Let’s about something we don’t discuss enough—the importance of Knowing Your Zip Code and getting involved at the local level. Your zip code isn’t just a number, it’s a direct link to who represents you, the decisions that are being made about your community, and the quality of life you and your loved ones experience every day.
It’s easy to get caught up in national politics–because that’s what is in the news 24/7. It takes real effort to know what’s going on at your local level. In case you thought otherwise, the real change starts at home. If you don’t know who your local mayor or councilmember is, if you’re passionate about criminal justice reform but don’t follow judicial races, your district attorney, sheriff, or police chief, if you don’t know who represents you on the school board, in the state assembly or senate, or in your county district, you’re missing out on the people who have the most direct impact on your daily life. These are the folks who decide everything from the funding of your neighborhood schools to the allocation of resources for public safety, housing, and even the cleanliness of your streets.
And here’s where it gets real: being engaged means more than just knowing who these people are. It means getting involved in the process, which includes voting, donating, and volunteering. In Black, Latino, and marginalized communities, we’ve still got work to do when it comes to understanding that voting for someone you believe in isn’t enough. The candidates whose supporters understand the need to donate to their campaigns and who show up to volunteer are the ones who often cross the finish line.
From Bystander to Being A Part of A Movement
Let me break it down—running a campaign isn’t cheap, and it’s not easy. When you donate to a candidate, you’re not just giving money, you’re investing in the future of your community. You’re helping to level the playing field for candidates who truly represent your values and your interests but might not have the big money backing that some of their opponents do. And when you volunteer, you’re doing the groundwork that makes all the difference. You’re knocking on doors, making calls, spreading the word, and ensuring that your candidate has the support they need to win.
Real talk–donating to a campaign looks different for everyone. Not all of us can drop big checks, and that’s okay. What matters is that we give what we can, because every single contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, what’s important is that we’re showing up and putting our money where our values are.
There’s a certain pride you feel when you donate to a candidate you believe in. It’s not just about the money—it’s about knowing that you’re actively supporting someone who represents your vision for the future. You’re moved from being a bystander to being a part of the movement, and that’s powerful.
And never underestimate the impact of those smaller donations. They add up, and they send a message that the community is behind a candidate. It’s not just the big donors who make a difference—it’s all of us, coming together to support the leaders we want to see in office.
If you have $100 you can give $20 to five candidates, $25 to four, $50 to two, or give the whole $100 to one candidate.
Prioritizing Change: Kevin de León, George Gascón, and More
I don’t tell you to do anything that I am not doing myself. When it comes to supporting the candidates who align with my values, I’m not just talking—I’m putting my money where my mouth is.
This election cycle, I’ve prioritized seeing Councilmember Kevin (It’s time to Go) de León retired because let’s be real—racists have no place on LA’s City Council. That’s why I’m all in for his opponent, Ysabel Jurado, who I believe will be a much better councilmember. Supporting her isn’t just about electing someone who will represent us better; it’s about sending a loud and clear message that we won’t tolerate racism in our leadership.
I’m also fully behind the re-election of District Attorney George Gascón. Look, I know the headlines have been all over the place, but I believe in his commitment to fair and just prosecution. He’s not perfect—no one is—but I’ve seen him listen, learn, and course-correct when necessary, and that’s what true leadership looks like.
As a political strategist (you know the work that pays my bills), I am working on campaigns that also align with my values. For example, in the 10th District I am working with Councilmember Heather Hutt who is the only Black woman on LA’s City Council.
And it doesn’t stop there. I’m also paying close attention to local school board and water board races because these are the people making decisions that directly impact our daily lives. Every race matters, from the top of the ballot to the bottom, and we can’t afford to sit any of them out.
I’m even looking ahead to the 2026 election, where I’ll be throwing my support behind the re-election of Mayor Karen Bass. She’s been doing the work, and I’m ready to see her continue leading our city. As for the Governor’s race in 2026, I’m still deciding who I want to back, but you can bet I’ll be ready to put my support behind the candidate who aligns with my vision for California.
Standing with LA Mayor Karen Bass (center) as a fundraiser for Councilmember Heather Hutt (right).
All smiles with Ysabel Jurado at a fundraiser for her campaign for city council.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Your Future
The bottom line is this: donating to the campaigns of candidates you believe in is crucial. It’s about more than just casting a vote—it’s about making sure the people who share our values have the resources they need to win. Because if we’re not supporting them, who will? This is how we build the future we want to see, one election at a time.
So, here’s my challenge to you: get to know your zip code. Be informed. Go beyond the rhetoric, hashtags and headlines.Find out who’s making decisions on your behalf, and make sure they’re the right ones. If they’re not, it’s time to get involved—donate, volunteer, and make your voice heard. Because if we don’t, someone else will, and the changes we need to see in our communities will be left up to people who don’t have our best interests at heart.
Local elections matter. Your involvement matters. And together, we can make sure that the leaders who represent us truly represent us.
With LA County District Attorney George Gascón at a fundraiser for his campaign.
