Katie Valenzuela Endorses Dave Jones

Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela has formally endorsed Dave Jones in his campaign for State Senate, adding her voice to a growing coalition of elected officials, community advocates, and education leaders backing Jones. Valenzuela, who represents Sacramento's 4th City Council District, praised Jones's decades of public service and his willingness to take on powerful interests on behalf of consumers and working families. Her endorsement underscores Jones's deep roots in Sacramento and his reputation as a fighter for equity and justice.

A Champion for Sacramento's Communities

In announcing her endorsement, Councilmember Valenzuela highlighted Jones's extensive experience and his commitment to tackling difficult issues. "Dave Jones has decades of experience fighting for Sacramento residents and a track record of tackling the challenges others shy away from," she said. "Dave has stood up to big banks, insurance companies, and powerful corporate interests when consumers needed an advocate. I know that Dave will be a champion for equity and justice in the State Senate, and I'm proud to support his campaign."

Valenzuela's endorsement carries significant weight in Sacramento's progressive circles. Since her election in 2020, she has been a vocal advocate for housing justice, environmental equity, and community-led development. Her background in civil rights law and community organizing gives her a unique perspective on the kind of leadership needed in the State Senate, and she sees Jones as the candidate who can deliver for Sacramento's most vulnerable residents.

Dave Jones has decades of experience fighting for Sacramento residents and a track record of tackling the challenges others shy away from.

Katie Valenzuela: A Record of Grassroots Advocacy

Katie Valenzuela's path to public office was forged through years of grassroots organizing and policy work. She began her career at a civil rights law firm, where she helped a statewide coalition of parents and students fight for equitable education policies. Locally, she organized for housing and economic justice, and she played a key role in forming the Sacramento Urban Agriculture Coalition and the Sacramento Community Land Trust—initiatives that have expanded access to healthy food and affordable land for community benefit.

Her expertise in environmental justice led to her appointment as the first Sacramento representative on California's AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, where she later served as co-chair during the 2030 Target Scoping Plan process. She also founded a consulting firm focused on supporting state and local groups fighting for environmental justice, and she served as the first consultant for the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies before becoming Policy & Political Director for the California Environmental Justice Alliance.

Valenzuela holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Community Development from the University of California, Davis. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on organizing experience, has made her a respected voice on issues ranging from climate resilience to equitable development. Her endorsement of Dave Jones reflects a shared commitment to these values.

Dave Jones: A Lifetime of Public Service

Dave Jones's career has been defined by a steadfast dedication to public service and consumer protection. He began as a legal aid attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, providing free legal assistance to low-income residents. In 1995, he was selected as one of only 13 Americans to receive the prestigious White House Fellowship, and he subsequently served for three years as Special Assistant and Counsel to United States Attorney General Janet Reno.

As a Sacramento City Councilmember from 1999 to 2004, Jones authored groundbreaking legislation requiring developers to build more affordable housing, mandating a living wage for workers, and recognizing domestic partnerships. He then represented Sacramento in the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010, where he chaired the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. During his tenure, he authored 70 bills that were signed into law, many focused on consumer protection, healthcare access, and environmental safeguards.

Jones's record of taking on powerful interests—from big banks to insurance companies—has earned him a reputation as a tenacious advocate for ordinary Californians. His campaign for State Senate builds on this legacy, with a focus on addressing the housing crisis, expanding healthcare access, and advancing climate action. Valenzuela's endorsement highlights the alignment between Jones's track record and the urgent needs of Sacramento's communities.

A Growing Coalition of Support

Valenzuela joins a diverse and expanding list of endorsers who believe Dave Jones is the right choice for State Senate. His campaign has drawn support from a wide range of elected officials, community leaders, and education advocates who recognize his experience and commitment to progressive values. This coalition reflects a broad consensus that Jones has the skills and determination to deliver results for Sacramento and California.

Among the notable endorsements are those from other prominent California leaders. Kevin McCarty, a fellow Sacramento leader, has also endorsed Jones, as has Lorena Gonzalez, the former Assemblymember known for her work on workers' rights. National figures like Ted Lieu and Katie Porter have also thrown their support behind Jones, citing his integrity and effectiveness. Environmental champion Fran Pavley and State Treasurer Fiona Ma are among the many others who have endorsed his campaign.

This broad coalition underscores Jones's ability to bring people together across different sectors and regions. His endorsers praise his collaborative approach, his deep policy knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to justice. With Valenzuela's endorsement, Jones gains another powerful ally in the fight for a more equitable California.

Why This Endorsement Matters

Katie Valenzuela's endorsement is significant not only because of her position but also because of what she represents. As a young, progressive leader who has built her career on grassroots organizing and environmental justice, she embodies the next generation of California politics. Her support signals to voters that Dave Jones is not just a candidate of the past but a leader who understands and champions the issues that matter most to today's communities.

Valenzuela's focus on housing justice, climate action, and equity aligns closely with Jones's own priorities. Together, they represent a shared vision for a Sacramento and a California where everyone has access to affordable housing, clean air and water, and economic opportunity. Her endorsement is a powerful validation of Jones's ability to turn that vision into reality in the State Senate.

Looking Ahead

As the campaign progresses, endorsements like Valenzuela's will continue to shape the race. Jones's campaign is building momentum, drawing support from a wide cross-section of leaders who believe in his ability to deliver for working families. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Jones is well-positioned to be a strong voice for Sacramento in the State Senate.

Valenzuela's endorsement adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for leadership that prioritizes people over profits. Her decision to support Jones reflects a belief that he will fight for the values that matter most to Sacramento's diverse communities. As voters consider their choices, endorsements like this one provide a clear signal of who is best equipped to lead.