Christine Sarmiento responses:

1. People with disabilities represent more than 20 percent of the California population. If elected, what would you do to make sure that disabled people have a voice in your administration? Would you appoint a senior advisor on disability issues to help you set goals, track progress, and integrate disability issues throughout your administration?

As a nurse, I took an oath to care for everyone — especially those who need me most. That oath follows me into the Governor's office.  I will continue to serve this community regardless of what my position.

On the senior advisor question — I will first assess what positions already exist in Sacramento and whether they are effective. If a dedicated disability advisor does not exist in a meaningful capacity, I will create that role. The goal is to ensure that disability issues are considered with every policy decision.

2. Please describe how you have worked with disabled people and disability-led organizations in the leadership roles you have held to date.

Serving people with disabilities has never been a separate initiative for me — it has always been part of the job.

As a Public Health Nurse in Downtown Los Angeles, I work daily with individuals who have physical, cognitive, and mental health disabilities — many of whom are also unhoused, low income, or without adequate support. During COVID-19, I deployed with the California Emergency Medical Services Authority to care for the most vulnerable patients and managed vaccination operations that prioritized underserved communities with barriers to access.

In my management roles, I have worked to build inclusive workplaces where team members with disabilities are supported and valued. A team's strength comes from the full participation of every member.

3. HR 1 cuts $30 billion a year from Medi-Cal, which represents a significant threat to the disabled children and adults and older Californians who rely on Medi-Cal to live in the community. What would you do to mitigate the impact of these cuts on disabled Californians? Can you promise to protect home and community based (HCBS) services from cuts? How can California better include peers, who can support outreach to communities who may be fearful of participating in safety-net programs, as the first point of contact to build on inherent trust and connection with people in need?

I cannot promise to protect one program from assessment while others go unexamined. What I can promise is a comprehensive review of every department and budget to ensure resources are being used effectively and delivering real outcomes. No program will be cut arbitrarily. Every decision will be driven by data and a genuine commitment to the people being served.

I also promise that this conversation does not end here. I am committed to ongoing dialogue with the disability community to ensure that any changes to services are made collaboratively and transparently.

On peer support — I have seen firsthand as a public health nurse how trust drives engagement. People seek help from people who understand their experience. Peer-led outreach is not just effective — it is essential.

4. Our state has made immense progress in providing Medi-Cal to people regardless of immigration status, but the 2025 budget bill reversed most of this progress. How would you advance immigrant justice and disability rights through the Medi-Cal program? How would you raise needed revenue to ensure that cuts to federal funding are not borne primarily by people with disabilities and immigrants in the state?

I believe that a healthy community requires protecting the health of everyone living in California — regardless of status. Disease and public health emergencies do not recognize legal barriers. Ignoring the health of any group ultimately puts everyone at risk. This is not just a moral position — it is a practical one.

At the same time, good intentions without sound execution cause more harm than good.  We need a practical strategy.

On revenue — my position is clear. California does not have a revenue problem. It has a management problem. Before asking Californians for more money, we have a responsibility to ensure that every existing dollar is being spent wisely, efficiently, and in a way that delivers real outcomes. A thorough audit of current spending, combined with a commitment to eliminating waste and inefficiency, can free up significant resources without burdening taxpayers further. That is where I start.

5. Governor Newsom developed master plans for aging and for developmental services. What ideas do you have for leveraging these plans or updating them to reflect current priorities?

Governor Newsom's plan is a good framework, but we need to get more granular on execution. I strongly agree with the goal of life satisfaction — and as people are living longer, we must intentionally incorporate community and connection into how we serve this age group. Once we establish the foundation of health, safety, and access to stable housing, we can focus on creating meaningful avenues for connection and engagement — even in the later stages of life.

6. What strategies would you use to improve outcomes for people who are currently unhoused and unsheltered, including the over 40% who qualify as people with disabilities?

I have served Thanksgiving meals in Skid Row, provided nursing care to unhoused community members, and sat with veterans and young adults who aged out of the system with nowhere to go. This is not a policy issue for me — it is personal.

Over 40 percent of unhoused Californians qualify as people with disabilities. We cannot address homelessness without addressing disability — they are deeply intertwined.

My approach is rooted in the public health model — treat the whole person, not just the immediate crisis. That means integrated services addressing mental health, physical health, substance use, disability support, and housing simultaneously — not sequentially. It means coordinated systems that actually communicate and collaborate.

It also means accountability. California has spent enormous amounts of money on homelessness with results that do not match the investment. As Governor, I will demand transparency on where that money goes and what outcomes it produces.

7. How would you work to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the State government and in the delivery of services funded by the government?

I believe diversity is naturally occurring and should be celebrated. When you build systems that are genuinely open and accessible to everyone, diversity follows. The question is whether we are removing the barriers that prevent people from fully participating.

I deeply value the concept of equity — a principle I learned and applied during my years with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. Equity means recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place and that fair outcomes sometimes require differentiated support.

