Liza Welsh, Trinity

• Environmental Planner & Policy Analyst
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

Greetings, AD2 Democrats! My name is Liza Welsh, and I am honored to seek your support for re-election as an ADEM delegate for Assembly District 2. Splitting my time between Eureka and Hyampom, a small community nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, I am deeply committed to the people and ecosystems of Northern California. My experiences as a nonprofit Program Coordinator, County Land Use Planner, labor negotiator for AFSCME Local 1684, and my Master’s in Public Policy from Mills College inform my work as your delegate.

I envision a world where renewable energy powers our lives, native ecosystems thrive, and everyone has access to affordable healthcare, education, and economic opportunities—no matter their ZIP code. I’ve seen how disconnection, from broadband to infrastructure, limits rural communities, and I advocate for investments that uplift people while protecting the environment. The growing threat of wildfires also demands a response, and I am committed to policies that address climate change and improve fire resilience. Guided by principles of collective action, solidarity, mutual aid, and deep ecology, I believe we can create a future where human and planetary health are prioritized.

During my two terms as an ADEM representative, I have proudly represented AD2 at conventions—both virtually and in person—and have actively participated in the Progressive, Rural, Environmental, and LGBTQ+ Caucuses. Whether organizing last-minute signatures or amplifying our region’s voices, I’ve been a reliable advocate for the constituents of AD2 and the progressive vision we share. I am running for re-election to continue championing bold action against climate change, corporate greed, and systemic injustice. With your support, I will fight for a Democratic Party that is accountable to the people and dedicated to building a sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for all.

Please contact me at liza.a.welsh@gmail.com if you would like toconnect or have questions about my candidacy. 

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    Julia Minton, Humboldt

• Organizer, National Union of Healthcare Workers

• KMUD Community Radio

I'm Julia Minton, a Humboldt County resident and Organizer with the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW). I'm proud to represent the frontline healthcare workers at Providence hospitals in Eureka and Fortuna. I also serve as a Delegate to the Humboldt Del Norte Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, where I'm honored to be the current "Union Member of the Year"! 

From access to public transit and anti-war activism to environmentalism and equality for all, social justice and intersectionality are a lifelong commitment for me. I enjoy participating in our community, and I've been a programmer at KMUD Community Radio, where we've included a program about critical thinking since 2016. 

I'm dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized people and working families. I ask for your vote in this Assembly District Election and would be honored to have your support! 

     Caroline Bañuelos, Sonoma

• Santa Rosa City Councilmember
• President, Sonoma County Latino Democratic Club
• Vice-President, KBBF (Bi-lingual Public Radio)
• Endorsed by the North Bay Labor Council 
• Current ADEM Delegate 

Hi. My name is Caroline Bañuelos and I'm running for reelection as Delegate here in AD-2. We know the coming years are going to be even more challenging. We know that many of the issues we care about - climate change, education, social justice, healthcare, just to name a few - are important to most Americans. Thus, we all need to do what we can to help elect candidates that understand this so that things can be accomplished. 

I'm honored to be a Santa Rosa City Councilmember, and just prior I served as Vice President of the Santa Rosa Junior College Board of Trustees. I have a love for education and supporting students in whatever they wish to do with respect to completing a certificate or getting an A.A. degree and/or transferring to a 4-year college. I also work for Sonoma State University (SSU), and our charge is to educate young people so that they can take over and lead our state as well as the country into the future. As President of the Sonoma County Latino Democratic Club, I have worked diligently to bring the Latino/x community into the political process. In Sonoma County that meant pushing for District Elections so that communities of color could be elected and play key roles in government. Today, we have people of color on every city council, and many are (or have) served as Mayor and Vice Mayor. I also chaired a Task Force after the killing of young Andy Lopez by a deputy sheriff. 

During my time as SRJC Trustee, we brought forward more than 20 recommendations to the Board of Supervisors that lead to an Oversite Auditor for the Sheriff's office. I am also a proud member of my Union, CSUEU/SEIU Local 2579, through my position at SSU. 

