Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone is presented as a strong, progressive choice for California’s Assembly District 32, poised to bring effective and representative governance to this diverse region. Her established history and clearly defined policy stances make her a standout candidate for voters seeking a leader who prioritizes the community’s best interests.
Key Endorsements & Support
Dr. Cruz-Boone’s campaign has garnered significant support from progressive organizations, highlighting her alignment with key Democratic values. She is endorsed by prominent groups such as Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Democratic Women of Kern, and the Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association. These endorsements signal strong backing from organizations deeply invested in community well-being and progressive policies within California.
Proven Electoral Success
Dr. Cruz-Boone is not new to the ballot. Her successful track record includes a notable victory in her 2020 race for the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, where she won by a significant 14-point margin. She further solidified her position by winning reelection in 2024, although unopposed, demonstrating consistent community trust and recognition.
Focus on Critical Issues
Dr. Cruz-Boone’s platform is built around addressing the most pressing issues facing Assembly District 32. Her top priorities include:
- Education and Special Education Services: Improving educational opportunities and ensuring robust support for special education.
- Water Access and Management: Addressing the critical need for sustainable and equitable water resources.
- Environmental Protections: Championing policies to protect the environment and promote sustainability within the district.
- Community Safety: Enhancing public safety initiatives to create a secure environment for all residents.
- Drug Prevention and Awareness: Combating drug abuse through proactive prevention and awareness programs.
Experience in Governance and Community Leadership
Dr. Cruz-Boone brings nearly two decades of experience as a lecturer and professor within the California State University system to the table. This academic background provides her with a deep understanding of policy and community needs. Furthermore, she is currently serving her second term as a trustee of the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, giving her direct governance experience and insight into local educational challenges and opportunities.
Rooted in Bakersfield and a lifelong resident of Kern County, Dr. Cruz-Boone’s commitment to her community is deeply personal. Raised by a single mother, she credits the Bakersfield public education system for the opportunities she received. Her dedication to public service is driven by a desire to give back to the San Joaquin Valley and ensure that future generations have the same access to quality education. She is a staunch advocate for education policies that empower teachers, support students, and actively involve parents, aiming to make classrooms more inclusive and accessible for every learner.
The Race for Assembly District 32
Primary Election Overview
The primary election on February 25th features four candidates vying for the Assembly District 32 seat. The candidates include Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone (Democrat), Stan Ellis (Republican), Holli Willibey (Republican), and William Brown, Jr (Libertarian). Unless a candidate secures a majority of the votes in the primary, the top two vote-getters will proceed to the general election on April 29th. This special election was triggered by former Assemblymember Vince Fong’s election to Congress in June 2024, leaving the AD-32 seat vacant.
Candidate Fundraising
As of January 2025, Dr. Cruz-Boone’s campaign finance records were not yet filed with the Secretary of State.
Opposing Candidates
- Stan Ellis (Republican): Ellis’s campaign has reported raising $39,000 and emphasizes that his funding does not come from police unions, fossil fuel companies, corporate PACs, or real estate interests.
- Holli Willibey (Republican): Willibey’s campaign finance records were also not filed with the Secretary of State as of January 2025.
- William Brown, Jr (Libertarian): Similar to the other challengers, Brown’s campaign finance records were not available as of January 2025.
Understanding Assembly District 32
District Composition
California’s 32nd Assembly District encompasses portions of both Kern and Tulare Counties, representing a diverse electorate within the San Joaquin Valley.
Voter Demographics and Registration
The district’s voter registration leans Republican, with 48% registered Republicans, 25% Democrats, and 18% registered as No Party Preference. Historically, Democrats held this seat until 2020, when it flipped to Republican control.
Recent Election Trends
Recent election results indicate a Republican-leaning electorate in AD-32. In 2024, the district favored Donald Trump for president by a significant 33-point margin, and in 2022, voted for Brian Dahle for governor by 42 points.
The Role of a State Assemblymember
State Assemblymembers are crucial advocates for their districts within the California State Capitol. They are tasked with representing their constituents’ needs, crafting legislation, engaging in debates, and voting on laws that impact their communities and the state. The California State Assembly is composed of 80 districts, each representing a minimum of 465,000 Californians. Assemblymembers serve two-year terms, with all 80 seats up for election every two years. Term limits apply, allowing members elected before 2012 to serve a maximum of six years (three two-year terms) in the Assembly, while those elected in or after 2012 can serve a total of 12 years across both the State Senate and Assembly. Currently, Democrats hold a supermajority in the California State Assembly with 59 seats, while Republicans hold 19, and one seat is vacant.
Choose Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone: A Vote for Progress in AD-32
Electing Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone is a vote for progress, for a representative deeply connected to Assembly District 32, and for a leader committed to addressing the critical needs of her constituents. Her progressive values, combined with her extensive experience in education and community leadership, make her the ideal choice to effectively represent AD-32 in the California State Assembly.
