Brian Goldsmith runs for state Senate seat in Santa Monica

Brian Goldsmith campaigns for a Santa Monica legislative post in a general election between members of the same political party. The contest will determine representation for the open 24th State Senate District in Southern California.

The lawyer and former journalist faces fellow Democrat John Erickson on the ballot. Nikki Laurenzo interviewed Goldsmith on the television program Inside California Politics this week.

Several prominent Democrats endorse Goldsmith. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi backs his campaign. Laurenzo asked him for a one-word assessment of politics in Sacramento. He described the Capitol status quo as disappointing.

“Good intentions, a thousand new laws every year, but the results and outcomes are not what they should be,” he said.

Goldsmith said the state budget continues to grow without matching gains in public outcomes. The candidate also said quality-of-life improvements have not kept pace with spending. His campaign priorities include homelessness and funding Prop 36.

California uses a top-two primary system for legislative contests. Candidates from the same party can advance together to the general election.

Voters across Santa Monica will select their district representative on the general election ballot.