Equality California Endorses 19 LGBTQ+ Candidates for Local Office in 2026 Midterms

"While Congressional and statewide races eat up the lion's share of attention, it's the decisions made by local officials that often have the largest impact on everyday Californians," said Executive Director Tony Hoang. "LGBTQ+ representation on city councils and school boards, ensures that our community's voices are being heard and our unique needs are taken into consideration. We are proud to have steadily increased the number of LGBTQ+ local officials across California, and we are confident this group of candidates will build on that legacy."

The full list of new endorsements can be found below:

Local Office:

• Artesia City Council, At-Large: Dan Rocha
• Mayor, City of Buellton: David Silva
• Culver City City Council, At-Large: Freddy Puza
• El Cerrito City Council, At-Large: Gabe Quinto
• Helix Water District, Division 2: Andrea Beth Damsky
• Lemon Grove City Council, At-Large: Krystle Johnson
• Oakland City Council, District 2: Charlene Wang
• Oakland City Council, District 4: Janani Ramachandran
• Oakland School Board, District 6: Valarie Bachelor
• Orchard School Board, At-Large: Lyseria Kursave
• Palm Springs City Council: Jeffrey Bernstein
• Pasadena City College Board, Area 7: Alton Wang
• Rohnert Park City Council, District 2: Michael DeSimone
• San Leandro City Council, District 2: James Aguilar
• Santa Monica City Council, At-Large: Danny Ivanonov
• Stanislaus Union School District, Area 5: John Casselberry
• Ventura Unified School District, Area 4: Amber Thompson
• Victorville City Council, District 4: Derek Marshall
• West Hollywood City Council, At-Large: Chelsea Byers

Bold indicates an LGBTQ+ candidate.

For a complete list of Equality California's endorsements, please visit eqca.org/elections.

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org