In California's State Senate District 8, voters are witnessing a textbook example of corporate money trying to buy an election. Big Oil and its allies have poured more than $4,000,000 into supporting Angelique Ashby and attacking Dave Jones with a barrage of misleading ads. These are not just ordinary political attacks—they are a coordinated effort by one of the most powerful industries in the world to silence a proven environmental champion and install a candidate who will do their bidding.
Big Oil's $4 Million Attack Machine
The scale of spending in this race is staggering. Big Oil companies and their political allies have spent over four million dollars to defeat Dave Jones and elect Angelique Ashby. This money has funded a relentless stream of television commercials, mailers, and digital ads that distort Dave's record and outright lie about his positions. The reason is simple: Dave Jones has a long history of standing up to polluters and fighting for clean air, clean water, and environmental justice. Big Oil knows that Dave will be a thorn in their side in the State Senate, and they are willing to spend whatever it takes to stop him.
These attacks are not coming from concerned citizens or grassroots organizations. They are funded by oil companies and their front groups, which hide behind innocuous-sounding names to avoid accountability. The ads are designed to confuse voters and create doubt about Dave's progressive credentials. But when you look at the facts, the truth is clear: Dave Jones is the only candidate in this race with a proven record of taking on Big Oil and winning.
Dave's Environmental Record: A Legacy of Action
Dave Jones has spent his entire career fighting for the environment. As a member of the State Assembly and later as California's Insurance Commissioner, he consistently prioritized the health of our planet and its people over the profits of polluters. His record on climate change, natural resources, environmental justice, and clean air and water speaks for itself.
Climate Change
Dave understands that climate change is an existential threat, and he has acted accordingly. In the Assembly, he supported landmark legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. He knows that California must lead the way in transitioning to a clean energy economy, not just for the sake of our environment but for the sake of our economy and public health. Unlike his opponent, who has accepted Big Oil's money, Dave has never been afraid to stand up to the fossil fuel industry.
Natural Resources & Wildlife
Dave has been a steadfast defender of California's natural beauty and biodiversity. He has fought to protect our forests, rivers, and coastlines from exploitation. He understands that our natural resources are not just economic assets but part of our heritage and identity. Dave has consistently voted to fund conservation programs and to hold polluters accountable for damaging our wild places.
Environmental Justice
Dave knows that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by pollution. He has been a champion for environmental justice, fighting to ensure that no community is forced to bear the burden of toxic air, contaminated water, or hazardous waste. He has worked to give communities a voice in decisions that affect their health and environment.
Clean Air & Water
Dave has always prioritized the health of Californians over the profits of polluters. He has supported strong regulations on air and water quality, and he has fought against attempts to weaken environmental protections. He believes that every Californian has a right to breathe clean air and drink clean water, regardless of their zip code.
"Big Oil is spending millions to lie about Dave Jones because they know he will fight for our environment and our health—not their bottom line."
Fact Check: The Lies Big Oil Is Pumping Out
Let's set the record straight on the false attacks being leveled against Dave Jones. These are not differences of opinion; they are deliberate distortions designed to mislead voters.
Lie #1: Dave Supports "Taking Away Medicare"
One of the most absurd claims is that Dave supports taking away Medicare by establishing a government-run healthcare system. This is a flat-out lie. Dave strongly supports Medicare and has always fought to fully fund it and protect benefits. He opposes any cuts to Medicare. Furthermore, Medicare is a federal program, and Dave is running for State Senate, which has no jurisdiction over it. This attack is so preposterous that it's laughable—but it's also dangerous because it preys on seniors' fears. The truth is that Dave believes every person has a right to healthcare. That's why he is the only candidate endorsed by the California Nurses Association, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, Health Care for All California, the California State Retirees Association, and the California Democratic Party.
Lie #2: Dave Is "Beholden to Insurance Companies"
Big Oil's ads claim that Dave "loves those insurance $$$" and is in the pocket of insurance companies. This is a particularly hypocritical attack because it is actually insurance companies that are helping to fund the false ads against Dave! The truth is that as California's Insurance Commissioner, Dave refused to accept any campaign contributions from insurance companies or their executives. He was the most pro-consumer Insurance Commissioner in the United States, writing and implementing landmark regulations to protect consumers from unfair practices. Dave did receive campaign contributions from attorneys who work at law firms—almost every big law firm does some insurance work—but he never accepted contributions from lawyers employed by insurance companies. The ultimate irony is that the very industry that is attacking him for being close to insurance companies is the one funding the attack.
Lie #3: Dave "Voted to Slash Money from Schools and Social Services"
This attack is a gross distortion of Dave's record. In the State Assembly, Dave wrote the law that created the California State Preschool Program, the largest preschool and early education program in the country. He is an educator himself and has always fought for more funding for public education and social services. The "evidence" Big Oil cites is that after the economy crashed in 2009, the state budget faced a massive shortfall, and the legislature was forced to make difficult cuts. Dave voted for a budget that minimized harm to schools and social services while balancing the budget responsibly. To twist that into an attack on his commitment to education is dishonest and cynical.
Who's Really Behind the Attacks?
The source of these attacks is no mystery. Big Oil companies and their allies have formed a network of political action committees and dark money groups to funnel millions into this race. They are not interested in the truth; they are interested in electing a candidate who will do their bidding in Sacramento. Angelique Ashby has gladly accepted their support and their money. She has not disavowed these false attacks, and she has not returned a dime of Big Oil's money.
Dave Jones, on the other hand, has never taken a penny from oil companies. He has built his career on taking on powerful interests and winning for the people. That is why Big Oil is so desperate to defeat him.
Why This Race Matters
This election is about more than just one Senate seat. It is about whether we allow the wealthiest, most polluting industry in the world to buy our elections and silence the voices of those who fight for our environment and our health. Dave Jones has a proven record of standing up to Big Oil and fighting for clean air, clean water, and a livable climate. Angelique Ashby, by accepting Big Oil's money and staying silent while they lie about her opponent, has shown that she will put corporate interests ahead of the people she seeks to represent.
The choice is clear. If you believe that our government should serve the people, not polluters, then Dave Jones is the only candidate in this race. Don't let Big Oil buy this seat. Vote for Dave Jones for State Senate.
For more on this topic, see Big Oil vs Dave Jones.