Ted Lieu Endorses Dave Jones
Sacramento, CA – Today, Congressmember Ted Lieu announced his endorsement of Dave Jones for State Senate. Congressmember Lieu joins a growing list of current and former legislators supporting Dave Jones. Congressmember Lieu issued a statement praising Jones as one of California’s most effective progressive legislators and leaders, citing his work protecting consumers, families, seniors, and working people against powerful interests.
A Powerful Voice for Progressive Values
Ted Lieu’s endorsement carries significant weight in California politics. As a Congressmember representing California’s 33rd Congressional District, Lieu has built a reputation as a fearless advocate for progressive causes, from climate action to criminal justice reform. His support for Dave Jones signals a strong alignment on the issues that matter most to Democratic primary voters.
In his statement, Lieu emphasized Jones’s record of taking on powerful corporations and special interests. “Dave has championed the rights of consumers against powerful corporations, of families against polluters, of seniors against life insurers, and of working people against special interests,” Lieu said. “Dave can be counted on to fight for the causes that matter most, and deliver results.”
“Dave Jones is one of California’s most effective progressive legislators and leaders, and I am proud to support his campaign.” – Congressmember Ted Lieu
This endorsement places Jones firmly within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, a crucial positioning in a competitive State Senate race. Lieu’s national profile and credibility on issues like climate change and civil liberties will likely energize grassroots supporters and undecided voters alike.
Who Is Ted Lieu?
Congressman Ted W. Lieu represents California’s 33rd Congressional District, which includes much of western Los Angeles County and the South Bay. Now serving his fourth term in Congress, Lieu has risen to a leadership role as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and as an Assistant Democratic Whip. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, where he has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and a champion of constitutional rights.
Before his election to Congress, Lieu served in the California State Assembly and State Senate, where he authored landmark legislation. He was a co-author of California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), the state’s pioneering cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His first bill in Congress was modeled on that law, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to climate action.
Lieu is also a veteran and a Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve. He has been a strong advocate for military service members and veterans, helping secure $35 million for safety improvements at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the largest VA hospital in the country. His district includes that facility, and he has worked tirelessly to address issues of veteran homelessness and healthcare access.
In addition to his work on climate and veterans’ issues, Lieu has authored first-of-its-kind legislation to ban the fraudulent practice of so-called “gay conversion therapy” and has introduced a bill to eliminate money bail, arguing that it perpetuates injustice against low-income Americans. He also led calls for investigations into Exxon Mobil’s decades-long campaign of misinformation about climate science, holding the fossil fuel industry accountable.
Lieu and his wife Betty, a former California Deputy Attorney General, reside in Torrance. Betty currently serves as Vice President of the Torrance Board of Education, and their two sons attend public school in Torrance. This personal connection to public education and local governance underscores Lieu’s commitment to community values.
Dave Jones: A Career of Fighting for the Underdog
Dave Jones’s career has been defined by a commitment to public service and social justice. He began as a legal aid attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, providing free legal assistance to low-income individuals. This early experience shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Californians and ignited his passion for consumer protection and civil rights.
In 1995, Jones was one of only 13 Americans awarded the prestigious White House Fellowship, a program that selects exceptional young leaders for a year of work in the federal government. He served for three years as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno, where he worked on a range of critical issues, including civil rights enforcement and criminal justice reform.
Jones later served in the California State Assembly and as California’s Insurance Commissioner, where he built a reputation as a tough regulator willing to stand up to powerful insurance companies. He fought to protect consumers from unfair rate hikes, expanded access to healthcare, and held corporations accountable for environmental violations. His record aligns closely with the progressive values championed by Ted Lieu.
As Insurance Commissioner, Jones recovered billions of dollars for California consumers and implemented regulations to ensure fair treatment of policyholders. He also took on the life insurance industry to protect seniors from deceptive practices, a fight that Lieu specifically highlighted in his endorsement. Jones’s experience in both the legislative and executive branches gives him a unique perspective on how to deliver results for constituents.
A Growing Coalition of Support
Ted Lieu’s endorsement is the latest in a series of high-profile endorsements for Dave Jones’s State Senate campaign. Jones has already received support from a wide range of current and former legislators, reflecting his deep roots in the Sacramento community and his reputation as an effective progressive leader.
Notably, Jones has been endorsed by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, who represents parts of Sacramento and has been a strong advocate for education and healthcare. You can read more about that endorsement here. Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, a champion for working families and author of landmark gig worker legislation, has also thrown her support behind Jones; learn more here.
Congresswoman Katie Porter, known for her sharp questioning of corporate executives and her commitment to consumer protection, has endorsed Jones as well. Details on her endorsement can be found here. Environmental leader Fran Pavley, author of California’s landmark climate laws, has also endorsed Jones, citing his commitment to environmental justice; see here.
Other endorsements include State Treasurer Fiona Ma, a former Assemblymember and Board of Equalization member, whose support is detailed here, and former Assemblymember Helen Thomson, a respected voice on healthcare and mental health issues, whose endorsement can be read here.
This broad coalition of endorsements demonstrates that Jones has the trust and respect of leaders across the progressive spectrum. From environmental advocates to consumer watchdogs, from local representatives to members of Congress, the message is clear: Dave Jones is the right choice for State Senate.
What This Endorsement Means for the Race
Ted Lieu’s endorsement is strategically significant for several reasons. First, Lieu has a strong following among progressive activists and grassroots donors, particularly in Southern California. His endorsement could help Jones expand his fundraising base and volunteer network beyond the Sacramento area.
Second, Lieu’s national profile as a leading voice against the Trump administration and for climate action gives his endorsement added weight. Voters who admire Lieu’s courage and principles are likely to take his recommendation seriously. This could be especially important in a primary where progressive voters are looking for a candidate who will fight for bold solutions.
Third, Lieu’s emphasis on Jones’s record of taking on powerful interests aligns with the current mood of the Democratic electorate. Voters are increasingly demanding that their representatives stand up to corporations and special interests, and Jones’s history as a legal aid attorney and Insurance Commissioner provides a compelling narrative of someone who has done just that.
Finally, Lieu’s endorsement adds to the sense of inevitability building around Jones’s campaign. With such a broad and diverse coalition of supporters, Jones is positioning himself as the consensus progressive candidate in the race. This could discourage potential challengers and consolidate support among undecided voters.
Looking Ahead: The Fight for Progressive Values
As the campaign progresses, Dave Jones will continue to emphasize his record of fighting for consumers, the environment, and working families. With the support of leaders like Ted Lieu, he is well-positioned to make a strong case to voters that he is the best candidate to represent them in the State Senate.
The issues at stake in this election are profound: climate change, healthcare access, income inequality, and the influence of money in politics. Dave Jones has spent his career tackling these challenges, and Ted Lieu’s endorsement is a powerful validation of that work.
For voters who care about progressive values and effective leadership, the choice is clear. Dave Jones has the experience, the record, and the support of leaders like Ted Lieu to make a real difference in the State Senate. This endorsement is not just a statement of support; it is a call to action for all Californians who believe in a fairer, more just future.
As the race heats up, expect to see more endorsements and more momentum behind Dave Jones. With Ted Lieu in his corner, Jones is ready to take on the challenges ahead and deliver results for the people of California.