OUR 2026 ENDORSEMENTS
IE United is proud to endorse candidates who are accountable to their communities and committed to building power across the Inland Empire.
How we Make Endorsements
Our endorsement decisions are guided by our board members, our values, and the issues shaping life in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
01
Community-rooted leadership
02
Clear commitments on the issues
03
Accountability to residents after Election Day
STATE ENDORSEMENTS
DR. COREY JACKSON
For Assembly District 60
Dr. Corey Jackson has centered his leadership on expanding economic mobility, increasing access to housing and healthcare, and strengthening public accountability. His policy focus reflects a deep commitment to advancing progressive priorities while ensuring government remains responsive to working families across the Inland Empire. Inland Empire United proudly supports his candidacy for Assembly District 60.
CLARISSA CERVANTES
For Assembly District 58
Clarissa Cervantes has demonstrated steady leadership rooted in community accountability and economic reinvestment. She has focused on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting working families, and ensuring public investment benefits the residents who need it most. Inland Empire United believes her commitment to inclusive growth and responsible governance makes her the right choice to represent the region in Sacramento.
DR. TIFFANIE TATE
For CA State Senate District 32
Dr. Tiffanie Tate has dedicated her career to serving others as a physician, veteran, and community leader. Her campaign focuses on affordable healthcare, strong public schools, economic opportunity, and protecting the rights of working families. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Dr. Tiffanie Tate for California State Senate District 32.
RANDALL PUTZ
For Assembly District 34
Randall Putz brings nearly two decades of local public service, including three terms as Mayor of Big Bear Lake, to his campaign for State Assembly. His priorities include affordable housing, healthcare access, and greater investment in the Inland Empire’s mountain and desert communities. He has also spoken up for immigrant families and due process, reflecting a commitment to ensuring residents are heard and their rights respected. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Randall Putz for California State Assembly District 34.
LEILA NAMVAR
For Assembly District 47
Leila Namvar brings experience as a public servant, urban planner, and union leader to her campaign for State Assembly. Her priorities include lowering costs for working families, protecting workers’ rights, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring government remains accountable to the communities it serves. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Leila Namvar for California State Assembly District 47.
JJ GALVEZ
For Assembly District 71
JJ Galvez has dedicated his career to public service and grassroots advocacy, bringing a deep commitment to working families, immigrant communities, and accountable government. His campaign reflects a belief that public institutions should put people before special interests while expanding opportunity, protecting community health, and strengthening civic participation across the Inland Empire. Inland Empire United proudly endorses JJ Galvez for California State Assembly District 71.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY ENDORSEMENTS
ANDREA GARCIA
For Riverside County Superior Court Judge
Andrea Garcia has dedicated her legal career to public service and ensuring the justice system is fair, accessible, and accountable. Her experience serving Riverside County residents and her commitment to equal justice under the law reflect the integrity and community-centered leadership needed on the Superior Court. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Andrea Garcia for Riverside County Superior Court Judge.
DENISE DELGADO
For Mayor of Coachella
Denise Delgado brings years of experience in local government and community leadership to her campaign for Mayor of Coachella. Her priorities include expanding economic opportunity, investing in infrastructure, increasing affordable housing, and ensuring transparent, accountable government. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Denise Delgado for Mayor of Coachella.
ULISES CABRERA
For Mayor of Moreno Valley
Ulises Cabrera has built his public service around creating economic opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring local government remains accessible and accountable. His commitment to community leadership and investing in Moreno Valley’s future reflects a vision where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Ulises Cabrera for Mayor of Moreno Valley.
LIZ ARELLANO
For Moreno Valley City Council District 2
As an educator, licensed clinical social worker, and community leader, Liza Arellano has dedicated her career to strengthening families and expanding opportunity. Her commitment to responsive leadership and community engagement reflects a vision for a Moreno Valley where every resident can thrive. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Liza Arellano for Moreno Valley City Council District 2.
ARAM AYRA
For Riverside City Council Ward 2
Aram Ayra brings a strong focus on affordability and accountability to local leadership, with experience in city governance and budget oversight. His work centers on expanding housing access, lowering costs for working families, and ensuring public resources are used transparently and effectively. Inland Empire United proudly supports his candidacy for City Council Ward 2.
