For California’s 32nd Assembly District, voters seeking a true progressive voice have a clear choice: Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone. Her established record and policy stances firmly position her as the candidate who will champion the values of AD-32 constituents and effectively represent this diverse district’s best interests in Sacramento.
Dr. Cruz-Boone stands out as a progressive leader backed by prominent organizations. She has earned endorsements from groups like Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Democratic Women of Kern, and the Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association, solidifying her commitment to progressive values within California.
Her political career demonstrates a consistent ability to connect with and represent her community. Dr. Cruz-Boone’s successful 2020 campaign for Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, which she won by a significant 14-point margin, showcases her broad appeal. Her uncontested reelection in 2024 further underscores her community’s trust and confidence in her leadership.
Dr. Cruz-Boone is focused on the critical issues facing AD-32 residents. Her platform prioritizes key areas including enhancing education and special education services, securing equitable water access and responsible water management, strengthening environmental protections, improving community safety, and implementing effective drug prevention and awareness programs.
With nearly two decades as a lecturer and professor within the California State University system, coupled with her current service as a trustee on the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, Dr. Cruz-Boone brings significant governance and community leadership experience. Growing up in Bakersfield with a single mother, she personally understands the transformative power of public education and is dedicated to ensuring these opportunities are available to all. Her commitment to education policy centers on empowering teachers, supporting students, and engaging parents, aiming to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for every student.
A lifelong resident of Kern County and Bakersfield native, Dr. Cruz-Boone is deeply rooted in the community she aims to serve.
Navigating the AD-32 Race: Key Candidates and Election Dynamics
The upcoming primary election on February 25th presents AD-32 voters with a choice among four candidates: Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone (Democrat), Stan Ellis (Republican), Holli Willibey (Republican), and William Brown, Jr. (Libertarian). If no candidate secures a majority in the primary, the top two vote-getters will proceed to the general election on April 29th. This special election arises from the vacancy left by former Assemblymember Vince Fong, who was elected to Congress in June 2024.
Currently, campaign finance records indicate Dr. Cruz-Boone’s campaign is actively engaging with voters, though formal filings are pending.
Her primary opposition comes from Republican candidate Stan Ellis. Ellis’s campaign has reported raising $39,000 and notably states it is not funded by entities connected to police unions, fossil fuel industries, corporate PACs, or real estate interests.
Republican Holli Willibey and Libertarian William Brown, Jr. are also contesting for the AD-32 seat. Campaign finance filings for Willibey and Brown, Jr. are also currently not available with the secretary of state as of January 2025.
Understanding California’s 32nd Assembly District: A Diverse Electorate
California’s 32nd Assembly District encompasses portions of both Kern and Tulare Counties, representing a diverse mix of communities and concerns. The district’s voter registration reflects a challenging but not insurmountable landscape for Democrats: 25% Democrat, 48% Republican, and 18% No Party Preference. Historically a Democratic stronghold, AD-32 shifted to Republican representation in 2020.
Demographically, AD-32 is a vibrant and diverse district with a significant Latino population (25%), alongside Asian (5%) and Black (3%) communities, highlighting the need for representation that understands and addresses the needs of all residents.
Recent election trends in AD-32 reveal a Republican leaning in presidential and gubernatorial races. In 2024, AD-32 favored Donald Trump for president by a 33-point margin, and in 2022, Brian Dahle for governor by 42 points. Despite these broader trends, local races often present different dynamics, and Dr. Cruz-Boone’s previous electoral success in the Bakersfield City School District demonstrates her potential to bridge partisan divides and appeal to voters across the political spectrum within AD-32.
The Role of a Progressive Voice in the California State Assembly
State Assemblymembers play a crucial role in California’s political landscape. Representing approximately 465,000 Californians each, they are the direct link between local communities and the state legislature in Sacramento. Their responsibilities are multifaceted, including advocating for their district’s needs, crafting and debating legislation, and voting on policies that impact their constituents’ daily lives.
The California State Assembly consists of 80 districts, with all seats up for election every two years for a two-year term. Currently, the Democratic Party holds a supermajority in the Assembly with 59 seats, while Republicans hold 19, and one seat is vacant. Electing Dr. Cruz-Boone would not only add another progressive voice to the Assembly but also ensure that AD-32 has a representative deeply committed to addressing the district’s specific needs within the framework of progressive values.
Electing Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone to the State Assembly is a vote for progress in AD-32. Her experience, dedication, and progressive platform make her the clear choice for voters seeking effective representation and positive change in Sacramento.
Image: Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone, Democratic candidate for California State Assembly District 32.
