California State Pro-Housing Voter Guide

Rob Bonta has brought an unprecedented passion for enforcing state housing law to the Attorney General’s office. His leadership of the Housing Accountability Unit and his dedication to protecting pro-housing legislation from NIMBY nonsense has earned him the title Housing Champion.

Aisha Wahab is a strong advocate for Affordable Housing, streamlining housing permitting and making sure cities hit their state-mandated minimum housing goals (RHNA).

While she has not taken a position on prior state housing legislation, Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear shows an understanding of the need to move California forward towards a better future of abundant housing. When the statewide NIMBY ballot measure “Our Neighborhood Voices” came before her at city council in a resolution of support, Mayor Blakespear voted no. She has also spoken out publicly about the problems with local “ballot box zoning” measures. Coming into compliance with state housing goals has been a struggle for Encinitas, but Mayor Blakespear has pushed for compliance with State housing law and achieving housing goals for the region’s communities. In a challenging district, she is the pro-housing candidate and shows an openness to increased state action for housing. She says:

Tim Grayson has been a consistent and clear voice for housing in the California legislature. He has carried several bills to support bringing down the cost of building housing and is a strong advocate for housing.

Buffy Wicks showed Californians what true grit looks like when she took personal risk during shelter-in-place to show up on the Assembly floor with her newborn and speak up for SB 1120. From her first year in the Assembly, Assemblymember Wicks has led on housing issues, with keen insight on policy details that have an outsized impact on housing. Combined with the courage to move forward on important bills even when they face resistance, Buffy Wicks has become a crucial housing champion in Sacramento. She has authored and co-authored powerful bills on a broad range of housing issues, including a state-wide rental registry, housing element strengthening and important permit streamlining legislation, and dozens more. We need more legislators like Assemblymember Wicks, who see the human cost of our housing crisis, give it the attention it deserves, and fight to build the homes we need at a scale that counts.

Assemblymember Matt Haney is delivering on his promise to be a strong pro-housing voice in Sacramento. In his first session as Assemblymember, Matt Haney was co-author of two key bills: AB 2097, removing costly parking minimums from buildings near transit; and AB 2053, introducing social housing to California. Haney has also been a consistent pro-housing vote, including for: AB 2011, legalizing housing in commercial districts; SB 886, streamlining university student housing; and AB 2221, accelerating ADU construction.

Finally, Haney’s provides an unequivocal and vocal support for HCD’s investigations into San Francisco’s violation of state housing laws and the state’s demands that San Francisco produce a credible Housing Element. Although we were disappointed that Haney supported Prop E at the DCCC, overall Haney has had a consistently pro-housing record in the Assembly, and we enthusiastically endorse him for another term.

Mia Bonta is a consistent vote for housing, focused on the deep need for subsidized affordable housing and strong tenants protections. In her questionnaire, Mia told us:

Assemblymember Phil Ting has been a supporter of pro-housing policies in the Assembly for years. As a co-author on the groundbreaking SB 50 and a champion of ADUs, Ting has been ready to take hard votes in support of building more homes. His steady support for policy change, while representing a district that has historically fought housing production, is notable.

Shawn Kumagai will bring a strong pro-housing voice to Sacramento. His substantive policy chops are matched with a passion for building housing for all, which will make him an exceptional leader on housing in the State Legislature.

Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale has not just laid out a strong YIMBY vision, but has also championed policies and action to create more housing opportunities in her own backyard. When asked if she was a YIMBY, during Peninsula For Everyone’s Assembly District 21 debate, Mayor Hale was quoted as saying, “I’m a card carrying member because I believe we can reverse this situation.”

Her leadership in prioritizing housing policy and regional transportation include supporting safe parking programs, approving a significant amount of market-rate and affordable homes, supporting several Project Homekey proposals in Redwood City, supporting Seamless Transit and more.

When it comes to protecting tenants, Mayor Hale supports a statewide rental registry and strengthening AB 1482 (statewide rent stabilization). Her support of California State legislation like SB50, SB9 and SB35, as a local elected official, has shown that she views the housing crisis as a systemic issue beyond just the borders of Redwood City. Finally, support of future reforms of CEQA, repealing Article 34 make Giselle the strongest choice for AD21.

