SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — In California’s crowded race for governor, many gubernatorial candidates have received endorsements from local elected officials and organizations.
The June 2 Primary Election will advance the top two candidates with the most votes to the general election. Despite many local endorsements, neither the San Diego County Republican Party or San Diego County Democratic Party have endorsed a candidate for governor.
Here is how local groups and leaders plan to vote in the gubernatorial election.
Xavier Becerra (D)
Having more than 30 years of experience serving in office, Xavier Becerra is one of the frontrunners in the gubernatorial race. Becerra is the former secretary of Health and Human Services from the Biden administration, California attorney general and served in the state assembly and U.S. House.
“We know that he will fight to make healthcare more affordable, build more housing, expand access to higher education, and defend our state against the authoritarian overreach of the Trump Administration,” San Diego County Young Democrats said in their endorsement.
Gomez Trial Attorneys and Shane Harris meet with Xavier Becerra (833getgomez/shaneharrisnow)
Additionally, Gomez Trial Attorneys recently held a meeting with Becerra and said they are “proud to support his campaign and stand with leadership that understands our communities—because it comes from them.”
Endorsements:
Assemblymember David Alvarez
Assemblymember Dr. Darshana R. Patel
San Diego County Young Democrats
San Diego Triton Democrats (UC San Diego)
San Diego Democrats for Equality
Former Mayor of Chula Vista Mary Salas
La Mesa City Councilmember Patricia Dillard
La Mesa City Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki
Tom Steyer (D)
California billionaire turned climate advocate Tom Steyer is also among those leading the race for California governor. During the gubernatorial race, Steyer has held multiple campaign events in San Diego.
Assemblymember Chris Ward explains why he endorsed Tom Steyer for California governor at a San Diego town hall. (KSWB/KUSI)
Toni Atkins, former gubernatorial candidate and state senator from San Diego County, is among locals who have endorsed Steyer.
“Having led both houses of the state legislature, I know what it takes to work in true partnership to get things done,” Atkins said. “California needs a governor who is both principled and effective, and Tom Steyer is that leader.”
Assemblymember Chris Ward said he is backing Steyer’s run for governor because “across the board: on substance, on style, and on a commitment to public service — Tom Steyer is the right choice.”
Endorsements:
Former Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni Atkins
Assemblymember Chris Ward
Assemblymember Tasha Boerner
Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins
Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce
San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
Black Americans Political Action Committee San Diego (BAPAC SD)
Uptown Democratic Club of San Diego
Steve Hilton (R)
Current frontrunner in the governor’s race, Steve Hilton is a former Fox News host and has political experience helping elect United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron.
Reform California and its founder, Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, are supporting both leading republican candidates, Hilton and Chad Bianco, for governor. The organization refers to both candidates as “good men.”
The group recommends voters view the latest polling to ensure republicans are not locked out of the general election.
Chad Bianco (R)
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is the second leading republican in the governor’s race. Bianco was first elected in 2018 and is a 30-year police veteran. Aside from their endorsement, Bianco was granted a $25,000 campaign contribution from the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County, according to their endorsement letter.
“We strongly recommend that voters review the latest polling on this race to unite behind whichever candidate is in the lead and has the best chance to make it into the runoff,” Reform California shared in their voter guide.
Endorsements:
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County
Katie Porter (D)
University of California, Irvine Educator and former Congresswoman Katie Porter has been endorsed by the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council. The council gave their endorsement to three different candidates that they believe would be best for office. Additionally, Porter has been endorsed by statewide unions that have a presence in San Diego, such as UNAC/UHCP and UAW.
Endorsements:
San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
What to know ahead of the Primary Election: Your voter guide for San Diego County
Antonio Villaraigosa (D)
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa additionally received an endorsement from the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council. He has also received endorsements from statewide labor unions.
Endorsements:
San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
Matt Mahan (D)
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is endorsed by State Senator Catherine Blakespear. Mahan is a vocal supporter of Prop. 36, often disagreeing with Governor Gavin Newsom on the issue.
“I’ve become deeply frustrated by the lack of progress in ending the humanitarian crisis on our streets, but Matt Mahan is a leader who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo to get results,” Blakespear said in her endorsement.
Endorsements:
State Senator Catherine Blakespear
What to know about the race to find Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successor
Tony Thurmond (D)
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond speaks outside of Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School on the first day of school, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Chula Vista, Calif. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Despite low polling, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has received a significant number of endorsements from local educators. He was elected state superintendent of public instruction in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. His campaign website states he has prioritized “investments in public education.”
Endorsements:
San Diego Community College District President Dr. Marìa Nieto Senuor
San Diego Community College District Trustee Geysil Arroyo
San Diego County Board of Education Trustee Dr. Gregg Robinson
San Diego Unified School District Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst Payne
San Diego Unified School District Trustee Richard Barrera
San Diego Unified School District Trustee Sabrina Bazzo
Chula Vista Elementary School District Trustee Kate Bishop
Chula Vista Elementary School District Trustee Cesar Fernandez
Vista Unified School District Board President Martha Alvarado
Oceanside Unified School District Board President Raquel Alvarez
Oceanside School District Trustee Eleanor Evans
Oceanside Unified School District Trustee Nancy Licona
Sweetwater Union Trustee Nicholas Segura
Sweetwater Union Trustee Paula Hall (Ret.)
Sweetwater Union High School District Dr. Adrian Arancibia
Sweetwater Union High School District Trustee Elva Lopez-Zepeda
San Ysidro School District Trustee Antonio Martinez
San Ysidro School District Delegate Rudy Lopez
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