Primary Election Results
Though it is said every year, this time it seems especially true; the midterm elections are more important than ever. California’s primary was closely watched by pollsters and voters alike. June 5th, 2018 was the opening trumpet to what will be a charge towards November for many states. It is no secret that California has been on the frontlines in the mounting tension with the White House. Every newscast, late night talk show host, and family dinner table has felt the effects of the 2016 election. In June, Immigrant Heritage Month, it seems especially poignant to look at where we are and how we got here. Who are we putting on the November ballot, what is at stake, what is the future for California and this nation?
California has been a vocal opponent of the current administration, having sued the Federal government 29 times since President Trump took office. Two of the most contentious issues have been immigration and health care. In November, voters will chose either republican John Cox or democrat Gavin Newsom as the next governor to steer California through these tumultuous political waters. The lieutenant governor’s race will be between Dr. Ed Hernandez and Eleni Kounalakis, both of whom come from immigrant families.
There are also 7 key Congressional races in California that could flip the house. The California 10th, 21st, 25th, 39th, 45th, 48th, and 49th are all republican held districts that Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 election. Most major news outlets have a feature piece about these districts and what they say about California. Four of the seven are located in Orange County, while the other three sit within the Central Valley, one of the areas of California with highest rates of enrollment in Medi-Cal, despite federal representatives’ support for repeal of the ACA. In all seven races, a democrat and a republican have made it through the “top two” Primary Election and will now go head-to-head in the the General Election. This next Congress will be tasked with making legislation that is of vital importance to everyone in this nation. Will they defend the Affordable Care Act? Will they protect immigrant families from our own government? It all depends on who we send to Washington.
Seemingly no part of California embodies the crossroads we’re facing better than the Central Valley. While the Central Valley includes many diverse communities, including the largest populations of Hmong and Latino communities, their needs, values, and experiences have not been met by current representatives. In the wake of the results of the 2016 national election, activists are standing up for their communities and running for office. Among those we will see in the upcoming election are Paula Yang, who is running for Fresno city council, a barrier broken only ten years ago by Blong Xiong, the first Hmong city council member in California, and Melissa Hurtado, a daughter of immigrant parents who is running for State Senate in November. Some other notable elected officials from communities of color include Steven Ly, mayor of Elk Grove (2016), the first and only Hmong mayor in the U.S., as well as Michael Tubbs (2016), the first African American mayor of Stockton. And in the Bay Area, London Breed, will be the first African American mayor of San Francisco, and one of the only female mayors of any of the US’s 15 largest cities.
In assembly races, city councils, and county boards, people are showing up to lead. But are we showing up too?
“California Casual” seems to pervade our voting habits. While voter turnout was on par for past midterm elections, at a disheartening 35.6%, who votes is perhaps a more important question. Studies show that those most likely to vote are also most likely white, over 55, and making over $80,000 a year. This disproportionate representation is true for many systemic, historic, and socio-economic reasons, but the fact remains that those who vote, decide. State legislatures and Congress are not reflective of the demographics they represent, which is an important part of leadership. If we are to change this in November, we need to VOTE.
Every day, there are new reports about attacks against the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to immigrant families. If we are to face these battles head on, we need to be backed by leaders who represent our beliefs and will stand up for our values. To paraphrase Margret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed [people] can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” By voting, we can continue to have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of our communities, our state, and our country. On November 6th, we have the chance to do just that.
For information about how to register to vote or California elections, you can visit the Secretary of State’s website here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/
Come join the dialogue for health equity at CPEHN’s Voices for Change conference on September 12th:
CPEHN’s biennial Voices for Change Conference comes at a critical moment for communities of color. With the election right around the corner, this year’s conference “Mobilizing for Health Equity” will focus on the critical implications for our communities and provide timely opportunities to leverage our voices to demand a more just and healthy world. The future of our health depends on our collective Voices for Change. We hope that you will join us.