California Election Policy Plans
California Candidates Outline Differing Plans on Insurance, Public Spending, and Elections
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David Ross said his 31 years as a deputy public defender included trying 116 jury cases and litigating more than 2,000 evidentiary hearings. He also cited experience as a judge pro tem and five years teaching legal writing and research.
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Anthony A.J. Bayne said he tried more than 100 jury trials, including serious felonies and special-circumstance cases, and spent about 19 years at Compton Courthouse, where he gained experience managing a heavy calendar.
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Maria Ghobadi said her prosecution work included assignments in the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Homicide divisions; she reported trying more than 88 jury trials, including 24 homicide cases.
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John McKinney said he would prioritize civil enforcement against serious or repeated tenant and consumer abuses, including chronic habitability problems, illegal evictions, tenant harassment, fraudulent rent increases, price gouging and deceptive business practices.
California candidates for statewide and local offices outlined divergent priorities in Southern California News Group questionnaires ahead of November's election. Insurance commissioner hopefuls clashed over insurer accountability. State treasurer candidates split on high-speed rail funding. And judicial candidates emphasized courtroom experience and crime-fighting records Press Telegram, Daily Breeze, Daily News.
Insurance Commissioner Race Pits Oversight Against Market Forces
Jane Kim and Ben Allen, running for insurance commissioner, both attacked insurers' practices. Kim accused insurers of using threats to leave California as leverage to seek higher profits. Allen countered with a different approach: he backs predictable rate reviews, aggressive wildfire-risk reduction, and stronger transparency rules Press Telegram.
Allen emphasized insurer accountability as a core platform. Both candidates agreed the state must rein in industry power. They differed on how: Kim focused on profit-seeking behavior, while Allen pushed for structural reforms to make rates and risk assessments more predictable Press Telegram.
Treasurer Candidates Disagree Sharply on High-Speed Rail
Eleni Kounalakis and Jennifer Hawks took opposite stands on California's high-speed rail project. Kounalakis said she would continue funding the project but push for lower costs and faster delivery. Hawks argued the state should stop funding it altogether Press Telegram.
Both candidates agreed on one point: state funds must be distributed with strict accountability. The high-speed rail debate reflects larger disagreement over California's spending priorities. Kounalakis sees potential in completing the project. Hawks sees a money pit Press Telegram.
Judicial Candidates Highlight Trial Experience and Case Volume
Three candidates for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge emphasized heavy courtroom experience. David Ross reported 31 years as a deputy public defender, 116 jury trials, and over 2,000 evidentiary hearings. He also judged as a pro tem judge and taught legal writing for five years Press Telegram.
Anthony A.J. Bayne, a public defender for over 26 years, tried more than 100 jury trials including serious felonies. He spent 19 years at Compton Courthouse managing heavy calendars Press Telegram. Maria Ghobadi, a prosecutor, tried over 88 jury trials including 24 homicide cases, with assignments in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Homicide divisions Press Telegram.
City Attorney Candidate Targets Tenant Abuse and Fraud
John McKinney, running for Los Angeles city attorney, pledged to prioritize civil enforcement against dangerous or repeat offenders. He named specific targets: chronic habitability problems, illegal evictions, tenant harassment, fraudulent rent increases, price gouging, and deceptive business practices Daily Breeze, Daily News.
McKinney's approach splits enforcement into two categories. Serious or repeat offenders face prosecution. First-time offenders or lower-risk cases get diversion programs Daily Breeze, Daily News. His plan targets wealthy landlords and businesses while leaving room for rehabilitation in minor cases.
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