At the State Party level, as an AD Delegate, I believe that we can change policy that can influence what happens statewide. It is not easy, but Delegates and the people they represent are the grassroots of the Democratic Party. That is why I am running. I want to represent you, addressing the issues that matter to all of us. I have worked at the committee and caucus level at the State Party and I look forward to continuing to do so over the next 2 years. I humbly and respectfully ask for your vote. 

Genevieve Serna, a steward for AFSCME Local 1684 from Arcata, is running for Assembly District 2 ADEM delegate to champion equity and sustainability. Her values prioritize affordable housing to address the North Coast’s ongoing housing crisis, support for union labor to protect workers' rights, and investments in green infrastructure to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.  

Committed to justice and opportunity for all, Genevieve seeks to amplify the voices of her community and push for a Democratic Party that prioritizes working families, environmental stewardship, and economic fairness.

Hélène Rouvier, Humboldt

• Chair, Humboldt Progressive Democrats
• NORCAL Vice-Chair, Progressive Caucus
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

My family is working class in the tradition of FDR Democrats.  My immigrant father left school in the 6th grade to work in the coal mines on Vancouver Island; then later in fisheries, as a farmworker, and finally for the Air Force as a civilian employee.  I have lived in Humboldt County since 1970, raising two children as a single working mom, and am the first in my immediate family to graduate from college. I’ve worked in food production, archaeology, and for the Wiyot and Karuk Tribes.  Currently I am the  Africa Grants and Contracts Manager for an NGO supporting independent media globally.

Why am I asking for your vote?

I have been a delegate since 2017, but the hard truth is that the Party has lost its way and is at risk of losing its most important base – progressive, young, and rural voters. The recent election losses resulted from the Party turning its back on the working class. Many simply stayed home. The Harris/Walz campaign used the same failed playbook of veering to the right and courting Republican lite voters, while actively ignoring youth and Palestinian voices. The Party must start listening to the grassroots rather than to its corporate and other big $ donors. The corruption is deep and has infected our democracy and future.

We all recognize the dangers from a Trump administration. However there is more work to do than reactionary defensive measures. I will keep fighting to take the Party back to its working class roots, fix an autocratic top-down structure, and demand support for (actually walk the talk) progressive issues/candidates benefitting all people and the planet. I pledge to listen to and work for our working class rural communities and hold the Democratic Party to account. I would be honored to be your AD-02 elected delegate to the California Democratic Party.

     Robi Camacho, Trinity

• UPEC / LIUNA-RET
• TCDCC Vice-Chair
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

Hello, my name is Robilyn (Robi) Camacho and I am again asking for your vote to represent AD02 and rural Trinity County as a delegate to the California Democratic Party. A lifelong voter, I was inspired to become politically active by the platform and policy goals of the Sanders presidential campaigns. I have been an active participant in voter registration, canvassing, and get out the vote activities for the last 7 years, as well as serving as a delegate to the CDP for the last 4 years. I have attended both live and virtual conventions and been a member of the Progressive and Rural caucuses. I particularly enjoy canvassing and voter registration events because it is an opportunity to speak directly to voters about the issues that keep them up at night.

I have been a Trinity County resident and employee for 33 years, working in 5 different departments over the course of my career. I served as the Treasurer of TCEA, prior to us affiliating with UPEC/LIUNA, where I have been an active member for over 20 years. In my community I served as Treasurer for the Co-op preschool that my children attended and I served on the local school board.

I fully support the platform that Bernie Sanders campaigned on and I believe that the party must refocus to serve the needs of the poor and working-class people of this country that have been left behind by our current legislative priorities. I believe that our failure to do so is what directly lead to the election of Donald Trump because of his false promises to restore jobs and industry. People are genuinely struggling to survive and we must provide solutions. This is nowhere truer than in rural areas like Trinity County where jobs are scarce and poverty is generational.

The issues I am most impassioned by are economic, racial, and gender-based injustice, with a major focus on securing universal single-payer healthcare for the US. I worked for many years on the business side of the medical field and I am well versed in the failures of our current system and the ludicrous ways that the fees are structured. People should not be dying in the wealthiest nation in the world because they cannot afford medical care.