Marc Berman is a proud, full-throated supporter of landmark housing legislation to end exclusionary zoning. With roots in Palo Alto, Assemblymember Berman understands that it is not sustainable for communities to keep saying ‘no’ to new housing as the housing crisis continues. Assemblymember Berman believes in supporting cities to build the homes their communities so desperately need.

Assemblymember Berman has supported and co-authored bills that generate new funding for affordable housing, that streamline the approval process of certain urban infill projects, and that set baseline standards for zoning. With his in-depth technical expertise and legislative skill, Assemblymember Berman is helping the state make huge strides in ending the housing crisis.

Alex Lee is one of only two renters serving in the California State Assembly, and his commitment to advocating for those most damaged by the housing shortage is second to none. As a strong supporter of every major pro-housing bill, every major push for tenant protections, and every effort to increase funding for affordable housing, Assemblymember Lee has been a steadfast housing champion.

Alex has supported upzoning bills like SB 50 and SB 9, while also authoring legislation to enable Social Housing and fighting to curb Ellis Act evictions. Assemblymember Lee is a legislator that truly supports “all of the above” solutions and proves that “both-and” can be more than just rhetoric.

Ash Kalra has been a consistent progressive vote for housing and tenant protections. His strong public support of bills such as SB 9, AB 1401 and co-authoring of SB50 and AB 854 highlight his strong positions on housing. As a member of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, Ash Kalra has relentlessly pushed for housing. He is more than willing to publicly call out local governments who operate with bad faith housing actions as examples of why strong state action is a required part of the solution for our housing crisis.

As a strong champion of justice, equity & progressive policies, YIMBY Action values Ash Karla’s well versed intersectional views of housing in relation to public health outcomes, transportation, racial justice, climate change and more. His championing of resources for the unhoused population highlights how he goes above and beyond to center those most affected by our housing crisis.

Evan Low has tremendously flexed his housing muscles by supporting SB 50, SB9, SB10, AB 1401 and virtually every housing bill that has come his way in the past several years. His solid voting record, and partnership with local housing organizations in his district—such as Cupertino for All–demonstrates a willingness to be a champion, despite representing a district that includes the traditionally housing-adverse communities of Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Willow Glen, and Campbell.

YIMBYs should work to elect more legislators like Evan–those willing to take risks, while also having difficult, culturally-sensitive conversations with their constituents.

Gail Pellerin is new to housing, but is fired up about building an inclusive California with housing for all. Gail has cited tackling our housing shortage as a top legislative priority. She is committed to finding policy solutions to create more housing for the middle class, increase funding for low-income and supportive housing, and improve public transit and active transportation infrastructure to make our cities more climate friendly.

Assemblymember Robert Rivas is a true housing champion in the legislature. He has sponsored numerous YIMBY Action priority bills including SB 9 and SB 50 and has advanced other bills related to zoning reform, permit streamlining, and increasing funding for affordable housing. He is deeply committed to safe, affordable housing for all of his constituents from middle class families to farmworkers.

Jon Wizard reflects the YIMBY values of pragmatic action, vision and optimism. Because of his unique experience as both City Councilmember in Seaside and policy director for the Campaign for Fair Housing Elements, Wizard understands housing policymaking at both the local and state levels. He is engaged in the wheels and cogs of the legislature and will be able to connect with the right leaders to work towards housing abundance on day one. Wizard understands the role of housing policy in tackling issues facing the Central Coast including inequality, climate change, and homelessness. He believes that our best days as a state are ahead of us, and the fastest way to make those days a reality is to enact the change we can achieve today.

Assemblymember Friedman understands the nexus between housing, transportation and climate policy. She has authored bills to fund public transportation and create safe streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. We’re especially grateful for her strong leadership on removing environmentally harmful parking mandates, which drive up the cost of housing.

From our partners at Abundant Housing LA:

With deep experience in local and statewide issues, a track record in shaping and passing public policy, a reputation as a leader and advocate on social equity, and valuable relationships in Sacramento and across the state, Rick is well-positioned to be a skilled and effective legislator. He will fight for housing and economic justice and will be a force for change, working to solve our housing and homelessness crises.

From her years as a public school teacher, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva has seen the impacts of housing instability and homelessness on kids and families. As the parent of young adults, she knows the challenge of launching them into independence when there is no affordable place for young professionals just starting out. These experiences have made Sharon Quirk-Silva a true champion for housing! She states: