L.A. Times electoral endorsements for November 2022
The Nov. 8 general election is just around the corner, and voters have big decisions to make for Los Angeles and California. To help voters choose, the Times editorial page publishes endorsements based on candidate interviews and independent reporting.
Every registered voter will be mailed a ballot in early October, giving people lots of time to read up on the candidates, tune in to a forum, consider endorsements, including ours, and make a decision before the last day of voting.
STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES
Proposition 1: Yes
After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, every state needs to have the right to abortion stated in its constitution. That includes California, though it is already one of the most progressive states in the nation on reproductive rights.
Proposition 26: No
Proposition 26 would allow sports betting in person at four privately owned horse-racing tracks and at tribal casinos that reach agreements with the state. The measure amounts to a toxic brew of industry interests designed not only to enrich the funders but also to push away their competitors. If California ever decides to embrace sports betting, it should be with a framework that is as evenhanded as possible, and not one that so blatantly picks winners and losers.
Proposition 27: No
Proposition 27 would allow sports betting online on sites run by California tribes or large companies that partner with them. That would essentially turn every cellphone, tablet and computer into a legal casino where bets could be placed with a few taps on an app, enabling easy access to an addictive form of gambling. The measure presents more risks than benefits, which makes it a bad bet.
Proposition 28: Yes
When school budgets tighten, programs like music, dance, theater and art are often the first to be cut. Proposition 28 will guarantee an ongoing source of funding to support arts and music education in all public and charter schools, from preschool to 12th grade.
Proposition 29: No
On the ballot for a third time, Proposition 29 is a tired retread that could hurt dialysis patients. The added cost of hiring unnecessary staff could force some centers to close or reduce hours.
Proposition 30: No
While it may be tempting to put the burden on the rich — again — for one of California’s top priorities, voters should say no. Proposition 30 has too many flaws. It’s bankrolled by one special interest and it doubles down on an unsustainable funding model.
Proposition 31: Yes
Proposition 31 would allow a ban on sales of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, to take effect. Flavors in tobacco products are uniquely harmful because they mask the unappealingly harsh taste of tobacco and can lure in new and often young users and get them hooked.
Check back for more ballot measure endorsements.
LOS ANGELES CITY
Proposition LH: Yes
Proposition LH would allow the development, construction or acquisition of up to 5,000 additional affordable housing units in each of the city’s 15 council districts. It is simply an authorization for publicly funded affordable housing, which is required under an archaic and racist provision in the California Constitution.
Check back for Los Angeles City endorsements.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Board of Supervisors, District 3: Lindsey Horvath
West Hollywood City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath is a tireless advocate for her community, armed with creative solutions to complex problems. She is the best candidate to keep L.A. County moving forward to finally address crime, homelessness and inequality.
Check back for more endorsements in Los Angeles County races.
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Check back for Los Angeles Community College District endorsements.
LAUSD
Check back for Los Angeles Unified School Board endorsements.
JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
Check back for Los Angeles County Superior Court endorsements.
STATEWIDE OFFICE
Attorney General: Rob Bonta
Bonta has done a solid job in his year-and-a-half tenure, helping California advance its interests in some of the top issues of our time, including gun proliferation, abortion rights, housing and climate change.
Controller: Lanhee Chen
Lanhee Chen’s focus is on the controller’s power to audit government spending. He pledges to scrutinize the biggest categories of spending and rate programs based on their effectiveness. This is an urgently needed service in a state that has a record of poor performance despite its soaring $300-billion budget.
Treasurer: Fiona Ma
Fiona Ma is regarded as a hardworking, innovative elected official who takes seriously the office’s responsibilities and opportunities, although troubling missteps have put a cloud over her first term.
Insurance Commissioner: Ricardo Lara
Ricardo Lara will almost certainly win a second term in this overwhelmingly blue state. But we hope that the large field of challengers he faced for reelection will remind Lara that he needs to do a better job serving the public.
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond
Thurmond may have a weak record, but his opponent's agenda is worse. We hope that Thurmond uses a second term to develop into the superintendent of public instruction who makes an educational difference.
Check back for more statewide office endorsements.
LEGISLATIVE SEATS
Senate District 20: Caroline Menjivar
Caroline Menjivar has an impressive track record that combines on-the-ground experience serving her community with academic training in public policy.
Assembly District 39: Juan Carrillo
Palmdale City Councilman Juan Carrillo has valuable experience that has prepared him to help tackle two of California’s most pressing issues: housing and education.
Assembly District 61: Tina McKinnor
Tina McKinnor won an Assembly seat in a special election in June and is now running for her first full term. During her short time in office, Tina McKinnor has proved to be a solid progressive vote, supporting ambitious climate legislation and gun-control bills.
Check back for more endorsements in state Legislative races.
FEDERAL
Check back for endorsements in the races for U.S. Senate and House seats.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
