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By Michael Howard
Photos courtesy of the candidates' campaigns, left to right: Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane and Democrats Darshana Patel and Joseph Rocha
February 17, 2024 (San Diego, CA) – Three candidates in the upcoming March 5 primaries are vying for the open California 76th Assembly seat vacated by Brian Maienschein (D), who announced he was running for the city of San Diego’s City Attorney this election cycle.
A former Republican, Maienschein switched to the Democratic party in 2019 before running against Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane in the 2022 general election for the seat, where he won by a 6% margin, 78,895 votes to Bruce-Lane’s 73,944.
Bruce-Lane will be the sole Republican in the race this year, facing two Democratic candidates, Joseph Rocha and Darshana Patel. All three candidates look to represent a mostly inland North County district with a population of around 471,000.
Bruce-Lane hails from the agriculture and healthcare industry, and served on the San Diego Water Board as a Director of Division 4 Olivenhain Municipal Water. She’s running a campaign focusing on lowering taxes, addressing the homelessness epidemic and fixing a dysfunctional government. As the sole Republican, she’s endorsed by the California Republican Party.
Patel is a research scientist from the biotechnology field who is currently serving as a board member for the Poway Unified School District. Her campaign is focused on strengthening public education, fueling innovation, creating climate-friendly jobs, reducing housing and health costs, and keeping communities safe. She is the endorsed candidate for the California Democratic Party.
Rocha is a Navy and Marine veteran, rising to the rank of Captain in the Marines and serving as a military prosecutor. His campaign priorities are protecting reproductive rights, gun safety reform, housing and homelessness, public safety, union jobs, veterans rights, climate change, and LGBTQ+ equality. His endorsements include San Diego Firefighters, California Teachers Association, a list of labor unions, veteran groups, latino groups, LGBTQ+ groups and high-profile Democrat Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker Emeritus.
East County Magazine reached out to all three candidates via email asking each to answer a set of questions related to healthcare, crime, the economy, immigration and homelessness. Rocha and Patel responded, but Bruce-Lane did not reply. Additionally, Bruce-Lane did not answer multiple phone calls and emails seeking participation.
What are your key qualifications and goals if elected to benefit your constituents?
Joseph Rocha
Throughout my life, I have repeatedly answered the call to serve. I joined the Navy at 18 years old and quickly advanced through the ranks. After I was discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), I didn’t give up. I became an outspoken advocate for repeal, so I could have the opportunity to continue serving my country. I was one of the principal witnesses in the federal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal case, lobbied members of Congress, and spoke out in the press. Following the repeal of DADT, I rejoined the military and rose to the rank of a Marine Corps Captain.
As a Marine Judge Advocate I served as the Interim and Deputy Director of Legal Assistance serving 20,000 Marines, retirees and their families. For this I earned the Commandant’s Award for Excellence. I then served as a military prosecutor, handling serious and violent crimes. My vast experience in fighting bad actors, delivering justice and legal excellence will help me fight for and deliver for our District as a law maker in Sacramento.
I know the struggles that many families across California face. Now, I’m running for Assembly to tackle the toughest challenges confronting our communities — including our housing and homelessness crises, gun violence and public safety, access to reproductive freedom and healthcare, the rising cost of living and threats to equality and justice for all.
In the Assembly, I will lead with the same sense of duty and service that has guided me my entire life, from childhood to the military to the courtroom. I know our struggles and will get things done for our communities.
In 2022, I beat Brian Jones within the boundaries of AD 76, proving that our message connects with this district. I am proud to run on the same message now. Those results and our recent polling prove we have built the strongest campaign to defend this seat in November.
Darshana Patel
As a research scientist, elected School Board President, working mom, and civic leader, I've decided to run for State Assembly because I care deeply about the community that I've been actively serving for the last 13 years.
I have served on our local civic boards, as an elected official, a state Delegate, and as a State Commissioner. These diverse roles have allowed me to better understand the needs of our broader community and I have seen how our state policies directly impact our local governments, services they provide, and people they serve. I’m the candidate with deep community relationships and governance experience who will work with community members to represent their values and priorities.
We’re fighting for a fair economy - with shared values of opportunity, equity and representative democracy. I will prioritize finding solutions to generational challenges like climate change, housing affordability, fully funding public education TK -14, expanding healthcare access, public safety, and protecting women’s reproductive rights.