At the same time, I believe these words must be applied carefully, thoughtfully, and honestly. Policies promoted in the name of equity have sometimes had the unintended effect of creating new barriers or advancing agendas that do not serve the communities they were meant to help. As Governor, I will be vigilant about ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are driven by genuine outcomes — measured, assessed, and adjusted based on whether they are actually improving the lives of the people they are meant to serve.

8. The representation of state workers with disabilities decreased significantly during Governor Newsom’s two terms. What ideas do you have to improve recruiting, retention, and career development for state workers with disabilities?

I will direct a comprehensive review of current hiring, retention, and promotion practices across state agencies to identify where barriers exist for workers with disabilities. I will work to establish clear and measurable goals for improving representation, with accountability structures that ensure progress is tracked and reported transparently.

I will also advocate for workplace accommodations that are genuinely accessible and responsive — not bureaucratic obstacles that discourage workers with disabilities from staying or advancing. Career development pathways must be equally available to all state employees regardless of disability status.

9. In November, we marked the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What ideas do you have for protecting adequate funds for special education and improving outcomes for students with disabilities in California? Do you have specific ideas for improving outcomes and equal access for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing? Or students with disabilities caught in the school-prison nexus and involved in the juvenile legal system?

I will ensure that those funds are being used effectively and reaching the students they are intended to serve. I will also prioritize workforce development for special education teachers and support staff.

For students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, I will advocate for greater access to qualified interpreters, captioning services, and communication supports in every school setting.

10. Wildfires, earthquakes, flooding and other disasters have disproportionate impacts on people with disabilities and older adults. What ideas do you have for improving emergency preparedness and response for these populations?

As a member of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, I have deployed during COVID-19 and the LA fires. I have seen firsthand how disasters disproportionately impact people with disabilities and older adults — this is not a hypothetical concern.

As Governor, I will ensure that emergency preparedness plans at every level specifically account for people with disabilities and older adults — including those dependent on medical equipment, those with mobility limitations, and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

I will work to establish voluntary, confidential community registries so first responders can identify and prioritize vulnerable individuals during emergencies. All emergency communications will be fully accessible — including sign language interpretation, captioning, and accessible formats.

11. Transportation continues to be a major barrier to employment, access to healthcare and school, and community engagement for many Californians. What ideas do you have to improve transportation access, particularly in rural parts of the state?

For people with disabilities — especially in rural California — the lack of accessible, reliable transportation is one of the most significant barriers to healthcare, employment, and community participation.

As Governor, I will prioritize investment in accessible transportation in underserved and rural communities — including paratransit services, accessible ride-sharing partnerships, and community-based programs. I will ensure that public transit infrastructure meets accessibility standards and that those standards are enforced.

I will also expand telehealth options and digital connectivity so that rural Californians can access services remotely when transportation is not available.

12. California is home to the leading companies that develop new technologies for the world. How would you work with technology companies to improve technology accessibility and affordability for people with disabilities in California and beyond? Do you have a plan to address the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and ensure equitable measures to include diverse populations, including Californians with disabilities?

As Governor, I will advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the development and testing of AI systems that affect their lives. I will work to establish clear standards for AI accessibility and equity, and I will hold companies accountable when their technologies create barriers or perpetuate discrimination. California has the leverage to lead on this issue.

13. Despite decades of state and federal legal requirements, both public and private sector entities continue to provide web content that is inaccessible to persons with disabilities, especially persons who are blind or have low vision. What commitments would you make to more stringent laws and increased enforcement of state law to ensure websites that are fully accessible to people with disabilities?

I will direct a comprehensive review of current web accessibility requirements and enforcement mechanisms across state agencies — starting with our own house. State government websites and digital services must be fully accessible, and I will hold state agencies accountable to that standard.

I will also work to strengthen enforcement of existing state laws and explore additional legislative measures where current law is inadequate. Accessibility requirements without enforcement are meaningless. I am committed to ensuring that enforcement has the resources and authority it needs to be effective.

14. California’s mental health system is struggling to keep up with major policy and funding changes implemented in the past five years—including CARE Court, SB 43, and Proposition 1—while one in seven adults live with a mental illness and many Californians struggle to find providers who accept their insurance. What is your plan to improve mental health care in California? What role do you see for peer leaders with lived experience with mental illness and substance abuse to help shape your approach, and what is your plan to fund and support consumer-operated, peer-led services—such as wellness centers and peer support? How can California work with private insurers to be more responsive to the growing need for care?

As a nurse and public health worker, I have seen the impact of an underfunded, fragmented mental health system on individuals, families, and communities.

As Governor, I will restore access to inpatient mental health care and bring back mental health facilities that provide appropriate, dignified care for people with serious mental illness. Jails and emergency rooms are not substitutes for psychiatric care.

I will prioritize funding for peer-led services — including wellness centers and peer support programs — because people with lived experience are among the most effective supporters for others going through similar challenges.

I will also work with private insurers to improve mental health coverage, address provider shortages, and enforce mental health parity laws. The law is clear — it simply needs to be followed.

15. Many disabled Californians have been traumatized by the racial profiling and aggressive tactics being used by ICE employees in our State. How will you protect Californians from illegal harassment by the federal government and their contractors?

