Hello, climate-conscious voters!
We acknowledge the many choices confronting you on the ballot for the November 3rd midterm election. After extensive research into every race and measure, we’re proud to present our 2026 Contra Costa Climate Voter Guide.
While we support and have endorsed climate action leaders and their crucial work at the federal, state, and county levels, our endorsements for this election center on down-ballot races at the municipal and special district levels. These crucial local races include city council, community college district, and water district positions.
Given the current federal administration’s relentlessly cynical denial of the climate crisis, we are pressing for sound action from local candidates who are committed climate champions.
This page focuses on the races. For our recommendations on statewide propositions, check out our dedicated 2026 California propositions guide, as well as our detailed analysis of the Regional Transit Measure RTM.
Meet Our 2026 Endorsed Candidates
We are pleased to present the candidates in select races whom 350 Contra Costa Action and 350 Bay Area Action have endorsed. Click on each candidate’s name to read our detailed endorsement and learn more about their climate leadership. Each link will take you to candidate information and bios on the 350 Bay Area Action website:
- US Congress District 10: Mark DeSaulnier
- CA Assembly D16: Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
- Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 1: John Gioia
- Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 4: Ken Carlson
- Antioch City Council District 1: Tamisha Torres-Walker
- Antioch City Council District 4: Monica Wilson
- Concord City Council District 1: Maria Bagley
- Concord City Council District 3: Robyn Kuslits
- Concord City Council District 5: Laura Nakamura
- Orinda City Council At Large: Latika Malkani
- Pittsburg City Council At Large: Sonja Shephard
- San Ramon City Council District 2: Richard Adler
- San Ramon City Council District 4: Marisol Rubio
- Contra Costa Community College Ward 1: Cameron Sasa
- East Bay Municipal Water District Ward 2: Luz Gomez
How We Chose Our Endorsements
Our endorsement process is grounded in the 350 Contra Costa Action Electoral Team’s analysis. We studied races at every level to determine where our endorsements could be of greatest benefit. Generally, we focused on contests where a climate-conscious candidate faces tough opposition to take or defend a seat.
We invited all candidates in each targeted race to complete our survey. We considered only candidates who submitted a response and committed to the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. In addition to each candidate’s completed survey, we reviewed any additional information available in the public domain. Our research included but was not limited to:
- Earned and social media coverage
- Candidate websites
- Assessments by other grassroots environmental groups
The Electoral Team submitted endorsement recommendations to the 350 Contra Costa Action Leadership Team for review and approval. We then submitted all approved recommendations to the 350 Bay Area Action Electoral Team for final decisions.
What We Look For in a Candidate
What are we looking for in climate-conscious candidates? Given the scope of responsibility specific to the office they seek, we expect them to articulate a vision for the transition from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy. We also expect them to specify the initiatives they would undertake (or have undertaken if an incumbent seeking re-election) to realize their vision.
Additionally, we want to learn how environmental justice infuses their work, so the needs of those first and worst affected by the climate crisis are addressed equitably. We request recent examples of climate-conscious endeavors that demonstrate a candidate’s alignment with our mission and policy priorities.
Voting Is a Climate Action
We are delighted to introduce you to our endorsed candidates for the November 3rd election. Make your voice count—vote informed, and vote early!
Pub.Oct 9, 2026
Image credit: Edmond Dantès on Pexels