California Archives - Endorsements

Ro Khanna

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Ro Khanna for Congress!

Meet Ro Khanna

Congressman Ro Khanna represents California’s 17th District, located in Silicon Valley, in his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected in 2016, Khanna is a progressive leader focused on creating good jobs, promoting innovation, and driving economic opportunities across the country. He currently serves as Chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on the Environment and is a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform, Agriculture, and Armed Services Committees. Additionally, Khanna holds leadership roles within the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the House Caucus on Indian Americans.

Leadership and Legislative Achievements

Khanna has been a champion for progressive policies in Congress. He co-authored the Endless Frontier Act, which laid the groundwork for the CHIPS and Science Act, ensuring U.S. leadership in science and technology. As Chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on the Environment, Khanna brought major fossil fuel CEOs before Congress to testify about climate disinformation, a historic moment in environmental accountability. He also played a key role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act and has championed Medicare for All, term limits for Supreme Court Justices, and campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of big money in politics.

Background and Public Service

Before entering Congress, Khanna was a lecturer at Stanford University and an adjunct professor at Santa Clara Law School. He served on California’s Workforce Development Board and on the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. In 2009, President Obama appointed him as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he led clean technology trade missions and promoted American manufacturing. Inspired by his grandfather’s involvement in Gandhi’s independence movement in India, Khanna remains dedicated to public service and advancing the American Dream.

Khanna holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Yale University. He and his wife, Ritu, live in Fremont, California, with their two children.

Mike Levin

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Mike Levin for Congress!

Meet Mike Levin

Mike Levin is deeply committed to the people of South Orange County, where he was raised by a Mexican-American mother and a Jewish-American father. As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, Mike’s diverse background has shaped his values of hard work and service. He attended public schools in South Orange County and later graduated from Loyola High School in Los Angeles. Mike earned his degree from Stanford University, where he served as student body president, and later attended Duke University School of Law after completing the Coro Fellows Program.

Leader in Clean Energy and Environmental Advocacy

Mike Levin’s professional career has been defined by his passion for environmental justice and clean energy. As an attorney, he specialized in environmental and energy regulatory compliance, working to accelerate the nation’s transition to sustainable power and transportation. He served on the board of the Center for Sustainable Energy and co-founded Sustain OC in Orange County. Mike’s dedication to climate action led him to become a leader on clean energy policy in Congress, where he serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He has introduced legislation aimed at transitioning the U.S. to zero-emission vehicles, expanding renewable energy, and preventing future offshore oil drilling.

Advocate for Veterans and Families

In addition to his environmental work, Mike Levin is also a fierce advocate for veterans. He serves on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, leading efforts to improve veterans’ housing, employment, and benefits programs. As the leading Democrat on the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mike has introduced dozens of bipartisan bills focused on strengthening services for veterans and combating veteran homelessness. More than two dozen of his legislative efforts have been signed into law.

Mike lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife, Chrissy, and their two children, where they continue to be active members of their community.

Joe Kerr

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Joe Kerr for Congress!

Meet Joe Kerr

Joe Kerr is a second-generation firefighter who dedicated 34 years of service as a Fire Captain with the Orange County Fire Authority. As the first President of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, a role he held for 17 years, Joe has been a relentless advocate for firefighters and first responders. He has also served as Vice President of the California Professional Firefighters and the Orange County Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO). Over his career, Joe has responded to nearly every major disaster in Orange County, demonstrating his deep commitment to public safety and service.

Getting Things Done

As a labor leader, Joe successfully advocated for the passage of over 200 bills and initiatives signed into law by five governors and two presidents. These laws tackled critical issues such as public safety, climate change, and workers’ rights. When first responders needed a new healthcare system, Joe took the lead in creating one that improved benefits and reduced costs without raising taxes. His leadership also extended to balancing the Orange County Fire Authority’s $500 million annual budget for three consecutive years, and securing the refund of $600 million in Vehicle License Fees to Orange County taxpayers. Joe’s proven ability to solve complex issues makes him well-prepared to take on national challenges in Congress.

A Decorated Firefighter

Joe Kerr’s career as a firefighter is marked by numerous accolades. He was named Fireman of the Year by the Cypress Fire Department in 1979, Overachiever of the Year by the Orange County Firemen’s Association in 1984, and Fire Captain of the Year in 1986. Notably, Joe received a Certificate of Merit from the Orange County Board of Supervisors for his role in responding to the 1981 Air California jetliner crash at John Wayne Airport. In 1999, he was awarded the Courage Under Fire Award for rescuing and reviving a non-breathing occupant trapped in a fire. Even after retirement, Joe’s commitment to public safety continued, earning him recognition for saving a baby from drowning in 2012.

