In the Sacramento area this election season, a campaign ad is making waves on television, cautioning viewers that the incumbent Republican Assemblymember is “supported by anti-abortion extremists” intent on advancing what the ad describes as a dangerous anti-choice agenda.

Residents near northern Los Angeles may encounter urgent pre-roll ads on YouTube, labeling the GOP challenger to the local assemblymember as “too dangerous for our community” due to his stance on banning abortion.

Meanwhile, a Democratic candidate in the Palm Springs area is airing a commercial emphasizing a Republican senator’s vote against a bill aimed at preventing the criminal prosecution of miscarriages and stillbirths, prompting the question, “Which candidate will defend reproductive freedom?”

Even though California politicians have reiterated and enhanced their commitment to protecting abortion access since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal protections for the procedure two years ago, Democrats in competitive legislative seats this November are framing the preservation of reproductive health care as a key theme in their campaigns.

While winning any individual race is unlikely to shift the balance at the state Capitol—long dominated by Democratic supporters of abortion rights—candidates argue that emphasizing reproductive freedom serves as a reminder to voters about the importance of protecting these rights, especially during a presidential election where abortion bans are frequently debated.

“You must engage with people on the issues they care about, now more than ever,” states Lisa Middleton, a Democratic City Council member from Palm Springs, who is prioritizing reproductive rights against Republican Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. “This is a crucial time for America, and our national choices impact everyone.”

A national issue

According to public opinion surveys, Californians do not rank abortion rights among their top concerns. A June poll revealed that voters prioritize the economy, housing affordability, and homelessness instead, with abortion failing to make a significant appearance.

On the national stage, however, abortion has become a key issue, particularly for women in the presidential election race. Vice President Kamala Harris has critiqued former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, for attempting to restrict abortion access—a charge he denies while failing to clarify his stance.

Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, which is funding several ads focused on abortion for legislative candidates this fall, pointed out that the political landscape has become increasingly tied to national issues, causing local politicians to align discussions and campaigning around them. He noted that California voters now contemplate what challenges could arise regarding abortion rights, especially concerning state Republicans.

“California has historically set a precedent on essential issues nationwide,” Hicks commented, asserting that it’s logically sensible for voters to assess candidates committed to safeguarding their rights at the state level.

In contrast to the presidential campaign dynamics—where Trump has attempted to frame Harris’ support for abortion as a liability—California Republicans seem less inclined to engage with abortion-related dialogue, with many sidestepping the topic entirely. Outreach to five GOP candidates affected by abortion-related negative ads found only one willing to participate in an interview.

Jessica Millan Patterson, chair of the California Republican Party, contended that voters are far more invested in addressing the failures of Democrats in tackling pressing issues like the cost of living, crime, and homelessness. She asserted that abortion rights are not likely to be a winning strategy this election season and criticized Democrats for lacking an effective platform.

“They’re focusing on anything but what matters to Californians,” she remarked. “The issue of abortion here has been asked and answered.”

A bipartisan conversation

Nonetheless, Democratic candidates maintain they are addressing the priorities communicated by their constituents. Porsche Middleton, a city council member from Citrus Heights aiming to reclaim an Assembly seat, mentioned that when she discusses key campaign issues—healthcare, education, and the economy—abortion rights consistently emerge as a top concern among voters.

“They think forward and assert that their personal freedoms are not negotiable,” she remarked. While she does not plan to introduce legislation on reproductive rights if elected, she views her campaign’s emphasis on this issue as indicative of her legislative priorities and a distinct comparison to her opponent, Republican Assemblymember Josh Hoover.

“It’s crucial to keep these discussions visible,” she advised. “We need representatives who will prioritize the voters’ preferences over personal beliefs.”

Abortion rights hold substantial public support in California. In the 2022 election, 67% of voters approved adding provisions about reproductive freedom to the state constitution, with surveys revealing that a significant proportion of Republicans and conservative-leaning individuals also support these rights. This broad appeal allows Democrats to engage a wider electorate even in more moderate districts.

Kipp Mueller, a Democratic candidate for an open Senate seat in northern Los Angeles, remarked, “Typically, keeping government out of personal lives resonates with this community. Many people here value accessible healthcare.” He has launched a cable ad criticizing his GOP opponent for a history clearly opposed to reproductive rights.

Republicans scramble to respond

This political dynamic has put some Republican candidates in a defensive position. Mueller’s opponent, former Assemblymember Suzette Valladares, countered with a digital ad highlighting her attempt to distinguish her personal “pro-life” convictions from her legislative approach, noting her vote to advance reproductive freedom on the 2022 ballot.

In an Assembly district in Riverside County, GOP incumbent Greg Wallis, who narrowly won by 85 votes in the previous election, is depicted in mailers as “pro-choice with a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood”—a sentiment that appears popular among voters in the area.

“It’s disheartening to see this issue used politically,” stated Wallis, expressing that his support for abortion rights stems from his belief in limited government. “This is a deeply personal issue that should not involve government interference.”

The Democratic candidate challenging Wallis, Christy Holstege from the Palm Springs city council, is also airing ads accusing him of receiving support from anti-abortion extremists. Wallis noted that prior to the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, he might not have prioritized abortion rights in his campaigning, yet acknowledges the rising concerns among Californians.

“We felt it was essential to be proactive,” he explained. “California identifies as a pro-choice state, and I don’t anticipate that changing soon. Voters rightly want clarity on where candidates stand to ensure they elect someone who mirrors their values.”

The California Republican Party continues to back candidates like Wallis, maintaining its opposition to abortion in the platform. Patterson noted, “When facing opposition, silence is not an option. It’s imperative to be transparent on your stance and reclaim your narrative.”

More than just a campaign tactic

While the political strategy of emphasizing abortion rights plays a significant role, Democrats argue that it is also vital to raise this issue among voters during legislative races. If a Republican takes the presidency, California might face challenges to its extensive abortion laws.

“This advocacy comes from our elected officials who have fought for reproductive freedoms,” asserted Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, who is in a tight reelection campaign against retired sheriff’s deputy Patrick Lee Gipson. “Failure to defend these rights by electing extreme anti-abortion candidates could heighten that threat.”

Access to reproductive health care remains complicated in parts of California due to geographic disparities and local resistance. Mueller pointed out that opportunities for improvement exist, particularly if the Democratic majority is maintained.

“It’s more complex than simply deciding whether abortion should be legal,” he emphasized. “There’s a broader context to consider.”

Abortion also serves as a gateway for candidates to discuss additional health issues, including in vitro fertilization and transgender health, which have sparked significant controversy in national conversations and remain under debate in California.

“For me, as a transgender woman, healthcare has been politicized throughout my life,” said Middleton, a candidate for the Senate from Palm Springs, who could become California’s first openly transgender lawmaker. “If they can impose restrictions on me, who’s next in this fight?”