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Blueprint for Democracy: Politics Girl

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Blueprint for Democracy: Politics Girl

As part of the Riverside County Democratic Party’s Blueprint for Democracy series, Leigh McGowan, the dynamic voice behind PoliticsGirl, delivered an inspiring talk that underscored her mission to reconnect people with politics. Launching her YouTube channel in 2015 with the belief that “when you understand, you care, and when you care, you vote,” Leigh has since captivated millions with her accessible, no-nonsense approach to breaking down complex issues. During the 2020 election cycle, she reignited her platform on TikTok, using kitchen rants to engage younger voters in a way that felt personal and empowering. Her ability to distill intricate political topics into everyday language has earned her a devoted following of nearly 2 million across TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, Instagram, and Facebook. Her influence extends from grassroots audiences to leading politicians and celebrities, with her content garnering hundreds of millions of views and national attention, including features on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour.

Leigh’s impact goes beyond viral videos. As the creator and host of the PoliticsGirl Podcast, she has interviewed figures like White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and Broadway star Alexandra Billings, while her solo episodes demystify topics ranging from the history of public education to the global rise of autocracy. Recognized for her role in shaping public opinion and contributing to election results, Leigh’s advocacy has even brought her to the White House to meet with President Biden and his staff. Through her tireless research, writing, and speaking, she continues to remind Americans that political understanding is the first step toward meaningful change.

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RCDP Endorses Clarissa Cervantes: for Assembly District 58

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RCDP Endorses Clarissa Cervantes: for Assembly District 58

Leticia Castillo Wants To Protect Her Faith;
Clarissa Cervantes Wants To Protect You

Riverside, CA – The Riverside County Democratic Party is proud to endorse Clarissa Cervantes for California’s 58th Assembly District. Cervantes is a mother, businesswoman, and Riverside City Councilmember. She has approved millions of dollars in road repairs, expanded access to affordable housing, and strengthened protections of open spaces across Riverside.

Cervantes’s leadership goes beyond city projects. She is a lifelong advocate for working families, affordable healthcare, and housing reform. As a renter and a working mom, Cervantes understands the struggles faced by everyday Californians. She consistently stands up to special interests and she is committed to bringing down the cost of living.

On the City Council, Cervantes fought to protect neighborhoods from the unchecked expansion of warehouses, ensuring that corporate interests did not overshadow the well-being of residents. She’s also been a strong supporter of small businesses, helping them weather economic downturns.

Her opponent, Leticia Castillo, is starkly opposed to the values of AD58’s residents. Castillo has been endorsed by far-right organizations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights. Rather than protecting AD58’s environment, Castillo opposed state environmental protections and housing initiatives. Rather than fighting for common-sense gun control measures, Castillo was endorsed by the California Rifle and Pistol Association and Redlands Tea Party Patriots. These positions are out of touch with the needs of our diverse and growing district.

Clarissa Cervantes is the leader who will continue to fight for all residents of AD58. Her commitment to investing in communities, protecting the environment, and ensuring economic opportunity for all makes her the clear choice this November. The Riverside County Democratic Party proudly endorses Clarissa Cervantes.

Gary Kephart for California’s 71st Assembly District

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Gary Kephart for California’s 71st Assembly District

A Bold Vision for Progress, Standing Against
Extremism and Corporate Interests

Riverside, CA – The Riverside County Democratic Party is proud to endorse Gary Kephart for the 71st Assembly District. With a deep commitment to public service and sustainable progress, Kephart is focused on the issues that matter most to our community—affordable housing, healthcare, and climate action.

Gary Kephart advocates for solutions to the problems facing everyday Californians, such as expanding access to affordable housing, addressing the climate crisis, and delivering better healthcare access for all. Kephart is a longtime  supporter of workers’ rights and environmental protections. 

In contrast, incumbent Kate Sanchez has consistently prioritized her conservative ideology over the needs of the district. While claiming to support families, Sanchez has taken a dangerous approach to public safety and education. She aligns herself with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, votes against raising the minimum wage, and is vocally opposed to state-mandated equity in education and environmental standards. Sanchez’s stance on cutting critical public programs is inconsistent with the values of the district. Sanchez repeatedly votes against crucial climate protection initiatives, siding with corporate interests over the health and safety of our communities. 

Gary Kephart is the leader our district needs. He is committed to environmental sustainability, protecting healthcare access, and standing up for working families. The Riverside County Democratic Party is proud to endorse Gary Kephart for the 71st District.

Bill Essayli’s Extreme Agenda is Wrong for California AD 63

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Bill Essayli’s Extreme Agenda is Wrong for California AD 63

Electing Chris Shoults Will Send a Teacher, Union Leader to the Assembly

Riverside, CA – Voters in the 63rd Assembly District have a unique opportunity this November. Chris Shoults, a teacher, union leader, and dedicated community advocate, offers a clear vision of inclusive, community-focused leadership. Rooted in working-class values, Shoults prioritizes the everyday problems facing Riverside County residents:

  • He believes kids deserve top-tier education, safe neighborhoods, and a fair shot at success
  • He will work for common-sense solutions to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and safeguard our natural resources for future generations
  • A staunch supporter of reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and criminal justice reform, he will fight to ensure everyone’s rights are respected and protected

Shoults has the endorsements of the Riverside County Democratic Party, the California Teachers Association, Inland Empire Labor Council, California Faculty Association, and Equality California—demonstrating his broad support across education, labor, and civil rights groups.

In stark contrast, Bill Essayli represents a regressive world of divisive culture wars and damaging policies. He has pushed policies targeting vulnerable groups, such as forcing schools to police students’ gender identities. He voted against the cleanup of idle oil and gas wells and failed to support the California Freedom to Read Act. He opposes Proposition 2, which would allocate critical funding for K-12 schools and community colleges. His failure to collaborate effectively with Capitol colleagues led to his unprecedented removal from the Judiciary Committee. By his own admission, he “didn’t come to Sacramento to pass more laws”.

The choice is clear: either extremism and division, or a leader who will fight for a brighter, more inclusive future. We proudly endorse Chris Shoults as the best choice for Assembly District 63.

RCDP Endorses Corey Jackson for Assembly District 60

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RCDP Endorses Corey Jackson for Assembly District 60

Corey Jackson Sees A Future for All of Us. Ron Edwards Looks Backwards.

Riverside, CA – The Riverside County Democratic Party proudly endorses Corey Jackson for re-election in Assembly District 60. Jackson has broken barriers as the first openly LGBTQ+ Black member of the California Legislature. At the same time, Jackson has championed policies that advance affordable housing, healthcare access, and environmental protection.

Jackson’s priorities are motivated by a sense of economic and social justice. As chair of the Human Services Committee, he’s expanded social services and housing support. Jackson has been a leader in legislation aimed at lowering gas prices for commuters, expanded the California Youth Childhood Tax Credit, and fighting for racial equity through bills like ACA-7. In contrast, his opponent Ron Edwards represents regressive policies. Edwards is endorsed by far-right groups, including the Equal Rights for All PAC, which advocates against racial equity and gender rights. He opposes measures that protect LGBTQ+ youth and wants to roll back progress on racial justice. 

With so much at stake, Corey Jackson is the clear choice. He is a proven advocate for Riverside County—fighting for inclusivity, fairness, and a brighter future for all. The Riverside County Democratic Party endorses Corey Jackson for AD 60 to continue the progress our district deserves.

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