communities. Elected officials have the power to shape policies that directly impact the lives of constituents, making a tangible difference in areas such as education, infrastructure, and social justice.
At Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, we believe in building a world where all people have access to the health care they need and deserve regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, or ability. We are thrilled that you would consider fighting alongside us until all people have the right, access, and autonomy to decide what is best for their health, lives, and futures.
We need reproductive rights champions to fight to protect reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and the rights of all people.
Quick Facts: Running for Office in California
In general, you will need to be a registered voter living within the boundaries of the district in which you wish to become a candidate. The only exceptions to this rule are for federal (US Senator and US Representative in Congress) and judicial candidates, however, those elected to US Senate or Congress must reside in the state while serving. There are certain offices where the requirements are more stringent (minimum days of residency, obtaining a degree or having years of experience, etc.). Under the California Education Code, an employee of a school or community college district may not be elected to office in the same district they are employed. For further information, please contact the Candidate Services Division, or the District Office that you are interested in.
Interested candidates must file paperwork and take an oath in order to have their name placed on the ballot. Types of nomination documents are: Declaration of Candidacy, Ballot Designation Worksheet, Declaration of Intent, Nomination Papers, and Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications (and fee, if applicable).
Some candidates will be required to submit additional nomination documents and pay filing fees which may be reduced by collecting signatures. For example, a candidate seeking the office of Superior Court Judge will be required to pay a filing fee, file a Declaration of Intent, submit proof of qualifications under Elections Code Section 13.5 and collect nomination signatures in addition to other paperwork, while a candidate running for school board governing member will not have those requirements.
Dates and Deadlines
The candidate filing period is established by law (California Elections Code) and begins on the 113th day and ends on the 88th day prior to the day of the election when the offices will appear on the ballot. However, some offices have additional filing requirements that must be met earlier. For more information, please contact the Candidate Services Division.
General candidate filing period will end on the 88th day prior to the scheduled election. The office of the Registrar of Voters remains open until 5:00 PM on the 88th day. All interested candidates who file with the Registrar of Voters must meet this deadline. If you are seeking election to an office where the Registrar of Voters is NOT the filing official, such as the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District or for a city within the County, you should contact that filing official to confirm their normal business hours.
Resources
Please visit the State of California’s Candidate Information site for the most up-to-date information.
Visit wherecanirun.org to find a seat in your district.
Download the State of California’s Fair Political Practices Commission Local Candidate/Committee Checklist.
Candidates seeking Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest’s endorsement should visit voteforchoice.org/endorsements, and must complete and return the following questionnaire. Please note that endorsements are for the 2024 general election cycle only. We endorse candidates for public office who share and promote our values. Therefore, we reserve the right to rescind an endorsement at any time if a candidate fails to uphold the principles we adhere to.
Average time to complete the questionnaire is 33 minutes. If you have further questions please email [email protected].
Communities for Health Education
Maybe running for office is not for you. There are many other ways to advocate for our communities. We would like to extend an invitation to join our Communities for Health Education program, which aims to train and equip people to become knowledgeable and confident sex education advocates in their communities.
Did you know there is a law in California – the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) – that requires that students from 7th through 12th grade receive comprehensive sexual health education and HIV-prevention education?
Research shows that young people with access to the information they need make more informed decisions about their health, relationships, and their future. Students have the right to inclusive and comprehensive sex education that teaches them about anatomy, healthy relationships, consent, STI and HIV prevention, and more.
The problem is that public schools across California are failing to comply with the California Healthy Youth Act, which means young people are not getting the information and education they need and deserve. We need champions for health education who are ready to step up and advocate for comprehensive sex education.
Become an Ambassador today. We'll provide comprehensive training, resources, and ongoing support to help you become a confident and effective member of Communities for Health Education! Anyone residing throughout Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego counties, who has a passion for access to comprehensive and inclusive sex education and a desire to make a positive impact in their community is welcome. No prior experience is necessary!
To learn more, and get involved, email [email protected].
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