Healthcare is an issue with rising healthcare and prescription drug costs. How will you improve accessibility to healthcare for your constituents?
Joseph Rocha
I am committed to improving our healthcare system standards. I will work tirelessly to strengthen the partnership between organized healthcare workers and industry stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the well-being of both workers and patients. I will push for legislation that safeguards the hard-earned standards established by healthcare workers, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions. By holding major healthcare employers accountable and promoting transparent negotiations, we can create a healthcare system that benefits everyone involved.
Darshana Patel
I was drawn to medical and health research because I believe that we have to do more to help people facing a life-changing diagnosis or a life-threatening illness. Affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every person. I will fight to expand healthcare coverage, lower prescription drug prices, and invest in community health centers to ensure that all Californians have the care they need to thrive and live healthy lives.
Women's health has risen to the forefront by virtue of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, causing a significant cadre of women to believe reproductive health, maternal health and sexually transmitted disease health are at risk due to the impact of this case. What would you say to this group of women?
Joseph Rocha
I will always fight for access to and protections for reproductive healthcare. That’s why our campaign is endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All, a national leader on reproductive justice. I stand firmly against the onslaught of efforts that seek to undermine, criminalize, or hinder abortion and other healthcare services. Extremists have launched culture war attacks against those trying to access crucial healthcare and those who help them access it. As a former prosecutor, I will combat those who prioritize politics over patient well-being.
Darshana Patel
I firmly support a person’s right to access safe and legal abortion care. I will champion policies that protect reproductive rights, advocate for the expansion of reproductive healthcare services, and work tirelessly to ensure that individuals have the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and reproductive futures without interference or judgment.
Immigration is not only a national issue, it is a local issue for San Diegans. What is your position on immigration, and what are your plans to address immigration issues?
Joseph Rocha
I will work to expand protections for migrants and help build a pathway towards citizenship. Wages, wage theft, degradation of public schools, and access to proper documentation are among the largest obstacles immigrants face, and ones they continue to face even after getting citizenship. These issues ensure that our community continues to toil in the shadows, are unable to earn their keep, and remain vulnerable to exploitation. I have dedicated my life to justice both in and outside of the courtroom. In the Assembly, I will fight to hold bad actors accountable and to reduce barriers for immigrant communities to housing, healthcare, education and the justice system. A rising tide lifts all boats, more rights for some do not mean less for others. From public schools, to infrastructure planning, to our climate action plan, equity and social justice must be our north star.
Darshana Patel
While immigration is a federal level issue, California can use its political influence to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. As I have done for public education funding, I will lobby members of Congress, join coalitions with other states and advocacy groups, and use my platform to raise awareness about the need for reform while uplifting the contributions of immigrants to California and the nation. At the state level, I will advocate to support local community based organization that assist asylum seekers during their transition through the immigration system.
California crime has made national politics with the recent rash of retail smash-and-grabs and our stores finding it necessary to store products under lock and key. What needs to be done to lower crime rate in our state?
Joseph Rocha
As a prosecutor in the Marine Corps and a former military police officer, I worked to bring criminals to justice in cases including rape, domestic abuse, and child predators. In the Assembly, I will make our neighborhoods safer by addressing the root causes of crime, keeping violent criminals locked up, and enforcing common-sense gun safety laws. I’ll also fight to invest in emergency services — including hiring more firefighters, police officers and paramedics — to reduce emergency response times. And I’ll work to promote and invest in Care Courts to help get unhoused people experiencing mental health crises or substance use off our streets and into the care programs they need.
I support maintaining our public safety budget commitments, especially when it comes to workers and public safety officers. As an Assemblymember, I would partner with our law enforcement organizations to find solutions that will ensure they have the resources they need to safely and reliably carry out their duties.
Darshana Patel
Although California's felony theft threshold is among the toughest in the US, we are seeing an increase in retail crime reporting. As a long time member off our San Diego Police Captain's Advisory Board, I have developed a deeper understanding of the issues at a local level. I will work towards developing comprehensive solutions, including law enforcement efforts, community engagement, and addressing underlying socioeconomic issues. Additionally, I will prioritize supporting small businesses affected by these crimes and will work collaboratively with local authorities to ensure public safety and address the root causes of such criminal activities.
