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From the Activism Chair

August 2026

by Caryl Schwartz

The blue wave must be a tsunami! Winning in 2026 means winning up and down the ballot: in the House, the Senate, and in states across the country. It is more than who controls Congress. It's about who controls redistricting, who confirms judges, and who sets voting rules for the decade ahead. 

Donating to campaigns is ACTIVISM!  Support Democrats in races that will determine the federal balance of power—all with a single donation - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sl-balance-of-power-2026

Republicans are entering the 2026 midterms with a 53-47 majority in the Senate (including the two independents who caucus with the Democrats). This cycle, 35 Senate seats are up for election, including special elections in Ohio and Florida. 

It is critical that Democrats gain control of the Senate to stop Trump’s agenda and ensure that he is a lame-duck President.  Alito and Thomas are getting old.  If Republicans lose control of the Senate in the midterms, they lose their ability to confirm another Trump appointee to the Supreme Court.  Every Senate seat won is a six-year investment.  Between 2027 and the end of Trump’s term, a Democratic Senate could block additional dangerous judicial and executive nominees. 

Down-ballot Races Matter!

We have local School Board Elections and RPV City Council races.  Three Democratic candidates running for PV School Board are Allyson Lehrer, Paul Vidal, and Louis Harley. On August 22nd, there is a luncheon fundraiser for Allyson that all three Democratic School Board candidates are attending.   

https://donorbox.org/events/953725.   

Democrat David Chura is running for RPV City Council. 

The State Assembly candidates are both Democratic RPV residents. RPV Mayor Paul Seo and PV School Board President Sara Deen. Paul Seo has won the California Democratic Party endorsement. The two Democratic candidates runnning for the State Senate seat are Brian Goldsmith and John Erickson.

Why Governors’ Races Matter

Victory in Gubernatorial races is critical in opposing Donald Trump's agenda. Governors wield executive authority to block federal policies and safeguard state-level systems. We have witnessed Governors directing state attorneys general to coordinate multi-state lawsuits to halt Trump’s executive overreach. Democratic Governors in battleground states can veto restrictive voting laws passed by conservative state legislatures, ensuring that ballot access remains protected.  PV Dems encourages its members who can financially to support the races below: 

Governors Races to Support:

The Call-to-Action column suggests campaigns and actions in which you can participate in. 

Call to Action

Voter Outreach via both canvassing and phone banking will be critical to win the upcoming Midterm Elections. PV Dems community must ramp up our efforts to elect Democrats in local and Federal races. To fight the authoritarian corrupt Regime, eliminate ICE abuses we MUST flip the House and Senate.

I invite you to join me at my home to phonebank every Thursday 2:30- 4:30 and Sunday 3PM- 5 PM. If those times don’t work for you, we can pick a convenient day for you. 

Please reach out to me 310 897 0219 or pvcaryl@verizon.net

In Person: Canvass for Derek Tran CA 45:

Please reach out to me with any questions or to organize car pooling

California: after redistricting, two California Congressional seats are considered toss-ups; please consider volunteering or financially supporting. CA 22:

Phonebanks: Battleground States: https://www.mobilize.us/call4change/ Sundays 3:00-5:00 PM PST  

Battleground Congressional Races: https://www.mobilize.us/?event_type=2&q=Ground truth

Call California Voters: House Majority Runs Through California https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/913718/

Phonebank with Common Cause: Legislative Issues.  Move pro-democracy bills forward or push back on harmful legislation moving through State Houses and the U.S. Congress. https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/758610

Training: Yes, You Can(vas) Tuesdays 7 :00 PM https://www.mobilize.us/cadems/event/596490/

Senate Races

Alito and Thomas are getting old. If Republicans lose Senate control in the midterm elections, they lose their ability to confirm another Trump-appointed justice to the Supreme Court. Every Senate seat we win now is a six-year investment. Between 2027 and the end of Trump’s term, a Democratic Senate could block additional dangerous judicial and executive nominees.  

Senate Campaigns to Support: Please visit websites to volunteer or contribute financially.  

Contribute to all races with a single donation https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sl-balance-of-power-2026

Why Governors’ Races Matter 

Victory in Gubernatorial races is critical in opposing Donald Trump’s agenda. Governors wield executive authority to block federal policies and safeguard state-level systems. We have witnessed Governors directing state attorneys general to coordinate multi-state lawsuits to halt Trump’s executive overreach. Democratic Governors in battleground states can veto restrictive voting laws passed by conservative state legislatures, ensuring that ballot access remains protected.

Donate to a Fund that will help Democrats win  Governors races

Balance of Power: State Level seats https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sl-states-2026?akid=2358.1005342.85_IQI&rd=1&refcode=e

Immigrant Assistance

  • You can download a printable sheet that outlines what to do if ICE comes to the door here. These can also be ordered as “red cards”.  

  • Here’s a sheet that explains how to identify ICE vehicles and what to do if you see them.   

  • South Bay For All – Raising rental aid for immigrant neighbors and helping them run their businesses safely from home. Instagram | southbayforall@gmail.com 

  • Gardena Guardians – Standing in solidarity with Gardena's immigrant community, providing resources and advocacy. Instagram 

  • Harbor Area Peace Patrols – A collective of concerned Harbor residents patrolling neighborhoods to defend neighbors from ICE/DHS, sharing Know Your Rights information. Instagram 

  • CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) – Mobilizing the faith community to stand with workers and families for dignity and justice. Website 

  • Immigrant Defenders Law Center – A social justice law firm defending immigrant communities from injustices in the immigration system. Website 

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Training advocates, shaping policy, and empowering immigrants through civic engagement and Know Your Rights tools. Website