Rhodesia Ransom

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Rhodesia Ransom
Image of Rhodesia Ransom
California State Assembly District 13
Tenure

2024 - Present

Term ends

2026

Years in position

0

Predecessor

Compensation

Base salary

$128,215/year

Per diem

$214/day

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

San Francisco State University, 1998

Graduate

Golden Gate University, 2008

Personal
Religion
Christian
Profession
Businesswoman
Contact

Rhodesia Ransom (Democratic Party) is a member of the California State Assembly, representing District 13. She assumed office on December 2, 2024. Her current term ends on December 7, 2026.

Ransom (Democratic Party) ran for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 13. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Ransom also ran for election to the California State Senate to represent District 5. She did not appear on the ballot for the primary on March 5, 2024.

Ransom completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Rhodesia Ransom earned a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in 1998 and a graduate degree from Golden Gate University in 2008. Her career experience includes working as a businesswoman. She has been affiliated with Emerge California, Delta Sigma Theta, and Kiwanis.[1]

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2024

California State Assembly

General election
General election for California State Assembly District 13

Rhodesia Ransom defeated Denise Aguilar Mendez in the general election for California State Assembly District 13 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rhodesia Ransom
Rhodesia Ransom (D) Candidate Connection
 
56.9
 
78,071
Image of Denise Aguilar Mendez
Denise Aguilar Mendez (R) Candidate Connection
 
43.1
 
59,237

Total votes: 137,308
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for California State Assembly District 13

Rhodesia Ransom and Denise Aguilar Mendez defeated Edith Villapudua in the primary for California State Assembly District 13 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rhodesia Ransom
Rhodesia Ransom (D) Candidate Connection
 
41.6
 
27,255
Image of Denise Aguilar Mendez
Denise Aguilar Mendez (R) Candidate Connection
 
37.9
 
24,823
Image of Edith Villapudua
Edith Villapudua (D) Candidate Connection
 
20.5
 
13,415

Total votes: 65,493
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Ransom in this election.

California State Senate

General election
General election for California State Senate District 5

Jerry McNerney defeated Jim Shoemaker in the general election for California State Senate District 5 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jerry McNerney
Jerry McNerney (D)
 
52.9
 
189,668
Image of Jim Shoemaker
Jim Shoemaker (R) Candidate Connection
 
47.1
 
169,136

Total votes: 358,804
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for California State Senate District 5

Jim Shoemaker and Jerry McNerney defeated Carlos Villapudua in the primary for California State Senate District 5 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Jim Shoemaker
Jim Shoemaker (R) Candidate Connection
 
43.7
 
75,630
Image of Jerry McNerney
Jerry McNerney (D)
 
33.2
 
57,435
Image of Carlos Villapudua
Carlos Villapudua (D) Candidate Connection
 
23.1
 
39,958

Total votes: 173,023
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2020

See also: Municipal elections in San Joaquin County, California (2020)

General election

General election for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 5

Robert Rickman defeated Rhodesia Ransom in the general election for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 5 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Robert Rickman (Nonpartisan)
 
50.5
 
34,180
Image of Rhodesia Ransom
Rhodesia Ransom (Nonpartisan)
 
49.5
 
33,470

Total votes: 67,650
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 5

Robert Rickman and Rhodesia Ransom defeated Veronica Vargas and Mateo Morelos Bedolla in the primary for San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 5 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Robert Rickman (Nonpartisan)
 
42.1
 
13,325
Image of Rhodesia Ransom
Rhodesia Ransom (Nonpartisan)
 
29.5
 
9,332
Veronica Vargas (Nonpartisan)
 
18.4
 
5,804
Mateo Morelos Bedolla (Nonpartisan)
 
