Katie Porter Endorses Dave Jones

In a significant boost to his campaign for California's 6th State Senate District, Dave Jones has received the endorsement of Congresswoman Katie Porter, one of the state's most prominent consumer advocates and a rising national voice for economic fairness. Porter, who represents California's 45th Congressional District, cited Jones's record of taking on powerful financial interests and his commitment to progressive values as key reasons for her support. The endorsement underscores the momentum building behind Jones's bid for the open Senate seat in 2022.

A Champion for Consumers and Families

Katie Porter has built a reputation as a fierce defender of consumers, using her expertise as a bankruptcy law professor and consumer protection attorney to hold Wall Street and powerful corporations accountable. Her endorsement of Dave Jones carries particular weight because of their shared history of challenging entrenched interests. In her statement, Porter emphasized Jones's tenure as California Insurance Commissioner, where he "took on some of the largest and most powerful financial interests in California and fought to help consumers and families."

Porter also highlighted Jones's legislative achievements, noting that he "championed historic progressive policies to expand early childhood education, protect consumers, and prohibit discrimination in health care." She expressed confidence that in the State Senate, Jones would continue to fight for "equity, justice, and opportunity for every person." This alignment of values makes Porter's endorsement a natural fit and a powerful signal to voters who prioritize consumer protection and social justice.

"Today, I am proud to announce that I am endorsing Dave Jones for CA State Senate. As Insurance Commissioner, Dave took on some of the largest and most powerful financial interests in California and fought to help consumers and families. As a legislator, Dave championed historic progressive policies to expand early childhood education, protect consumers, and prohibit discrimination in health care. In the State Senate, Dave Jones will fight for our shared values; advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for every person. I’m proud to support his campaign, and I hope you will join me." — Congresswoman Katie Porter

Katie Porter's Record of Fighting for the Underdog

Katie Porter's own career has been defined by her willingness to confront powerful interests on behalf of ordinary people. Before entering Congress, she spent nearly two decades as a consumer protection attorney, taking on Wall Street banks and financial institutions that cheated consumers. Her work as California's independent monitor of banks in a nationwide $25 billion mortgage settlement demonstrated her ability to hold financial giants accountable and ensure they fulfilled their obligations to homeowners.

In Congress, Porter has continued that fight, using her seat on the House Financial Services Committee to grill bank executives and push for stronger consumer protections. Her endorsement of Dave Jones reflects a shared commitment to using government as a force for good, particularly for those who lack the resources to fight powerful interests on their own. This alignment makes her support especially meaningful for Jones's campaign.

Dave Jones: A Career of Public Service and Progressive Leadership

Dave Jones's path to public service began with a commitment to helping the most vulnerable. As a legal aid attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, he provided free legal assistance to low-income individuals, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing working families. His dedication earned him a prestigious White House Fellowship in 1995, one of only 13 Americans selected that year, and he went on to serve as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno.

Jones's political career has been marked by a consistent focus on progressive policy. As a Sacramento City Councilmember from 1999 to 2004, he authored groundbreaking laws requiring developers to build more affordable housing, ensuring workers received a living wage, and recognizing domestic partnerships. These early achievements foreshadowed his later work in the State Assembly, where he represented Sacramento from 2004 to 2010 and chaired key committees including the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

Legislative Achievements and Priorities

During his time in the Assembly, Dave Jones authored 70 bills that were signed into law, focusing on a range of issues that directly impact Californians' daily lives. His legislative record includes expanding access to healthcare, building more affordable housing, expanding early childhood education, protecting the environment, and fighting for working families. These are the very issues that Katie Porter highlighted in her endorsement, and they form the core of Jones's platform for the State Senate.

Jones's tenure as California's seventh Insurance Commissioner from 2011 to 2018 further solidified his reputation as a consumer champion. In that role, he worked on behalf of 38 million Californians, using the power of his office to regulate insurance companies, protect policyholders, and advocate for fair practices. His willingness to stand up to powerful financial interests in that role is precisely what Porter praised in her endorsement, and it demonstrates the kind of leadership Jones would bring to the State Senate.

The 6th State Senate District: An Open Seat with High Stakes

The race for California's 6th State Senate District is an open-seat contest, meaning there is no incumbent, which often leads to a competitive and closely watched election. The district encompasses parts of Sacramento County and surrounding areas, and the outcome will have significant implications for the balance of power in the State Senate and the direction of policy on issues ranging from healthcare to housing to environmental protection.

Dave Jones's deep roots in Sacramento and his extensive experience in both local and state government make him a formidable candidate. His record of legislative accomplishment and his tenure as Insurance Commissioner give him a unique perspective on how to navigate Sacramento's political landscape and deliver results for constituents. Katie Porter's endorsement adds to a growing list of prominent supporters, signaling that Jones is a candidate who can unite progressive forces and win in November.

A Growing Coalition of Progressive Endorsements

Katie Porter's endorsement is the latest in a series of high-profile endorsements for Dave Jones's Senate campaign. He has also received support from other prominent California leaders, including Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, Congressmember Ted Lieu, former Assemblymember Fran Pavley, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and former Assemblymember Helen Thomson. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of progressive voices who believe Jones is the right choice to represent the 6th District.

The diversity of these endorsements—from environmental leaders like Fran Pavley to labor advocates like Lorena Gonzalez—underscores Jones's ability to build consensus across different wings of the progressive movement. Each endorsement brings with it a network of supporters and activists, further strengthening Jones's campaign infrastructure and voter outreach efforts. As the race heats up, this coalition will be crucial in mobilizing voters and ensuring a strong turnout for Jones in the primary and general elections.

Why This Endorsement Matters

Endorsements from figures like Katie Porter matter for several reasons. First, they provide a signal to voters about a candidate's values and priorities. Porter's reputation as a consumer advocate and progressive champion lends credibility to Jones's claims that he will fight for ordinary Californians. Second, endorsements can bring tangible resources, including fundraising support and volunteer energy, which are essential in a competitive race.

Finally, endorsements help shape the narrative of a campaign. With Porter's backing, Jones can more effectively argue that he is the candidate who will stand up to powerful interests and deliver progressive change. In a crowded field, this differentiation is critical. Porter's endorsement is not just a name on a list; it is a powerful statement about the kind of leader Dave Jones will be in the State Senate.

Conclusion: A Partnership for Progress

The endorsement of Dave Jones by Congresswoman Katie Porter represents a meeting of two leaders who have dedicated their careers to fighting for consumers, families, and justice. Porter's words reflect a deep respect for Jones's record and a shared vision for California's future. As Jones campaigns for the 6th State Senate District, he can point to this endorsement as evidence that he is the candidate best equipped to take on the challenges facing the state.

With the support of Katie Porter and a growing coalition of progressive leaders, Dave Jones is well-positioned to win this open seat and continue his lifelong work of advocating for those who need a voice in Sacramento. Voters in the 6th District have a clear choice, and Porter's endorsement makes that choice even clearer.