Ballots will be mailed to voters starting Tuesday, May 27, for a special election to pick former Inland assemblymember Bill Essayli’s successor.
Essayli, R-Corona, resigned his legislative seat in April to become the U.S. attorney overseeing much of Southern California. Gov. Gavin Newsom called a June 24 special election to pick Essayli’s replacement in California’s 63rd Assembly district.
The winner will serve the remainder of Essayli’s term, which runs through the end of 2026. The 63rd represents Norco, Menifee, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake and parts of Eastvale, Riverside and Corona.
If no one gets a majority of the vote in June, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, would advance to an Aug. 26 runoff.
Four candidates — Libertarian Zachary Consalvo, Republicans Natasha Johnson and Vincent Romo and Democrat Chris Shoults — will be on the June ballot.
Three of them — Consalvo, Johnson and Shoults — responded to questionnaires about the race. Here are their answers.
Why are you the best candidate to represent the 63rd Assembly District?
Consalvo: Because I will make sure the people’s voices are heard and action is taken based off the people. I will implement a representative government to all residents and stand up for them against any unwanted developments or rezoning and fight for what they want and improve our quality of life.
Johnson: I have over 26 years of business experience and have served on the Lake Elsinore City Council since 2012, including four times as mayor. My experience in business and public services prepares me to tackle tough issues on day one.
Shoults: I’m a husband, father of three, longtime educator and small business owner based in Menifee — not a career politician. I’ll put people ahead of politics, actually deliver commonsense results and fight to lower costs, protect our freedoms and craft real solutions for working families.
What are the top issues facing the district and how would you address them as an assemblymember?
Consalvo: Quality of life, taxation with no representation, healthcare, pollution and the local government not listening to the peoples’ voices.
As your assemblymember, I will fight to make sure the taxes you pay are going to public services and nothing else. I will fight against unwanted developments and rezoning.
I will get a state-of-the-art nonprofit healthcare system here. I will also make sure to form a representative government here where we fight for the interest of the people only. I will fight for a better quality of life and have an open line of communication for constituents.
Johnson: I believe the top issues facing our district are the crushing cost of living, public safety and parental rights in education.
I will work to reduce taxes and red tape that drive up costs for working families and will ensure law enforcement officers have the tools necessary to keep our communities safe. I’ll work with parents to make certain their voice is heard regarding their children’s education.
Shoults: From the high cost of living to the lack of affordable housing and healthcare and out-of-control growth that ignores our local communities, our district is facing serious challenges that demand practical, commonsense solutions rather than political grandstanding and national culture-war drama.
Working families like mine and those throughout the district can’t afford any more political games or increased costs from Sacramento. I will work tirelessly to lower everyday costs, invest in public education and the trades, create good-paying local jobs, and ensure responsible development that protects our environment and quality of life.
During his time in Sacramento, Bill Essayli often publicly clashed with Democrats. Do you see yourself bringing a similar style to the legislature? Why or why not?
Consalvo: No, I do not. Not being a Republican or Democrat, I am actually in a great position where I can work with both parties. I will support or author bills that will help District 63 by any assemblymember.
I will not make it about right vs. left. But I will do my best to unify all in the Assembly under one common cause, which is fighting for our constituents’ interests only.
Johnson: I have served on a local city council where I have worked collaboratively with my colleagues to achieve shared goals to move our city forward.
I will work with anyone in Sacramento, regardless of political party, to get things done, while sticking to my conservative values. I will focus on building relationships and creating open dialogue to address the challenges we face here at home.
Shoults: I’m not afraid to take anybody to task publicly, but I’m more focused on delivering results than getting myself a promotion and causing petty drama across the aisle.
Growing up in a Republican household on a working farm, I learned the values of hard work, respect, and common ground. In Sacramento, I’ll build relationships and will work with anyone — Democrat, Republican, or Independent — if it means lowering costs, improving schools, and delivering real solutions for our communities.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Zachary Consalvo
Age: 37
Residence: Riverside
Party: Libertarian
Campaign website: www.facebook.com/people/Consalvo-For-Assembly/61575267234092/
Natasha Johnson
Age: 47
Residence: Lake Elsinore
Party: Republican
Campaign website: natashajohnsonforassembly.com
Vincent Romo
Party: Republican
Campaign website: www.voteromo.com
Chris Shoults
Age: 50
Residence: Menifee
Party: Democrat
Campaign website: www.shoults4assembly.com
Originally Published:
