By Dianne Anderson

Voters heading into the June 2 Primary may be more motivated this time around to take an extra ten minutes to fill in the bubbles, sign their names, and worst-case scenario, to lick, seal, and hand that ballot envelope to the mailman.

They aren’t so much energized as they are wired up and on edge, looking for a way out of the economic squeeze. Some are voting for more social equity, some want to break the bureaucratic gridlock, and others want law and order.

But most just want to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Ronnika Ngalande: Mayoral Candidate

Ronnika Ngalande said her campaign centers on restoring professionalism and public trust to City Hall. She prioritizes economic development, public safety, housing, infrastructure, and bringing more investment to San Bernardino.

“I’m committed to honest, thoughtful leadership that puts safe neighborhoods and community well-being first,” she said.

Ngalande wants to end council dysfunction by implementing a code of conduct, improving meeting efficiency, downtown revitalization, audits, and citizen oversight.

“I will also strengthen intergovernmental partnerships to secure additional resources, grants, and funding for the city, while building stronger community partnerships between residents and law enforcement,” she said.

Ngalande stressed that under San Bernardino City Charter,  candidates often over-promise because they don’t understand the limits of the office, that the mayor cannot run the city or manage departments alone.

“In our council-manager form of government, the Mayor presides over the Council, casts tie-breaking votes and vetoes under specific conditions, sets policy direction, and works collaboratively, but does not run day-to-day operations or unilaterally control departments. That power lies with the City Manager and Council as a whole,” she said.

As a Planning Commissioner, Ngalande said she was the first commissioner to stand up for public safety by standing up against recuperative care businesses illegally placing unhoused individuals into code-violated motels.

“I support responsible growth, but it has to come with accountability and protections for our neighborhoods. I also bring 25 years of experience in learning and development, with strong skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution,” she said.

 Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson: Incumbent Assembly Member, District 60

Housing stability and affordability are a priority for Dr. Corey Jackson, who says increasing housing supply is central to preventing displacement and reducing homelessness.

He sees affordability as the biggest issue in the race.

“Families are under pressure from the high cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and insurance. Housing in particular drives long-term instability. The focus must be on increasing housing supply across income levels, reducing regulatory barriers that slow construction, and making it easier to build both affordable and market-rate homes to bring costs down,” he said.

If re-elected, he will continue strengthening human services, including healthcare, food assistance, and child care, advocating for community safety through behavioral health services, youth programs, and violence prevention strategies.

In education, Jackson emphasizes strengthening civic education and early childhood systems.

Infrastructure is also an important goal. He highlights continuing investments such as $46 million for improvements to the 215 Freeway and $63 million for upgrades to Ramona Expressway, all helping to improve safety and regional mobility.

Since taking office in 2022, he has authored major legislation, including laws to prevent school book bans and protect diverse curriculum. He also pushed state legislation to expand student access to California’s State Seal of Civic Engagement and strengthen coordination and accountability in early childhood education frameworks.

In the past year, he secured major funding and led efforts for measurable outcomes in expanding housing stability, strengthening safety nets, and improving access to food and child care.

“In 2025, over 810 meetings and 14 community events were held, along with engagement at more than 100 public events, reflecting direct constituent outreach. Legislative work includes AB 422 and AB 563, strengthening civic education and early childhood systems. The approach centers on practical results, consistent community engagement, and addressing urgent needs in the Inland Empire,” he said.

 Ron Edwards – Assembly District 60

Ron Edwards, Republican candidate for California State Assembly District 60, is running on public safety, “law and order,” and local control in education. The U.S. Army veteran is also a licensed minister and businessman.

He advocates supporting law enforcement and fiscally conservative policies focused on strengthening families and safer communities. He describes himself as a “common sense” conservative focused on public safety, education, family values, and fiscal discipline.

For education, he is against DEI and critical race theory in K–12 classrooms. He backs local control, expanded school choice, and a return to core academics like reading, writing, math, STEM, and trade skills.

On family policy, Edwards supports parental rights in education and healthcare decisions, supports medical and religious freedom, and vaccine exemption rights. On fiscal policy, he wants to apply business principles to state government to cut waste and improve efficiency.

Edwards also supports fully funding law enforcement and a strong law-and-order approach focused on reducing crime.

“Law and Order is job one. All citizens must have safety and security. Without law and order there is confusion. I will be the Law and Order candidate. In order to have social justice there must first be social order, in other words, Law and Order,” he said on his website.

 Dr. Tiffanie Tate: State Senate, District 32

For Dr. Tiffanie Tate, a Navy veteran and retired physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, healthcare equity and economic stability are top priorities. With housing and medical expenses as main causes of regional instability, Tate advocates for expanded access to affordable healthcare, reproductive health protections, and stronger public education systems.

A former OB-GYN with 20 years of practice experience, she emphasizes reproductive health protections and supports policies limiting federal ICE interventions.

Dr. Tate wants a state government that cuts through red tape to lower everyday costs for families and puts more resources directly into public schools. In Sacramento, her focus is on making state agencies accountable to the public and ensuring that healthcare is treated as a basic right for everyone in the Inland Empire.

A church trustee, Dr. Tate holds life memberships and leadership roles in several organizations, including the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Association of Black Women Physicians, the California Black Caucus, the National Medical Association, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

To walk in, drop off signed mail-in ballot, or stand in booth to vote, see:

San Bernardino County  https://elections.sbcounty.gov/voting/mailballotdropoff/

For more information on candidates, see:

Ronnika Ngalande: https://ronnikangalandeformayor.com/

Dr. Corey Jackson: https://a60.asmdc.org/

Ron Edwards: https://www.ronaldedwardsforassembly.com/

Dr. Tiffanie Tate: https://www.votedrtate.com/