Late yesterday, we all checked our phones.
Disbelief. Confusion. Depression. Anger. Resolve.
It was one of those seminal moments in life where you remember where you were when you heard the news. San Diego Democrats for Equality has, for nigh-on decades, been a champion for women's healthcare, women's rights, abortion rights, for choice, and for reproductive justice.
We've asked probably hundreds of candidates where they stand, the question itself is enshrined in our candidate questionnaire, and we do not endorse candidates who stand in opposition.
The impending dismantling of Roe. v Wade by weaking privacy rights should be seen as an assault on all of us -- a terrifying notion of what's about to happen is the loss of rights for over half the population of our country, and the very real possibility that LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, civil rights, etc. -- everything we hold dear and sometimes take for granted, it's all on the chopping block. And, so much more.
On a personal note, I texted my mom last night that if she was ever thinking of marrying her longtime partner that they should probably marry now before we lose that right.
That's a sobering sentiment.
This is the scenario right-wing Republicans have been salivating over for years. They almost have what they want: absolute control.
They are about to end 49 years of legal precedent, and we know... it won't end there.
In response to the news last night, almost immediately, our Governor Newsom, Speaker Rendon, and our Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins announced a constitutional amendment that will enshrine abortion rights into our California Constitution.
Our club will consider endorsing this at our next meeting on Thursday, May 19th. Before we officially vote on that amendment, and on behalf of our club's executive board... to our friends, allies, and family outside the LGBTQ+ community... San Diego Democrats for Equality would like to reiterate our commitment to protecting abortion rights, women's rights, women's healthcare, and reproductive justice -- just as we have for decades.
You can count on us as an unwavering ally in this fight, because it's absolutely our fight too.
As grim as things look now in the light of day, it is still a new day. Tomorrow, the sun rises on a new day, and a new day after that. The cycle repeats.
Today, we advocate. We organize.
Tomorrow, we march. We legislate.
In a couple weeks, we vote and we get others to do the same.
For truth, justice, and a better tomorrow...
Ryan Trabuco (he/him/his)
Club President
San Diego Democrats for Equality
Latest posts
Virtual Club Meeting: April 18th, 2024
Please join us for our next virtual club meeting on Thursday, April 18th at 6:30pm.
We will re-consider our friendly incumbent consideration for both seats on the Chula Vista Elementary School Board, and will entertain club members' Q&A with Cipriano Vargas about his re-election to Vista Unified School Board. Also, we will consider a friendly incumbent endorsement for North County Fire Protection District's Ross Pike. We will also consider an endorsement for Poway Unified School Board Area A, and depending on candidate availability, we may consider an early endorsement for Governor.
Virtual Club Meeting: March 21st, 2024
Join us for our next virtual club meeting on Thursday, March 21st at 6:30pm.
We will swear-in our newly elected and re-elected executive board members, and we'll review updated election results from local contests and highlight high-profile races happening across the state. As mentioned in our election update yesterday, we will consider consolidating our club's support for Adam Schiff for U.S. Senate.
Also, we'll consider friendly incumbent endorsements for both Chula Vista Elementary School Board seats, San Marcos Unified Area A, Vista Unified School Board, and will re-consider a formal endorsement for Lemon Grove Mayor.
Voter Guide: 2024 Presidential Primary Election
Ballots have been mailed out, and early voting starts Monday, February 5th!
Our voter guide is being mailed out to our club members and is a handy and trusted guide for our recommendations and endorsed candidates that will primarily (no pun intended) be on the ballot for the Presidential Primary Election on March 5th, 2024.
We have a no-frills, printer-friendly version of our voter guide available as well for your convenience.