Crime Victims United Announces 2026 Legislative Endorsements

Crime Victims United Announces 2026 Legislative Endorsements
Organization highlights leaders who have demonstrated a continued commitment to victims, community safety, accountability and quality of life

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Crime Victims United (CVU) today announced its first round of 2026 legislative endorsements for California legislators who, according to the organization, have demonstrated a strong commitment to victims, survivors, public safety, and practical solutions that strengthen communities.  CVU has released endorsements of the following candidates:

• Assemblymember Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas) — Assembly District 1

• Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin) — Assembly District 5

• Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento) — Assembly District 6

• Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) — Assembly District 7

• Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno) — Assembly District 8

• Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto) — Assembly District 9

• Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) — Assembly District 10

• Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) — Assembly District 22 

• Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo (R-Porterville) — Assembly District 33

• Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland) — Assembly District 45

• Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Palm Springs) — Assembly District 47

• Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) — Assembly District 48

• Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) — Assembly District 56

• Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda)— Assembly District 59

• Assemblymember Natasha Johnson (R-Corona) — Assembly District 63

• Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) — Assembly District 70

• Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita)— Assembly District 71

• Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) — Assembly District 73

• Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) — Assembly District 74

• Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R- Valley Center) — Assembly District 75

• Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) — Senate District 6 

• Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) — Senate District 32

• Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach)— Senate District 36

“Victim and survivor issues are not partisan issues.  They are Californian issues,” said President Topo Padilla of Crime Victims United. “They touch nearly every aspect of daily life — whether families feel safe in their neighborhoods, whether there is accountability for serious crime, whether victims have a voice when policies and release decisions are made, whether children and our elders are protected, and whether communities have the tools they need to maintain a strong quality of life.”

As part of its 2026 endorsement process, Crime Victims United have asked candidates and elected officials their views and monitored their votes and actions on a broad range of issues involving victims’ rights, accountability, early release, public safety, fentanyl, crimes against children, Proposition 36, rehabilitation, and community quality of life. The organization said the endorsed legislators stood out for their willingness to listen, engage thoughtfully with complex issues and work toward practical solutions.

“These leaders have shown that protecting victims and strengthening communities should not be partisan issues,” Crime Victims United said. “They have demonstrated a willingness to listen to survivors, work across differences, and approach difficult public policy questions with common sense, compassion, and a focus on results,” continued Padilla. 

CVU leadership said its endorsements reflect not only individual policy positions, but also a broader commitment to ensuring that victims and survivors remain part of the conversation when California makes decisions affecting public safety.

“Good leadership requires more than simply choosing a side. It requires listening, asking difficult questions, and being willing to work with people from different backgrounds to make California stronger. These officials have demonstrated that kind of leadership,” concluded Padilla. 

Crime Victims United looks forward to continuing to work with the endorsed candidates on policies affecting victims, survivors, families, and communities throughout California, and is working on further endorsements leading up to the November General Election.