Supporters

Dave Jones has earned the trust and endorsement of a remarkable coalition of leaders who know what it takes to serve California with integrity and results. From civil rights pioneers to local school board members, from statewide elected officials to neighborhood advocates, this broad base of support reflects Dave’s proven record of fighting for working families, protecting our environment, and strengthening our communities. These endorsements are not just names on a list—they are a testament to the values and vision Dave brings to the State Senate.

A Legacy of Civil Rights and Labor Leadership

Few figures embody the struggle for justice and dignity like Dolores Huerta, the legendary civil rights advocate and co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Her endorsement carries profound weight, connecting Dave Jones to a tradition of grassroots organizing and unwavering commitment to the marginalized. Huerta’s life’s work has been about empowering those without a voice, and her support signals that Dave is a leader who will stand with workers, immigrants, and families against powerful interests.

Alongside Huerta, the endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante (ret.) underscores Dave’s deep roots in California’s progressive movement. Bustamante, a trailblazer in his own right, has long championed education and economic opportunity for all Californians. His backing, along with that of Gil Cedillo, a former State Senator and Los Angeles City Councilmember known for his advocacy on immigrant rights, paints a clear picture: Dave Jones is the candidate for those who believe in a fairer, more inclusive California.

This labor and civil rights coalition is further strengthened by Eric G. Stein, a retired Deputy Secretary at the Department of Food & Agriculture, whose expertise in agricultural policy aligns with the needs of the Sacramento region’s farming communities. Together, these leaders represent a powerful force for change, and they have chosen Dave Jones to carry that banner forward.

Statewide Education Champions Rally Behind Dave

Education is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy, and Dave Jones has secured the endorsement of three current and former State Superintendents of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond, Jack O’Connell (ret.), and Tom Torlakson (ret.). This unprecedented show of support from California’s top education officials speaks volumes about Dave’s commitment to our schools. Thurmond, a fierce advocate for equity in education, O’Connell, who led the state through challenging budget years, and Torlakson, a champion for career technical education, all recognize Dave’s ability to deliver for students and teachers.

Their endorsements are echoed by a host of local education leaders who work on the front lines every day. Los Rios Community College Trustee Pamela Haynes, Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Leticia Garcia and Harold Fong, and Washington Unified School District Board Member Jackie Thu-Houng Wong are just a few of the dedicated public servants who have thrown their support behind Dave. They know that in the State Senate, Dave will fight for adequate funding, smaller class sizes, and policies that put students first.

From the San Juan Unified School District, President Paula Villescaz and Trustee Zima Creason join the chorus, along with retired trustees like Larry Miles. In Twin Rivers Unified, Vice President Mike Baker, Board Member Rebecca Sandoval, and retired members Walter Garcia Kawamoto, Ph.D., and Ramona Landeros add their voices. Even beyond the Sacramento region, Steve Blount, a trustee for the North Orange County Community College District, sees Dave as the right leader for our state’s educational future.

“Dave Jones has spent his career fighting for the underdog—whether it’s a student in an underfunded school, a family struggling to make ends meet, or a community threatened by pollution. He doesn’t just talk about justice; he delivers it. That’s why I’m proud to support him.” — Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Advocate

Local Government Leaders Who Know Results

Dave’s support runs deep in the communities he seeks to represent. Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, along with retired Supervisors Ted Sheedy and Jimmie Yee, have all endorsed Dave, citing his collaborative approach and his ability to get things done at the local level. Kennedy, a champion for mental health services and homelessness solutions, knows that Dave will be a partner in tackling the region’s most pressing challenges.

In West Sacramento, City Councilmembers Norma Alcala and Dawnte Early have joined the team, as have Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela and retired Councilmember Sandy Sheedy. Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, a longtime environmental advocate, adds his voice from Southern California, showing that Dave’s vision resonates statewide. These local leaders understand that the issues facing their cities—housing, transportation, public safety—require a state senator who listens and acts.

The support extends to special districts that provide essential services. Tamika L’Ecluse of the American River Flood Control District Board, Jim Luttrell, President of the Cosumnes Community Services District Board, and his colleagues Director Orlando Fuentes and Board Member Rod Brewer, along with Larry Tract of the Florin Water District Board, all endorse Dave. Their work on flood protection, parks, and water infrastructure is critical to our quality of life, and they trust Dave to advocate for the resources they need.

A Coalition for Environmental Stewardship and Community Well-Being

Dave Jones has long been a champion for environmental protection, and that commitment is reflected in his endorsements. From flood control board members to water district trustees, the leaders who safeguard our natural resources are standing with Dave. They know he understands the delicate balance between development and conservation, and they believe he will fight for sustainable policies that protect our region for generations to come.

This environmental focus is personal for Dave. As a former California Insurance Commissioner, he used his office to push insurers to disclose climate risks and invest in green technologies. His record on environmental justice—from fighting for clean air in the Central Valley to opposing oil drilling in our neighborhoods—has earned him the trust of community advocates and local officials alike. The endorsements from leaders like Larry Tract of the Florin Water District and Tamika L’Ecluse of the American River Flood Control District are a direct result of that trust.

Dave’s vision for a sustainable future is also about building resilient communities. By supporting local parks, recreation, and community services, he aims to improve public health and create vibrant neighborhoods. The backing of the Cosumnes Community Services District board members underscores this holistic approach—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental health, economic vitality, and social well-being.

Democratic Party Leaders and Grassroots Activists Unite

The California Democratic Party’s Vice Chairperson, David Campos, has endorsed Dave Jones, signaling strong institutional support from the party’s progressive wing. Campos, a former San Francisco supervisor known for his advocacy on immigrant rights and affordable housing, sees Dave as a kindred spirit in the fight for a more equitable California. Alongside Campos, Melahat Rafei, another Vice Chair of the state party, adds her voice, further solidifying Dave’s standing among Democratic activists.

This grassroots energy is echoed by local party leaders and community organizers. Marty West, a retired Davis School Board member and member of the Yolo County Democratic Central Committee, brings both educational expertise and political savvy to the table. Her endorsement, along with those of countless volunteers and precinct captains, demonstrates that Dave’s campaign is powered by people, not just politicians.

The breadth of this coalition—from Dolores Huerta to David Campos, from school board trustees to flood control board members—shows that Dave Jones is the candidate who can bring people together. He has spent his career building bridges across sectors and communities, and these endorsements are proof that his approach works. As we look toward the future, one thing is clear: Dave Jones has the experience, the values, and the support to be an outstanding State Senator.

Join the Movement

The endorsements listed here represent just a fraction of the thousands of Californians who believe in Dave Jones. They are teachers, farmers, small business owners, and students who want a leader who will listen and act. If you share their vision for a stronger, fairer California, we invite you to get involved today. Whether you can volunteer a few hours a week, contribute to the campaign, or simply contact us to learn more, your support makes a difference.

Together, we can elect a State Senator who will fight for our schools, our environment, and our communities. Dave Jones has the record, the endorsements, and the drive to deliver. Join us, and let’s build a brighter future for Senate District 8 and all of California.