Tamika L'Ecluse Backs Dave Jones

In a significant show of support from Sacramento's civic leadership, American River Flood Control District Trustee Tamika L'Ecluse has formally endorsed Dave Jones for State Senate. L'Ecluse, a lifelong Sacramentan and dedicated advocate for affordable housing and community health, joins a growing coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, and educators backing Jones's campaign. Her endorsement underscores Jones's long record of progressive policy achievements and his commitment to economic and social justice.

A Trusted Voice for Sacramento's Future

Tamika L'Ecluse has deep roots in Sacramento and a career defined by service to working families and underserved communities. Elected to the American River Flood Control District Board of Trustees in 2020 after an initial appointment in 2019, she has been instrumental in shaping policies around flood protection, water management, sustainability, and housing. Her perspective is shaped by years of frontline work: she spent 13 years as an early childhood educator before joining the Greater Sacramento Urban League, where she managed programs aimed at reducing African-American child mortality in Oak Park. L'Ecluse has also served as president of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, sits on the board of the California Montessori Project, and is an appointed member of the Sacramento Promise Zone Resident Council.

Her endorsement carries weight precisely because she understands the daily struggles of Sacramento families. From levee safety to affordable housing, L'Ecluse has worked on the issues that determine whether communities thrive or merely survive. In Dave Jones, she sees a leader who has consistently delivered on those same priorities.

Why Tamika L'Ecluse Is Endorsing Dave Jones

In announcing her support, L'Ecluse highlighted Jones's fearless progressivism and his willingness to challenge entrenched interests. She pointed to his tenure on the Sacramento City Council from 1999 to 2004, where he authored and fought for landmark ordinances that made the city more equitable: the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance, the Living Wage Ordinance, and the Domestic Partners Ordinance. These measures required developers to include affordable units, ensured city contractors paid a living wage, and recognized domestic partnerships—policies that were ahead of their time and directly benefited low-income and marginalized residents.

"Dave Jones has always been a progressive who is unafraid to take on the status quo. I have no doubt that Dave will continue to be a champion for low income families and working people in the State Senate, and that's why he has my support."

L'Ecluse also cited Jones's record as California Insurance Commissioner, where he held insurance companies accountable to consumers, and his time in the State Assembly, where he was among the most effective progressive legislators, fighting for economic, social, racial, and gender equity. For L'Ecluse, Jones's entire career is a testament to his commitment to justice—a commitment she believes will continue in the State Senate.

Dave Jones: A Career of Fighting for the Underdog

Dave Jones's path to public service began not in politics but in legal aid. As an attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, he provided free legal assistance to low-income clients, seeing firsthand the barriers that poor families face in housing, employment, and access to justice. That experience shaped his lifelong focus on equity. In 1995, he was one of only 13 Americans awarded the prestigious White House Fellowship, and he went on to serve as Special Assistant and Counsel to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

On the Sacramento City Council, Jones turned his principles into policy. His Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance was one of the first of its kind in the region, requiring new residential developments to include units affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The Living Wage Ordinance raised pay for workers on city contracts, and the Domestic Partners Ordinance extended benefits to same-sex partners—a bold move at a time when such recognition was rare. These achievements earned him a reputation as a pragmatic progressive who could build coalitions and get results.

In the State Assembly from 2004 to 2010, Jones chaired the Assembly Judiciary Committee and continued to advance legislation on consumer protection, environmental justice, and civil rights. Later, as Insurance Commissioner, he oversaw the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in California and fought against unjustified rate hikes. Throughout his career, Jones has remained focused on the needs of ordinary Californians, a focus that resonates with L'Ecluse's own work.

A Growing Coalition of Support

L'Ecluse's endorsement adds to a diverse and influential list of backers for Dave Jones. He has earned the support of prominent environmental leaders like Fran Pavley, who championed landmark climate legislation, and national figures like Congressmember Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Katie Porter, known for their sharp oversight and consumer advocacy. State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty have also endorsed Jones, reflecting his broad appeal across different wings of the Democratic Party. Labor unions, education advocates, and community organizations have similarly rallied behind his campaign, recognizing his proven ability to deliver progressive change.

This coalition is not accidental. Jones has spent decades building relationships across Sacramento and the state, working alongside activists, local leaders, and policymakers. His endorsements reflect a shared belief that he is the right candidate to represent Sacramento in the State Senate—a district that demands a leader who understands both the challenges of urban communities and the complexities of state policy.

What This Endorsement Means for the District

For voters in the Sacramento region, L'Ecluse's endorsement is a signal that Jones will prioritize the issues that matter most to working families: affordable housing, good-paying jobs, flood protection, and equitable access to resources. L'Ecluse's own work on the flood control board has made her acutely aware of the intersection between infrastructure, housing, and community resilience. She knows that a State Senator must be able to navigate Sacramento's bureaucracy while staying grounded in the needs of neighborhoods like Oak Park, Del Paso Heights, and Meadowview.

Jones's record suggests he is up to the task. His authorship of the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Ordinance demonstrates a deep understanding of housing policy, while his work on living wages shows a commitment to economic justice. As Insurance Commissioner, he proved he could stand up to powerful industries on behalf of consumers. These are the qualities L'Ecluse believes are needed in the State Senate, especially as California grapples with a housing crisis, climate change, and widening inequality.

Looking Ahead: A Partnership for Progress

Tamika L'Ecluse and Dave Jones share a vision of Sacramento as a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Their partnership in this campaign reflects a broader movement of local leaders who are tired of the status quo and ready for bold, progressive leadership. L'Ecluse's endorsement is not just a name on a list; it is a call to action for voters who care about affordable housing, workers' rights, and environmental justice.

As the campaign progresses, endorsements like this one will continue to shape the conversation. With leaders like L'Ecluse, McCarty, Porter, and Pavley in his corner, Dave Jones is positioned as a candidate who can unite the diverse communities of Sacramento and deliver real results in the State Senate. For voters, the choice is becoming clearer: a proven progressive with a track record of fighting for the underdog, or a return to politics as usual.