Your guide to the March 2024 primary election: The candidates vying for Sacramento-area votes
The Sacramento Bee
Welcome to The Sacramento Bee’s Voter Guide to California’s March 5 primary election.
In addition to choosing who will be on the ballot for president in November, voters have a chance to determine who will represent them in Congress, the Legislature, as well as city and county government.
Help with your ballot and more
Who gets a ballot? Key info, deadlines and more
When will I get my mail ballot? Can I still vote in person?
Where to find unbiased election info and fact checks
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
- Joe Biden*Democrat46th President of the United States Campaign website
- President R. BoddieDemocratCandidate
- Eban CambridgeDemocratCandidate Campaign website
- Gabriel CornejoDemocratEntrepreneur Campaign website
- Stephen P. LyonsDemocratMaster Plumber/Businessman Campaign website
- endo Armando “Mando” Perez-SerratoDemocratParaeducator/Behavorial Therapist Campaign website
- Dean PhillipsDemocratMinnesota Congressman Campaign website
- Marianne WilliamsonDemocratAuthor/Speaker Campaign website
REPUBLICAN PARTY
- Donald J. TrumpRepublican45th President of the United States Campaign website
- Nikki HaleyRepublicanDiplomat/Former S.C. Governor Campaign website
- Ryan L. BinkleyRepublicanPastor/Businessman Campaign website
- David StuckenbergRepublicanAir Force Reserve Major/Businessman Campaign website
- Rachel SwiftRepublicanCandidate Campaign website
- Chris ChristieRepublicanDROPPED OUT Former Governor of New Jersey Campaign website
- Ron DeSantisRepublicanDROPPED OUT Governor of Florida Campaign website
- Asa HutchinsonRepublicanDROPPED OUT Attorney/Former Ark. Governor Campaign website
- Vivek RamaswamyRepublicanDROPPED OUT Entrepreneur Campaign website
OTHER PARTIES
- James BradleyAmerican Ind.Senior Management Executive/Veteran
- Jill SteinGreenPhysician/Activist Campaign website
- Charles BallayLibertarianPhysician Campaign website
- Claudia De la CruzPeace and FreedomCommunity Organizer/Activist Campaign website
- Jasmine ShermanPeace and FreedomNonprofit Executive Director Campaign website
- Cornel WestPeace and FreedomProfessor/Philosopher/Author/Activist Campaign website
U.S. SENATE
U.S. SENATE, FULL TERM
There are two U.S. Senate races on the ballot, one for the full six-year term that starts Jan. 3, and one for a partial term to fill the remainder current term that ends on Jan. 3. This full-term race has 27 candidates vying to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died in September after 30 years in office. The top two candidates will proceed to a runoff election in November.
Read the Editorial Board's endorsement
- Adam B. SchiffDemocratU.S. Representative Campaign website
- Steve GarveyRepublicanPro Baseball Representative Campaign website
- Katie PorterDemocratU.S. Representative Campaign website
- Barbara LeeDemocratCongresswoman/Mother Campaign website
- Sepi GilaniDemocratPhysician/Surgeon/Professor Campaign website
- Harmesh KumarDemocratPsychologist/Social Entrepreneur Campaign website
- Christina PascucciDemocratLocal Television Journalist Campaign website
- David PetersonDemocratSmall Business Owner Campaign website
- Douglas H. PierceDemocratMissing Persons' Investigator Campaign website
- Perry PoundDemocratSmall Business Owner Campaign website
- Raji RabDemocratAviator/Educator/Entrepreneur Campaign website
- John RoseDemocratOffice Manager Campaign website
- Sharleta BassettRepublicanBusinesswoman/Mother/Farmer Campaign website
- James BradleyRepublicanChief Executive Officer Campaign website
- Eric EarlyRepublicanBusiness Owner/Attorney Campaign website
- Denice Gary-PandolRepublicanRetired Security Analyst Campaign website
- Sarah Sun LiewRepublicanPastor/Nonprofit CEO Campaign website
- Jim MacauleyRepublicanSales Associate Campaign website
- Jonathan ReissRepublicanNo Ballot Designation Campaign website
- Stefan SimchowitzRepublicanArt Dealer Campaign website
- Martin VeprauskasRepublicanRetired Operations Manager Campaign website
- Forrest JonesAmerican Ind.No Ballot Designation Campaign website
- Gail LightfootLibertarianRetired Registered Nurse Campaign website
- Laura GarzaNo Party PreferenceFreight Railroad Worker Campaign website
- Don J. GrundmannNo Party PreferenceDoctor of Chiropractic Campaign website
- Mark RuzonNo Party PreferenceSoftware Engineer Campaign website
- Major SinghNo Party PreferenceSoftware Engineer Campaign website
U.S. SENATE, PARTIAL TERM
This race, with only seven candidates, is strictly for the remaining term of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat, which concludes on Jan. 3, 2025. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to serve in the Senate until a replacement could be elected. Any candidate who receives a majority of the vote will be declared the winner; if no candidate receives a majority, the top two will advance to the general election in November.
