Jon Henderson 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?

People with disabilities should not be an afterthought in government. They should be part of how government is designed.

In California 2.0, I talk about building systems that reflect dignity, participation, and real-world functionality. That starts with making sure disability voices are not siloed, but integrated across every major decision we make.

Yes, I would appoint a senior advisor on disability issues, but the role must go beyond symbolism. Their responsibility would be to ensure accountability across agencies, track measurable outcomes, and elevate lived experience into policy decisions.

More importantly, I would embed this perspective across the administration. Housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and technology must all be designed with accessibility in mind from the start, not retrofitted later.

This is about respect. When we design systems that work for people with disabilities, we build a California that works better for everyone.

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

In my career as a financial advisor and business owner, my work has always been deeply personal. I’ve spent decades working one-on-one with individuals and families across California, including many navigating aging, health challenges, and different abilities. That experience has shaped how I understand systems as something people rely on every day.

Beyond my practice, I’ve been a major sponsor of the Professional Fiduciaries Association of California for the past three years, supporting professionals who serve some of our most vulnerable populations. I’m also a member of PROSERVE in the East Bay and have spent years speaking at assisted living facilities, staying directly connected to residents, families, and caregivers.

While I have not held public office, I bring an independent perspective grounded in listening, direct engagement, and a commitment to building systems that reflect real human needs.

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?

Federal cuts to Medi-Cal would put real pressure on the people and families who rely on it most, especially those working to live independently in their communities.

My priority would be to protect what matters most first. Home- and community-based services are essential to dignity, independence, and cost-effective care, and they should be prioritized over more expensive and less personal institutional alternatives. I won’t make blanket promises in the face of federal uncertainty, but I will commit to protecting community living as a core principle in every budget decision.

In California 2.0, I emphasize that systems must deliver, not just exist. That means reducing administrative waste before cutting frontline care and making services easier to access.

I strongly support expanding peer-led outreach. Trust matters. People are more likely to engage with systems when the first voice they hear is someone who understands their lived experience and can guide them with clarity and respect.

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?

California’s Medi-Cal decisions must reflect both compassion and long-term sustainability. People with disabilities depend on continuous care, and disruptions lead to worse health outcomes and higher system costs.

As Governor, I will prioritize protecting access to care for people with disabilities and medically vulnerable communities. We must recognize that many immigrant families are deeply woven into California’s workforce and communities. Ignoring that reality creates instability not just for those families, but for our healthcare system as a whole.

My approach is grounded in balance and dignity. We should ensure that those contributing to our communities are not left without basic care, while also creating clearer and faster pathways to legal status so people can fully participate in and support the system.

On funding, we must focus on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and investing in preventive care so Medi-Cal remains strong, sustainable, and accessible for those who rely on it most.

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?

California’s Master Plans for Aging and Developmental Services are strong frameworks, but as I outline in California 2.0, our challenge is not a lack of ideas, it is a lack of execution and integration across systems.

As Governor, I would focus on three priorities.

• First, delivery over design. Families should feel real results, not just read about plans. That means measurable outcomes, reduced wait times, and accountability at every level.
• Second, modernizing access. In California 2.0, I call for reinventing public service systems so they function like modern platforms, not outdated bureaucracies. People navigating disability or aging services should have a simple, unified experience.
• Third, dignity through participation. My broader vision emphasizes dignity, not dependency. We should expand pathways for individuals with disabilities and older Californians to remain engaged in their communities and workforce where possible.

We don’t need new plans. We need to make existing ones work.

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?

Homelessness and disability are deeply connected, and we need to address both together with urgency and coordination.

In California 2.0, I lay out a clear approach: we have to dramatically increase the supply of safe, affordable housing while simultaneously improving how services are delivered. That starts with building faster and smarter, including modular and mass timber housing that can be deployed at scale.

But housing alone is not enough. We need integrated support systems that meet people where they are, including mental health care, addiction services, and case management that is consistent and human-centered.

We also need to replace fragmented systems with coordinated entry points, so people are not forced to navigate multiple agencies just to get help.

Finally, dignity must be at the center. Where possible, we should create pathways for people to re-engage through work, community, and support systems that restore stability and purpose.

My goal is to get people housed, supported, and back on a path forward.

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?

Improving diversity, equity, and inclusion starts with lowering the temperature and focusing on what actually improves people’s lives.

Right now, too much of the conversation is polarized and abstract. In practice, equity means making sure people can access housing, healthcare, education, and opportunity without unnecessary barriers. If we increase housing supply, improve access to care, and modernize how services are delivered, we naturally expand inclusion.

In California 2.0, I emphasize building systems that work in the real world. That means simplifying access, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring services reach people where they are, including those with disabilities and historically underserved communities.

We also need to listen more and label less. Bringing people together across differences and incorporating lived experience into decision-making leads to better outcomes than top-down mandates.

I will focus on results, expand access, and build systems that include everyone by design.

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?

