Assembly District 19 Candidates

I have been a delegate for 12+ years to the California Democratic Convention, as well a delegate from the 12th Congressional District to the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2024 Democratic National Conventions.  

I was active in both the 2008 and 2012 Barack Obama campaigns. I ran local phone banks for the 2006 and 2010 California and national mid-term elections. I managed a major local phone bank for the successful 2014 Keep The Senate Blue mid-term election, and I helped manage the Hillary 2016 campaign office in San Francisco.  I phone banked for the 2022 mid-term election and recently organized an in-person phone bank for the 2024 Kamala Harris campaign for the SF Democratic Party.  I am currently a Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party Permanent Organizing Committee.

I have worked on national issues such as the passage of “Obamacare” in 2009, and have been a Certified Enrollment Counselor for Covered California for the past 10 years.

I have registered hundreds of voters. I am also an active member of the CADEM  & DNC Senior and Disabilities Caucuses.

The San Francisco Democratic Party awarded me the 2008 Sue Bierman award as Grass Roots Volunteer of the Year for my volunteer activities and I was honored to receive California Democratic Party Volunteer of the Year from Region 4 at the 2012 Convention.

I believe being a Democrat is not a spectator sport so as a Delegate to the 2015-2016 California Democratic Party, I will continue to get out there and make things happen.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

Kalimah Salahuddin served twelve years on the Jefferson Union High School District Board of Education. She is a Past President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA). At the County level, she serves on the Shared Prosperity Council and is the San Mateo County Sheriff Independent Civilian Advisory Commission Chair.  She is one of the founding members of the REACH Coalition, an advocacy group of elected officials and community leaders of color to increase equity and community health for all. She identifies as Queer and is a strong Black woman and mother to three wonderful adults.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why Kalimah is running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

I am a lifelong resident and renter within Assembly District 19 and a proud graduate of San Francisco public schools. I am the product of a Latinx family and single mother who has also lived her entire life in San Francisco. Growing up, I experienced the impacts of poverty and navigated education with learning disabilities—challenges that many in my community face. These experiences have fueled my commitment to fighting against systems of oppression and advocating for the most vulnerable individuals among us: working class, students, elderly, disabled, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.

I have been a dedicated leader and advocate in my community for years, both at and outside of City College of San Francisco. In 2019, I served as Associated Student Council President, and had the honor of being an inaugural student member of the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families’ Free City College Oversight Committee from 2019 to 2022. At the state level, I represented the needs of over 1.9 million students as President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges in 2022.

I am involved in organizing with Coleman Advocates and Students Making A Change to ensure that tuition-free education remains available for all San Francisco residents. Through these efforts, we are advocating for resources that directly benefit students from all backgrounds, including those facing homelessness and housing insecurity, DACA recipients, and parenting students. Ensuring equitable access to transportation, food, housing, and education has always been a top priority for me.

Through these roles, I have gained a deep understanding of the importance of democracy, civic engagement, and community organizing rooted in people power to implement change—not the interests of corporations or political insiders.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

I started my work as a Democratic Party activist before I was even old enough to vote! I was raised in the Bay Area by proud blue-collar union members and grew up knocking doors on top of my father’s shoulders to campaign for local, state, and national elections.

Growing up in a working-class Chicano family I became passionate about civic engagement and democratizing power for our communities. Throughout my career as a party organizer, I have consistently advocated for more policies and equitable infrastructure by using a race-class lens to center the voices of low-income residents, workers, immigrants, and BIPOC.  

I’ve worked for Courage Campaign where I fought to restore marriage equality and end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; and for Organizing for America where I worked to elect Democrats across the state and the country, and helped to pass the Affordable Care Act and DACA. Locally, I served as a four term past President of Richmond District Democratic Club and am currently serving as a Political Action Committee Officer of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Following the 2016 election, I co-founded Richmond District Rising, which builds political power and among working families  living in San Francisco’s Richmond District. I previously served as an ADEM delegate from 2013 to 2018. 

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

I am Bay Area born and raised (Petaluma/Novato) and am a  20-year resident of San Francisco. 

As a long time social services worker for marginalized communities including those experiencing homelessness, substance use and severe mental illness, I am committed to creating a more just and compassionate city for all. With a background in criminal justice (shout out SFSU), I serve on the Local Homeless Coordinating Board, am a board director with the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council, and am an active participant in progressive voter groups.

