Candidate Statement

I’m running as a North Star Progressive Democrat candidate because I believe in social justice policies such as equal opportunity housing for our neediest, as well as pursuing racial justice for our BIPOC community in California. I want to show our community that the Democratic party has not forgotten about them, and will demonstrate this by fighting in favor of measures that will move progress forward.

I have substantial experience in community engagement, having worked for organizations like Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos (CSA), as a Community Outreach Specialist for the County of Santa Clara, and as a Community Organizer for People Acting in Community Together (PACT), which have taught me that those closest to the problem are also the ones closest to the solution. I have worked on policies like AB 392 - Peace Officer Use of Force and SB 1421- Peace Officers: Release of Records, to promote transparency and protect BIPOC members from excessive use of force. In addition, I have helped with the Department of the Census getting folks counted in 2020, helped community members get vaccinated during the pandemic, and led the COVID-19 Positive Relief Team and outreach efforts for CSA. Through these experiences, I have learned that our community feels unseen and unheard, and by just simply extending a helping hand they feel that all is not lost. Recently, I have been appointed as a commissioner for the Human Relations Commission in Mountain View, where I hope to continue the work of creating a space for the community to feel heard as we try to address their social, educational, and political issues in their neighborhoods.

Raised by a single mother of four, and being a first-generation college graduate, I know first-hand the struggles our communities of color face in California especially when seeking representation in spaces where our voices have traditionally been excluded. Too many of our community members are left out of the decision-making process, but I believe my experience in community engagement will be able to bridge the conversations between the party and our community.

If elected as a delegate, I would be excited and honored to apply my passion for justice, community engagement, and organizing skills to building progressive power in our party.

Erik Poicon
Erik@ad23.vote