CVU 2026 Candidate Questionnaire - General Election

Victim + Survivor Issues Are California Issues

Victim and survivor issues are not isolated to the courtroom. They are everyday California issues that affect families, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and the overall quality of life in our communities.

From community safety and accountability to early release policies, fentanyl, crimes against children, and the rights of victims to be heard, the decisions made by our elected leaders have real consequences for Californians across the state.

That is why Crime Victims United created our 2026 Candidate Public Safety & Victims’ Rights Questionnaire.

We are asking candidates for public office to thoughtfully address some of the issues we hear about every day from victims, survivors, families, and communities, including:

• Do you support Marsy’s Law and California’s constitutional protections for crime victims?

• How should California balance accountability, rehabilitation, and public safety?

• Should CDCR provide greater transparency regarding early release decisions and their public-safety impacts?

• Do you support continued state prison closures?

• Should individuals sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole ever become eligible for release?

• How should victims and survivors be included in parole and release decisions?

• How should California address retail theft, repeat offending, homelessness, and other community quality-of-life issues?

• Will you support the resources necessary to fully implement Proposition 36?

• How should California confront the fentanyl crisis?

• What policies should guide California when addressing serious sex crimes against children and protecting communities?

These are not simply “victim issues.” They are public safety issues. Family issues. Community issues. Quality-of-life issues. And ultimately, California issues.

We believe voters deserve to know where candidates stand before entrusting them with the responsibility of public office.

Read the questions. Ask the candidates. Pay attention to the answers.