In California's State Senate District 8 race, a familiar pattern has emerged: Big Oil is pouring money into Sacramento to defeat Dave Jones, a candidate with a proven record of standing up to corporate polluters. The oil industry and its allies are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on misleading attack ads, attempting to distort Jones's record and protect their bottom line. But the facts tell a different story—one of a public servant who has consistently fought for clean air, clean water, and environmental justice.
Big Oil's Money in This Race
Dave Jones's opponent, Angelique Ashby, has accepted the maximum allowable contribution from a political action committee funded by Chevron and other major oil companies. This is not a small donation; it's a signal of where her loyalties may lie. Big Oil doesn't spend money without expecting something in return. They are investing in candidates who will protect their interests, even if it means blocking climate action and environmental protections.
The oil industry's fingerprints are all over this race. They are funding false attacks on Dave Jones through independent expenditure committees, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they don't coordinate with the candidate. These ads are designed to mislead voters about Jones's record, twisting his accomplishments into liabilities. But the truth is clear: Dave Jones has been a champion for the environment and consumers throughout his career.
Why Big Oil Is Attacking Dave Jones
Big Oil companies are attacking Dave Jones because he has a record of fighting for Californians, not polluters. As California's Insurance Commissioner, Jones took unprecedented steps to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable. He was the first financial regulator in the world to ask an entire industry to divest from coal, and the first to require insurance companies to disclose their investments in fossil fuels and utilities. These actions threatened the oil industry's bottom line, and they haven't forgotten.
Jones's environmental credentials are extensive. He is supported by the Sierra Club, California Environmental Voters, Sunrise Movement Sacramento, California Environmental Justice Alliance, and the Democratic Party. These organizations don't endorse lightly; they know that Jones has a track record of protecting the environment and fighting for climate action. Big Oil sees him as a threat, and they are spending big to stop him.
"Big Oil companies are attacking Dave because he has a record of fighting for Californians, not polluters."
Dave Jones's Environmental Record
Dave Jones has a long and distinguished record on environmental issues. He has been a leader on climate change, natural resources and wildlife protection, environmental justice, and clean air and water. As Insurance Commissioner, he used his regulatory authority to push insurance companies to address climate risk, which was a groundbreaking approach at the time. He also worked to ensure that low-income communities and communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by pollution, had a voice in environmental decision-making.
Jones's commitment to the environment is not just talk. He has consistently voted for and championed policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect endangered species, and promote clean energy. His record shows that he understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is willing to take bold action to address it. That's exactly why Big Oil is trying to take him down.
Fact Check: Big Oil's False Attacks
Big Oil's attack ads are full of lies and distortions. One of their favorite claims is that Dave Jones is beholden to insurance companies because he accepted campaign contributions from them. The truth is the exact opposite: as Insurance Commissioner, Jones 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 insurance regulations to protect consumers. The oil industry's hypocrisy is stunning—insurance companies are actually helping to fund the false ads attacking Jones for supposedly being close with insurance companies!
Another false attack claims that Jones "voted to slash money from schools and social services." This is a gross distortion. In the State Assembly, Jones wrote the law that created the California State Preschool Program, the largest preschool and early education program in the country. He is an educator and has always fought for more funding for public education and social services. The truth is that after the economy crashed in 2009, the state faced a huge budget shortfall, and the legislature was forced to make difficult cuts. Jones did what was necessary to balance the budget while protecting the most vulnerable as much as possible.
The Stakes for California's Future
This election is about more than just one seat; it's about the future of California's environment and the health of its residents. Big Oil is spending big because they know Dave Jones will continue to fight for clean air, clean water, and climate action. They want a senator who will do their bidding, not the people's. Angelique Ashby's acceptance of oil money raises serious questions about whose side she's on.
Dave Jones has proven that he can't be bought. He has stood up to powerful interests time and again, and he will continue to do so in the State Senate. His record on the environment, consumer protection, and education is clear. The choice in this election is stark: a candidate funded by Big Oil or a candidate who fights for people, not polluters.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Clear
Big Oil is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to defeat Dave Jones because they know he is a threat to their profits. They are flooding the airwaves with false attacks, hoping to deceive voters. But the facts are on Dave's side. He has a lifetime of fighting for the environment, consumers, and working families. He is endorsed by leading environmental organizations and the Democratic Party. In contrast, his opponent has taken the maximum contribution from Big Oil, signaling that she may be beholden to their interests.
This November, voters have a clear choice. They can elect a senator who will stand up to corporate polluters and fight for a clean energy future, or they can elect a senator who is funded by the very industries that are causing the climate crisis. Dave Jones has the experience, the record, and the courage to lead. Don't let Big Oil buy this election.