I humbly ask for your vote and assure you that I, working with the rest of my Progressive Labor slate, will never quit working to restore our Democratic party to a party that serves the people.

camachorobiADEM02@gmail.com

Sarah Brooks, Humboldt

• Vice-Chair, Humboldt Progressive Democrats
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

I have been a member of the Southern Humboldt community for over 30 years. In 2019 I organized a Climate March, and later a Women’s March, in my small rural town of Garberville. Inspired to get more involved politically after supporting Bernie Sanders in 2016, I was elected as an ADEM Delegate in 2020. As a member of the CADEM Progressive Caucus, my voting record shows I have consistently supported progressive candidates and causes in my position representing AD2. I support organized labor and improving worker protections, including healthcare as a human right, bodily autonomy, and equal rights for all! I align with Bernie and Jewish Voice for Peace in my support for the people in Gaza.

As someone who cares deeply about climate issues, I’m grateful to have meaningful work as Organizational Director at Trees Foundation. This environmental nonprofit organization supports crucial conservation and restoration efforts in the Redwood Region. I have a master’s in English from Mills College and am a volunteer grant writer for community projects. This year I spearheaded a project to create a Wailaki Native land acknowledgment mural in Garberville. 

I am active on several boards, including the Garberville Town Square, Beginnings (community center) in Briceland, and The SoHum Mural Project. I am also Vice Chair of Humboldt Progressive Democrats and a member of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. I appreciate your support and would be honored to continue to represent AD2.

     David Frank, Humboldt

• KMUD Community Radio
• Access Humboldt
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

When I ask people about their expectations for the future, most folks share a common sentiment: “Why should I bother to vote and engage in the civic process when big money always decides everything?”

This skepticism about the capacity of our government to adequately address the problems we face is unfortunately quite common. Even in presidential elections, where voter turnout rates reach highest, nearly half of eligible voters typically decide to stay home. In local and off-cycle elections, participation levels are usually much lower.

The antidote for this civic detachment that afflicts far too many people is an ambitious agenda that inspires.

We need to address the important issues facing our community, like: healthcare affordability and long term care for seniors; climate change, energy transformation and environmental protection; educational equity, broadband access, and reducing student debt; opioid addiction and mental health diseases of despair; excessive use of force, policing reform and ending qualified immunity; increase minimum wage; expand union membership; trade agreements that include labor, environment and human rights; and so many others.

In order to do that, we need to build consensus and translate that into real progress which requires an honest assessment of where we are, aspirational commitment to where we want to be, and creative problem solving to navigate the path to how we get there.

When you look past the headlines, mainstream media coverage and social media conflicts, progressive policy proposals offer solutions that are not just thoughtful and effective alternatives, but also widely popular across the region, state and country.

But actualizing change is not just about policy. Persuasion is admirable, but policy outcomes are about power. Progressive ideas turn into real progress when progressive voices become the majority within the California Democratic Party. Delegate numbers are determinative.

It is with these challenges in mind that I served the last two years as an AD-02 delegate, representing our community as a trusted messenger carrying our experiences and priorities into the policy arena.

It is this bottom up approach to inclusive governance that I believe will bring real progress. I respectfully request your support and your vote. In return, I commit to continue serving as your grass roots eyes, ears and voice.

     Leo Buc, Mendocino

• Progressive Campaign Organizer
• Current ADEM Delegate

As a candidate for AD-02 Assembly District Delegate, I am excited to serve our communities and to work towards a better future for all. With years of experience in community organizing and the progressive movement, I believe I have the skills, passion, and commitment to social justice necessary to be a strong and effective representative for our district.

As your Assembly District Delegate, I will support a platform, policies, and candidates for party leadership that will promote bold climate action, view healthcare and housing as fundamental rights, and possess a proven commitment to social equity. 

As a lifelong Democrat, I believe that every member of our community deserves to be heard and to have their needs and concerns addressed. I will work tirelessly to ensure that all voices are represented in the decisions made by our party.

I ask for your support in this election and for the opportunity to serve as your Assembly District Delegate. Together, we can make a real difference in our community and create a brighter future for all.