As a nurse, I have spent my entire career operating within a complex framework of rules, regulations, and ethical obligations — and I have learned that you can do your job with both authority and respect. Those two things are not in conflict. Aggression is a tool of last resort — not a default approach.

As Governor, I will demand professionalism and respect from every entity operating within California — including federal agencies. ICE agents, like all law enforcement, must conduct themselves with courtesy and dignity when interacting with California residents. Harassment, intimidation, and illegal conduct will not be tolerated.

I will advocate for body cameras for ICE agents operating in California — not because I control federal agencies, but because transparency protects everyone, including the agents themselves. In return, my administration will cooperate with legitimate federal inquiries regarding individuals who are incarcerated, provided that those inquiries are conducted through proper legal channels and that our communities are treated with the respect they deserve.

The rights and dignity of every Californian — regardless of immigration status or disability — will be protected under my administration.

16. What ideas do you have to improve our state’s understanding and support for people with Long COVID?

As Governor, I will work to expand research into Long COVID, improve provider education and awareness, and ensure that Californians with Long COVID have access to the diagnostic and treatment services they need. I will also work to ensure that people with Long COVID are recognized within our disability services framework and that they can access accommodations, benefits, and support without unnecessary barriers.

17. Access to healthcare is vitally important to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who often face barriers to care. What ideas do you have to increase equal access to healthcare for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing?

I will work to ensure that qualified sign language interpreters and real-time captioning services are available in all healthcare settings — not just on request, but as a standard part of care delivery. I will also support the expansion of telehealth options that incorporate accessible communication tools, and I will work to increase the representation of Deaf and hard of hearing professionals within the healthcare workforce.

Provider education on Deaf culture and communication is also essential. Healthcare providers who understand and respect the communication needs and cultural identity of their Deaf and hard of hearing patients deliver better care. I will support training programs that build this competency across the healthcare system.

18. In 2024, California’s poverty rate tied (with Louisiana) for the highest in the United States. What ideas do you have for helping Californians get the resources they need to meet their basic needs, and be able to afford to live here?

I grew up in poverty, came to this country with nothing, worked full time as a single mother, and stretched every dollar to give my children a better life. Poverty is not an abstraction for me — it is something I have lived and seen in the faces of my patients every single day.

As Governor, I will audit how California's resources are being spent, identify where waste and inefficiency are preventing money from reaching people who need it most, and ensure that safety net programs are accessible and genuinely responsive to the people they are meant to serve.

19. California incarcerates a higher percentage of its people than almost any democratic country, and Black Californians are nine times more likely to be imprisoned than white Californians. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, at least 40 percent of people in state prisons have a disability. As Governor, what would be your approach to public safety and racial equity as it relates to the criminal justice system?

I will create meaningful partnerships with Black community leaders and organizations to listen, understand, and collaboratively address the systemic issues driving these disparities. I will not pretend to have all the answers — but I will commit to the process of honest dialogue, transparent data, and accountable action.

I will also restore and expand access to mental health facilities and services — because a significant portion of people who are incarcerated are there because they have unmet mental health and substance use needs. Incarceration is not treatment. It should never be the default response to mental illness, disability, or poverty.

20. In 2020, Governor Newsom signed SB 823 to close California’s youth prison system, which transferred the responsibility to care for young people charged with the most serious offenses from the state to the counties. Many young people who are currently detained in county-run juvenile detention facilities are disabled and reenter their communities with unaddressed and/or additional disabilities. There are also some juvenile detention facilities that the Board of State and Community Corrections have deemed unsuitable for housing young people, and yet they remain open. What ideas do you have to support young people with disabilities before and while they encounter the juvenile legal system?

As Governor, I will prioritize early intervention and community-based support services that identify and address the needs of young people with disabilities before they come into contact with the justice system. This means stronger school-based mental health services, better trained educators and support staff, and community programs that provide safe, supportive environments for young people who are struggling.

For young people already in the juvenile system, I will work to ensure that disability assessments are conducted promptly and that appropriate accommodations and services are provided throughout their time in detention and reentry into the community. Facilities that have been deemed unsuitable for housing young people must be held to that standard — they should not remain open simply because it is convenient.

Young people with disabilities deserve support, not punishment. And they deserve to reenter their communities with the tools, connections, and services they need to build a life.

21. With federal civil rights enforcement severely weakened, state agencies are now carrying more of the burden. What specific steps will you take to strengthen California’s civil rights enforcement agencies—through funding, staffing, authority, and coordination—so that rights violations are investigated and remedied promptly and effectively across the state, including violations that implicate AI developers and deployers?

Before making specific funding and staffing commitments, I believe it is essential to first assess the current state of California's civil rights enforcement agencies. I need to understand what resources exist, where the gaps are, how cases are being prioritized, and where accountability is breaking down. That assessment will drive specific action.

What I can commit to is this — civil rights enforcement will be a genuine priority in my administration. I have spent my entire career advocating for the rights and dignity of every person I have served — as a nurse, as a public health worker, and as a manager.