2026 Voter Guide

Vote Lives Over Guns.

Clink a link in the table below to see more detail about that candidate.

Or, keep scrolling down the page to view all candidates’ expanded detail.

Federal Races

Marni von Wilpert
United States Congress, 48th Congressional District
GVP Endorsed Champion

“As a City Councilmember and San Diego’s Public Safety Chair, I’ve seen the devastating impact of gun violence firsthand — and I’ve brought people together to take action. In Congress, I will fight for common-sense gun safety laws so that no family has to experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one to preventable violence.”

– Marni Von Wilpert

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to endorse Marni von Wilpert as a Gun Violence Prevention Champion. A Champion is a higher-level distinction reserved for the very few candidates whose work has been proactive and relentless.

To find out more about Marni von Wilpert and her campaign, visit marnivonwilpert.com.

State Races

Mara Elliott
California State Senate, District 40
GVP Endorsed Champion

“I’ve worked closely with Alliance to End Gun Violence to pass groundbreaking laws that keep our communities safe and save lives. They have been an incredible partner in advancing common sense reforms, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. As we take this fight to the State Senate, I’ll continue to champion the same proven, life-saving policies that have made San Diego a leader in gun violence prevention.“

– Mara Elliott

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to endorse Mara Elliott as a Gun Violence Prevention Champion. A Champion is a higher-level distinction reserved for the very few candidates whose work has been proactive and relentless.

To find out more about Mara Elliott and her campaign, visit maraforsenate.com.

Catherine Blakespear
California State Senate, District 38
GVP Champion

“I’m proud to earn the endorsement of Alliance to End Gun Violence. They’ve been true partners in the work to reduce gun violence — shaping strong legislation, asking hard questions, and staying focused on what actually makes a difference. Together, we’ve passed many bills: to require microstamping so police can trace crime guns, ensure buyback firearms are destroyed instead of resold for parts, and strengthen enforcement of mental health holds and restraining orders so guns are removed from dangerous situations. I am grateful for their important partnership.“

– Catherine Blakespear

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Catherine Blakespear as a Gun Violence Prevention Champion.

To find out more about Catherine Blakespear and her campaign, visit catherineblakespear.com. 

Richard Barrera
California Superintendent of Public Instruction
GVP Champion

“The safety of California’s schools will always be prioritized while I am your Superintendent of Public Instruction. I’m trusted by grassroots alliances like Alliance to End Gun Violence because of my proven commitment to keeping guns out of schools, supporting mental health services, and championing the secure storage of firearms. As a parent and a public official, I believe gun violence prevention is inseparable from student wellness, suicide prevention, and community stability. We owe a responsibility to students and families to reduce preventable harm and loss of life.“

– Richard Barrera

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Richard Barerra as a Gun Violence Prevention Champion.

To find out more about Richard Barerra and his campaign, visit barreraforedu.com.

Local Races

Jillian Cocayne
Encinitas School Board
GVP Candidate

“Our campuses must be prepared to protect every student in a crisis. That means strong, up-to-date procedures and protocols for active shooter situations — from well-practiced lockdown drills to ensuring teachers have the right tools to communicate quickly and keep students safe.“

– Jillian Cocayne

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Jillian Cocayne as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Jillian Cocayne and her campaign, visit jillian4eusd.com.

Brad Lefkowits
Encinitas City Council District 4
GVP Candidate

“Secure Storage is the definition of common sense gun violence prevention. It keeps firearms away from children, reduces theft, and creates critical distance during moments of crisis or impulsive behavior. That alone makes it worth prioritizing.“

– Brad Lefkowits

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Brad Lefkowits as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Brad Lefkowits and his campaign, visit bradlefkowits.com. 

Brianna Coston
La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board
GVP Candidate

“Personal experiences have deeply shaped my views on gun violence prevention, as has witnessing the devastating impacts of gun violence across our country. Gun violence can affect any community. Students and teachers should be able to focus on learning and teaching — not fear — when they are at school or in their community.“

– Brianna Coston

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Brianna Coston as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Brianna Coston and her campaign, visit https://www.briannacoston.com.

