Friend,

Early results from the June 7 primary elections are in, and a significant
percentage of ballots still need to be counted. Here’s what we know so
far, and what we expect to learn in the next few days and weeks:

Voter Turnout

* What we know now: Voter turnout is currently at 19% and is projected
to be around 30% by the time ballots are fully counted. That would
make this one of our lowest turnout elections in recent history.
* What we hope to learn: Breakdowns of voter turnout and deeper analysis
on why turnout may have been lower in specific communities and
geographies.

Courage Endorsed Candidates

* What we know now: Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton won her
re-election decisively, and the majority of our other endorsed
statewide and local candidates are headed to a November run-off
election, including Congresswoman Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor.
* What we hope to learn: Final election results and lessons to apply to
get our endorsed candidates to the finish line in November.

Campaign Spending

* What we know now: Big money was influential in races across the state.
Nearly $40 million was spent in independent expenditures, especially
from Uber, Amazon, Sempra Energy, and Chevron. Rick Caruso spent $24
million on his own LA mayoral campaign, and right wing donors and tech
investors put in over $8 million to recall San Francisco District
Attorney Chesa Boudin.
* What we hope to learn: What it will take to elect and protect
progressive leaders as the price tag on races and recalls gets higher
and higher.

General Election Planning

* What we know now (and have always known): Every vote matters, and
turnout will be key to progressive victories. California is key to
many House protect and flip seats, and the general election is an
opportunity for us to build towards actual progressive majorities in
our state legislature and local governing bodies.
* What we hope to learn: What it will take to motivate all Californians
to vote. There will be a lot of speculation about voter turnout, but
we will have the opportunity to learn directly from voters in our
summertime polling.

In mid-July, we’ll host a town hall to discuss the final results of the
primary election and what they mean for the general election and our
ongoing progressive movement. More details coming soon.

In the meantime, thank you for voting and doing your part in making
California a more representative democracy.

Sincerely,

Irene, along with Amber, Angela, Annie, Isidra, Jay, Lindsay, LisaMarie,
Mai, Mai, Raquel, and Scottie (the Courage team)


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Courage California (formerly Courage Campaign) makes sure our democracy works for ALL of us by fighting corruption in California politics. We believe the solution lies in exposing and solving systemic problems through strategic organizing, enhancing coordination between progressive organizations, and mobilizing civic engagement from our communities, particularly voters of color, young voters, and self-identified progressives.

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