Since taking her place in the California State Senate in 2012, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson has become an influential leader in Sacramento, leaving her mark on issues like women’s rights, the fight against climate change, and the crisis of affordability and income inequality that continues to roil the state. Now, with Senator Jackson ineligible to seek a third term, the contest to take her place is in full swing. Three candidates now face off in the race to win her seat in District 19: Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), maternal health provider Anastasia Stone, and Republican telecommunications consultant Gary Michaels.
The Santa Barbara Independent reached out to speak with each candidate and record their thoughts on different policy priorities, their motivation for running, and why they think their previous experiences qualify them for elected office. Of the three candidates, Limón has emerged as a clear frontrunner, with sizable advantages in experience, name recognition, financial resources, and the backing of Senator Jackson herself, who endorsed Limón “enthusiastically” for her “tireless work on behalf of the district and her effectiveness as a legislator.” But both Stone and Michaels believe they have unique qualifications that make them worthy choices for the job.
Monique Limón, California State Assemblymember, Democrat