Endorsements
Let’s make it official
Endorsed Candidates
The following candidates have been endorsed by the Democratic Club of Camarillo for elections in 2026.
Assembly District 42:
Deborah Klein Lopez
Local City Councilmember and former Mayor Deborah Klein Lopez has a proven track record of public service spanning decades in government, education, economic viability, environmental sustainability, and public safety and health. As a longtime community advocate, Deborah has a comprehensive grasp on local issues and is well-prepared to step in and represent the people of AD 42. She is a Democrat with broad support, including endorsements from current District 42 Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, State Senator Henry Stern, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, and a wide range of community leaders…”
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Congress 26th District: Jacqui Irwin
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is a mother, engineer, and community leader with two decades of leadership in our community. Jacqui Irwin works across party lines to help create jobs, balance our local and state budgets, and she works to keep our communities safe… As the former Mayor of Thousand Oaks, Irwin understands the importance of working across party lines at the national, state, and local level to help make her community one of the safest places to live and raise a family.”
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CA Assembly District 38:
Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett represents western Ventura County and has served in public office since joining the Ventura City Council in 1993. A former teacher with an economics degree from Brown University, he co-authored Ventura County’s influential SOAR land-use initiatives. Bennett championed campaign finance reform, homeless services, foster care improvements, senior protections, affordable housing, and climate action throughout his public service career.
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VC Superintendent: Karen Sher
“For the past three years, I’ve served as Director of Teacher Recruitment for the California Department of Education.
Our county needs steady, transparent leadership focused on outcomes for kids.
As Superintendent, my priorities include fully funded schools, supporting educators, whole-child supports, equity for every learner, and strong career pathways…”
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VC Board of Education, District 2:
Michael Teasdale
Mike Teasdale has served two terms on the Ventura County Board
of Education, where he has remained focused on giving every child
a fair chance to pursue their goals, develop critical-thinking skills,
and become productive and engaged citizens. Since his election in
2018, he has championed expanded opportunities for students
with disabilities and youth in juvenile detention, helping secure
$80 million in state funding to support successful reentry programs
across California.
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Camarillo City Council District 2:
Susan Santangelo
A Camarillo resident since 1976, Councilmember Susan Santangelo is the proud mother of two sons, Matt and Nick. A dedicated healthcare professional, she has worked as an R.N. at Vista Del Mar Hospital and L.A. County-USC Medical Center. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phonenix and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing.
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Camarillo City Council District 5:
Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo
Dr. Martinez-Bravo is a dedicated mother of three and a proud first-generation college graduate who is deeply committed to serving her community and creating a better future for all. With a strong passion for social justice, she has been recognized with numerous accolades including the Ronald E. McNair Research Scholar, the Earth Charter Award for Social and Economic Justice from the Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, the Blue Social Justice award for Outstanding Social Justice Activist, and the LA Rams Playmaker Award.
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Community College Board Trustee:
Roger Bowerman
Leadership: the incumbent failed to show leadership over his four year term.
Experience: 40 years in the Community College system give me a deep understanding of how things work.
Communication: the key to helping rebuild the trust that has been lost between employees and management.
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Pleasant Valley School District
Area 2: Bob Rust
Pleasant Valley School District
Area 1: Ruben Ruiz
Being a former educator, a current attorney and a father of
three school age children, I believe I bring a balance of skills,
knowledge and personal investment into wanting to serve
and improve our schools. I desire to do what is best for our
children and our community as a whole. I would focus on
having all parties work together cohesively; inclusive of
teachers, administration and the community, as a division
between them would fall short of providing the best
education to our youth. I am an advocate for transparency,
accountability and oversight of all involved. I am ready to
serve our community as and make the whole child feel safe,
included and valued!
Visit Ruben’s website
Camarillo Health Care District 4:
Matthew Flood
“I am a 24 year retired Navy veteran, husband, and father of three boys.
As a Navy Senior Chief, I have over two decades of navigation government
bureaucracy to get missions accomplished while balancing troop welfare
and care. I possess the experience to stretch the taxpayers’ dollar to the
maximum extent possible while being a strong advocate to acquire more
resources when possible.
I am also a parent and conservator to a 20 year old son on the Autism
Spectrum. My wife, Sherri, of 22 years and I know first hand the struggles
to attain the vital servies needed to those on the spectrum. I am running
to make sure everyone in this similar position as well as our entire
disabled and elderly population has the easiest possible experience
receiving the services available at the Camarillo Health Care District.
Increase Outreach and Services, Reduce Backlog and Bureauracy!”
Camarillo Health Care District 5:
Liam Andres O’Neill Hernandez
I am running because I believe every resident deserves access to high quality, affordable healthcare, transparent leadership, and a Health Care District that puts our community first. As a small business owner, former congressional candidate, Ventura County Democratic Party Fellow, and dedicated community advocate, I am dedicated to serving the people of Camarillo and listening to the concerns of families, seniors, healthcare workers and local businesses.
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Camarillo Health Care District 1:
Jordan Roberts
Jordan Roberts is a dedicated father, emergency dispatch
manager and community leader with over 20 years of service
in Ventura County. He currently serves as President of the
California 9-1-1- Association. Jordan served as Vice Chair and
Trustee of the Ventura County Employee’s Retirement
Association and as Director with Pleasant Valley Recreation
and Park District. He is seeking election to the Camarillo
Health Care District to continue service to the local
community and increase visibility and accessibility of the
District.
Midterm Elections on November 3, 2026
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