Lorena Gonzalez Supports Dave Jones

In a significant boost to his campaign for State Senate, Dave Jones has secured the endorsement of State Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, a widely respected progressive leader known for her groundbreaking work on behalf of working families, women, and communities of color. The announcement, made today in Sacramento, adds Gonzalez to a rapidly growing coalition of elected officials, community leaders, and organizations rallying behind Jones's candidacy. Her support underscores Jones's long record of fighting for economic and social justice and signals strong momentum as the race heats up.

A Champion for Working Families Stands with Dave Jones

Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez has built a national reputation as a pragmatic progressive who turns bold ideas into law. Her endorsement of Dave Jones is rooted in a shared commitment to lifting up those too often left behind. In announcing her support, Gonzalez highlighted Jones's unwavering dedication to the causes that matter most to California's working and middle classes.

"Dave Jones has consistently fought for women, communities of color, and working families," Gonzalez said. "Dave has stood up to special interests on behalf of working families and won time and time again. We need Dave Jones's leadership in the state legislature. I am proud to support Dave Jones for Senate."

"Dave Jones has consistently fought for women, communities of color, and working families. Dave has stood up to special interests on behalf of working families and won time and time again." — Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez

Lorena Gonzalez: A Trailblazer for Progressive Change

Lorena Gonzalez's own career is a testament to the power of determined advocacy. First elected to the State Assembly in May 2013, she quickly became known for legislation that addresses real-life struggles. The Atlantic magazine dubbed her "The California Democrat setting the National Agenda" for her practical, progressive approach to policy. Her landmark achievements include authoring the bill that made California the first state in the nation to guarantee paid sick leave for 6.5 million workers, a model later emulated across the country. She also led the fight to secure overtime pay for farmworkers, a historic victory for agricultural laborers who had been excluded from federal labor protections for decades.

Gonzalez's legislative record extends to protecting some of the most vulnerable workers in the state. She authored measures to shield janitorial workers from sexual assault and to provide basic labor protections for professional cheerleaders. Her work reflects a deep understanding that economic security and personal safety are intertwined, and that government can be a force for dignity in the workplace.

A Leader with Deep Roots in the Labor Movement

Before entering elected office, Gonzalez was a formidable labor organizer. She made history as the first woman and first person of color to serve as CEO and Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO. In that role, she fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize, building coalitions that spanned industries and communities. That experience shaped her legislative priorities and gave her a unique perspective on the challenges facing working families.

In the Assembly, Gonzalez has continued to break barriers. Since 2016, she has chaired the powerful Assembly Appropriations Committee, becoming the first Latina in California history to hold that position. She previously chaired the Latino Legislative Caucus and currently leads the "Unseen Latinas" initiative, which seeks to elevate the voices and address the needs of Latina women who are often overlooked in policy discussions. Her endorsement of Dave Jones carries significant weight among progressive voters and grassroots activists across the state.

Dave Jones: A Lifetime of Service and Results

Dave Jones's career has been defined by a commitment to justice and public service. He began as a legal aid attorney, providing free legal assistance to low-income clients with Legal Services of Northern California. In 1995, he was selected as one of only 13 Americans to receive the prestigious White House Fellowship, a testament to his early promise as a leader. He went on to serve as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno, where he gained invaluable experience in federal law and policy.

Jones's record in local and state government is equally impressive. As a Sacramento City Councilmember from 1999 to 2004, he authored groundbreaking laws requiring developers to build more affordable housing, mandating a living wage for workers, and recognizing domestic partnerships. In the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010, he chaired the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, where he fought to expand access to healthcare and protect consumers.

Why This Endorsement Matters

Endorsements from leaders like Lorena Gonzalez are more than symbolic; they signal to voters where a candidate stands on the issues that define our times. Gonzalez's support is a clear indication that Dave Jones is the candidate who will champion policies that benefit working families, protect vulnerable workers, and advance social and economic justice. Her own legislative victories—paid sick leave, overtime for farmworkers, protections for janitors and cheerleaders—are the kind of concrete, life-changing policies that Jones has fought for throughout his career.

This endorsement also highlights the breadth of Jones's coalition. He has already earned the backing of other prominent leaders, including Congressmember Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Katie Porter, and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. Together, these endorsements reflect a shared belief that Jones has the experience, values, and vision to be an effective State Senator.

A Growing Movement for Change

As the campaign moves forward, Dave Jones continues to build momentum across the district. The endorsement from Lorena Gonzalez adds to a growing list of supporters that includes environmental champions like Fran Pavley, statewide leaders like Fiona Ma, and respected former lawmakers like Helen Thomson. Each endorsement reinforces the central message of the campaign: Dave Jones is a proven fighter who will stand up to special interests and deliver for the people of California.

With leaders like Lorena Gonzalez in his corner, Dave Jones is well-positioned to win and to continue the fight for a fairer, more just California. Her endorsement is not just a statement of support; it is a call to action for all who believe in a government that works for everyone, not just the powerful few.