November 5, 2024 General Election Endorsements

Note that endorsement of these candidates by DSD are made by the members only. Any endorsements made by DSD are solely the Club’s and are not to be confused with endorsements made by the Riverside County Democratic Party (RCDP) or the California Democratic Party (CDP) which may be different.

Download a complete list of DSD endorsements and proposition recommendations.

At the August 15, 2023 meeting, DSD Members voted unanimously to accept the PAC recommendation for early endorsement of four candidates in the March 2024 Primary election (Holstege, Marshall, Middleton and Rollins). At the September 19, 2023, meeting members also voted unanimously to endorse Representative Raul Ruiz M.D for a 7th term in office.

At the January 15, 2024 meeting, DSD Members voted unanimously to accept the PAC recommendation for endorsement of Elizabeth Tucker for Riverside Court Officer #4 (Riverside Superior Court). At the June 18, 2024 meeting a majority of members present voted in favor of an endorsement for Joey Acuña for the 36th California Assembly District.

At the August 2024 meeting of DSD the following candidates were endorsed for local offices:

  • Coachella Mayor - Frank Figueroa ∎

  • Coachella City Council - Yadira Perez ∎ and Denise Delgado ∎

  • Palm Desert City Council District 1 - Karina Quintanilla

  • Palm Desert City Council District 2 - Greg Akkerman

  • Palm Springs City Council District 5 - David Ready

  • Rancho Mirage City Council - Gregory Goodman and Michael O'Keefe

  • Desert Healthcare District Zone 1 - Greg Rodriguez

Notes:

  • For Palm Desert City Council District 3, neither candidate Stephen Nelson nor Anyse Smith received the 60% of the votes necessary for endorsement.

  • For Palm Springs City Council District 4, none of the candidates - Naomi Soto, Joe Jackson, Anna Nevenich, or David Rios received the 60% of the votes necessary for endorsement.

At the September 2024 meeting of DSD the following candidates were endorsed for local Board positions:

  • Desert Healthcare District Zone 5 - Carlos Garcia

  • Desert Recreation District Zone 3 - Luis Espinoza ∎

  • Desert Community College District, TA 2 - Maryjane Sanchez ∎

  • Desert Community College District TA 3 - Ron Oden ∎

  • Coachella Valley USD, TA1 - Trinidad Arrendondo ∎

  • Coachella Valley USD, TA4 - Jocelyn Vargas

∎ A different candidate was endorsed by the RCDP and the CDP for this position. See all of the RCDP-endorsed candidates here.

Congratulations to all our endorsees, and thank you to all candidates for stepping up and running!

2026 Endorsement Process & Criteria

Purpose

The Desert Stonewall Democrats exist to elevate principled, effective leadership that defends LGBTQ+ rights, advances social and economic justice, and strengthens democratic participation across the Coachella Valley. Our endorsement process is rigorous, discerning, and rooted in clear standards: candidates must demonstrate measurable commitment to Democratic values, equitable policies, inclusive governance, and the tangible ability to win and serve responsibly.

An endorsement from DSD is more than a seal of approval — it is a public guarantee that a candidate has earned our trust through integrity, competence, and a proven record (or credible plan) of advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and the broader community. We endorse only those who reflect the dignity, resilience, and aspirations of the Valley we represent, because that is exactly what our community deserves and expects.

2026 Candidates,

Check back Early April for more information on our process, candidate packet, critical dates and more

David Weiner & Stephen Nelson, PAC Co-Chair(s)

  • A woman with blonde hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black blazer over a polka dot blouse, in front of a tree in a park.

    Christy Holstege

    47th California Assembly District

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  • A smiling man in a blue dress shirt and dark blazer against a light background.

    Derek Marshall

    23rd California Congressional District

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  • Close-up of an older woman with short blonde hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, smiling,

    Lisa Middleton

    19th California Senate District

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  • A young man with light brown hair smiling outdoors during sunset, wearing a dark blue button-up shirt, with a background of greenery and a blurred house.

    Will Rollins

    41st California Congressional District

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  • A smiling medical professional, wearing a blue shirt and stethoscope, engaging in conversation with a patient in a clinical setting.

    Raul Ruiz M.D.

    25th California Congressional District

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  • A middle-aged man with long dark hair and a beard, wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and plaid tie, sitting at a desk in an office with colorful folders and paperwork in the background.

    Joey Acuña

    36th California Assembly District

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  • A woman in a black judicial robe smiling, with American flags in the background.

    Elizabeth Tucker

    Riverside Court Officer #4 (Riverside Superior Court)

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Standing Rules for Endorsements

Clarification regarding DSD’s early endorsement process.
Starting seven months prior to an election, declared Democratic candidates are invited to apply for DSD endorsement by completing a questionnaire and attending an interview with the PAC.  Candidates are advised that one candidate per office who is a DSD member in good standing, actively engaged with the club, and who identifies as LGBTQ is potentially eligible for an early endorsement.  If no candidate receives our early endorsement, or if an additional seat for that office is open, any Democratic candidate is potentially eligible for regular endorsement.  

In addition, an incumbent who has previously been endorsed by DSD and is running again for the same office is potentially eligible for early endorsement subject to review of their record in office.