ENDORSEMENTS
Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
"Lauren Cazares is precisely the kind of young leader La Mesa needs to guide its future. Lauren will bring a valuable combination of policy expertise, political acumen, and passionate advocacy to her role on City Council. She will be a champion for small businesses and is committed to making La Mesa a more accessible and affordable community.”
Chris Ward, Assemblymember AD 78
"Lauren Cazares is a pragmatic, progressive leader ready to tackle our region's toughest crises in partnership with local and state leaders. Her creative problem-solving skills, coupled with her vision and dedication, make her the ideal next councilmember for the City of La Mesa. "
Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Mayor, City of La Mesa
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Lauren for over a decade. Lauren is willing to listen, learn, and collaborate with community members and stakeholders in order to best serve our community. I am confident she will serve La Mesa well."
Colin Parent, Vice Mayor, City of La Mesa
"I wholeheartedly endorse Lauren Cazares for Council. Lauren's deep community roots, experience as a trusted Policy Advisor, firm commitment to our community, and her relentless advocacy for underrepresented voices make her the ideal candidate to represent our diverse city. Like me, Lauren believes that public policy has the power to improve people's lives and that elected officials must be proactive in addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and climate change."
Patricia Dillard, Councilmember, City of La Mesa
"I know how passionate Lauren Cazares is about public service. She is always willing to put our community first and knows how to bring people together around common goals. She will bring a sound and reasonable approach to governance on the La Mesa City Council, which will serve everyone.”
Matt Strabone
Treasurer, City of La Mesa
Raul Campillo, Councilmember, City of San Diego D-7
“I am proud to endorse Lauren Cazares for La Mesa City Council. With deep roots in her community and a long record of service, Lauren understands the unique needs and challenges facing our area. Lauren’s values show a commitment to progress and a willingness to listen to all voices, making her the ideal candidate to represent her hometown.”
Brianna Coston, Trustee, La Mesa - Spring Valley School Board
"Lauren will provide a fresh perspective on our City Council and is a positive role model for the future young leaders of our wonderful city. I'm proud to support her candidacy for La Mesa City Council."
Caitlin Tiffany, Trustee, La Mesa - Spring Valley School Board
Alysson Snow, Councilmember, City of Lemon Grove
Tina Rynberg, President, La Mesa - Foothills Democratic Club
“Lauren Cazares will be a great asset to the La Mesa City Council. She will channel her energy, dedication, and leadership experience into improving the lives of La Mesans in tangible ways.”
Sara Jacobs, Congresswoman, CA-51
“I am excited to endorse Lauren Cazares for La Mesa City Council. We need more young leaders at the table — and Lauren is the right person for the job. She’s deeply rooted in her community; has always used her voice as a force for good; and is committed to uplifting the local economy, protecting our environment, and investing in public safety. I am proud to represent La Mesa in Congress and I’m looking forward to partnering with Lauren — as the first Gen Z Councilmember, no less! — to serve the community we love.”
Paloma Aguirre, Mayor of Imperial Beach
"I proudly endorse my fellow Latina, Lauren Cazares, for La Mesa City Council. Her commitment to her community and advocacy for historically disenfranchised communities will contribute to a successful and equitable future for La Mesa.”
Priya Bhat-Patel, Mayor Pro Tem, Carlsbad
"Lauren Cazares embodies community-driven leadership, recognizing that small businesses are often the lifelines for those living in our neighborhoods. Our shared passion for economic development & commitment to support local businesses is unwavering. She envisions a La Mesa where every person & business thrives and she has my steadfast support.”
Ross Pike, Director, North County Fire Protection District
Andrea Beth Damsky, Director, Helix Water District Board
Janet Castaños, Vice Chair, La Mesa Community Police Oversight Board
MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Elected Officials
Sara Jacobs, Congresswoman, District 50
Toni Atknis, Senate President Pro Tempore, District 39
Catherine Blakespear, State Senator, District 38
Chris Ward, Assemblymember
Monica Montgomery Steppe, County Supervisor, District 4
Terra Lawson-Remer, County Supervisor, District 2
Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Mayor City of La Mesa
Patricia Dillard Councilmember, City of La Mesa
Jack Shu, Councilmember, City of La Mesa
Colin Parent, Councilmember, City of La Mesa
Matt Strabone, Treasurer, City of La Mesa
Brianna Coston, School Board Trustee, La Mesa – Spring Valley School District
Caitlin Tiffany, School Board Trustee, la Mesa – Spring Valley School District
Alysson Snow, Councilmember, Lemon Grove
Jennifer Mendoza, Councilmember, Lemon Grove
George Gastil, Councilmember, Lemon Grove
Raul Campillo, Councilmember, District 7, San Diego
Carolina Chavez, Councilmember, Chula Vista – District 1
Marcus Bush, Councilmember, National City
Andrea Beth Damsky, Helix Water District Director
Mark Grace, Helix Water District Director
Paloma Aguirre, Mayor of Imperial Beach
Priya Bhat-Patel, Mayor Pro Tem, Carlsbad
Ross Pike, North County Fire Protection District Director
Community members
Tina Rynber, President La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
Janet Castanos, President Community Police Oversight Board
Jessica Hayes, Chair Emeritus San Diego County Democratic Party
Ryan Trabuco, Secretary San Diego Human Relations Commission
Bernadette Butkiewicz, San Diego County Democratic Party
Angelic Hoyos, President YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County
Chris Olsen, Nonprofit Advocate and University Lecturer
Courtney Pittam, Public Relations/Communications Professional
Matthew Soler, Social Worker / Health Equity Advocate
Rachel Graham, Housing & Transit Advocate
Sage McNeely, Education Specialist, M.Ed
Organizations
California Young Democrats
Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego
East County Democratic Club
GLBTQ Vote 2024 Priority Endorsement
HONOR PAC
La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club
Latina Democratic Club
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
LPAC
Run For Something
Safer CA PAC
San Diego County Democratic Party
San Diego Democrats for Equality
San Diego Progressive Democratic Club
YIMBY Democrats of San Diego County