- Adam B. SchiffDemocratU.S. Representative Campaign website
- Steve GarveyRepublicanPro Baseball Representative Campaign website
- Katie PorterDemocratU.S. Representative Campaign website
- Barbara LeeDemocratCongresswoman/Mother Campaign website
- Sepi GilaniDemocratPhysician/Surgeon/Professor Campaign website
- Christina PascucciDemocratLocal Television Journalist Campaign website
- Eric EarlyRepublicanBusiness Owner/Attorney Campaign website
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Redding, Chico, Yuba City
- Mike DoranDemocrat School Board Member Campaign website
- Rose Penelope YeeDemocrat Finance Businesswoman/Investor Campaign website
- Doug LaMalfa* Republican Farmer/U.S. RepresentativeCampaign website
3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Roseville, Folsom, Lake Tahoe, Bishop
- Jessica MorseDemocrat Wildfire Prevention Official Campaign website
- Kevin Kiley* Republican U.S. RepresentativeCampaign website
- Robert SmithNo Party Preference Operational Programs Director Campaign website
4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Woodland, Clearlake, Napa
- Andrew David EngdahlDemocrat Account Executive Campaign website
- Mike Thompson* Democrat Member of CongressCampaign website
- John MunnRepublican Rancher/Farmer Campaign website
- Niket PatwardhanNo Party Preference No Ballot Designation Campaign website
5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Placerville, Oakdale, Mariposa
- Michael J. "Mike" BarkleyDemocrat Lawyer/Accountant/Programmer Campaign website
- Tom McClintock* Republican U.S. RepresentativeCampaign website
- Steve WozniakNo Party Preference Business Owner/Father Campaign website
6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Arden Arcade, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights
- Adam BarajasDemocrat Retail Worker Campaign website
- Ami Bera* Democrat Doctor/CongressmanCampaign website
- Chris BishRepublican Financial Investigator Campaign website
- Craig J. DeLuzRepublican Board Member, Robla School District Campaign website
- Ray RiehleRepublican Small Business Owner Campaign website
- Chris RichardsonGreen Retired Programmer Campaign website
7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Sacramento, Elk Grove
- David Lee MandelDemocrat Human Rights Attorney Campaign website
- Doris Matsui* Democrat U.S. RepresentativeCampaign website
- Tom SilvaRepublican Veterans Program Coordinator Campaign website
9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Stockton, Lodi, Manteca
- Josh Harder* Democrat Father/RepresentativeCampaign website
- Khalid Jeffrey JafriRepublican Engineer/Businessman/Farmer Campaign website
- Kevin LincolnRepublican City of Stockton Mayor Campaign website
- John McBrideRepublican Athletic Performance Coach Campaign website
Statewide proposition
Proposition 1
Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure
Added by the Legislature, the ballot measure would authorize $6.38 billion in bonds to build mental health treatment facilities for those with mental health and substance-use challenges; provides housing for the homeless.
