The California Report with Carl DeMaio

The California Report with Carl DeMaio

The California Report with Carl DeMaio offers candid discussion on the latest in local and national political headlines, policies and reform. The...Full Bio

 

Meet the Republican Candidates for Statewide Office in California in 2022

With a national political wave forming against the Democrats, California’s one-party rule may end in 2022 if Republicans can manage to win some statewide seats. Political observers say it is indeed possible - and Reform California is mobilizing a statewide campaign to make it happen.

California has suffered under one-party rule for years, but the 2022 elections may change all that. But only if Republicans can get their act together. 

As the June primary election quickly approaches, many Republican voters are asking: Who are the candidates running for these statewide offices? More importantly, which one candidate can we unite behind to make sure we don’t get shut out of the runoff elections under California’s non-partisan “top-two” system. 

Here are some of the most viable candidates running for statewide office in this year’s primary along with a basic description of what each statewide office actually does.  

To help Republicans and center-right independents unite behind one candidate so a good candidate can make the top-two spots to advance to the November runoffs, Carl DeMaio and Reform California will release endorsements in each race by May 1, 2022. 

Governor:

“As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies, and appoints judges. Proposes new laws, approves or vetoes legislation, and submits the annual state budget to the Legislature. Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.” – California Secretary of State.

Brian Dahle:

“Brian Dahle represented California’s First Assembly District from 2012 until 2019. Before joining the Legislature, Brian served on the Lassen County Board of Supervisors for 16 years. In the legislature, Brian works across party lines for job creation and economic development in the rural North State and throughout California, pushing policies that keep families on their farms, protect water rights and support the business community. In addition to his service in elected office, Brian is a farmer and small business owner. Brian and his wife Megan live in Bieber with their three children.” – Senator Dahle’s Office.

If elected, Dahle aims to end California’s soft-on-crime policies, repeal the gas tax, and cut government waste and fraud.

Anthony Trimino:

Anthony Trimino is the CEO and founder of TRAFFIK, a global ad agency and one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. He is also a contributing member of the Forbes Agency Council. As a Cuban American, Anthony is familiar with the struggles Cuba faced that forced his grandparents to flee for America. He is hoping to bring freedom and affordability back to California by ending Newsom’s mandates and reducing taxes. Anthony also aims to renew values of faith, family, and parental rights in the state.

Shawn Collins:

Shawn is a Navy combat veteran and Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps Reserves. On the front lines, he survived two suicide assassination attempts. He is an active reservist and does pro-bono legal work assisting Vietnam Veterans, having earned his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His wife is a Lebanese immigrant, and he supported her as she became an American citizen. Shawn also coaches his children’s basketball team. If elected, Collins aims to support police and end soft-on-crime policies, support parental rights and school choice, and cut taxes, regulations, and mandates burdening Californians.

Jenny Rae Le Roux

Jenny Rae Le Roux is a business owner, author, and strategic advisor. She received her B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia and her MBA from Columbia Business School. In her career, Jenny Rae has co-built tech companies in the energy and financial services industries. She is a frequent guest speaker at Harvard Business School and has been featured in business publications like Forbes and Business Insider. After witnessing California's Covid response, she proactively modeled her own COVID plan using publicly available data. She realized ways to make the process more efficient, and decided to take action to improve the state government by running for governor. As governor, Jenny Rae plans to reduce fees and regulations, support police, reform schools and curriculums, fight for affordable housing, and more.

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

Lieutenant Governor:

“Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal from office, or absence from the state. Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote. Chairs the Commission for Economic Development; is a member of the State Lands Commission, and the Ocean Protection Council; and sits on the boards ofthe California university systems.” – California Secretary of State.

Angela Underwood Jacobs:

Angela Underwood Jacobs is a bank executive, Deputy Mayor of Lancaster, and former Lancaster City Councilwoman. She is also a proud wife and mother. In her career as a banker, Angela has helped her community with purchasing their first homes, expanding their businesses, and learning to save and invest for retirement. In her work on the Lancaster City Council, she was a vocal advocate for small businesses and a staunch defender of working families. Angela has also assisted with and been a board member of various government and charitable entities, such as the Criminal Justice Commissioner for the City of Lancaster, the Children’s Center of The Antelope Valley, and more. She was named 2020's Woman of the Year by California's 36th State Assembly District. She has also received numerous banking awards. 

