Republican Assemblymember Laurie Davies is running for re-election to represent the 74th Assembly District in North County and southern Orange County.
To help inform voters, the San Diego Union-Tribune asked all the candidates a series of the same questions about their priorities, positions and campaigns. Their emailed answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?
California is at a crossroads when it comes to public safety and ensuring we tackle our cost-of-living crisis. In these challenging times, experience matters. In the Legislature, I have a proven independent record of leaving party labels at the door and getting results for our community.
I’ve secured approximately $20 million for local school infrastructure improvements as a member of the State Board of Allocation. I was appointed to this board by former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Los Angeles) due to my ability to work across the aisle. In addition, I have authored 15 pieces of legislation signed by Gov. Newsom.
Lastly, due to my bipartisan approach to legislating, I am a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which brings together select legislators from both parties to focus on tackling California’s pressing issues.
What are the top 3 issues facing this district and California generally?
First, I believe increasing our public safety is a top priority. We need to increase the ability of law enforcement to get firearms out of the hands of convicted criminals. Additionally, we need to focus on cracking down on the rampant retail theft and fentanyl trafficking we have seen in our neighborhoods. I’ve introduced AB 2406 this year to increase penalties on retail theft ringleaders.
Next, protecting our environment is another top issue for our region. We must conserve and replenish our shoreline, especially in Oceanside, by focusing efforts on coastal erosion. Consequently, improving our coastline means improving the ability for the LOSSAN rail line to run consistently.
Lastly, tackling our high cost of living is another issue facing Californians and the residents of Assembly District 74. I have been a proponent of increasing the renters tax credit to ensure we keep people in their homes.
What are the first 3 things you would do in your next term in the Legislature?
As a two-term Assembly member, if re-elected, I want to continue pushing for stronger penalties for those dealing fentanyl. This drug is an epidemic, and it’s time we start going after the dealers and getting help for the addicted.
Next, I want to continue advocating for improved roads and transportation infrastructure. As a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I continuously advocate for improvements for the Highway 78 roads. This year, I’ve partnered with Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-San Diego) on SB 1098 to ensure our environmental issues no longer cause havoc for the rail and we have a plan of action for the region.
Lastly, I want to begin looking at ways we can bring down the cost of building homes in California. This entails looking at what developer fees get passed down to the consumer and what permits we can fast-track.
What would you do to curb climate change and its effects on California, including the fact that those effects are often borne disproportionately by communities of color?
I am proud of the fact that during my time in the state Assembly I have not only introduced but passed meaningful environmental conservation reforms. Last year, to help expedite grant funding for coastal erosion mitigation projects, I successfully passed AB 882.
This year, I have introduced two new measures to help with our transition to a green economy. Firstly, AB 1922 will create a “Green Collar Certification Program’’ to ensure we have workers trained for the environmental jobs of tomorrow. This might include solar panel engineering or innovative ideas to help with sand replenishment. Lastly, AB 1923 will create the “Green Assistance Program” inside the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) so small businesses know how to upgrade their infrastructure to more carbon-reducing technology.
What would you do to combat California’s housing, affordability and homelessness crises?
First and foremost, I will always protect Prop.13. This helps keep housing and property taxes down.
To help with affordability, we need to ensure parents are able to go to work. One barrier to this is child care. We must guarantee spots for parents who want them. That is why I have partnered with Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Sacramento) on AB 1808 to increase child care eligibility for CalWorks families from 12 months to 24 months. Additionally, last year I introduced AB 14 to give a tax credit to every California family to help pay for childcare expenses. Furthermore, during my time in the state Assembly I have co-authored measures to increase the renters tax credit so those renting have the opportunity to stay in their current home.
Do you personally support Proposition 1? Why or why not?
As someone who has personally been a conservator for a family member with a mental illness, I can tell you reforms are needed. That is why I was an ardent supporter of the governor’s CARE courts measure in 2022 and voted in favor.
However, I have serious concerns about Prop. 1. Every bond measure is essentially a tax increase. This measure adds $310 million in unpaid debts future generations will have to pay off. When families are currently struggling to pay for food, rent and gas, we cannot in good conscience saddle them with more future debt.
Do you support or oppose stricter gun laws and background checks? Which, and if you support them, to what extent?
In the Legislature, I have shown that common-sense gun reforms can be made. Last year, I successfully passed AB 303 to ensure state officials work with local law enforcement agencies to track which legally barred individuals on the Armed & Prohibited Persons System (APPS) still have a gun. It’s why this year I continued this push and introduced AB 2518 so that any person convicted of murder, attempted murder or manslaughter is prohibited from owning a firearm. Lastly, I have also partnered with Sen. Blakespear on SB 1002 to help individuals placed on a 5150 hold know about firearm confiscation laws.
Do you support or oppose asking voters to roll back elements of Proposition 47, by which they recategorized some nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors 10 years ago? Why or why not? Do you personally support or oppose making changes to Prop. 47?
Yes, I believe we need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to Prop. 47. Criminals have taken advantage of the soft-on-crime policies that have happened because of it. Look no further than the organized retail theft rings. Furthermore, I hardly believe voters intended for the rape of an unconscious woman or the trafficking of a minor to be simple misdemeanors.
Californians will vote this year on whether to repeal Proposition 8, a 2008 same-sex marriage ban that has been unenforceable since the Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriage but that remains on the books. Will you personally vote for or against repealing Prop. 8?
I was one of the nine Assembly GOP members who voted in favor of Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 5 that called for the repeal, so that voters could have their voices heard on this issue at the ballot box.