If representation is declining, that’s a signal the system is outdated, and we need to redesign how people access, perform, and grow in public service.

First, recruiting should connect to new pipelines. In California 2.0, I propose Employment Hubs that match people to work based on ability and readiness. These can become a direct pathway into state service for people with disabilities.

Second, we need to modernize how work gets done. AI, digital tools, and remote systems can level the playing field, allowing people with disabilities to contribute in ways that were not possible even 5 years ago.

Third, we should overhaul outdated systems like the DMV and other public-facing agencies so they function as modern platforms. That creates more flexible, accessible roles while improving service delivery.

Finally, transparency tools like blockchain can help track hiring, retention, and advancement so we measure real progress.

This is about building a government where ability is unlocked, not limited, by design.

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?

IDEA set the foundation, but today the challenge is execution, consistency, and outcomes.

First, funding must prioritize students, not systems. That means protecting special education resources while reducing administrative inefficiencies so more support reaches classrooms, educators, and families.

Second, outcomes improve when systems are designed around the student. Technology, including AI and adaptive tools, can personalize learning and expand access, especially for Deaf and hard of hearing students through better communication tools and specialized instruction.

We also need to break the school-to-prison pipeline. Too many students with disabilities are disciplined instead of supported. Early intervention, behavioral support, and alternative pathways are critical.

In California 2.0, I outline a model of prison reform and labor that heals. That work should start earlier. Students at risk of entering the justice system should be redirected into skill-building, purpose-driven pathways that lead to independence, not incarceration.

Support early, intervene effectively, and create real paths forward.

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?

Disasters hit your communities harder when systems are not designed with your needs in mind, and that has to change.

As Governor, my focus is simple: you should not be left behind in an emergency. That means evacuation plans that account for mobility needs, real-time alerts that are accessible in multiple formats, and first responders who know who needs help and where to find them.

In California 2.0, I focus on reducing risk before disaster strikes. That includes undergrounding power lines in high-risk areas, strengthening and potentially restructuring our utility system so safety comes first, and using responsible forest management to reduce wildfire fuel while building more affordable housing. These steps lower the likelihood of disasters, reduce outages, and create more stable living environments, especially for people who rely on consistent care and access.

Response also has to be human-centered. Shelters must be accessible, and trusted community organizations should be part of the response from the start.

You deserve a system that plans for you, communicates with you, and shows up for you when it matters most.

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?

Transportation is not just about mobility, it is about access to opportunity, healthcare, and independence. When transportation fails, people with disabilities are often the first to feel it.

As Governor, my focus would be on expanding flexible, on-demand transportation options, especially in rural areas where traditional systems fall short. That includes partnerships with local providers, paratransit improvements, and leveraging technology to make scheduling and routing simpler and more reliable.

In California 2.0, I emphasize building infrastructure that connects people to opportunity. That includes better regional transit links, but also rethinking how services are delivered so people do not always have to travel long distances to access care or work.

We should also support innovative solutions like microtransit and coordinated ride networks that can serve smaller communities more efficiently.

Reliable access, greater independence, and a system that meets you where you are.

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?

California should lead the world in making technology accessible, not as an afterthought, but by design.

As Governor, I would work directly with our technology leaders to make accessibility a core standard in product development. When accessibility is built in from the beginning, costs come down and more people benefit.

In California 2.0, I emphasize using innovation to expand human potential. AI is a powerful example. It can help people with disabilities communicate, work, and navigate the world more independently than ever before. Our role is to ensure these tools are widely accessible and affordable, not limited to those who can pay the most.

That means encouraging open standards, supporting public-private partnerships, and ensuring state services adopt accessible technologies first.

We also need safeguards so AI systems reflect diverse populations and do not reinforce bias.

The goal: technology that expands independence, access, and opportunity for you, not barriers.

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?

Accessibility online is not optional, it is the law, and it should be treated that way.

As Governor, I would start by ensuring the State of California leads by example. Every state website and digital service should meet the highest accessibility standards, with regular audits and accountability for results.

But we cannot stop at government. Existing laws need to be enforced more consistently so accessibility is not ignored or delayed. At the same time, we should make compliance easier by providing clear standards, modern tools, and support so organizations can get it right from the start.

In California 2.0, I emphasize building systems that work in practice. That means designing accessibility in from day one, not retrofitting it later.

For you, this is about independence. Whether accessing services, jobs, or information, you should not face barriers in a digital world that can and should be fully accessible.

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?

California’s mental health system is fragmented, hard to access, and not keeping pace with growing need. The priority has to be making it work in practice for the people who rely on it.

First, access. We need to expand the provider network, streamline how people enter the system, and ensure coverage actually translates into care. That includes holding private insurers accountable so mental health coverage is real, not theoretical.

Second, integration. Mental health care cannot operate in silos. It must be coordinated with housing, healthcare, and community-based services so people are supported consistently.

Peer-led services are essential. People with lived experience build trust in ways the system often cannot. We should expand and fund peer-led models, including wellness centers and community-based support, as a core part of care delivery.

