Take the Pledge to Reject Campaign Contributions from Law Enforcement

Policing, as it exists today, is deeply rooted in a legacy of slavery and is the very definition of systemic racism. From slave patrols, to the enforcement of Jim Crow segregation, to the militarized "war on drugs", to the on-going brutality and murder of Black people and communities of color -- the track record of violence is undeniable. Reinforcing this structure is the outsized influence of police unions and their lobbyists in undermining any efforts to hold law enforcement accountable.

Historically, law enforcement and their associations have used their political contributions and power to warp the conversation about public safety. Accordingly, elected officials that receive those contributions undermine community trust in their ability to perform that oversight role. It is time to end this conflict. School Boards, City Councils, County Board of Supervisors, District Attorneys, State Legislators, elected and appointed officials at various levels of government hold oversight powers over law enforcement, and are ultimately responsible for ensuring that officers are held to the highest standards and that those who violate those standards are held accountable. 

Therefore, as elected officials, we pledge to always fight for Black lives, and as part of that promise we pledge to end the conflict of values and reject any contributions from law enforcement associations. 

We urge all elected officials and candidates in the greater Sacramento region to join us, in signing the pledge below promising to no longer accept campaign contributions from law enforcement.  

Signed,

Mai Vang, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Sacramento

Katie Valenzuela, Councilmember, City of Sacramento

Zima Creason, San Juan Unified School District Board Member

Tamika L’Ecluse, American River Flood Control District Board Member

Questions? Contact us.