La Opinión backs Becerra for governor, Ma for vice governor

The November general election in California features a crowded field for statewide and federal offices. La Opinión has released its official endorsements for the upcoming contest.

The newspaper supports Xavier Becerra for governor of California. It also backs Fiona Ma for the position of vice governor. These two selections form the top of the ticket for the publication's preferred slate.

Support extends to Shirley N. Weber for secretary of state. Rob Bonta is the chosen candidate for attorney general of the state. The outlet notes that previous presidents and governors placed Becerra in high-level cabinet positions. It argues that voters can now trust him with their own ballots.

In Los Angeles, the endorsement goes to Karen Bass for mayor. The publication describes her support as a move toward a solution rather than a continuation of existing problems. It states that the opposing alternative has not convinced readers. Marissa Roy receives the endorsement for Los Angeles city attorney. Roy pledged to protect workers and immigrants who lack resources. She cited unpaid minimum wages and overtime as a major financial loss for workers.

Robert Luna is the selected candidate for Los Angeles County sheriff. Ben Allen is endorsed for insurance commissioner. Hilda Solís is the choice for U.S. House District 38. The publication also lists endorsements for other House districts in the region. These include Luz Rivas for District 29, Gil Cisneros for District 31, and Jimmy Gómez for District 34. Norma Torres is backed for District 35, while Linda Sánchez is supported for District 41. Robert García is the pick for District 42, and Nanette Díaz Barragán is endorsed for District 44.

The newspaper recommends voters approve Proposition 38. This measure aims to fund disease prevention and cure research. The outlet states that this is a priority to restart investigations halted by the Trump administration. Voters are advised to reject Proposition 39. That measure would require government identification to vote. The publication calls this a false narrative of large-scale fraud that limits the right to vote.

Proposition 40 is also recommended for a no vote. Surveys show California voters are divided on the issue. While many think taxing a small portion of billionaire fortunes is fair, others believe it should be a national issue. The publication agrees with the latter view. Proposition 41 receives a yes vote. The outlet urges electors to prevent the exodus of capital from California by supporting this measure. Proposition 42 is also approved. It rejects the concept of charging for the mere ownership of already taxed assets.

Proposition 44 is rejected by the publication. The measure seeks to penalize community clinics for staff and support service costs. The outlet considers these costs essential for the clinics to exist. Proposition 45 is endorsed. It seeks to speed up environmental assessments, permits, and litigation resolution. The goal is to accelerate the construction of affordable housing, roads, water infrastructure, and hospitals.

State legislative endorsements include Caroline Menjivar for Senate District 20 and John Erickson for Senate District 24. Sara Hernández is backed for Senate District 26. In the Assembly, Rick Chávez Zbur is endorsed for District 51. Local endorsements include José R. González and Cynthia González for Cudahy council seats. Gloria Gray is supported for Inglewood mayor. Armando Carmona is endorsed for Jurupa Valley, and Alfonso Morales for Lynwood. Gustavo Camacho is the pick for Pico Rivera, while Ashley Oelsen is backed for Santa Monica. Kyle Brazeal is endorsed for West Hollywood. School district endorsements include Triston Ezidore for Culver City, Francis Polara for Pasadena City College, and Chris Trunkey for Saugus.