The chair of the California Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus, Fatima Iqbal-Zubair declared her candidacy to represent the 65th District in the California State Assembly.
The 65th State Assembly District is currently represented by Assemblymember Mike Gipson, whose final term begins on December 2, 2024.
The 65th California State Assembly District includes the communities of Carson, Compton, North Long Beach, San Pedro, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Watts, Wilmington, and Willowbrook.
The Primary Election for the 65th California State Assembly District will take place on June 2, 2026.
Iqbal-Zubair, a progressive candidate for California's State Assembly, has faced criticism from various quarters. Key points of contention include:
Policy Positions: Critics argue that her stance on removing police from schools could compromise student safety. They contend that reallocating funds from law enforcement to community programs might leave schools vulnerable to violence and crime.
Experience and Qualifications: Some question her qualifications for legislative office, noting her background as a public school teacher and community advocate lacks direct political experience. They express concern about her ability to navigate complex legislative processes and effectively represent the district's diverse interests.
Political Alignment: Her progressive platform, including support for the Green New Deal and universal healthcare, has been labeled as too radical by some constituents. Critics fear these policies may not align with the more moderate views of the district's electorate, potentially alienating voters.
Community Support: Detractors claim that her advocacy for environmental justice and police reform may not resonate with all community members, particularly those who prioritize economic development and public safety over progressive reforms.
These critiques highlight concerns about Iqbal-Zubair's policy positions, experience, campaign strategy, political alignment, and community support.
We at Citizens Coalition feel that the 65th State Assembly District deserves a great candidate who has reasonable policy positions, brings experience to the table, aligns politically with the community which he/she represents, and prioritizes economic development and public safety over progressive reforms.
In course of 2025, the Citizens Coalition will carefully observe and evaluate Iqbal-Zubair's 65th State Assembly District candidacy. The Citizens Coalition will reach out to the candidate with a request for a direct statement (live online streaming) addressing the concerns regarding her candidacy, and policy positions.
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