Courage California Voter Guide Methodology

This begins with actively listening to the communities that have been most affected: Black, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrants and refugees; low income workers and families; LGBTQ+ people; young people; older adults; people with insecure housing; people with disabilities and their families; and people with mental or physical health challenges and their families.

Does this candidate demonstrate a systems-level understanding of how issues intersect and how to influence them through the policymaking process in elected office?

Does this candidate actively partner with and have the support of local grassroots groups and organizations that back a consensus-driven agenda centered on environmental, health, housing, social, and reproductive justice?

Does this candidate consistently support legislation that reduces barriers, improves access, and increases opportunities for all Californians?

Will They Demand Justice for the Environment?

1. Does this candidate actively defend the environment and champion sustainable water, air, and land management solutions proposed by the most affected communities in their district and across California?

2. Is this candidate’s policy making backed by credible science that is inclusive of issue expertise, current best practices, and local knowledge?

Will They Turn the Tide Toward Progress?

1. Does this candidate’s background increase the representation and voice of communities that have been left out of policymaking within their district or across California?

2. Regardless of the outcome of their race, will this candidate remain committed to the overall mission of building progressive power in the world?

Questions Specifically for Challengers

1. If only moderately progressive, does this challenger currently hold or demonstrate a compelling and competitive win strategy for an office within a district that leans conservative or moderate?

Questions Specifically for Incumbents

1. Does this incumbent candidate have a public record of co-governance with community groups and constituents in the district?

2. If only moderately progressive, does this incumbent candidate hold a position of seniority or position of power from which they move their district or governmental body in a progressive direction?

3. If only moderate, does this incumbent candidate currently hold an office within a district that leans conservative?

HOW DO YOU ASSIGN CANDIDATE CAMPAIGN PLEDGES?

As part of our research process, we look for pledges from candidates to refuse three sources of money: corporate PACs, fossil fuel companies, and police unions.