By Sameea Kamal

WHAT THE BILLS WOULD DO

AB 1784 by Democratic Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin and Wendy Carrillo would stop candidates from seeking multiple offices, by clarifying state law to prevent candidates from filing papers for more than one office in a primary election. It also allows people to withdraw their candidacy until the filing deadline, which they currently can’t do. The bill does not apply to candidates for statewide office, and clarifies that withdrawal is final. 

AB 2041 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta would make it easier for candidates to use campaign cash for their own security. Under current law, threats have to be verified by law enforcement.  This bill would lift that requirement and allow spending on home or office security systems and other expenses (but not firearms) due to threats tied to official duties. The bill would allow politicians to protect their families and staff, and spend as much as $10,000 on security expenses over their careers.  

WHO SUPPORTS THEM

AB 1784 is supported by Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials and California’s League of Women Voters, which said that having someone on the ballot twice can confuse voters and undermine confidence in elections. It could also lead to costly special elections if a candidate wins both contests, the group said.

Supporters of AB 2041 include the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission, which enforces campaign finance laws, as well as the League of California Cities. The bill’s supporters in the Legislature tell of increasing threats and harassment over controversial bills. They also point out that female candidates and officials are often the targets of threats. “Stalking and harassment have become all too common in today’s politics, especially for candidates who are female, LGBTQ+, and candidates of color,” Bonta said in a statement after her bill passed on the final night of session. 

WHO IS OPPOSED

There is no registered opposition on file to either bill.

WHY IT MATTERS

AB 1784 seeks to address the very specific debacle that resulted from Assemblymember Vince Fong putting his hat in the ring after Rep. Kevin McCarthy stepped down from Congress. Fong was already on the primary ballot to run for re-election in his Assembly district, so the Secretary of State tried to stop him from running for a second office. Fong sued, and won. Authors of the bill want to clarify for future elections that dual candidacies are prohibited.

Gov. Newsom vetoed a similar bill to AB 2041 last year, saying it lacked clear definitions of security expenses and could lead to unintended uses of political donations. But supporters say the bill language has been tightened up to only allow spending for reasonable costs. If Newsom signs this bill, it would take effect immediately, so candidates could take advantage during the fall campaign.

GOVERNOR’S CALLS ✅

Newsom announced Sept. 22 that he signed AB 1784 and AB 2041.