Proponents' campaign website Opponents' campaign websiteSTATE LEGISLATURE
1ST SENATE DISTRICT
Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Grass Valley, Northeastern California
- Megan DahleRepublicanFarmer/Businesswoman/Mother Campaign website
- David FennellRepublicanEntrepreneur Campaign website
3RD SENATE DISTRICT
Yolo, Napa, Solano counties
- Christopher CabaldonDemocratEducator/State Commissioner Campaign website
- Jackie ElwardDemocratCouncilwoman/Educator/Mother Campaign website
- Rozzana Verder-AligaDemocratHealth Care Provider/Councilmember Campaign website
- Thom BogueRepublicanCity Councilman/Businessman Campaign website
- Jimih JonesRepublicanAutomotive Parts Advisor
5TH SENATE DISTRICT
Stockton, Lodi, Livermore
- Jerry McNerneyDemocratPolicy Advisor Campaign website
- Carlos VillapuduaDemocratCalifornia State Assemblymember Campaign website
- Jim ShoemakerRepublicanTrucker/Tradesman/Businessman Campaign website
1ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Redding, Grass Valley, Northeastern California
- Tenessa AudetteRepublicanBusinesswoman/Redding Mayor Campaign website
- Heather HadwickRepublicanFarmer/Emergency Manager Campaign website
- Melissa HuntRepublicanAnderson Councilmember Campaign website
- Mark MezzanoRepublicanRedding City Councilmember Campaign website
3RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Chico, Red Bluff, Yuba City
- Aaron DraperDemocratProfessor/Photographer Campaign website
- James Gallagher* RepublicanAssemblyman/Farmer/Businessman Campaign website
4TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Yolo, Napa, Lake counties
- Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry* DemocratState Assemblymember/Farmer Campaign website
5TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Roseville, Placerville, Auburn
- Neva ParkerDemocratCalifornia Senate Consultant Campaign website
- Athena SinghDemocratBusiness Owner
- Aabhash "ABG" GautamRepublicanBusinessman Campaign website
- Joe Patterson* RepublicanMember of the Assembly Campaign website
6TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Sacramento, Arden Arcade
- Emmanuel AmanforDemocratSacramento Housing Commissioner Campaign website
- Sean FrameDemocratEducation Union Steward Campaign website
- Rosanna HerberDemocratEnvironmental Advocate Campaign website
- Maggy KrellDemocratDeputy Attorney General Campaign website
- Carlos Marquez IIIDemocratCivil Rights Advocate Campaign website
- Evan MintonDemocratNonprofit Policy Director Campaign website
- Paula VillescazDemocratHealthcare Policy Director Campaign website
- Nikki EllisRepublicanInternational Trade Advocate
- Preston RomeroRepublicanPolicy Analyst Campaign website
- Kevin Olmar MartinezPeace and FreedomUnion Representative Campaign website
7TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova
- YK ChalamcherlaDemocratCouncilmember, City of Folsom Campaign website
- Porsche MiddletonDemocratCouncilmember, City of Citrus Heights Campaign website
- Josh Hoover* RepublicanMember of the State Assembly Campaign website
9TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Manteca, Lodi, Galt
- Heath Flora* RepublicanParent/Farmer/Assemblyman Campaign website
- Tami NobrigaAmerican Ind.Retired Advertising Businesswoman Campaign website
10TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Elk Grove, southern Sacramento County
- Stephanie Nguyen* DemocratAssembly Member/Mother Campaign website
- Vinaya SinghRepublicanRetired Application Engineer Campaign website
11TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Vallejo, Solano County, Oakley
- Jeffrey FlackDemocratResearch Data Analyst Campaign website
- Lori Wilson* DemocratAssemblymember, 11th District Campaign website
- Dave EnnisRepublicanProfessional Civil Engineer Campaign website
