Dear PERK Families,
This Tuesday, it is crucial you cast your vote and ensure your voice is heard as the people decide which way to take the state of California and the country for the next two years.
Your Vote, Your Children's Future
Every decision about our children's health and education starts with one question: who decides, parents or the state? Since SB 277 took away the personal belief exemption in 2016, California families have lived that question every school year. Tomorrow's election will help decide what comes next.
PERK does not endorse candidates. But we believe every parent deserves to know where candidates stand on parental choice, religious freedom, and informed consent. Below is a summary of three races our families have asked about, based on the candidates' own records and public statements.
Governor: Xavier Becerra vs. Steve Hilton
The next governor will decide whether California keeps or revisits the exemption rules set by SB 277 and SB 276. Xavier Becerra (D) served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2021 to 2025. In August 2021, he ordered COVID-19 vaccination for HHS health workers (Reuters). Before that, he served as California's Attorney General.
Steve Hilton (R) has opposed government vaccine mandates since 2021, describing vaccination as a private choice. At the Make California Healthy Again Gubernatorial Town Hall in April, he pledged to restore religious and medical exemptions, remove processed food from school lunches, and phase out harmful farm chemicals (town hall video). Both candidates' full platforms are available on their campaign websites.
Steve Hilton
Xavier Becerra
Congress: Kevin Kiley vs. Dr. Richard Pan (CA-6)
Few races in the country feature two candidates with longer records on California's school vaccine laws. Dr. Richard Pan (D), a pediatrician and former state senator, authored SB 277, which ended the personal belief exemption, and SB 276, which moved review of medical exemptions to the state and in practice eliminated most medical exemptions by the audits on physicians. Rep. Kevin Kiley (I) voted against SB 276 as an Assemblymember and challenged the governor's use of emergency powers during COVID-19. Kiley left the Republican Party this year and is running as an independent in the newly drawn Sacramento-area district. This race has national significance on which Congressman could introduce national legislation similar to California. Who do you want? Which candidate best represents informed consent, parental rights, and protecting children?
Other House races with candidates who have records on mandates and exemptions include CA-1 (James Gallagher vs. Mike McGuire), CA-22 (David Valadao vs. Randy Villegas), and CA-48 (Jim Desmond vs. Marni von Wilpert).
Kevin Kiley
Richard Pan
Our Backyard: Sam Gallucci vs. Jacqui Irwin (CA-26)
Rep. Julia Brownley's retirement leaves Ventura County's congressional seat open for the first time in more than a decade. Pastor Sam Gallucci (R) spent 20 years in technology before founding local nonprofits and becoming pastor of Embrace Church in Ventura. During the 2021 recall, he said government should not make vaccines mandatory (Los Angeles Times). Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D), a former Thousand Oaks mayor, has served in the State Assembly since 2014 and voted for SB 277 and SB 276. Gallucci lists cost of living and trade schools as his top priorities; Irwin lists holding the federal administration accountable (KCLU).
Jacqui Irwin (Left), Sam Gallucci (Right)
Make Your Voice Heard
Parents are their children's first advocates, and the ballot is one of the strongest tools we have. Whatever your choices, please vote by 8 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, and you can confirm yours was received at Where's My Ballot.
For more election insights, visit our sister affiliated organization, PERK Advocacy, where we actively break down more election details and who we support through our C4 sister organization. (Click here)
Health Freedom Is on the Ballot: California's House Races That Will Decide It
Our Backyard, Our Choice: Pastor Sam Gallucci vs. Jacqui Irwin in CA-26
The MAHA Vote: Why Steve Hilton Is the Choice for California's Families
Thank you for standing with California's children and families.
For live bi-partisan election coverage watch Election Night 2026: Independent Edition.
One of the keys to defeating the candidates if who do not hold our values is to get out and VOTE for the candidates who do!
Sincerely,
Amy Bohn
PERK President
About Election Night Coverage 2026
Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is a free, eight-hour national broadcast presented by United Independents and produced by DeFiance Media. Broadcasting live from the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, November 3, it will combine national election results, political analysis and guest conversations with dedicated coverage of consequential independent races.
Coverage runs 6 PM–2 AM ET / 3–11 PM PT. Viewing details and updates are available at election2026.live.
