ELECTION 2026 - The race to succeed retiring State Senator Ben Allen (D-24) pits two Democrats with different political styles and governing backgrounds.
Brian Goldsmith presents himself as an independent-minded, results-oriented Democrat focused on affordability, public safety and government accountability. His opponent, John Erickson emphasizes his record as a member of the West Hollywood governing body, his progressive commitment to renters, organized labor, reproductive rights and expanded health care.
Both candidates support addressing the homelessness crisis, housing costs and climate change, but they differ in their preferred approaches and political coalitions.
Goldsmith is a former political consultant, journalist, attorney, and technology entrepreneur who resides in Beverly Hills. He covered politics and national affairs for outlets such as Politico and The Atlantic and produced Katie Couric's memorable interview with Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican nominee for Vice-President.
Goldsmith launched two technology startups and advised Democratic candidates and political organizations, including work associated with former US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.
He is married and has two children.
So, what is the fundamental difference between these two Democrats?
In Goldsmith he represents an extension of the tenure of the retiring Ben Allen while Erickson sees himself as more of an activist and advocate to oppose President Donald Trump.
But does that really apply to the duties of serving in the California Senate?
Both would be freshman legislators where Democrats enjoy a super majority with a new governor, in all probability, Democrat Xavier Becerra. Trump has just two years left in this second term and fighting Trump has already been established over and over again by both hopefuls.
But their political coalitions are certainly different and distinct, representing specific spectrums of the Democratic Party.
Goldsmith's endorsements include former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, retired US Senator Barbara Boxer and Buttigieg, alongside public-safety organizations and several labor groups. In contrast, Erickson has backing from organized labor, teachers, nurses, environmental groups, Planned Parenthood and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
For these are not exclusively opposing camps—both candidates have support across parts of the diversified Democratic umbrella.
In terms of policy, Goldsmith puts greater emphasis on public safety and accountability.
His support for Proposition 36, which increased penalties for certain drug and theft offenses, distinguishes his approach from more prevention-centered strategies. Erickson stresses community-based services and has secured the endorsement of LA County Sheriff Robert Luna while Goldsmith enjoys strong support across the law enforcement community including the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the COPS Action Fund.
In Erickson, he brings elected government experience. He has served on the West Hollywood City Council since 2020 and previously as mayor. Goldsmith brings experience in political strategy, media, law and entrepreneurship, but has not held elected office.
For this contest is not a conventional Democrat-versus-Republican race.
It is a choice between two Democratic candidates who differ in governing experience, political alliances and their emphasis on policy solutions.
For Goldsmith, affordability, public safety, government accountability, permitting reform and pragmatic coalition-building is his vision to succeed Ben Allen who has endorsed him. Erickson represents a more progressive agenda, greater tenant protections, reproductive rights, and his elective record of municipal governance.
This has become one of the most expensive legislative races in California history, as both sides have plastered mailboxes with competing brochures and mailers. For Goldsmith, the race is about Democratic values and solutions to make life better for Californians, while Erickson prefers to emphasize the quality of his support, describing his backers as "The Good Ones."
In a interview with Goldsmith, I asked him to compare and contrast what he saw as the differences in this highly competitive race in the final stretch:
Distinct Differences:
DSA Democrats versus traditional mainstream liberals.
Your opponent continues to try to draw distinctions between himself and your supporters. He refers to his supporters as "the good ones." Are there good and bad supporters, or do you have an obligation to serve the needs of the entire 24th Legislative District? Do you define leadership as building legislative consensus versus raw partisanship? What will be your legislative temperament?
An elected official serves every resident—period. There are no 'good' or 'bad' voters in our district, only neighbors who deserve responsive, accountable representation. Real leadership is about building consensus across geographic and political lines to deliver results to the real challenges people face. I will listen to local voices, find common ground where we can, and evaluate every bill based on whether it improves our communities.
Homelessness:
Where are the measurable results?
You talk about common-sense solutions to homelessness, an issue that continues to frustrate residents throughout the Westside and coastal communities. What will you do differently from the policies California has pursued so far? Give us two or three action steps you would take in the State Senate, and how would you measure success?
Homelessness is solvable, but only if we stop throwing taxpayer dollars at programs that aren’t delivering results. We must demand strict accountability, only fund what works, and immediately cut off programs that fail to demonstrate measurable outcomes. Success should be measured by total individuals housed and visible reductions in unsheltered homelessness. If elected, I’ll focus on:
Strengthening state funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, specifically targeting emergency rental relief and eviction defense to stop vulnerable families from falling into homelessness in the first place.
