Four candidates are competing to succeed Senator Maria Elena Durazo in California’s 26th Senate District, and recently addressed Eastside residents in a public forum.

Community Concerns Take Center Stage

A forum organized by Proyecto Pastoral brought together Juan Camacho, Wendy Carrillo, Sara Hernandez, and Sarah Rascón to discuss critical issues facing the community. Approximately 60 residents from Boyle Heights and East LA attended the event, prioritizing concerns related to immigration, public health, affordable housing, and environmental justice.

Senator Durazo's Transition

Senator Durazo is concluding her current term and is now running for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors, a position currently held by Hilda Solis, who is term-limited. This transition has opened up the opportunity for new leadership in the 26th Senate District.

Affordable Housing and Environmental Justice

Affordable housing emerged as a key concern, with residents like Martha Martinez voicing anxieties about the financial strain of high rental costs on families. The environmental impact of the former Exide Technologies plant also received significant attention, emphasizing the need for ongoing remediation and preventative measures.

Immigration and Healthcare Access

Protecting Immigrant Communities

All candidates expressed a commitment to protecting immigrant communities from federal enforcement and securing state funding to support housing stability. Strategies discussed included expanding ‘safe zone’ doctrines and challenging federal actions perceived as harmful to immigrant rights.

Addressing Healthcare Funding Cuts

The potential loss of healthcare coverage for some immigrant groups due to cuts in the Medi-Cal program was also addressed. Candidates proposed progressive taxation as a potential solution to offset these funding shortfalls.

Candidate Backgrounds and Proposals

Each candidate brought a unique background and set of priorities to the discussion. Juan Camacho, President of Equality California Institute, focused on LGBTQ+ civil rights and youth leadership.

Wendy Carrillo, a former State Assemblymember for the 52nd district, highlighted her previous service to the Eastside community. Sara Hernandez, a trustee on the Los Angeles Community College District Board, emphasized her expertise in housing, immigration, and environmental law.

Sarah Rascón, who recently served as Director of County and Regional Affairs for Mayor Karen Bass, underscored her work in bringing social services and mental health resources to the community.

Specific initiatives were detailed, including Rascón’s efforts to secure Prop 1 funding for mental health services and Hernandez’s proposal to expand ‘safe zone’ protections. Camacho and Carrillo both pledged to advocate for increased resources in the state budget.