Former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a Democrat, is among four candidates running for the state Senate District 6 seat in 2022. The district includes Elk Grove, Sacramento, West Sacramento, and other parts of Sacramento County. Jones, who lives in Sacramento's Curtis Park neighborhood, brings a long record of public service and a focus on housing, homelessness, climate change, and pandemic recovery to the race.
A Seasoned Candidate with Deep Roots
Dave Jones is no stranger to Sacramento politics. Before serving eight years as California's Insurance Commissioner, he represented Sacramento in the State Assembly and served on the Sacramento City Council. His campaign emphasizes that experience and a track record of accomplishments. "I'm running, because I believe our region deserves to have someone with experience and a track record of accomplishments who can deliver for our region and address the problems in our region," Jones said in an interview.
Jones enters the race with a significant financial advantage. As of last week, his campaign had raised $540,000 cash-in-hand and $600,000 overall. His list of endorsements includes State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Assembly Member Kevin McCarty, former Senator Deborah Ortiz, Elk Grove City Council Member Stephanie Nguyen, Cosumnes Community Service District directors Orlando Fuentes and Rod Brewer, and Los Rios Community College District Trustee Pamela Haynes. These endorsements reflect a broad coalition of local and statewide leaders who believe Jones can effectively represent the district.
The Housing Crisis: A Central Focus
For Jones, the skyrocketing cost of housing is one of the most pressing issues facing District 6. He points to the fact that the typical home in Elk Grove is now out of reach for middle-income families, while rents continue to climb. "The typical home in Elk Grove is simply out of reach now for middle-income families," he said. "That's a huge problem, and at the same time, rents are going through the roof. So, we have a problem with regard to the availability and price of homes, as well as rent. And that has also contributed to this massive homelessness problem we have throughout the region."
Jones's approach to housing is comprehensive. If elected, he says he will work toward policies that increase the supply of housing at all levels—market rate homes, affordable housing, rental housing, and shelters for the homeless. He believes that addressing the housing shortage requires a multi-pronged strategy that includes streamlining construction, incentivizing affordable units, and providing support services for those experiencing homelessness. His experience managing large state agencies, he argues, gives him the skills to navigate complex housing legislation and bring resources back to the district.
Building Back Better from the Pandemic
Another top priority for Jones is ensuring a strong and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. He frames this as "building back better," a phrase that encompasses a range of investments and reforms. "That (issue) includes making investments in schools and our community colleges, in our small businesses, increasing child care availability, and increasing the availability of preschool and early childhood education, continuing health care reform, and doing everything we can to rebuild our economy," Jones explained.
Jones believes that the pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly in education and economic opportunity. He advocates for targeted support to small businesses that were hit hardest, expanded access to affordable child care to help parents return to work, and continued improvements to the health care system. As a former Insurance Commissioner, he has firsthand knowledge of health policy and is committed to expanding coverage and reducing costs for families.
Confronting Climate Change
Climate change is another issue that Jones identifies as critical for the district and the state. He emphasizes the need to continue making progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Jones points to California's leadership in clean energy and environmental regulation, but argues that more must be done to meet ambitious climate goals and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of a warming planet.
His platform includes support for renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and resilience measures such as wildfire prevention and water conservation. Jones believes that tackling climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity, creating jobs in new industries while safeguarding public health. He plans to work with local governments and the private sector to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A Competitive Race for an Open Seat
The race for Senate District 6 is expected to be highly competitive. The seat is currently held by Democrat Richard Pan, who has served since 2014 and will be termed out in December 2022. Jones faces three other candidates: Sacramento City Council members Angelique Ashby and Eric Guerra, and Tecoy Porter Sr., a community activist and pastor. Each candidate brings a distinct background and base of support, making the primary and general election contests unpredictable.
Jones's campaign is positioning him as the most experienced candidate, with a proven ability to win statewide office and manage large bureaucracies. His endorsements from prominent Democrats suggest he has strong institutional support. However, his opponents are likely to emphasize their local ties and grassroots networks. Ashby and Guerra both represent parts of Sacramento on the City Council, while Porter has deep roots in the faith community and civil rights activism. The outcome may hinge on which candidate can best connect with voters across the diverse district, from urban Sacramento to suburban Elk Grove.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for the District
As the campaign unfolds, Jones plans to focus on the issues he believes matter most to District 6 residents: housing affordability, homelessness, pandemic recovery, and climate action. He argues that his experience at both the local and state levels uniquely qualifies him to deliver results. "I have the experience and the track record to actually get things done," Jones said. "I've done it at the city level, I've done it at the state level, and I'm ready to do it for this district in the Senate."
"The typical home in Elk Grove is simply out of reach now for middle-income families. That's a huge problem, and at the same time, rents are going through the roof. So, we have a problem with regard to the availability and price of homes, as well as rent. And that has also contributed to this massive homelessness problem we have throughout the region."
Jones's campaign will likely emphasize his ability to bring state resources to the district, his deep understanding of complex policy areas like insurance and health care, and his commitment to progressive values. With a crowded field and high stakes, the race for Senate District 6 is one to watch in 2022. Voters will have the opportunity to choose a candidate who they believe can address the region's most pressing challenges and represent their interests in Sacramento.