Bike-Friendly Candidates Elected in California Races
CalBike endorsed eight candidates for the state legislature and one bike champion in a county race, and seven of those nine candidates won their races.
California State Assembly gets five new bike champions
In the Assembly, we’re excited to welcome five new active transportation supporters that CalBike endorsed:
- Catherine Stefani, Assembly District 19: San Francisco
- Nick Schultz, Assembly District 44: Burbank
- Robert Garcia, Assembly District 50: Rialto
- Jessica Caloza, Assembly District 52: Los Angeles
- Sade Elhawary, Assembly District 57: Los Angeles.
We look forward to working with these new members and the fresh perspectives they will bring to the legislative process.
Unfortunately, Colin Parent, who we endorsed for Assembly District 79 in La Mesa, has lost. Clarissa Cervantes in Assembly District 58, Corona, is behind her opponent, but the race is very close, ballots are still being counted, and the margin is getting smaller, so we’re still keeping our eye on this race.
A new ally in the Senate
Our endorsed candidate for Senate District 25, Sasha Renée Pérez, will join the California State Senate when the new session begins in a few weeks. Pérez is a strong ally who wants our state to get serious about addressing the state’s housing crisis if we intend to tackle the climate crisis. She told CalBike that active transportation and public transportation funding will be one of her top priorities, and we look forward to working with her.
The Bike Mayor becomes a county supervisor
John Bauters was dubbed the “Bike Mayor” during his time on the Emeryville City Council (the mayor position rotates among council members). He is famous for getting to regional commission meetings by bike and documenting his travels on his prolific Twitter feed.
CalBike endorsed Bauters for Alameda County District Supervisor because of his track record of bringing safer streets in Emeryville. He appears to have won in a close race for the seat. We’re glad to have an active transportation and affordable housing champion in this position.
Thank you to those of you who volunteered for, donated to, or voted for these candidates.