Will Rollins

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Will Rollins for Congress!

Meet Will Rollins

Will Rollins, a former federal prosecutor specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence in Southern California, is running for Congress. Coming from a family of both Republicans and Democrats, he aims to address ongoing threats to democracy and fight corruption, countering the extremism and divisiveness exacerbated by Ken Calvert’s record.

Legal Career

After attending Dartmouth and Columbia Law School, Will clerked for two federal judges in California. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he tackled white-collar crime, including prosecuting a Ponzi scheme organizer and a corrupt physician. Later, he joined the National Security Division, prosecuting significant cases like the export of missile guidance microchips to China, violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran, an attack at the Port of Los Angeles by a QAnon follower, and insurrectionists from the January 6th Capitol attack.

Southern California Roots

Will’s grandparents, WWII veterans, started a small business in Southern California that still operates today, manufacturing parts for U.S. fighter jets and commercial aircraft. Growing up, Will saw the effects of government-sponsored discrimination on all Americans, our economy, and national security. At a time when being gay was a crime in some states, he considered enlisting in the military after 9/11 but was deterred by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Instead, Will found his path in counterterrorism through law enforcement, inspired by his parents—his mother a public defender and his father a journalist—who instilled the importance of justice and free speech.

Will Rollins’ Bid for Congress

Will Rollins is running for Congress to serve California’s 41st district. He believes in bringing justice and accountability back to Washington. He seeks to end toxic divisions, combat corruption, and ensure that Congress works for the benefit of working families. Will’s commitment to public service is driven by the values his family instilled in him and his experiences as a federal prosecutor. He aims to represent his district with integrity and a focus on improving the lives of his constituents, advocating for a government that truly serves its people.

Dave Min

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Dave Min for Congress!

Dave Min’s Background and Early Life

Dave Min is a first-generation Korean American whose parents emigrated from Korea in 1971. They settled in California, where they raised Dave and his brother. Dave’s early career included roles as an enforcement attorney at the SEC, an economic advisor to Senator Chuck Schumer, and the economic policy director at the Center for American Progress. He later returned to California as a business law professor at UC Irvine School of Law.

Dave Min’s Personal Life

Dave met his wife Jane at Harvard Law School. Jane teaches Family Law, runs the Domestic Violence Clinic, and founded UC Irvine’s Initiative to End Family Violence. Together, they have passed eight bills protecting domestic violence survivors. They are raising their three children in Irvine, appreciating the district’s vibrance, diversity, and excellent weather.

Dave Min’s Accomplishments in the State Senate

Dave Min serves Orange County in the California State Senate. Over the past three years, he has ended gun shows at the Orange County Fairgrounds, secured $2.1 billion in COVID-19 relief grants for small businesses, and made California the first state to recognize reproductive coercion as domestic violence. He has also secured nearly $80 million for wildfire prevention, outdoor space preservation, and green innovation. As a State Senator, Dave has focused on critical issues affecting Orange County and California. His efforts include ending gun shows at the fairgrounds, securing COVID-19 relief funds, and recognizing reproductive coercion as domestic violence. Additionally, he has addressed climate change by obtaining significant funding for wildfire prevention, outdoor space preservation, and green innovation.

Dave Min’s Bid for Congress

Dave Min is running for Congress to ensure California remains a place where everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream. His priorities include safeguarding the environment, promoting education, and ensuring the safety of children. He aims to bring the spirit of openness and innovation to Washington, representing the best of California and America.

Rudy Salas

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Rudy Salas for Congress!

Early Life and Education

Rudy Salas, a lifelong resident of the Central Valley, has a deep connection to his community. He grew up working alongside his father in the fields, which instilled in him a strong work ethic. Salas later attended UCLA, where he furthered his education and developed the skills that would pave the way for his political career. He made history by becoming the first Latino Bakersfield City Council-member in the city’s 112-year history, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

Legislative Career

In his five terms as a member of the California State Assembly, Salas has been a dedicated advocate for Central Valley families. His legislative efforts have been focused on several key areas, including public safety, workforce development, veterans’ and workers’ rights, clean water infrastructure, and support for small businesses. Salas has consistently worked to address the needs of his constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

Rudy Salas’ Key Achievements

One of Salas’s most notable achievements came in his final term, where he secured $50 million for various projects in the Central Valley. These funds were allocated to expand local nursing programs, construct an emergency response center, a cooling center, and a clean water well, as well as a new building at Bakersfield College’s Delano campus. Additionally, Salas played a crucial role in saving Kern Medical Hospital from closure, ensuring that it remained open to serve the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was instrumental in providing small business assistance and distributing protective equipment to residents and frontline workers.

