We recommend: Gallagher the choice for Assembly District 1
This newspaper is endorsing James Gallagher’s re-election in Assembly District 3, not that he needs it.
The Yuba City Republican won in the March Primary by a 65-35 percent margin against his lone rival, and is likely to do about the same this time around.
We don’t agree with all of Gallagher’s positions, but we agree with him on most of the big ones. He’s been a leader in getting Camp Fire recovery measures through the legislature. He’s a protector of north state water rights, and a backer of agriculture. He was also a loud voice of reason following the Oroville Dam spillway failure, helping to keep a spotlight on the Department of Water Resources.
He’s a bit more enthusiastic about reopening the economy in the midst of the coronavirus than we are, but we understand the thought process there. And, typically, he’s been effective in his efforts.
Gallagher has made his mark in Sacramento as well. He joined forces with Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, RRocklin, earlier this year to sue Gov. Gavin Newsom over an executive order he issued about the state’s election process. And, he’s remained a staunch supporter of independent contractors throughout the ongoing AB5 fiasco.
Most important, he’s a conservative voice in an increasingly liberal Legislature. Despite being so outnumbered, he still manages to get things done for the north state.
In light of the state’s tilt, you might think Gallagher’s rival, Democrat Jim Henson, might have a better chance at getting legislature passed.
But it’s Henson’s first run at elected office, and as we’ve said before, the Assembly is not an entry-level post. Experience is more important than what party you belong to in the byzantine maze of the Capitol.
Gallagher is simply the better choice for the post, and has earned our recommendation.
Recapping our endorsements to date, with our recommendation for California’s first Congressional district still to come:
PRESIDENT: Joe Biden. STATE ASSEMBLY: James Gallagher.
CHICO CITY COUNCIL: Sean Morgan, Andrew Coolidge, Ann Schwab, pick ’em in District 7.
LOCAL MEASURES: Yes on Measure E and Measure G. STATE PROPOSITIONS: Prop. 14: No
Prop. 15: No
Prop. 16: Yes
Prop. 17: No
Prop. 18: Yes
Prop. 19: No
Prop. 20: Yes
Prop. 21: No
Prop. 22: Yes
Prop. 23: No
Prop. 24: No
Prop. 25: No