Dave Jones for State Senate

Norma Alcala Backs Dave Jones

Norma Alcala Backs Dave Jones

In a significant show of local support, West Sacramento City Councilmember Norma Alcala has officially endorsed Dave Jones in his campaign for the 6th State Senate district. Alcala, a respected voice in Yolo County and Sacramento regional politics, cited Jones’ deep experience, progressive values, and proven ability to bring people together as key reasons for her endorsement. Her backing adds to a growing coalition of elected leaders and community advocates who believe Jones is the right choice to represent the district.

A Trusted Local Leader Speaks Out

Norma Alcala has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant with a focus on education, equity, and community empowerment. First elected to the West Sacramento City Council in November 2020, she previously served two terms on the Washington Unified School District Board, including a stint as Board President. Her leadership extends to the state level, where she serves as Northern Vice Chair for the Chicano Latino Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

In announcing her endorsement, Alcala emphasized her firsthand experience working with Jones on issues that matter to West Sacramento residents. “I wholeheartedly support Dave Jones in his campaign for the State Senate,” she said. “Having worked closely with Dave on a range of issues, I know that he understands the challenges facing West Sacramento and the Sacramento region. But more than that, Dave has the experience to find the right progressive solutions and the skills and character to bring people together to get the job done.”

“Dave Jones has always been a champion of equity and justice for all Californians. Our communities can count on Dave Jones to fight for us in the State Senate.” — Norma Alcala

Why Norma Alcala’s Endorsement Matters

Endorsements from local elected officials carry unique weight in state legislative races. They signal to voters that a candidate is not only viable but also deeply connected to the communities they seek to represent. Alcala’s support is particularly meaningful because West Sacramento is a key part of Senate District 6, which also includes the cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove, as well as unincorporated areas of Sacramento County.

As a councilmember, Alcala has focused on issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and economic development—areas where Jones has a long record of accomplishment. Her endorsement underscores Jones’ ability to collaborate with local leaders to address regional challenges, from transportation and infrastructure to environmental justice and healthcare access.

Dave Jones: A Career of Progressive Achievement

Dave Jones’ public service career spans more than three decades, marked by a consistent commitment to social and economic justice. 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 one of only 13 Americans awarded the prestigious White House Fellowship, and he later served as Special Assistant and Counsel to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Jones’ local roots run deep. As a Sacramento City Councilmember from 1999 to 2004, he authored groundbreaking laws requiring developers to build more affordable housing, mandating a living wage for workers, and recognizing domestic partnerships. These early efforts foreshadowed his later work in the State Assembly, where he represented Sacramento from 2004 to 2010 and chaired the Assembly Health Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

During his Assembly tenure, Jones authored 70 bills that were signed into law, championing consumer protections, healthcare expansion, affordable housing, early childhood education, environmental protection, and workers’ rights. His legislative record reflects a pragmatic progressivism that resonates with voters across the district.

Statewide Leadership as Insurance Commissioner

From 2011 to 2018, Dave Jones served as California’s seventh Insurance Commissioner, overseeing a department responsible for regulating one of the largest insurance markets in the world. In that role, he worked on behalf of 38 million Californians, taking on powerful insurance companies to protect consumers, enforce fair pricing, and ensure that policyholders received the coverage they were promised.

Jones’ tenure as Insurance Commissioner was marked by a focus on transparency and accountability. He implemented regulations to require insurers to justify rate increases, pushed for greater coverage of mental health and substance abuse treatment, and advocated for climate resilience in the face of increasing wildfire risks. His statewide experience gives him a unique perspective on the complex issues facing California, from healthcare to disaster preparedness.

A Growing Coalition of Support

Norma Alcala joins a distinguished list of endorsers who have thrown their support behind Dave Jones. State and local leaders, including Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, Congressmember Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Katie Porter, environmental leader Fran Pavley, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma, have all recognized Jones’ qualifications and commitment to progressive values.

This broad coalition reflects Jones’ ability to build bridges across different constituencies and his reputation as a leader who delivers results. From environmental advocates to labor unions to community organizations, the support for Jones’ campaign continues to grow as the election approaches.

What This Means for Senate District 6

Senate District 6 is a diverse and dynamic region that encompasses urban, suburban, and rural communities. The next State Senator will face critical challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness, transportation infrastructure, climate change, and healthcare access. Dave Jones’ record demonstrates that he has the experience and vision to tackle these issues head-on.

Norma Alcala’s endorsement is a powerful signal that Jones is the candidate who can best represent the interests of West Sacramento and the broader district. Her words echo the sentiments of many who have worked with Jones over the years: he is a principled, effective, and compassionate leader who puts people first.

As the campaign moves forward, endorsements like Alcala’s will continue to shape the conversation and help voters make an informed choice. With his deep roots in the region and a proven track record of progressive achievement, Dave Jones is well-positioned to win the trust of Senate District 6 voters and serve as a strong voice in the State Senate.