Rudy Salas’ Congressional Bid

Rudy Salas is now setting his sights on a new challenge: flipping California’s 22nd Congressional District. His goal is to ensure that the residents of the Central Valley have a strong and respected voice in Washington, D.C. Salas’s extensive experience and commitment to his community make him a formidable candidate, ready to fight for the needs and rights of his constituents at the national level. He aims to bring the same dedication and advocacy to Congress that he has demonstrated throughout his career in the State Assembly.

Derek Tran

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Derek Tran for Congress!

Derek Tran’s Early Life and Background

Derek Tran is an Army Veteran, Consumer Rights Attorney, City Commissioner, and Small Business Owner running for Congress to represent Californians, not corporations. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, Derek’s upbringing in Southern California was marked by hard work and sacrifice. His parents opened a corner market where Derek worked every day after school.

Derek Tran’s Military and Legal Career

At 18, Derek enlisted in the Army to give back to the country that gave his family so much. In the military, partisan divisions didn’t matter—everyone worked together to get the job done. Derek aims to bring this collaborative spirit to Congress. After his military service, he attended law school to uphold the rights and liberties his parents valued. Derek chose to start his own law practice in Orange County, focusing on fighting for immigrants, workers, sexual harassment survivors, and consumers rather than pursuing high-paying corporate law jobs.

Derek Tran’s Advocacy and Public Service

Derek has been a staunch advocate for holding corporations accountable, ensuring justice for individuals rather than special interests. Recognizing Southern California’s significant infrastructure and environmental challenges, he served on the Orange Traffic Commission to help address transportation and highway planning. In Congress, Derek plans to secure infrastructure funding for clean energy jobs, public transit, and reducing traffic, directly combating climate change.

Derek Tran’s Personal Life and Community Involvement

Derek is married to Michelle, a pharmacist from Garden Grove. Together, they run a pharmacy in Orange County, helping local businesses and residents during the pandemic through vaccinations and testing. They understand the challenges families face with high drug prices and healthcare costs. In Congress, Derek will work to lower prescription drug prices, protect reproductive rights, and expand healthcare coverage.

Derek and Michelle have three children who attend public schools, and Derek instills the values of hard work, patriotism, and service in them. He also serves on the board of Consumers Attorneys of California and mentors at-risk youth at Sunburst Academy, continuing his commitment to community service and leadership.

Derek Tran’s Bid for Congress

Derek Tran is running for Congress with a commitment to represent the interests of Californians over corporate interests. He plans to bring his military experience of bipartisan collaboration to the legislative process, ensuring effective governance. Derek’s focus includes lowering prescription drug prices, protecting women’s reproductive rights, expanding healthcare coverage, and securing infrastructure investments for Southern California. His campaign emphasizes justice for individuals, environmental sustainability, and economic development, aiming to address the pressing needs of his community.

Adam Gray

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Adam Gray for Congress!

Meet Adam Gray

Born and raised in Merced, Adam Gray worked in his family’s dairy supply and feed store. During the Great Recession, he decided to be part of the solution by running for the State Assembly, where he represented Merced and Stanislaus Counties for a decade, starting in 2012.

Adam Gray’s Legislative Career

In the State Legislature, Adam championed bipartisan, commonsense solutions. He led the New Democratic Caucus and founded the California Problem Solvers Caucus, addressing critical issues like homelessness, the pandemic, and drought.

Adam Gray’s Water Rights Advocacy

Adam led the fight against the State Water Grab, organizing significant rallies and passing legislation to block harmful initiatives. His efforts resulted in nearly $3 billion for new water storage, $200 million for canal repairs, and $60 million for groundwater basin support.

Adam Gray’s Healthcare and Public Safety Initiatives

To address the shortage of doctors, Adam secured over $200 million for a joint medical school at UC Merced and UCSF-Fresno, enrolling its first class in 2023. He also passed legislation to extend rural health clinic hours. During Merced County’s peak murder rate, he secured $4.5 million for a gang violence reduction program, resulting in significant arrests and ammunition seizures. Additionally, he passed laws to curb catalytic converter theft and increase penalties for shoplifting rings.

Adam Gray’s Infrastructure and Economic Contributions

Adam secured $400 million to extend the ACE train to Modesto and Merced, and passed legislation to protect funding for county fairs and FFA programs. He also increased tax credits for small businesses and eliminated the Tractor Tax on farm equipment before his election to the Legislature.

Adam Gray’s Bid for Congress

Adam Gray has consistently fought and delivered for the Valley, prioritizing community needs over partisan politics. If elected to Congress, he will continue this dedication. The 13th Congressional District includes all of Merced County and parts of Stanislaus, Madera, Fresno, and San Joaquin counties. Adam lives in the district, runs a small business, actively fights against the Water Grab, and teaches a class on the Legislature at UC Merced.