   Larry Ligouri, Sonoma

• Union Member and Organizer (CWA, SEIU, NUHW)
• Fmr. Labor Council E-Board Member and CA Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

Hey there, Redwood Empire, North Coast, and Trinity DEMs! I'm Larry Ligouri, a Sonoma County resident and organizer with deep ties to many of the communities here in AD-2. As a lifelong Democrat and progressive activist, I've focused on coalition building and the importance of intersectionality to empower working people and marginalized communities while advancing social, economic, and environmental justice for all. 

In addition to being a union member-leader / organizer (CWA, SEIU, NUHW), I've also served as an Eboard Member at the North Bay Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Steering Committee Member at North Bay Jobs with Justice. I'm passionate about achieving comprehensive healthcare for all and a staunch advocate for mental health access and our unhoused population. I currently serve as an Eboard Member of both Pride at Work, AFL-CIO (SF Bay Area Chapter) and the Sebastopol Gravenstein Lion's Club, as well.

With everything we're all experiencing right now - the constant assault on our civil rights and dismantling of any semblance of a government of, by, and for the people - Democratic Party leadership shouldn't be trying to "mend fences" with corporate interests and billionaires. Our leaders - at all levels of government - need to be connecting with working families to defend and grow the middle class. I've paid the price for challenging the status quo and holding those in power accountable, and I'll continue to call out malfeasance and inaction within our Party. 

I'm proud to be endorsed by our district's very own Assemblymember Chris Rogers, as well Santa Rosa City Councilmembers Victoria Fleming and Caroline Bañuelos, Sonoma County Democratic Party Vice Chair Mary Watts, the North Bay Labor Council, and the Progressive Delegates Network. I'd be honored to serve as an AD-2 Delegate and enthusiastically ask for your vote!

     Mason Koski, Sonoma

• Vice-President, Wine Country Young Dems
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

Hello! My name is Mason Koski, and I’m running for re-election alongside 13 members of the Progressive Labor Slate to continue advocating for the needs, wants, and concerns of all Democratic voters here in Assembly District 2.
At 19, I was honored to become one of the youngest elected delegates in the California Democratic Party during the 2023 ADEM elections. Since then, I’ve worked to advocate for the unique challenges, opinions, and way of life that Rural Californian’s have.

I proudly stand for affordable housing, expanded public transportation, wildlife conservation, LGBTQ+ rights, tribal community empowerment, better public education, a living minimum wage, affordable healthcare, union support, common-sense gun reform, fighting corruption in both public and private sectors, and of course speaking out against human rights abuses
across the world.

My journey into politics began as President of the Associated Students of College of the Redwoods (2022-2023), where I connected with the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee and Humboldt Progressive Democrats, leading to my first election as an ADEM. After transferring to Santa Rosa Junior College, I served as Vice President of the SRJC Student Government Assembly (2023-2024) and became Vice President of the Wine Country Young Democrats, the only active young Dems club in AD2, since August 2023.
In addition, I’ve served as a Poll Clerk for Humboldt and Sonoma County Elections Offices (2022, 2024) and as a Voter Information Ambassador with the California Secretary of State’s Office. I'm also a proud dues-paying member of the Working Families Party & CADEM Progressive Caucus.

As a Queer, Native American, Environmentalist, Student, Activist, and Differently-Abled Person who has lived in both rural and suburban areas of our vast 12,489-square-miledistrict, I bring a unique perspective to represent over 185,000 Democrats here. My experiences have deepened my understanding of how to best amplify your voices. I’ve always believed in public service and hope for it to be my career. I’m committed to continuing to make the California Democratic Party fairer, more equitable, and accountable for everyone. I hope you’ll allow me and my slate mates to continue representing you as your delegates for Assembly District 2 to the California Democratic Party. And I thank you for your vote & support!

     Matt Stephenson, Trinity

• Telecom/Electrical Engineer and Pilot

• Rural Broadband Advocacy

• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

I’m Matt Stephenson, a Trinity County resident and seasoned network engineer with over 20 years of experience. My career has been dedicated to leveraging technology to bridge educational, economic, and social divides, with a focus on expanding affordable broadband access in underserved rural communities. I’ve developed innovative solutions to deliver reliable, low-cost internet to these areas, understanding its critical role in driving economic opportunities.