Emily Gonzales
Oceanside City Council District 2
GVP Candidate

“Veterans are often assumed to be against any gun regulation but we’ve found that not to be true at all. I consider veterans to be important allies to gun violence prevention efforts and hope to continue organizing them to join efforts that match their passions and interests.“

– Emily Gonzales

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Emily Gonzales as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Emily Gonzales and her campaign, visit www.d2oside.org.

Nicole Crosby
San Diego City Council, District 2
GVP Endorsed Candidate

“I understand firsthand how access to guns leads to outcomes that destroy lives and families. While I supervised the city’s Gun Violence Response Unit, we removed thousands of guns from dangerous individuals who would have otherwise proceeded down dangerous paths. The results and effectiveness are well documented.“

– Nicole Crosby

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Nicole Crosby as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Nicole Crosby and her campaign, visit nicoleforsandego.com.

Henry Foster III
San Diego City Council, District 4
GVP Candidate

“I’ve prioritized public safety strategies that focus on prevention, intervention, and community trust. That means supporting programs that address root causes of crime, strengthening partnerships between city services and community organizations, and advocating for responsible gun policies that reduce harm without criminalizing entire communities.“

– Henry Foster III

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Henry Foster III as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Henry Foster III and his campaign, visit henryfoster4sd.com. 

Kent Lee
San Diego City Council, District 6
GVP Candidate

“In my role as a City Councilmember, I have and will continue to support policies and programs that reduce gun violence and protect our communities, including safe storage efforts and the successful use of Gun Violence Restraining Orders. It is critical to ensure that resources are allocated to programs that promote public safety and reduce violence in our communities.“

– Kent Lee

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Kent Lee as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Kent Lee and his campaign, visit www.kentleeforsd.com. 

Shana Hazan
Trustee, San Diego Unified School District
GVP Candidate

“As a School Board Trustee, I support evidence-based policies that reduce access to weapons and prioritize prevention, safety, and the lives of our children over the interests of the gun industry. Safety is created through strong communities, access to mental health support, responsible laws, and education — not by placing lethal weapons in environments where children live, learn, and grow.“

– Shana Hazan

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Shana Hazan as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Shana Hazan and her campaign, visit shanaforschoolboard.com.

Helen Doyle
San Dieguito Union High School District, Trustee Area 3
GVP Candidate

“I support GVRO programs and am glad San Diego is leading in this way. Removing a gun from a home where there is domestic violence or suicidality unequivocally saves lives.“

– Helen Doyle

Alliance to End Gun Violence is proud to name Helen Doyle as a Gun Violence Prevention Candidate.

To find out more about Helen Doyle and her campaign, visit https://www.doyleforsandieguito.com.

Our Candidates

Candidates whose positions reflect our organization’s values and mission may be designated as a GVP Candidate or a GVP Champion. These designations are based on a candidate’s record, achievements, and public statements. Additionally, Alliance to End Gun Violence may formally endorse selected candidates when they run for offices with the greatest potential to advance our mission. We announce our candidates on our social media. These candidates are invited to use our designation and logo in their campaign materials and online communications.

Our Evaluation Process

1.     Request a Questionnaire.

• Email sd4races@gmail.com to receive our official Questionnaire.
  

2.     Submit your Questionnaire.

• Our Questionnaire asks for your thoughts on gun violence and GVP topics as well as any relevant work or public statements. Many of its questions are open-ended, and you can attach relevant materials, such as fliers and articles.
  

3.     Await review.

• Alliance to End Gun Violence will review your submitted Questionnaire and any relevant materials. We are volunteers, with many races to look at, and this process can take time.
  

4.     Receive notification.

• After review of the above, Alliance to End Gun Violence will notify you if you have been designated. We will then work with you to assist and coordinate any announcements or future collaborations. We prioritize races with the highest potential to address our country’s gun violence epidemic.

Bookmark this page and check back for more candidates as the election draws near.