Dear CDT friend,

As we recognize Women's History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who are shaping the future of California and the nation. Their dedication to justice and progress serves as an inspiration for us all. At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, where strong leadership is essential to advance meaningful change, this means rejecting the influence of entrenched interests, such as corporate landlords and the fossil fuel sector, that have long corrupted our political landscape. Leaders like Congresswoman Lateefah Simon are stepping up, and it's vital for us to support them. Congresswoman Simon’s recent pre-buttal to the Joint Address to Congress was a bold statement, advocating for working families who have been affected by the policies proposed by the current administration.

Additionally, listening to communities that have faced systemic racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and poverty is imperative. California Donor Table is prioritizing endorsements for 2025 and 2026 for leaders such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who is facing an aggressive recall from Republicans. This tactic from the right isn’t just about winning; it’s about undermining the support Mayor Bass needs as she heads into her re-election campaign next year. It is crucial that we remain united against these attacks, especially in our traditionally progressive areas. 

Progressive governance is not just an ideal—it's the best path for building a multi-racial democracy that works for all of us. By joining forces, we can create policies that expand opportunities for everyone. Similar to Californians’ efforts during the Progressive Era over 100 years ago, we can transform effective government into a tangible reality for all. 

This month, we particularly honor the achievements of progressive women of color who are leading the charge for progress across California. From school boards to city halls and beyond, these women are reshaping our political landscape and advocating for equity, social justice, and community empowerment. Their leadership is transformative, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation. 

Examples of impactful female leadership abound throughout California. Elected officials like State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Assemblymember Tina S. McKinnor, who CDT has proudly supported and who have dedicated their careers to civil rights and social equity, ensuring marginalized communities are heard. Their work reflects a commitment to addressing pressing issues like criminal justice reform and environmental justice. 

In addition to elected officials, grassroots leaders are making waves in empowering their communities. Female-identifying leaders of CDT grantee partners such as Sky Allen of IE United, Cristine Soto-DeBerry of the Prosecutors Alliance, and Irene Kao of Courage California have mobilized efforts that resonate statewide. These leaders are not just fostering community solidarity; they are empowering Californians to partner with their elected officials to bring about necessary changes. 

As we celebrate the achievements of these leaders, we must remain vigilant against the threats posed by extremist ideologies and the current political climate. The rise of fascism in Washington, DC underscores the importance of continued advocacy for equity and justice, and the need for solidarity to protect vulnerable communities. 

In closing, this Women’s History Month encourages us to reflect on the ongoing struggles and victories of female-identifying leaders who are making a difference. Together, we can honor their contributions and work toward a future that is inclusive and equitable for all Californians. Your continued support is crucial in this journey for progress and change.

In celebration of International Women's Month, we proudly present a series highlighting the inspiring leaders from organizations supported by CDT across California, showcasing their impactful contributions and commitment to empowering communities! Read about their movement work experiences and more below.

2025 Special Elections

2025 special elections have started! We have two upcoming specials in April.

On April 8th, San Diegans will vote to fill the vacancy caused by SD County Board of Supervisor Nora Vargas’s resignation, which will determine the partisan leadership of the body. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, it will go to a runoff on July 1, 2025. Progressive Era PAC, CA Donor Table’s affiliated Political Action Committee, is investing in community organizations to elect Imperial beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to replace Vargas.

Progressive Era PAC has also invested in community organizations working on the Oakland special elections on April 15th. Citywide, Oakland voters will be electing their new mayor. CDT has proudly endorsed Barbara Lee for Mayor. Oakland will also be filling the vacancy for City Council District 2, which is open because of the successful election of CDT-supported candidate Nikki Fortunado Bas to the Alameda Board of Supervisors.

Legislative Progressive Caucus Center Convening Recap

The Legislative Progressive Caucus Center (LPCC) is a nonprofit organization that aims to educate and highlight solutions towards a more equitable future for California. Founded to be a center of truth & education towards progress, LPCC is the think tank collaborating with the Legislative Progressive Caucus in the California State Legislature. In early March 2025, LPCC hosted its inaugural conference in Palm Springs, where legislators, thought leaders, and advocates convened over two days to connect and strategize on progressive change.

To kick off the conference, LPCC hosted a welcome reception and dinner featuring speeches from LPCC President Margaret Nguyen, Legislative Progressive Caucus Vice Chairs Asm. Tina McKinnor, and Dr. Corey Jackson, Legislative Progressive Caucus Chair Asm. Alex Lee, and keynote speaker CA Attorney General Rob Bonta. All of the Assemblymembers at the kick off were previously endorsed by CDT. Following the reception, the conference hosted a full day of educational seminars led by legislators and diverse set of industry experts focusing on solutions and ideas related to achieving affordable utility rates, how monopoly power & price gouging contributes to rising cost of living, constructing & financing affordable housing, evaluating unintended consequences of Proposition 36, and progressive revenue strategies for economic equity. 

Knowledge is power and knowledge must be shared - now more than ever is the critical time to advocate for progressive action, and model change for a better nation for all. CDT recently funded both the conference and LPCC staffing. Please contact CDT staff for more.

Check out LPCC’s President's spotlight in our 2025 CDT Leadership Spotlight Series!

Mark Your Calendars: CDT Heads Back to San Diego to Celebrate 20 Years of Innovation and Community

We are thrilled to announce that the California Donor Table will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary from September 25-27, 2025 at the beautiful San Diego Mission Bay Resort! This milestone gathering promises to be a momentous occasion filled with inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow donors, community partners, and elected officials dedicated to strengthening California's multi-racial democracy and reclaiming a Progressive Era for all of us. 

Save the date and join us for this special event as we reflect on our achievements, share our vision for the future, and celebrate the collective impact of our work over the past two decades. Stay tuned for more information on how to register in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to see you there!

Check out Courage CA 10th Annual #CourageScore All Stars ⭐️

Committee on States Searches for Their Next Leader!

Committee on States (COS) is a network of state donor alliances that advocate for state-based solutions, strategies, and a states-first approach to funding the progressive path to power. Their  mission is to connect, coach, and resource state-focused donor alliances to build a progressive, sustainable, racially-just democracy throughout America. COS centers racial equity in their work and takes intersectional approaches to provide an equitable learning community for our network. At the heart of COS’s work is the belief that: the need for durable progressive change in our country is urgent and must focus on states. 

The right leader will bring strategic vision, a commitment to racial equity, and the ability to strengthen and scale our fellow donor alliances.

Conversations in our Network