Evan Wecksell and AB5: A long-shot write-in candidate may just shake things up

This weekend, I was invited to a meet-and-greet for Senate District 25 Write-in Candidate Evan Wecksell.

Current District 25 State Senator Anthony Portantino is up for re-election, and would be running unopposed had it not been for Evan, and one other write-in candidate stepping up to the plate.

Thank God, because Portantino has to go. he has mostly been a rubber stamp for the progressive agenda: from his six-year-long career in the California State Assembly (2006-2012), to his four years in the State Senate (2016), he has followed the party line from his anti-gun ownership stance, to his promotion and vote for AB5, the so-called “Gig Workers” law that has removed our right to choose to work in the way that fits our lives, our schedules, and our preference.

As part of the Facebook groups where those affected by AB5 organize: Freelancers Against AB5 and Freelancers Against the PRO Act, I posted my research on write-in candidates for District 25, and Evan reached out to me personally and invited me to attend the event in Pasadena. Along with promoting it to my friends and colleagues in the district, Lynn and I attended.

Evan talked about his journey to becoming a write-in candidate, he talked at length about the AB5 law and why it needs to be repealed:

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferoliveroconnell/videos/10158037889396668/

I took a few Facebook Live videos to curate his major points, and he had some ingenious ideas on how the focus on independent contractors could be approached, the perspective on responsible gun owners, and undoing onerous laws:

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferoliveroconnell/videos/10158037909831668/

He acknowledged the long-shot nature of his candidacy, but encouraged us that through word of mouth, texting, lawn signs, business cards and informing people of his candidacy, he could get enough votes to make the runoff in November.

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferoliveroconnell/videos/10158037935341668/

I was impressed by Evan's attention to detail, game plan, and ground game. Truth be told, the other write-in candidate was weighed in the same balance, and found wanting.

California District 25 encompasses the cities and communities of Burbank, Sunland-Tujunga, Atwater Village, La Canãda-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, Duarte, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.

Former Governor Jerry Brown signed a law outlawing write-in candidates for the general election; so this is the one opportunity in the crazy California jungle primary to disrupt the one-party rule. If you live in District 25 and you haven't voted yet, write in "Evan Wecksell". If you are particularly unhappy with the direction in the state, this is your chance to force a choice.