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By Joe W. Bowers Jr., California Black Media 

As the November 5, 2024 general election approaches, a number of Black candidates from Northern California are running for positions in the United States Congress, State Senate and State Assembly. If elected, they would collectively represent a larger share of elected officials at the state level than California's black population, which is about 6.5%.

Of the state's 52 U.S. House seats, three are currently held by Black representatives. There are currently two Black senators in the 40-seat state Senate, which elects half of its members every two years. Ten Black Assembly members currently serve in the Assembly, where 80 seats are up for election every two years.

There are five Black candidates running for Congress, four for State Senate and 13 for Assembly in this election.

Below are the black candidates (in bold) is running for Congress and the state legislature in the Bay Area and other parts of Northern California.

Congressional races 

In Congressional District 9 (Stockton) Kevin Lincoln (R)Mayor of Stockton, challenging incumbent Josh Harder (D). Lincoln, a former Marine, is running on a platform focused on economic development, public safety and government accountability. Harder, meanwhile, has focused on issues such as access to health care and immigration reform.

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In Congressional District 12 (Oakland) Lateefah Simon (D)President of a nonprofit foundation and civil rights activist, running to replace Rep. Barbara Lee. Simon's platform emphasizes civil rights, affordable housing and economic reform. Her opponent, Jennifer Tran (D), a professor and chamber president, focuses on economic development, public safety and the use of technology for government transparency.

California State Senate race 

In Senate District 7 (Oakland and Berkeley) Jovanka Beckles (D)a transit director for Alameda-Contra Costa (AC), runs a platform focused on environmental justice, affordable housing and public transportation reform. Her opponent, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín (D), is focused on housing and economic development.

California State Assembly race

 In Assembly District 7 (Citrus Heights), Porsche Middleton (D) a city council member, is challenging incumbent Josh Hoover (R) on housing reform and local government.

In Assembly District 11 (Suisun City), incumbent Lori Wilson (D) focuses on access to health care, economic development and education. She faces Dave Ennis (right), a civil engineer who emphasizes improving infrastructure and reducing government regulation.

In Assembly District 13 (Stockton), business owner Rhodesia Ransom (D) advocates for small business growth, education reform and economic justice. She faces Denise Aguilar Mendez (R), a nonprofit director who focuses on conservative family values ​​and reducing the size of government. Aguilar Mendez has faced controversy, including pleading guilty to welfare fraud.

In Assembly District 18 (Oakland), incumbent Mia Bonta (D)advocates for housing reform and education. your opponent, Andre Sandford, American Independent Party (AIP)advocates for household responsibility and housing cost management.

These Black candidates are running to address key issues such as housing, health care, public safety, reparations and economic reform. The diversity of their platforms reflects California's broad political spectrum. Some focus on progressive reforms, while others advocate a transition to more conservative policies.