California Election Picks June 2

(Updated May 14th)

As of this writing, ballots have dropped in California, and it’s time for us to make our choices for the primary in 2026. I’ve published my picks in the past, here. As always, these are my preliminary choices, not the folks that I think will win.

Governor: Xavier Becerra. He’s the guy you’d hire for the position based on his résumé. Honestly, the video of the Becerra interview was the most toxic mix of arrogance and stupidity I have seen in a while. Anyone who has done ANY PR AT ALL knows you do not negotiate with reporters, especially WHILE THE CAMERAS ARE ROLLING! For someone who has been a Congressman, AG, and a Cabinet Secretary, I have to ask WHAT WAS HE THINKING? Bonehead. This shows a major problem with his judgment. He should know better. I’m now seriously considering Tom Steyer.

Lieutenant Governor: Josh Fryday. I met him at the state convention. Great 1:1 and has been in a cabinet-level position for a couple of years. He’s definitely part of the new generation of politicians.

Secretary of State: Shortly Weber, incumbent.

Controller: Malia Cohen

Treasurer: Anna Caballero

Attorney General: Rob Bonta, incumbent.

Insurance Commissioner: I’m torn on this one. Ben Allen appears to have momentum and has some reasonable policies. On the other hand, Patrick Wolff is enough of an outsider that he might be an interesting choice. He is the guy who challenged delegates at the state convention to a chess match, and he said he’d pay their rent or mortgage if they beat him. No one did. He’s a former chess champion. I’ll make a last-minute decision on this one.

Congress, District 16: Sam Liccardo. He has been working hard to do serious things in Congress since he got there. And it’s not all that surprising. I’ve known him since he was on the City Council; he’s a serious public servant. Well, I don’t always agree with him, but I trust his judgment.

State Senate District 10: I’m not in this district, but my friend David Cohen is running for state Senate. I’m supporting him for the same reason. I supported him when he ran for city council; he’s someone whose judgment and temperament I trust. Again, we don’t always agree, but I know David will have thought about the issues thoroughly, in the way that a PhD and material Science would. One of his greatest accomplishments is securing a deal between the city and the county that enabled the development of higher-density housing in North San José. Nearly 50% of the new housing units coming online in the city are in his district. If you want someone to work on the housing problem, David Cohen is the person.

State Assembly, D28: Gail Pellerin, incumbent. I like Gail; she’s a positive person, and she’s been focused on mental health issues, which are important to me.

I’m skipping the judge races.

Board of Supervisors, D4: Susan Ellenberg, incumbent. She has been supportive of our work at Gardner Health Services.

Assessor: Neysa Fligor, running unopposed for her first full term.

District Attorney: I’m leaning to Jeff Rosen. I’ve not agreed with all of his prosecutorial choices, but I can’t shake the feeling that Daniel Chung is too inexperienced.

I’m skipping the Sheriff’s race.

Measure A: I’m a mild yes on this, which would increase the hotel occupancy tax. I’m a little concerned that more taxes might negatively affect our tourism dollars, small change that it is, but if it goes to support services when we have a $50 million deficit at the city level budget, I suppose I’m in favor of it. I guess.

Measure D: For. This is the measure to levy a parcel tax of an additional two cents per square foot of building area to support the Open Space Authority. While I suppose I’m in favor of this, I really wonder why they need an additional $17 million annually to support essentially empty land. My fear is that the Open Space Authority is becoming more like Valley Water, its own version of the Golden Spigot.

(This will be updated until election day).