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, back those who are committed to making a difference at the local level, and shake up a system that's gotten too comfortable.
Make Forward Party Official in California
We can support independent and Forward-aligned candidates now, but to run official Forward Party candidates—with "Forward Party" next to their name on the ballot—we need to qualify as a state-recognized party. That takes ~78,000 Californians registering as "Forward Party" voters. Tired of politics as usual? Stand with us—register today!
Help Us Qualify
Our 2024 Endorsed Candidates:

Kevin Shin
Carlsbad City Council
District 2
US Marine Veteran, firefighter, Fire Captain, small business owner, and community leader. 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. More >

Jimmy Figueroa
Oceanside City Council District 3
11 years nonprofit leadership in youth reentry, homelessness. Community leader & advocate. More >

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. More >

Nathan Hochman
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Former federal prosecutor and Assistant US Attorney General. Experience on all sides of courtroom. More >