In California 2.0, I focus on dignity and participation. That includes creating pathways for people to re-engage through work, community, and support systems.

Accessible care, real support, and a system that meets you where you are.

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?

No one should be subject to harassment, fear, or unlawful treatment, especially people with disabilities who may be more vulnerable in these situations.

As Governor, I believe that anyone exercising authority over the public must be held to a higher standard of accountability. That means clear identification at all times, no anonymous enforcement, and the use of body cameras to ensure transparency and protect both individuals and officers.

We should also use modern technology to reduce risk and confusion in these interactions. AI-driven translation and communication tools can help overcome language barriers in real time, ensuring people understand what is happening and can respond appropriately.

California should set clear expectations for how state and local agencies interact with federal authorities, with a focus on preventing overreach and protecting people’s rights.

My approach is simple: uphold the law, demand accountability, and ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect.

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

Long COVID is a real and evolving challenge, and too many Californians are struggling to be seen, understood, and supported within existing systems.

The first step is recognition. We need consistent standards across healthcare, disability services, and employment systems so people are not forced to prove their condition over and over again.

For many, Long COVID is not just a health issue, it is a life pivot. People may need to retrain, shift careers, or find new ways to participate in the workforce. The state should support that transition through flexible work pathways, skills development, and programs that help people stay engaged and independent.

Access to care must also improve through better coordination and integration into existing support systems.

California should be a place where a change in health does not mean the end of opportunity, but the beginning of a new path forward.

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?

Access to healthcare should not depend on how you communicate, yet too many Deaf and Hard of Hearing Californians face barriers at every step.

As Governor, I would focus on making communication access standard, not optional. That means ensuring providers offer qualified interpreters, captioning, and communication tools consistently, not only when requested or after delays.

Technology can also play a major role. In California 2.0, I emphasize using innovation to expand access. Real-time transcription, AI-supported translation, and telehealth platforms designed with accessibility in mind can dramatically improve communication and reduce gaps in care.

We also need stronger accountability so accessibility requirements are actually met in practice, not just on paper.

Most importantly, care should feel accessible from the first interaction. When communication works, trust improves, outcomes improve, and people are far more likely to seek and continue care.

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?

California’s affordability crisis is at the root of our poverty problem, and it hits people with disabilities especially hard.

We have to lower the cost of living while expanding access to stability. In California 2.0, I focus on increasing housing supply at scale, including mass timber construction that allows us to build faster and more affordably. By using responsibly sourced materials from forest management, we can create low-cost and even no-cost housing owned by the community and prioritized for those with the greatest need, including people with disabilities.

We also need to make basic systems work better. Accessing healthcare, benefits, and services should be simple and reliable, not a full-time job.

At the same time, we should expand flexible pathways into work and community participation.

Affordability starts with building more, wasting less, and making the system actually work for you.

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?

California’s current system is not delivering the outcomes it should, especially when such a high percentage of incarcerated individuals are living with disabilities.

Public safety and equity both improve when we focus on prevention, accountability, and rehabilitation together. Too many people enter the system because underlying issues like untreated mental health needs, lack of stable housing, and limited economic opportunity were never addressed.

As Governor, I would prioritize earlier intervention and better coordination between healthcare, housing, and community-based services to reduce entry into the justice system in the first place.

In California 2.0, I outline a model of prison reform centered on labor that heals. That means creating real pathways for people to build skills, contribute, and prepare for reentry with dignity and purpose.

We should measure success by reduced recidivism, safer communities, and more people successfully returning to society, not simply by how many people we incarcerate.

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?

Too many young people with disabilities are entering a system that was never designed to support them, and too often they leave worse than when they entered.

We need to start earlier. Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations should be better connected so warning signs are addressed before a young person enters the justice system. That includes mental health support, behavioral services, and family-based interventions.

If young people do enter the system, conditions must meet a basic standard of safety, care, and dignity. Facilities that are deemed unsuitable should not remain in operation.

We have a responsibility to ensure that no young person is placed in an environment that causes further harm.

In California 2.0, I emphasize redirecting people toward purpose. For youth, that means education, skills training, and structured pathways that lead to independence, not deeper involvement in the system.

Young people should be supported, not sidelined, during the most critical years of their lives.

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?

As federal enforcement weakens, California must step up, but that starts with making our own systems work more effectively.

First, we need better coordination. Civil rights enforcement is too fragmented across agencies. We should align efforts, share data, and create clear accountability so violations do not fall through the cracks.

Second, we need to modernize how enforcement works. In California 2.0, I emphasize building systems that function in real time. That includes using data and technology to identify patterns, respond faster, and track outcomes transparently.

Third, we must ensure agencies have the staffing and authority to act, while holding them accountable for timely investigations and resolutions.

AI adds a new layer. We should set clear expectations that systems developed and deployed in California are fair, accessible, and accountable, with oversight that keeps pace with innovation.

Civil rights enforcement should be visible, responsive, and effective for the people it is meant to protect.