TVDC Endorses Jerry McNerney for State Senate District 5

Monday January 15, 2024 - The Tri-Valley Democratic Club interviewed and voted to endorse a candidate for California Senate District 5 which includes Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin in addition to San Joaquin County.   In addition to the two candidates for the senate, two candidates for Alameda County Superior Court Judge were also interviewed and voted on for endorsement.  Candidates running for seats on the Alameda Democratic Party Central Committee introduced themselves to the membership but an endorsement vote was not taken.  Watch the entire meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYDAn8t0X1k&t=449s .

Democratic Candidates for State Senate District 5 include the Hon.former US Congress Member Jerry McNerney and the Hon. California Assembly Member Carlos Villapudua.   Prior to the filing date two candidates announced their intention to run for Senate District 5, the club interviewed them both and voted to endorse Rhodesia Ransom over Edith Villapudua, Carlos’ wife.  Later, Edith instead filed to run for Carlos’ Assembly seat and Carlos decided to run for the open senate seat.  Rhodesia Ransom then decided to run against Edith for the Assembly seat and former Congressman McNerney decided to run for the open senate seat.

Prior to the Zoom meeting the club had not met San Joaquin resident Carlos Villapudua, however, Pleasanton resident Jerry McNerney was the Tri-Valley Democratic Club Vice President before his election to the US Congress in 2006.

Each candidate spoke for five  minutes then answered questions from the membership.

Mr. Villapudua spoke about his terms as a county Supervisor and work he did to save a hospital, an airport and help bring a veterans hospital to San Joaquin.  He cited various projects he has been involved in with the business community.  Carlos said he is “excited about the Tri-Valley being part of San Joaquin County”  (10:35 into the YouTube video).  He Promised to be very visible in the Tri-Valley.

Mr. Mcerney noted he started in politics at the Tri-Valley Democratic Club, the first club to endorse him in 2004.  He highlighted his achievements during sixteen years in Congress, including aid for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, championing environmental legislation (citing the Inflation Reduction Act, the most powerful environmental action, ever).  Jerry is a PhD engineer and used his expertise in technology, Artificial Intelligence and innovation to lead congress in those areas.

Both candidates were asked about; the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and their respective positions on the environment, endorsements by Planned Parenthood, electric vehicles powering the grid during off hours.

When asked about Assembly Bill 83 (Alex Lee) bill that would ban corporations with substantial foreign ownership from making campaign donations, Carlos said he was not familiar with the bill but Jerry spoke about how he had sponsored “strongest possible bills” that limited corporate influence in politics.

At the end of the meeting Tri-Valley Democratic Club President Jackie Tarin-Rankl announced that Jerry McNerney received 100% of the votes of members in good standing.