Ken Calvert has a long record of prejudice and hate towards immigrants and queer individuals. As a member of Congress, Calvert has consistently supported legislation that contradicts efforts to support re-entry and community investment. He has opposed LGBTQIA+ 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. He holds harsh stance son immigration, exemplified by his authorship of the E-Verify law.

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. Roth's ties to law enforcement and lack of significant action towards decarceration make him a candidate we do not support.

Leticia Castillo's policy positions and legislative priorities demonstrate her disregard for low-income and justice-impacted populations. Castillo advocates for strong measures to reduce crime and homelessness, including bolstering law enforcement, which historically have had dangerous and counterproductive effects. Instead of addressing the root causes of poverty & homelessness, these policies exacerbate it. Castillo’s stances on issues like school choice and parental rights align with conservative viewpoints that hinder effective re-entry and de-incarceration efforts.

Stephen Nelson brands himself as a progressive leader endorsed by local figures, yet his track record shows a different side. Nelson has financially backed Trump campaigns and aligns with right-wing personalities who promote divisive narratives, suggesting his priorities might lie with reactionary policies. His push for police funding, even amid budget concerns, overlooks vital community programs. Additionally, Nelson’s proposed redistricting map stirred frustration among residents who felt ignored, as he sided with establishment interests over fair representation. Palm Desert voters should question if Nelson’s commitments are to the community—or to a conservative agenda disguised as progress.

Bill Essayli's record as a state legislator is marked by conservative positions that harm justice-impacted and reentering individuals. He has consistently opposed criminal justice reforms and policies that support re-entry and community investment. Essayli's legislative priorities favor punitive measures over rehabilitative and supportive ones, undermining our efforts to reduce recidivism and the harmful effects of criminalization on families and communities.

Gina Nestande has consistently aligned with conservative agendas, prioritizing policies that cater to wealthy interests rather than addressing the needs of everyday Palm Desert residents. Her campaign ads tout "re-elect," despite this being a newly formed district, which feels disingenuous to voters. Known for opposing affordable housing initiatives, her record suggests a disregard for equitable development that leaves vulnerable populations behind. Nestande’s votes on environmental and community health issues also raise concerns, as she tends to side with corporate interests over sustainable, community-centered solutions. Her track record reveals a pattern of prioritizing personal and political alliances above public good.