Drawing a line in the sand against corporate influence hasn’t been a uniform practice among Democrats in Sacramento. In recent years, landmark agreements to address climate change, affordable housing and infrastructure were all forged with compromises between progressive and more business-friendly Democrats.
Beckles said she facilitates productive conversations every day in her work as a wraparound mental health specialist; where she consults with teachers, social service workers and parole officers.
“But if what you're telling me is going to hurt the majority of people who helped put me in that position, then I can't support what you're doing,” she said.
Beckles' campaign has been endorsed by Our Revolution, the group that spun out of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, and she seems to be taking a page from Sanders’ small-donor playbook.
Her overall fundraising last year trailed many of her Democratic challengers, but end-of-year filings show that more than three-quarters of her donations were under $200, the highest percentage in the field.
Another stat that could buoy Beckles’ organizing effort: 74 percent of her donations came from ZIP codes within the district, also the highest percentage in the race.
“It is my faith that will equal out to votes, and that's what the difference is with regard to my opponents who are raising more money,” said Beckles. “We have a base here more than anyone else in this race.”
Beckles is one of a dozen candidates running for the open Assembly seat in the 15th District. Two candidates will advance beyond the June 5 primary and face off in the November election.