MARCO SANTANA
For Banning City Council District 4
Born and raised in Banning, Marco Santana is committed to ensuring the city’s growth creates real opportunity for the people who already call it home. His vision for transparent government, responsible development, and stronger economic opportunity reflects a deep commitment to working families and community-centered leadership. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Marco Santana for Banning City Council District 4.
CHRIS CASTORENA
For Banning City Council District 5
Chris Castorena has dedicated his career to public service, community engagement, and ensuring Banning’s neighborhoods receive the investment and attention they deserve. His commitment to transparent government, responsible growth, and putting residents first reflects a vision of a city where every family has the opportunity to thrive. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Chris Castorena for Banning City Council District 5.
RON ALVARADO
For San Bernardino City Council Ward 1
Ron Alvarado is a lifelong San Bernardino resident, government fraud investigator, and neighborhood advocate committed to bringing greater accountability, transparency, and investment to Ward 1. His leadership focuses on strengthening neighborhoods, protecting working families, and ensuring city resources serve the communities that need them most. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Ron Alvarado for San Bernardino City Council, Ward 1.
ARMANDO CARMONA
For Jurupa Valley City Council District 1
Armando Carmona has built his public service around putting residents before special interests. His leadership has focused on protecting Jurupa Valley neighborhoods, increasing community involvement, and ensuring local government remains accountable to the people it serves. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Armando Carmona for Jurupa Valley City Council District 1.
EDGAR CASTELAN
For Jurupa Valley City Council District 3
Edgar Castelan is committed to building a Jurupa Valley where working families, small businesses, and neighborhoods have the opportunity to thrive. His leadership reflects a commitment to accountable government, responsible growth, and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their community. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Edgar Castelan for Jurupa Valley City Council District 3.
JACQUE CASILLAS
For Corona City Council District 1
Born and raised in Corona, Jacque Casillas has dedicated her career to strengthening the city she calls home. Her leadership has focused on expanding opportunity, investing in neighborhoods, and ensuring residents have a voice in local government. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Jacque Casillas for Corona City Council District 1.
FELIPE ORTIZ
For Indio City Council District 4
Felipe Ortiz brings the perspective of a Colombian immigrant, Marine Corps veteran, and Indio Planning Commission Vice Chair to his campaign for City Council. His priorities include expanding housing and homeownership opportunities for working families, completing critical infrastructure, and creating good-paying jobs close to home. His public service reflects a commitment to helping residents navigate government and ensuring growth supports the people who call Indio home. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Felipe Ortiz for Indio City Council District 4.
SAMMIE LUNA
For Moreno Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 1
As a parent, longtime public servant, and current Vice President of the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education, Sammie Luna has dedicated her leadership to expanding opportunity for every student. Her commitment to strong schools, supporting educators, and preparing students for successful futures reflects a vision of public education that serves every family. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Sammie Luna for Moreno Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 1.
BRANDY CLARKE
For Moreno Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 4
As President of the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education, Brandy Clark has focused on strengthening public education through transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement. Her commitment to supporting students, educators, and families reflects a vision of schools that prepare every child to succeed. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Brandy Clark for Moreno Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 4.
LORETTA PEREZ
For Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 2
Loretta Perez is a parent, community advocate, and founder of United for Autism & Abilities Foundation. She has dedicated her work to expanding educational equity, improving school safety, and ensuring every family has a voice in their child’s education. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Loretta Perez for Coachella Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 2.
KERI THEN
For Riverside Community College District Trustee Area 5.
Keri Then has dedicated her career to expanding access to higher education and strengthening pathways to good-paying careers. As an educator, veteran, and Riverside Community College District trustee, she has worked to improve student success, workforce training, and affordable educational opportunities. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Keri Then for Riverside Community College District Trustee Area 5.
ANYSE SMITH
For Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Zone 5
Anyse Smith is an attorney, healthcare advocate, and current Desert Healthcare District Director who has dedicated her career to expanding access to care for underserved communities. Her leadership reflects a commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving behavioral health services, and ensuring every resident can access quality care. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Anyse Smith for Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Zone 5.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ENDORSEMENTS
JOZ SIDA
For Mayor of Fontana
Joz Sida has dedicated her leadership to strengthening Fontana through community engagement, responsible growth, and a commitment to working families. Her vision for city government emphasizes accountability, neighborhood investment, and creating opportunities that benefit the people who call Fontana home. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Joz Sida for Mayor of Fontana.