9.7
 
3,074
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.3
 
93

Total votes: 31,628
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

California State Assembly

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Rhodesia Ransom completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ransom's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I grew up working alongside my grandmother, who was a missionary and I learned firsthand that leadership is about service, prompting me to earn a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Policy. Service to the community is my life’s mission and 19 years ago I founded a non-profit that works with school districts and mental health providers to bring tools like mentoring, gang prevention programs, and counseling into schools. We've raised millions of dollars and helped thousands of youth, combating the mental health crisis. When faced with a growing homelessness crisis, I stepped up to run for Tracy City Council. As a councilmember, I secured the funds to build the first permanent homeless shelter in Tracy and successfully enacted the first affordable housing project in 20 years. During the pandemic when Tracy did not have the money to fund COVID testing, I worked with my non-profit contacts and brought the first FREE COVID testing site to Tracy. I've fought for equity and empowerment in vulnerable communities and advocated to keep families together, earning me the current support of Civil Rights Activist, Dolores Huerta. I love my community, it's where my husband and I raised our kids. Now that the California Dream is becoming inaccessible for our youth and unsustainable for our seniors, I am stepping up to run for State Assembly. I bring decades of policy and advocacy experience, and I will stand up for working families, not special interests.
  • Through strategic housing policies, support for small businesses, and addressing the root causes of the affordability crisis, I aim to make California a state that works for everyone. California has become unaffordable for working families, blue-collar workers, and small businesses. People are priced out and families are struggling to purchase basic needs. The housing crisis is forcing our youth and seniors out of communities they know and love, people can’t afford to live and work in the same community, and the cost of rent is outpacing mortgages. We need housing at every level. I’m proud to have enacted the first affordable housing project in Tracy in 20 years and will continue to expand housing on a statewide level when elected.
  • With homelessness at an all-time high, it's crucial to adopt a collaborative, multi-faceted approach addressing both immediate needs and root causes, including substance use and mental illness. As a Tracy City Councilmember, I took decisive action when faced with reluctance from fellow council members. I collaborated with the community and established a task force and working group that secured tax-free funding , resulting in a comprehensive strategic plan and resources for a permanent shelter. As your Assemblymember, I will work to end the epidemic level homelessnes and housing insecurity and champion homelessness reduction with evidence-informed solutions.
  • The rise in crime and retail theft is an unfair burden on families and businesses. Something must be done as our current strategies are ineffective. Public safety has always been a top priority for me and I am committed to fixing these issues. As an experienced leader, I have established gang prevention programs and worked with law enforcement and community organizations to ensure that they have the resources, staffing levels, and support needed. Additionally, our Emergency Services Act must give our first responders local control and modernized systems to protect residents. I previously collaborated with our Senator and presented to California Fire Chiefs to call for change after observing local control issues. My call led to an amendment
My passion for public policy led me to earn a Master's Degree in Public Policy. When elected I will continue to pass legislation that provides innovative,equitable solutions for affordable housing and addresses systemic and structural issues leading to homelessness. I will fight to address the root causes of crime and for proven rehabilitation approaches, while ensuring our public safety agencies are fully funded. I am committed to fostering transparent and inclusive governance, ensuring that the voices of all constituents are heard and considered in the decision-making process, instead of price-gouging corporations.I have an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in California through impactful, just,and equitable policies.
My grandmother. She instilled in me a profound understanding of the power of unity and collective effort. Her teachings emphasized the universal principle that "many hands make light work."

As I spent time with my grandmother, I witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. She taught me the value of preparation, accountability, and gratitude. Together, we embarked on a journey to connect families with critical resources, recognizing the transformative potential of collaboration. Through her guidance, I learned that addressing the challenges within a community requires a joint effort and a shared sense of responsibility.

Our collaborative endeavors involved reaching out to individuals facing hardships, providing essential support, and fostering a sense of solidarity among diverse groups. The experience of working alongside my grandmother not only deepened my compassion for others but also fueled my passion for service to the community. Witnessing the tangible difference that a collective commitment to helping others can make inspired me to carry on her legacy of compassion and community service.