Expanding state-funded moderate- and low-income housing vouchers to offset federal shortfalls, keeping working families, seniors, and veterans housed.
Scaling up non-profit acquisition of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH). By partnering with non-profits to purchase existing apartment buildings using public-private capital, we preserve long-term affordability, provide wrap-around supportive services, and perform needed repairs at a fraction of the cost of new construction.
Health care:
Affordable care without an endless cost?
Californians are struggling with the cost of health insurance, medical treatment and prescription drugs, while the state faces competing demands on its budget. What are your top priorities for making health care more affordable and accessible? Where would you draw the line between expanding government programs and demanding greater efficiency, accountability, and competition?
Health care costs are a leading driver of financial insecurity in California. We should pursue universal, affordable coverage by establishing a high-quality public option, Cal Care for All Who Want It, that introduces real market competition and pushes private insurers to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
We must also invest in preventive medicine. Expanding community health clinics and aiming for universal access to primary care is far more humane and less expensive than relying on emergency rooms for routine care. I will demand strict transparency to ensure state health care dollars are spent on patient care, not administrative bloat.
Housing:
How do you build more without pricing people out?
The 24th District includes communities where housing costs put enormous pressure on working families, young adults and seniors. How would you increase the supply of housing while protecting affordability, addressing infrastructure constraints, and respecting legitimate local concerns?
California’s housing crisis is pricing-out, young adults, working families, and seniors.
We must expand supply while preserving local character and addressing environmental concerns. State and local governments own thousands of acres of underutilized land near transit, job centers, and schools. We should offer below-market leases of non-sensitive, low-fire-risk public land to non-profit and private builders to build mixed-income and workforce housing. We also should update our building code to prioritize the conversion of empty commercial buildings into more affordable housing.
It shouldn't take years of bureaucratic delays or cost significantly more per unit to build multifamily housing in California compared to other states. We must streamline state permitting so shovel-ready projects can break ground as soon as financing is secured. Finally, we need to lower the barriers to homeownership by expanding state down-payment assistance programs, helping working families build equity right here in Senate District 24.
Endorsements and independence:
Who gets a say in your agenda?
You have attracted many high-profile endorsements, but you also describe yourself as an independent Democrat who believes in a “no excuses” approach to governing. How will you make a difference as a freshman, will you cross party lines, if need be, to get things done?
I'm a proud lifelong Democrat but am more concerned with delivering results for my constituents than appeasing a particular wing of my party. If elected, I'll bring a relentless focus on lowering the cost of housing and health care, solving homelessness, supporting education, and investing in public safety--and I'll work across party lines to make that happen. As I've demonstrated throughout this campaign, I have the ability to build coalitions and find common ground on the issues we all need to tackle.
Succeeding Ben Allen:
What will you bring that is distinctly your own?
Senator Ben Allen leaves a record and a set of expectations after serving the district. What are the most important things you would preserve from his tenure, and where would you take a different direction? Beyond your campaign message, what specific experience, relationships and legislative priorities would you bring to Sacramento—and what three accomplishments should constituents expect from you in your first two years?
Ben Allen leaves big shoes to fill after 12 years of serving this district, and I am proud to have his support. If I’m fortunate enough to be elected, I will look to him for guidance and advice. Like Ben, I will be a stalwart champion of the environment, our entertainment industry, and the residents of the Palisades and Malibu as we work to rebuild. I will also continue his leadership as a member of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, which he has helped turn into an incredibly important and influential body.
I am not seeking this seat to pass message bills but to be effective and get results.
A few key priorities: I believe we need to relentlessly and quickly focus on making California more affordable, and that includes building housing where it makes sense and ensuring that all Californians can access affordable health care and childcare. I believe we need to prioritize support for the entertainment industry to ensure that film and TV production stays here. I will also play a key role in helping rebuild the Palisades and Malibu.
I also would propose a two year look back review period on key legislation. Currently, many legislators stop paying attention after a bill is signed. We should keep looking to see whether laws are actually effective and making a difference on the ground. When programs are working, we should expand them. When they’re not, we should make difficult decisions about whether to continue them.
The election is this Tuesday, November 3rd.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the Westside covering this open seat contest to replace the retiring incumbent, Ben Allen. Originally from New Jersey, he served as a legislative aide to the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate. A regular contributor to City Watch LA, he can be reached via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com )