Current reports indicate the economy is improving with lower inflation rates and prices for many goods and services coming back down. Yet, some prices remain high and many folk still struggle to remain afloat financially. What will you do to improve California's economy?
Joseph Rocha
I believe that achieving a sustainable and thriving future necessitates a focus on economic equity, fairness, and upward mobility. We need to ensure equal pay for equal work and that all workers have the same opportunities for employment and advancement. I am a proud labor candidate and it is my mission to help secure a future where all working people can organize, join a union, enjoy robust protections and benefits, and earn a comfortable living wage without the need to work several jobs just to get by.
Addressing the challenges of our generations like climate change, housing affordability, and healthcare access is paramount, as it not only threatens traditional job sectors in our state but also offers a unique opportunity to revolutionize our economy and infrastructure, generating new employment prospects. With the enactment of the federal Inflation Reduction Act and investments in green energy, infrastructure, and housing development, we have a chance to stimulate job expansion and foster the growth of a sustainable and fair economy. To shape California's future workforce and economy while expediting climate action and delivery of necessities like housing and healthcare, we must strategize for comprehensive job training and fair labor practices. These crises pose challenges, yet they also unveil opportunities to reimagine our job landscape and economic structure for a better tomorrow.
Darshana Patel
As the daughter of a small business owner, I understand the vital role that small businesses play in both a thriving economy and as innovators. I will push for systemic policies that provide financial assistance, reduce regulatory burdens while protecting consumers, and offering tax incentives for small business growth and entrepreneurship. Additionally, as a public education champion, I will prioritize investment in education and workforce development programs to ensure that Californians have the skills and training needed for high-demand jobs in emerging industries. To ensure that our highly skilled and trained workforce can remain in California for generations to come, I will support policies that increase housing supply, streamline the development process, and provide incentives for affordable and middle income housing construction.
The California state budget is currently running under a deficit. What are your ideas about balancing the budget?
Joseph Rocha
I support a balanced approach that involves a thorough review of expenditures to identify cost-saving measures without compromising essential services. This includes streamlining processes and implementing performance-based budgeting. Simultaneously, we should explore fair and equitable revenue-generating measures, such as closing tax loopholes and promoting economic growth. Strategic investments in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare can stimulate economic activity while contributing to long-term fiscal stability.
Darshana Patel
Addressing the current budget shortfalls will require both short term and longer term strategies. The California Legislative Analysts Office, a bipartisan committee of experts that analyzes the state’s financial position and budget, recommends a more fiscally constrained approach to budget development to ensure we adequately mitigate difficult choices ahead. They suggest "the Legislature: (1) plan for lower revenues, (2) maintain a similar reserve withdrawal, (3) develop a plan for school and community college funding, (4) maximize reductions in one‑time spending, and (5) apply a higher bar for any discretionary proposals and contain ongoing service level." I would seriously consider their expertise in balancing the state budget.
Homelessness and housing is a major concern for many Californians. According to a recent survey, California ranks highest in the nation with over 171, 000 homeless individuals, representing 4.3 homeless for every 1,000. With housing costs as high as they are and the highest homeless rate in the nation, what steps will you take to remedy this situation?
Joseph Rocha
Housing insecurity is one of the, if not the biggest, issue facing San Diego County. We must treat this issue like the epidemic that it is. The best way to address the housing crisis and the epidemic of homelessness is to make sure our neighbors don’t end up in a situation where they have to decide between paying for rent or groceries. When I’m elected, I will support legislation to increase the availability of affordable housing and cut the red tape that gets in the way of smart housing solutions. I am proud to be a labor candidate and stand with the workers who want to get to work building more homes in California.
Darshana Patel
Rising homelessness is a crisis that continues to grow because the root causes have not been adequately addressed. California desperately needs to invest in these key areas: mental health infrastructure, addiction treatment, support for seniors and people with disabilities, and affordable housing. In the State Assembly, I will fight for state investment in these critical areas to get people housing and the help they need.
Housing prices are continuing to rise to unprecedented levels across California, and in our region in particular. High housing costs put a burden on working people, force people out of their communities, and contribute to the homelessness crisis. I’ll work to clear obstacles to building affordable housing.
What are some ways you plan to improve the lives of your constituents?
