We are very fortunate to have three real climate champions in this six-way race. Rather than make an endorsement, we decided to tell you about these three very impressive candidates, and let you decide who to vote for.Â
Here they are (in alphabetical, not priority, order). For clarification, we have used excerpts from a longer quote to form the short version shown next to each candidate.Â
Jovanka Beckles
As a Black, Latinx, Queer, immigrant woman living at the intersection of many marginalized communities, my voice in the environmental movement is desperately needed . . .
I am not beholden to any special interest group and will continue to make sure any piece of legislation I support has non-negative environmental consequences. As I have fought against Big Oil and Chevron in Richmond, I will continue to stand up against polluters and their lobbyists in Sacramento.
Jovanka has served on the Richmond City Council and is currently on the AC Transit Board, where she is working to increase access. She has been a long-time union member, working as a mental health specialist for Contra Costa County for the last 23 years.
Dan Kalb
Climate, clean energy, and related environmental challenges/solutions are my first passion—and have been for much of my adult life. I am committed to leading on meaningful and effective solutions to the serious environmental and climate challenges of today and tomorrow. This means phasing out the refining and burning of fossil fuels, expanding ZEVs, increasing renewable electricity generation and battery storage, instituting green building mandates, reducing food waste, reducing vehicle miles traveled—all in an equitable and just transition.
Prior to being elected to the Oakland City Council in 2012, Dan worked for the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Sierra Club. He has led the Oakland City Council in many initiatives, including opposing coal exports, adopting an all-electric reach code for new buildings, divesting city funds from fossil fuels, expediting permits for rooftop solar, including climate resilience in the city’s general plan, and more!
Kathryn Lybarger
My top priority is to ensure everyone can be part of climate change solutions. That includes building abundant affordable housing and raising wages so all workers can live closer to where they work. As the leader of one of the most diverse labor unions in America (Kathryn headed the 30,000 member AFSCME 3299, and now leads the 2.1 million member California Labor Federation), I will bring in those that have been left out through strong coalition building that centers policy around working families and our communities.
Through her role as a labor leader, Kathryn has worked to build coalitions. She helped create a labor coalition addressing climate and green jobs which has worked to secure job retraining funds and to develop programs, policies, and vision toward a green and just future.
In addition to their commitment to climate and justice, all three candidates are advocates and leaders for the community on issues such as affordable housing, living wages, education, and inclusion.
