Starting Over Strong

“Starting Over Strong envisions a society where every person receives the support and resources necessary to rebuild their lives and thrive.”

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Our voices, our futures.

We support candidates & policies that move us forward, not back to failed punitive policies. Check out our Inland Region candidate report cards & ballot initiative cheat sheet.

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Candidates We Love

  • Jose Medina, Riverside County Supervisor District 1

    Jose Medina has dedicated over three decades to serving the Riverside community through education and public service. As an educator, he has worked to improve schools and expand opportunities for students. His tenure as a member of the California State Assembly saw him championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, notably passing the nation's first High School Ethnic Studies requirement. Medina has secured significant funding for impactful projects in Riverside County, including $201 million for UC Riverside and $25 million for the César Chávez Community Center. His commitment to public service and community development makes him a candidate we proudly endorse

  • Clarissa Cervantes, Assembly District 58

    Clarissa Cervantes is a working mother, businesswoman, and longtime community leader who currently represents Ward 2 on the Riverside City Council. She is the first woman to represent Ward 2, the second Latina, and the second LGBTQ person elected to the Riverside City Council. Clarissa has pushed for millions in necessary road repairs, supported small businesses with microgrants, championed environmental protections, and voted to expand access to affordable housing. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge, and is completing her Master's in Urban and Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

  • Anyse Smith, Palm Desert City Council District 3

    Anyse Smith is an educator, public interest attorney, and community advocate with a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and a Master's in International Law from the Paris Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. She is deeply involved in the recovery community and mentors unhoused and justice-involved adults. Anyse has worked as the Housing Program Manager at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and as the Regional Homelessness Provider at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Her professional and community work reflects her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations and advocating for justice and positive change in Palm Desert.

Candidates We Love to Hate

  • Ken Calvert (CA-41)

    Ken Calvert has a long record that stands in opposition to the mission and values of Starting Over Strong (SOS). As a member of Congress, Calvert has consistently supported legislation that contradicts efforts to support re-entry and community investment. He has opposed LGBTQ+ rights, voting against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and historically opposing gays serving in the military. Additionally, Calvert signed onto a lawsuit seeking to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and voted against the certification of electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. His stance on immigration, exemplified by his authorship of the E-Verify law, also conflicts with our values of inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.

  • Richard Roth (Riverside County Supervisor, District 1)

    As a State Senator, Richard Roth received substantial donations from the Riverside Sheriff's Association, raising concerns about his independence and commitment to police accountability. His legislative record includes limited support for progressive criminal justice reforms. His ties to law enforcement and lack of significant action towards de-incarceration make him a candidate who does not align with the mission of SOS.

  • Leticia Castillo (Assembly District 58)

    Leticia Castillo's policy positions and legislative priorities stand in stark contrast to the values of SOS. Castillo advocates for strong measures to reduce crime and homelessness, including bolstering law enforcement, which historically have been ineffective and counterproductive. Such measures often exacerbate issues rather than addressing the root causes. Castillo’s stance on issues like school choice and parental rights often aligns with conservative viewpoints that do not support the progressive reforms necessary for effective re-entry and de-incarceration efforts.

  • Stephen Nelson (Palm Desert City Council)

    Stephen Nelson, despite presenting himself as a progressive community leader as well as endorsements from progressive community leaders, has made significant donations to the Trump campaigns and associates with figures whose policies are fundamentally opposed to the values of SOS. These affiliations suggest a commitment to reactionary policies rather than progressive change, indicating a misalignment with the mission of SOS. Nelson’s actions and connections do not support the systemic reforms needed to advance re-entry and community support.

  • Bill Essayli (AD-63)

    Bill Essayli's record as a state legislator is marked by positions that conflict with the mission of SOS. He has consistently opposed criminal justice reforms and policies that support re-entry and community investment. Essayli's legislative priorities often favor punitive measures over rehabilitative and supportive ones, undermining efforts to reduce recidivism and support marginalized communities.