I believe in fighting for the most vulnerable, tackling the influence of money in politics, and advocating for a more equitable future. I’m dedicated to ensuring San Francisco works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Additionally, I have a very sweet 5 year old dog, Cheddar. 

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

My name is Theresa Faapuaa and I am a proud single mother of 2 young men, born in American Samoa. My parents were both serving as hard working individuals in the community, mom as a teacher and my dad as a mechanic. I knew then how important their roles were not only supporting our family but throughout the community, which makes me aware of how life is daily. I am actively involved and serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as a volunteer, life group leader in the community. As an appointed Bayshore School District trustee, former Library & Parks Trustee, and currently as Vice Chair of Planning Commission I had gained experience and knowledge of finances, reviewing budgets, contract negotiations. My priorities are simple: help Daly City provide and support public safety, smart planning, balanced sustainable budget, supporting small businesses and partnering with local schools, Keep Seaton Medical Seton open. With a fervent passion to serve I would like to create affordable to free programs for all. Humbly asking for your vote. Email me: theresadonjo@gmail.com

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

Graham is a San Francisco native and product of SFUSD schools from K-12. In college, Graham helped to negotiate a deal which established a framework for the Evergreen State College to divest from countries engaged in gross human rights violations. Locally, Graham worked on Connie Chan's reelection campaign. The grandson of labor organizers, Graham cares deeply about unions and hopes to expand collective bargaining rights in California and nationally. As a young person and a lifelong resident of the Outer Richmond, Graham wants to see more 100% affordable housing on the Westside, while also expanding rent control protections in San Francisco. Graham is also passionate about protecting and expanding the rights of undocumented people living here in California and across the nation. 

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why Graham is running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

Nick Parker has been a worker all his life, from driving taxis after college, working as a union member in television and film, to working nonprofits and now as a cafe owner in San Francisco. He has always been a strong union supporter, walked the picket line on many occasions, and fought to bring unions to several film jobs. While in college, he was active in anti nuclear student groups while studying English Literature, for which he holds a Bachelor of Arts. He has also been a media coordinator for Food First, an international food policy institute in Oakland, CA. That position laid the foundation both politically and environmentally for the cafe he currently owns whereby we have hosted many political and activist events and, as much as possible, the food served is produced locally and is environmentally friendly. 

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

Dana Johnson is a masculine-centered gender non-binary community activist, author, documentary filmmaker, DEI&B specialist, and Professional Development trainer. Dana serves as an LGBTQ+ Commissioner, PRIDE Initiative co-chair, and a board member of CoastPride Center for the County of San Mateo. All things that are about uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community in San Mateo County, specifically those of Trans people of color, almost always include Dana.  They have been a courageous champion for Trans visibility and rights in communities of color; that voice is needed now more than ever. Dana is also a campaign for the unhoused with 18 years of experience counseling unhoused youth and families.  Dana is currently a Director of Family Shelter Services for the Bill Wilson Center. 

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why Dana is running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

I am a Multi-racial, AAPI, and Black POC College Student at Skyline Community College, planning to transfer for Fall 2025. I have lived in Daly City and South San Francisco my entire life. I am a Co-Vice President of the Black and Brown Scholars at Skyline Community College, and have interned for the last South San Francisco District 4 Election for the candidate James Coleman. I work with children at an indoor playground in Serramonte Mall as a store clerk and cashier.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.

Born 1950 in Sweden to Jewish-Polish WW2 refugees

California resident since 1950

SF resident since 1978.

Graduate of UC Davis, BA Social Psychology, 1973

VISTA Volunteer as a paralegal in Ventura County, 1973-4

Working Teamster and union activist (in Teamsters for a Democratic Union, 1978-2004).

Retired and did volunteer work:

KALW News Reporter 2005-2009;  

SF 99% Coalition 2011 to 2015.

Progressive Democrats of America SF chapter member and leader 2015 to 2018.

SF Gray Panthers member and leader 2018 to current.

California Alliance for Retired Americans member and now convener 2019 to current.

In 2016 I became a Member of SF Berniecrats

In 2019 I became a member of the SF Gray Panthers.

For too long, the Democratic Party has been influenced by corporations and big money. That’s why I am running as part of the Grassroots Rising Slate, a coalition of community organizers, small business owners, union workers, parents, and everyday people who believe that the Democratic Party is worth fighting for. We are running independent of state elected officials because we are accountable to the many, not those who already hold systemic power. Together, we hope to swing the pendulum of power back to the community so that the party works for all of us, not just an elite few.