Joseph Rocha
I understand the need for better middle-class jobs, higher wages, and more affordable housing and food. I came from nothing, working to support myself from high school through law school. In the Assembly, I will fight to create good-paying union jobs, support small businesses to grow our local economy, and invest in higher education and job training programs.
Darshana Patel
No one should have to choose which basic necessities to meet every day. Our communities have faced rising prices for everything from housing and healthcare to college and transportation. In the State Assembly, I will work to bring down the cost of living in our region and help working families make ends meet.
As a School Board Trustee, a mom of three public school students, and a proud product of public education, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives a great education and the skills they need for college, life, and a career. I support increasing funding for our K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. I believe that public education is the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society, and I will work to empower California’s students, educators, and parents.
Our region suffers from drought and wildfires that are worsening every year. The climate is changing rapidly, and we have to act with urgency to protect our planet for future generations. I will advocate for bold policies that prioritize diversified renewable energy, investment in sustainable infrastructure, long-term water capture and storage capacity, and conservation to lead California’s transition towards a greener and more resilient future.
Open question: what message would you like to share?
Joseph Rocha
One of my first priorities will be to improve and expand care for our veterans, specifically to meet mental healthcare and housing needs. Veterans, like myself, know how hard it is to access healthcare and other vital resources through the VA. So many resources veterans need and deserve are underfunded and communication gaps result in many veterans not knowing about existing benefits. I will work to expand veteran employment programs, streamline the avenues through which veterans learn about resources, and make sure that no one who served this country is forced to live on the streets.
Darshana Patel
As the daughter of immigrants who struggled to realize the American Dream, I know the challenges that families can face during hard times. I want to make sure that every person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. I am the only Democrat candidate in this race that has experience as an elected - I have had the chance to grow and learn how to best serve our community. Our region needs a local champion who knows how to fight for our community needs.
My contributions have been recognized throughout the San Diego region by being awarded the San Diego County School Boards Association First Term Board Member of the Year in 2019. I was most recently recognized as both a 2022 City of San Diego Woman of Distinction and a 2022 API Leader of Influence by San Diego Business Journal.
Our campaign is supported by labor partners such as California Federation of Teachers and California Faculty Association,CA Nurses Association, CA Firefighters, Carpenters, and Laborers. We are supported by the Asian Business Association, California Dentists and Physicians. By building coalitions like these, we will build strategic partnerships to help address the issues that matter most to our constituents. I am the only candidate endorsed by the CA Democratic Party.
With many State Assembly Members termed out in 2024 (including current AD76 Assemblymember Brian Maienschein), my local and state civic leadership experience, education, and professional qualifications, and track record of building community trust is evidence that I am ready to represent our region’s needs and priorities at the State level.
Where can people go to learn more about your campaign and get a hold of you?
Joseph Rocha
https://www.rochaforassembly.com/
Darshana Patel
Note: Kristie Bruce-Lane's website is https://patelforassembly.com/.
SOURCES
Ballotpedia. (n.d.-a). Brian Maienschein. Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://ballotpedia.org/Brian_Maienschein
Ballotpedia. (n.d.-b). Darshana Patel. Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://ballotpedia.org/Darshana_Patel
Ballotpedia. (n.d.-c). Joseph Rocha. Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://ballotpedia.org/Joseph_Rocha
Ballotpedia. (n.d.-d). Kristie Bruce-Lane. Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://ballotpedia.org/Kristie_Bruce-Lane
Bruce-Lane, K. (n.d.). Kristie Bruce-Lane for State Assembly, District 76. Kristie Bruce-Lane. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://www.kristiebrucelane.com
Patel, D. (n.d.). Dr. Darshana Patel for California State Assembly—District 76. Dr. Darshana Patel for California State Assembly. Retrieved February 17, 2024, from https://patelforassembly.com/
Patel, D. (2024, January 22). 76th Assembly Candidate [Personal communication].
Place, L. (2023, August 24). Three candidates look ahead to 76th Assembly race in 2024. The Coast News Group. https://thecoastnews.com/three-candidates-look-ahead-to-76th-assembly-race-in-2024/
Rocha, J. (n.d.). Joseph Rocha for State Assembly. Joseph Rocha. Retrieved February 17, 2024, from https://www.rochaforassembly.com
Rocha, J. (2024, January 22). 76th Assembly Candidate [Personal communication].
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