David Fennell:

David Fennell is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, with a family background of inventors and early technology pioneers in Silicon Valley. He grew up in the farming and fishing community of Half Moon Bay California, where he became an Eagle Scout. David has founded several technology companies, where he dealt with the California bureaucracy and learned how difficult starting a business in this state can be. Since 2008, David has worked with the FBI, FDIC, and DOE to report local fraudulent activity, discovering $3 Billion dollars in confirmed criminal fraud in San Mateo County. David is running for Lieutenant Governor to help uncover and fix fraud throughout the state of California.

Clint Saunders:

Clint Saunders is a realtor, paralegal, and former city council candidate. He also comes from a personal and family background in Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement. Clint has been an advocate for addressing local issues with homelessness, domestic violence, housing prices, bad roads, and taxes. If elected, he intends to support common sense reforms in the Senate. He believes that starts with guaranteeing our rights and ending unnecessary regulations.​

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

Secretary of State:

“As the state's chief elections officer, oversees statewide elections and provides public access to campaign and lobbying financial information. Maintains certain business filings, authenticates trademarks, regulates notaries public, and enables secured creditors to protect their financial interests. Preserves California's history by acquiring, safeguarding, and sharing the state's historical treasures.” – California Secretary of State.

Rob Bernosky:

Rob Bernosky is a career Chief Financial Officer. In his business, companies and shareholders have sought his advice for success and entrusted him with their assets. He has also served on local school boards and government water resource and education positions. In addition, Rob has been active in the California Republican Party and served as its Central Coast Vice Chair. He has three children. If elected, Rob hopes to make California more affordable, improve access and quality of education, address high gas prices, and support law enforcement. He also aims to increase voter participation and secure our election process. 

Attorney General:

“As the state's chief law officer, ensures that state laws are enforced and investigates fraudulent or illegal activities. Heads the Department of Justice, which provides state government legal services and represents the state in civil and criminal court cases. Oversees law enforcement agencies, including county district attorneys and sheriffs.” – California Secretary of State.

Nathan Hochman:

Nathan Hochman is a former Assistant Attorney General of the United States and Assistant US Attorney for the Criminal Division. Prior to that, he graduated magna cum laude from Brown University, earned his law degree from Stanford Law School, and clerked for a federal judge. Nathan has prosecuted corrupt government officials, tax evaders, narcotics traffickers, violent gang members, and more during his career. He has also involved himself in his community and served on numerous charitable boards. If elected, he will work to get fentanyl off our streets, reduce crime and enhance public safety, and increase mental health and substance abuse resources to solve the homeless crisis.

Eric Early:

Eric Early is a husband, father, small businessman, and attorney. He is the co-owner and Managing Partner of a nationally recognized law firm which handles constitutional, contract, fraud, real estate and general business disputes. He was the lead counsel for the RecallGavin2020 team, and other clients include One America News Network. Eric is also the host of “The Early Edition” on KRLA AM 870 The Answer and “The Early Report – Reporting From the Belly of the Beast” on CRN Digital Talk Radio. If elected, Early will work to support law enforcement, pursue election integrity, protect the second amendment, secure our border, protect small businesses, and reign in rogue district attorneys.

Anne-Marie Schubert:

A former Republican-turned-Independent, Anne-Marie Schubert is currently the District Attorney for Sacramento County. Schubert has been an outspoken critic of the Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies and supports repeal of Prop 47. In addition, Schubert was a leading force behind exposing widespread fraud in how Gov. Gavin Newsom dispersed unemployment benefits. 

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

State Treasurer:

“As the state's banker, manages the state's investments, and administers the sale of state bonds and notes. Serves on several commissions, most of which are related to the marketing of bonds. Pays out state funds when spent by the Controller and other state agencies.” – California Secretary of State.

Andrew Do:

Andrew Do is an elected County Supervisor, former deputy District Attorney, and Chief Financial Officer. He and his family first came to California as refugees from war and the fall of Saigon. His experience as an immigrant led him to focus his law studies on marginalized groups and volunteer to provide them with legal aid. Additionally, Andrew is the Chairman of Orange County’s $4 billion public health plan, CalOptima, and has pursued reform measures to solve the root causes of poverty. If elected, Andrew aims to increase low-cost, tax-exempt investments in affordable housing.

