The Problem:
(Jump to solution)It's easy to get caught up in the drama of federal elections, but here's the reality: in California, a whopping 62% of state elections went uncontested in 2022. That number rose to 66% in 2024.
Many incumbent politicians have no competition and, as a result, are not held accountable. They hardly have to campaign. Can we expect progress on state and local issues, like improving local infrastructure or schools, if our politicians are running unchallenged?
Forward Party California is actively recruiting local champions and grassroots candidates into our movement. They're the ones who truly understand our communities and are ready to tackle the problems that matter most to us. Supporting these candidates is about more than just casting a vote; it's about investing in the future of our neighborhoods and ensuring that our concerns are heard. If we want real change, we need to get involved, support those who are committed to making a difference at the local level, and shake up a system that's gotten too comfortable.
Our 2026 Endorsements:
General Election Candidates
Laurel LaMont
Temecula City Council
Running to make sure Temecula's growth doesn't leave longtime families and workers priced out or left out of decisions. More >
Andre Sandford
State Assembly
District 18
8 years leadership in social services. Housing & Homelessness Prevention Program Manager. More >
Bob Smith
US Congress
CD-24
Retired US Navy Commander with 26 years of service and a systems engineering background, running for a fresh voice in CD-24. More >
Ryan Schavrien
Redlands USD
Area 2
Loma Linda parent and nonprofit financial analyst focused on student achievement, teacher support, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. More >
Aidan Hill
Berkeley City Council
UC Berkeley grad and former Vice Chair of the city's Homeless Commission, running on housing, public land, and transparency. More >
Derrick Townsend
Santa Monica City Council
Occupational therapist of 18 years focused on public safety, cleaner neighborhoods, and putting everyday residents ahead of special interests. More >
Primary Election Candidates
Nina Linh
US Congress
CD-40
Entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and mom who ran on affordable healthcare, housing, and education for CD-40 families. More >
Chris Demers
US Congress
CD-18
Independent candidate with a background in human rights law, USAID foreign service, and sustainability leadership, focused on housing and healthcare costs. More >
Dr. Karen Matthews
US Congress
CD-23
Navy veteran and physician with over 20 years of service as a radiologist, running as an independent for CD-23. More >
Scott Lau
Sacramento City Council
Sacramento native and Caltrans urban planner who ran on public safety, affordability, and support for small businesses in District 7. More >
Our 2024 Endorsed Candidates:
Kevin Shin
Carlsbad City Council
District 2
US Marine Veteran, firefighter, Fire Captain, small business owner, and community leader. More >
Jimmy Figueroa
Oceanside City Council District 3
11 years nonprofit leadership in youth reentry, homelessness. Community leader & advocate. More >
Nathan Hochman
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Former federal prosecutor and Assistant US Attorney General. Experience on all sides of courtroom. More >
Andre Sandford
State Assembly
District 18
8 years leadership in social services. Housing & Homelessness Prevention Program Manager. More >
Dylan Hirsch-Shell
San Francisco Mayor
5th generation San Franciscan. Neuroscientist and senior engineer. UBI, housing, homelessness.
Lana Clay
Tustin City Council District 4
Community leader, cancer survivor. Doctorate of Education and public health educator.
Angela Talarzyk
Temecula Valley USD School Board Trustee Area 2
17 years in education. Licensed clinical social worker. Mental health specialist.
Michael Lai
San Francisco Supervisor District 11
Founder of early childhood education company Tinycare. Community organizer and volunteer.