- Wanda WallisRepublicanReal Estate Agent Campaign website
SACRAMENTO COUNTY RACES AND MEASURE
SUPERVISOR, 3RD DISTRICT
Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Fair Oaks
- Rich Desmond* Sacramento County Supervisor Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 4TH DISTRICT
Folsom, Citrus Heights, Elverta, Antelope
- Bret C. DanielsCouncil Member, Citrus Heights Campaign website
- Rosario RodriguezCouncilwoman/Restaurant Owner Campaign website
- Braden MurphyFather Campaign website
SACRAMENTO MAYOR
- Steve HansenSmall Businessman Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Flo CoferPublic Health Professional Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Jose Antonio Avina IIMarine Corps Captain Campaign website
- Julius M. EngelAsset Protection OfficerCampaign website
- Richard PanPhysician/Educator/Businessman Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Kevin McCartyAssemblymember/Father Campaign website Read about the candidate
SACRAMENTO CITY COUNCIL, 2ND DISTRICT
North Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Robla
- Ramona LanderosNo Ballot Designation Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Penelope LarryAsset Manager Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Daryl CollinsCEO, Nonprofit Campaign website
- Alicia BledsoeNo Ballot Designation Campaign website
- Stephen WaltonReal Estate Agent Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Veronica SmithSenior Council Representative Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Kim DavieRetired Vice Principal Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Roger DickinsonHousing Advocate Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Mary L. RussellNo Ballot Designation
SACRAMENTO CITY COUNCIL, 4TH DISTRICT
Downtown, Midtown, East Sacramento
- Katie Valenzuela* Incumbent Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Phil PluckebaumHealth Care Project Manage Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Marilynn MackeyReal Estate Broker
SACRAMENTO CITY COUNCIL, 6TH DISTRICT
Tahoe Park, La Riviera, Colonial Village
- Eric Guerra* Sacramento City Councilmember Campaign website Read about the candidate
- KC SchuftReal Estate Agent Campaign website Read about the candidate
- David DrelingerLegal Document Assistant Campaign website Read about the candidate
- Kevin RooneyPlumbing Contractor
SACRAMENTO CITY COUNCIL, 8TH DISTRICT
Meadowview, Valley Hi/North Laguna
- Mai Vang* Sacramento City Councilmember Campaign website
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, AREA 4
Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Gold River
- Sam HaiderParent/Consultant
- Linda Christopher-DewildeEducator/ConsultantCampaign website
- Vanessa D. CaigoyPublic School Administrator
- Moe SaramaFather/Businessman Campaign website
- Jay MartinezSmall Businessman Campaign website
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, AREA 6
Elk Grove, Delta; portions of Solano, Yolo counties
- Heather Davis* Board Member, Sacramento County BOE Campaign website
- Shazleen KhanEducation Analyst/CPA Campaign website
TWIN RIVERS USD, 7TH DISTRICT
North Sacramento, Ben Ali
- Linda Fowler* School Administrator
- Sascha VogtChild Development Teacher Campaign website
SUPERIOR COURT, OFFICE 21
- Amy HollidayDeputy District Attorney Campaign website
- Bobby P. LunaAttorney/Adjunct Professor Campaign website
- Noel CalvilloAdministrative Law Judge, CDSS Campaign website
MEASURE C
Sacramento city business tax
The measure would amend the city's business operations tax by increasing the gross receipts threshold to $100,000, setting a new flat tax for professionals ($684) and hotels and short-term rentals ($114) and more, raising $6 million for the general fund.