Beyond my technical work, I’ve served for three years on the Trinity County Aviation Advisory Board, working to improve aviation infrastructure and enhance connectivity for remote regions. This role has deepened my commitment to addressing the unique challenges rural communities face and reinforced my belief in equitable access to essential services.

I’m a passionate advocate for healthcare for all and comprehensive, rural economic development, including creating sustainable jobs and investing in critical infrastructure like roads, airports, and utilities. These systems are vital not only for economic growth but also for supporting wildland firefighting efforts, where well-maintained infrastructure ensures the rapid deployment of resources to protect residents and natural landscapes.

Affordable internet, healthcare, and robust infrastructure are essential pillars of a thriving community. I’m committed to advancing progressive policies that prioritize rural investment and ensure no community is left behind. With my experience in engineering and infrastructure, I’ll advocate for innovative solutions that foster connectivity, economic resilience, and safety for all.
 

As a Latino LGBTQ+ progressive, these past 8 years have been a source of deep anxiety about the state of our democracy and the future of this planet. I am running for re-election as a state delegate because I believe that as the largest and richest state in the Union is failing to live up to its potential as a model for good governance and democratic values. We need a sense of urgency from our elected leaders, now more than ever. Yet, I continually see half measures when it comes to addressing our housing crisis, delivering healthcare for all, preparing for natural disasters, and engaging the next generation voters. Entrenched special interests and the prioritization of “business as usual” have pushed marginalized and voiceless communities experiencing crisis to the point of desperation. We are beyond needing to give folks a “seat at the table”, Democrats in California must deliver or risk the worst. We are at a crossroads and time is running out to make effective change. We must demand better of our party and its elected officials.

My involvement in politics began with the 2016 presidential election campaigning for Senator Bernie Sanders, as a college campus organizer rallying fellow my UCSB students to exercise their vote. Since the election of Donald Trump, I’ve been involved in countless progressive campaigns and democratic clubs. While living in Orange County, I fought the good fight flipping red districts blue and helped found the LGBTQ+ focused Lavender Democrats. I am a dues paying member of 0perating Engineers Local 3 and believe that it is crucial that we band together to fight the nascent Oligarchy that Big Tech is building in our Nation. I humbly ask for your vote.

    Ever Flores, Sonoma

• Healdsburg Area Teachers Association CTA/NEA
• NEA Director, District 2
• Chair, Sonoma County Latino Political Action Committee
• Current ADEM Delegate
• Progressive Delegates Network Endorsed

My name is Ever Flores, and I am proud to represent educators as a member of the National Education Association (NEA) Board of Directors. I serve educators from San Mateo and San Francisco counties all the way to the Oregon border. As an experienced educator, labor leader, and advocate for equity, I have spent more than 20 years as a school counselor in the Healdsburg Unified School District, where I continue to support students and families.

In 2017, I was honored to be elected President of the Healdsburg Area Teachers Association (HATA), the CTA/NEA-affiliated local union representing educators in Healdsburg, West Side, and Alexander Valley school districts. I served in this capacity until September 2020, when I stepped down to dedicate myself fully to my successful campaign for the Santa Rosa City Schools Board. As a Trustee for four years, I prioritized equitable policies, student-centered decision-making, and initiatives like the LGBTQIA+ resolution and the Project Labor Agreement, which created local jobs and strengthened community ties.

Beyond my local work, I have been deeply involved in the California Teachers Association (CTA) as a State Council delegate, Human Rights Chair, and at-large delegate for CTA’s Redwood Service Center Council.

As a Latino educator and union leader, I am committed to advancing racial and economic justice, equal educational opportunity, and progressive policies that uplift the working class. I continue to advocate for single-payer healthcare for all residents, including immigrants, as healthcare costs remain a critical issue in Northern California.

I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of educators and the working class, fighting for a just and equitable future for all. Thank you for your continued support of progressive leadership that prioritizes the needs of our students, families, and communities.