Jack M. Guerrero:

“Jack’s experience as Mayor, City Councilmember, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Stanford economics graduate, Harvard MBA, Bank Vice President, Treasury professional, auditor of municipalities and government agencies, investment banker, and M&A due diligence advisor to Fortune 500 companies (with professional stints in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, and Zurich) – establishes him as the candidate with BOTH Treasury experience AND a public service record of fighting for taxpayers and working people.” – Guerrero Campaign

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

State Controller:

“As the state's chief fiscal officer, serves as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds. Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws and conducts audits and reviews of state operations. Serves on the Board of Equalization, the Board of Control, and other boards and commissions.” – California Secretary of State.

Lanhee Chen:

Lanhee Chen is a small business owner and investor that is regarded as a leading policy expert and commentator. He earned four degrees from Harvard University, including a law degree and doctorate in political science. He teaches at Stanford University and is a researcher at the Hoover Institution. Lanhee has served in senior roles in both Republican and Democratic presidential administrations, and he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board. He is the son of immigrants from Taiwan and has two children. If elected, Chen aims to use his audit authority to hold state programs and Sacramento politicians accountable.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction:

“As the state's chief of public schools, provides education policy direction to local school districts, and works with the education community to improve academic performance. Heads the Department of Education and carries out policies set by the State Board of Education. Serves as an ex-officio member of governing boards of the state's higher education system.” – California Secretary of State.

Lance Christensen

Lance Christensen is the Chief Operations Officer at the California Policy Center, former legislative consultant for the California State Senate, and a former finance budget analyst at the Department of Finance. Lance also served as chief of staff and senior policy advisor to California State Sen. John Moorlach. Through his work, he focused on unsustainable government budgets, failing infrastructure, an inadequate education system, and more. His fiscal policy work has been published nationally and locally. Lance has a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University and a master’s of Public Policy from Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy. He has 5 children.

Jim Gibson

Jim Gibson is a business owner and former Trustee Member of the Vista Unified Board of Education. He served four terms, having first been elected in 1998. He was also elected Board President. Jim served in the Marine Corps on active and reserve duty, and achieved the rank of Captain. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and he owns Nova Voice & Data Systems, Inc. — an information technology equipment company. Jim strongly believes in the free market, low taxes, and in zero tolerance policies for gang activity and illegal immigration. He has four children.

George Yang:

George Yang is an engineer, telecommunications professional, business owner, and father to two children. He is a first generation Chinese immigrant, having moved to California in 1992 at the age of 15. George worked his way up from stuffing envelopes for an accountant to working for a startup company. The company failed, and George next joined Lucent Technologies — then the Telecom industry crashed. He now runs his own software programming business. If elected, Yang aims to empower parents, invigorate students, help every student find his/her passion, and keep schools open.

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

Insurance Commissioner:

“Heads the Department of Insurance, which enforces California insurance laws and adopts regulations to implement the laws. Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies. Answers public questions and complaints about the insurance industry.” – California Secretary of State.

Greg Conlon

Greg Conlon is a CPA and senior partner in a Big Five accounting firm. Throughout his career, Greg has worked with companies to streamline expenses, improve financial management, and perform financial audits. Appointed by Governor Pete Wilson, Greg has also served on the California Transportation Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, the latter of which he was President for two years. Greg served as an officer and pilot in the U.S. Air Force, in both active and inactive duty. Greg was also an Advisory Board Member to two Charter Schools in the City of Alameda.

Robert Howell:

Robert Howell is the owner of Exatron, a manufacturer of mechanical equipment for the electronics and medical industries. He attended Lynbrook High School and San Jose State, and has two children and one grandchild. Howell has pledged not to take insurance company donations and aims to be a watchdog against waste, fraud, and abuse in the insurance market. He aims to target inflated premiums and take the politics out of paying our bills to help struggling Californians thinking of fleeing the state. Howell believes in personal freedom, hard work, and loyalty to the country.

TAKE THE SURVEY: Which Candidate Do You Support?

Join the Fight - Reform California’s Statewide Campaign Effort

In an attempt to unite voters behind one candidate in each race so voters have a real competitive choice in the November runoffs, Reform California will soon release endorsements in the races where multiple viable candidates are running.  

In addition, Reform California is raising funds to support the entire slate of statewide candidates. They are asking Californians to support their efforts and join the campaign today to restore balance in the state’s politics.

Join the Fight: Flip Target Seats in California

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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