This formative period alongside my grandmother planted the seeds of a lifelong mission to contribute meaningfully to society. It instilled in me a belief in the strength of communal bonds and the idea that, by joining forces, we can create positive change and uplift those who need it the most. My grandmother's legacy lives on through my commitment to service, and her teachings continue to guide me as I strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
An elected official must have a genuine commitment to public service and prioritize the common good over personal interests. They should embody a multitude of characteristics and principles to fulfill their role effectively. Foremost among these is integrity, denoting honesty and a commitment to strong moral principles. This trait builds trust, a cornerstone of effective governance. Accountability is equally vital, requiring officials to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility and responsiveness to constituents. Transparency, involving openness and clarity in decision-making, enhances public trust and prevents corruption. Empathy ensures policies consider the diverse perspectives and challenges within the community. Leadership, marked by vision and motivation, guides officials through challenges and unifies constituents. Adaptability is essential in navigating a dynamic political landscape. Collaboration involves working with diverse stakeholders to achieve common objectives, while effective communication connects officials with constituents.
State legislators bear the crucial responsibility of being the voice of the people they represent, diligently attending sessions, and actively participating in votes that impact the lives of their constituents. Beyond party lines, effective legislators collaborate with colleagues, recognizing the importance of bipartisanship to craft policies that truly serve the diverse needs of their communities.

It is imperative that legislators prioritize the interests of their constituents over those of special interest groups, ensuring that every decision made aligns with the principles of government transparency and accountability. Public trust is paramount, and legislators must remain vigilant against the influence of donors, directing funding towards projects that genuinely benefit the community.

Furthermore, a commitment to public service should be the driving force behind seeking office, with a focus on advancing public policy that uplifts communities rather than building a dynasty with our spouses to pass laws that benefit corporate interests above hardworking people. Legislators must be dedicated to the betterment of society, fostering an environment where the concerns and well-being of the people take precedence over any personal agendas.
Yes. I believe it is beneficial for state legislators to have previous practical or learned experience working WITH government or IN government. While every legislator's journey is different, your first introduction to policy should not be when elected to the State Legislature. People's lives and livelihoods will depend on your decisions. At the State Level, legislators should have a proven track record of problem-solving, serving the community, and a demonstrated interest in the issues that impact everyday people.
Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta, State Controller Malia Cohen,State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CA AG Rob Bonta, State Senator Susan Eggman,San Joaquin Co Sheriff Pat Withrow, Congressman Josh Harder, Tracy Mayor Nancy Young,Tracy City Councilmember Dan Arriola,Mountain,House Board Director Bernice King Tingle,Stockton Unified School Board President Kennetha Stevens,Stockton Unified School Board Vice President Sofia Colón,Firefighters Local 55,CNA,CTA,Teamsters,SJ Building Trades Council,SEIU CA,Tracy&Stockton Dem Clubs,CA Environmental Voters,CA Young Dems,Courage CA,Dolores Huerta Action Fund,Equality CA,Fund Her,Health Care for All CA,Latine Young Dems,Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte,Latinx Dem Club,Full list bit.ly/rrendorse
I would like to join the Public Safety Committee, the Health Committee, and the Education Committee,

The Public Safety Committee in the California State Legislature is instrumental in addressing matters related to law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety policies. This committee scrutinizes legislation focused on policing practices, crime prevention, corrections, and community safety programs. Discussions within the committee often revolve around finding a balance between ensuring public safety and safeguarding individuals' rights. The committee's role is pivotal in shaping policies that foster a safer and more just society.

The Health Committee is tasked with reviewing legislation concerning public health, healthcare delivery, and health policy in California. The committee addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including healthcare infrastructure, preventive care, mental health services, and responses to health crises. Its deliberations contribute to the development of policies that aim to enhance the healthcare system and promote the health and welfare of Californians.

The Education Committee is central to the legislative oversight of California's education system, covering K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and educational policies. This committee reviews and shapes legislation related to school funding, curriculum development, teacher training, and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes. Discussions within the committee often focus on finding solutions to challenges in the education system, ensuring equitable access to quality education, and preparing students for the demands of the future. The committee's work is essential in shaping the direction of education policies that impact students, teachers, and communities across the state.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

California State Senate

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rhodesia Ransom did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Rhodesia Ransom did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Rhodesia Ransom campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* California State Assembly District 13Won general$1,010,952 $981,409
Grand total$1,010,952 $981,409
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in California

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

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See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 29, 2024

Political offices
Preceded by
Carlos Villapudua (D)
California State Assembly District 13
2024-Present
Succeeded by
-


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