LUZ PEREZ
For Fontana City Council District 4
Luz Perez is a working mom and community advocate committed to ensuring Fontana’s growth benefits the families who call the city home. Her leadership focuses on economic opportunity, affordable neighborhoods, clean air, and giving residents a stronger voice in local government. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Luz Perez for Fontana City Council, District 4.
RON ALVARADO
For San Bernardino City Council Ward 1
Ron Alvarado is a lifelong San Bernardino resident, government fraud investigator, and neighborhood advocate committed to bringing greater accountability, transparency, and investment to Ward 1. His leadership focuses on strengthening neighborhoods, protecting working families, and ensuring city resources serve the communities that need them most. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Ron Alvarado for San Bernardino City Council, Ward 1.
CHRISTIAN SHAUGHNESSY
For San Bernardino City Council Ward 2
Christian Shaughnessy brings a community organizing approach to local leadership, with a focus on housing stability, worker protections, and accountable governance. His work reflects a commitment to building coalitions and advancing policies that directly impact working families in San Bernardino. Inland Empire United proudly supports his candidacy for City Council Ward 2.
JOE SALAS
For San Bernardino City Council Ward 4
Joe Salas brings a community-centered approach to local leadership, grounded in deep engagement with residents and a commitment to responsive governance. His work focuses on expanding housing access, investing in youth and family services, and ensuring city resources reflect the needs of working families. Inland Empire United proudly supports his candidacy for City Council Ward 4.
DENISE DAVIS
For Redlands City Council
Denise Davis is a Redlands City Councilmember with a proven record of delivering results for working families. Her leadership has expanded homelessness services, advanced sustainability, strengthened food security, and created new opportunities for community engagement. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Denise Davis for Redlands City Council.
DEREK MARSHALL
For Victorville City Council District 4
Derek Marshall has dedicated his leadership to strengthening neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring local government remains responsive to the needs of residents. His commitment to community investment and accountable leadership reflects a vision for a stronger Victorville. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Derek Marshall for Victorville City Council.
DR. GWEN DOWDY-RODGERS
For San Bernardino County Board of Education Area D
Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers has dedicated her career to strengthening public education through transparent leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to student success. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers for San Bernardino County Board of Education Area D.
ABIGAIL MEDINA
For San Bernardino City Unified School District Board
Abigail Medina is a longtime school board member, parent advocate, and community leader dedicated to expanding opportunity for every student. Her leadership has helped increase graduation rates, improve college readiness, and strengthen pathways that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Abigail Medina for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board.
DANNY TILLMAN
For San Bernardino City Unified School District Board
Danny Tillman is committed to ensuring every student has access to a strong public education and the opportunities they need to succeed. His leadership reflects a belief that schools thrive when students, families, and educators work together to build safe, supportive, and successful learning environments. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Danny Tillman for the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board.
RYAN SCHAVRIEN
For Redlands Unified School District Board Area 2
Ryan Schavrien is a district parent and financial analyst committed to schools where every student is safe, supported, and prepared for the future. Through his service on The Grove School’s board, he helped create a more equitable educator pay scale and expand staff benefits. His priorities include career pathways, responsible classroom funding, and protecting students of color and LGBTQ+ students from discrimination. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Ryan Schavrien for Redlands Unified School District Board, Area 2.
FRANK GERDINE
For Chino Valley Unified School District Board
Frank Gerdine is committed to strengthening public education by preparing students for success in the classroom, the workforce, and beyond. His leadership reflects a dedication to supporting educators, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring schools remain accountable to the communities they serve. Inland Empire United proudly endorses Frank Gerdine for the Chino Valley Unified School District Board.
BUILDING LEADERSHIP FOR THE INLAND EMPIRE
The Inland Empire is one of California’s fastest-growing regions, and our communities deserve leadership that reflects our values and priorities. Inland Empire United will continue working with partners across Riverside and San Bernardino counties to identify and support candidates committed to accountable, progressive governance.
Learn more about the upcoming November 3 Election by visiting our information page: ieunited.org/vote-2026/