More information about the measure- Yes
- No
EL DORADO COUNTY RACES
SUPERVISOR, 1ST DISTRICT
El Dorado Hills
- Linda CampbellIT Program Director Campaign website
- Greg FerreroRetired Law Enforcement Campaign website
- Margaret FortuneNonprofit CEO/Educator Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 2ND DISTRICT
Cameron Park, Somerset, southern El Dorado County
- George Turnboo* El Dorado Supervisor Campaign website
- Kevin W. McCartyBusiness Compliance Director Campaign website
- Chris CockrellFamily Business Owner Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 3RD DISTRICT
Placerville, Diamond Springs
- Brian De BerryPublisher Campaign website
- Brian VeerkampRetired Fire Chief Campaign website
- Gary MartinCommercial Helicopter Pilot Campaign website
- Lexi BoegerAgriculture Community Liaison Campaign website
SUPERIOR COURT, 3RD OFFICE
- Leanne Mayberry*Superior Court Judge
PLACER COUNTY RACES AND MEASURE
SUPERVISOR, 3RD DISTRICT
Rocklin, Penryn, Loomis
- Dave ButlerExecutive Director Campaign website
- Anthony M. DematteiFarmer/Small Businessman Campaign website
- Mike MurrayRocklin Businessman Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 4TH DISTRICT
Granite Bay, eastern Roseville
- Karen HensonLocal Independent Businesswoman Campaign website
- Suzanne Jones* Placer Supervisor Campaign website
- Jeff MossSmall Businessman Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 5TH DISTRICT
Auburn, Kings Beach, Homewood
- Cindy Gustafson* Placer Supervisor, District 5 Campaign website
- Jim HolmesPlacer Supervisor, District 3 Campaign website
- Rick ChowdryLocal Business Owner Campaign website
- Wayne NaderLocal Business Owner Campaign website
MEASURE A
Loomis Town Clerk
The measure would allow the town clerk to be appointed rather than elected.
More information about the measure- Yes
- No
YOLO COUNTY RACES AND MEASURES
SUPERVISOR, 1ST DISTRICT
West Sacramento, Clarksburg
- Oscar E. Villegas* Yolo Supervisor
SUPERVISOR, 3RD DISTRICT
Remaining unexpired term — Woodland, West Sacramento
- Mary Sandy* Appointed Yolo Supervisor Campaign website
- Xóchitl Rodriguez MurilloVeterans Deputy Secretary Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 4TH DISTRICT
Eastern Davis, El Macero
- Sheila AllenYolo Supervisor's Deputy Campaign website
- Antonio De Loera-BrustFarmworker Communications Director Campaign website
- NJ MvondoSocial Entrepreneur Campaign website
SUPERVISOR, 5TH DISTRICT
Woodland, Dunnigan, Capay Valley
- Angel Barajas* Yolo Supervisor Campaign website
- Paul BridgeSales Representative
SUPERIOR COURT, DEPT. 14
- Clara LeversDeputy Attorney General Campaign website
- Chris DietrichAttorney at Law Campaign website
WOODLAND JUSD RECALL
The ballot question asks voters if Woodland Joint Unified School District Area 2 Trustee Emily MacDonald should be removed from office.
MEASURE M
Woodland: Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk
The measure would allow the city to accept $300 million in state and federal funds to construct a barrier and bypass on the Lower Cache Creek to mitigate potential flood damage.
More information about the measureMEASURE N
Davis Joint Unified School District parcel tax
The levy, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass, would allow the district to renew a previous parcel tax and raise $11.7 million for the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as the construction of new schools and classrooms. The levy would cost a parcel owner $768 per year beginning in July.
* denotes incumbent
How to vote
WHERE’S MY BALLOT? You’ve probably read or heard about certain other states where voting can sometimes be a challenge. California offers several options for casting your ballot. On Feb. 5, county elections officials will begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots to all active voters. If you mail it back, it must be postmarked no later than Election Day (Tuesday, March 5) and received by March 12. You can also take it to a secure ballot drop box, a voting location or your county voting office any time between Feb. 5 and 8 p.m. March 5. You can find the nearest one here.
NEED TO REGISTER? If you are not yet registered to vote, and you’re 18 or older on Election Day, you have until Feb. 20 to register by mailor online. After that, you have until the polls close on March 5 to conditionally register and vote at your county election office, vote center or polling place. Once officials verify your eligibility, your vote is counted.
VOTING IN PERSON: For those who prefer to vote in person, all four of the counties in the capital region are part of the Voter’s Choice Act and their voting centers will open on Feb. 24. You can find your polling place through the election office in your county: Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For any information on where and how to vote, check with the Secretary of State’s office.
This story was originally published February 5, 2024 at 5:15 AM with the headline "Your guide to the March 2024 primary election: The candidates vying for Sacramento-area votes."