WESTSIDE - West Hollywood Councilman John Erickson and I finally had an extensive phone conversation Thursday morning on the state of his campaign, both strategy and vision, and how does he replicate his first-place primary finish in the general election runoff to succeed the retiring Ben Allen of Santa Monica.
A voice for LGBTQ rights, reproductive justice, climate change, and progressive democratic values, Erickson is locked in a tough race to grab this open senate seat here in the 24th legislative district.
In what could be the most expensive legislative contest in California this year, the former West Hollywood Mayor and current council member sees a distinct path to victory based on a progressive platform that is to the left of his opponent, first-time candidate, consultant and entrepreneur, Brian Goldsmith of Beverly Hills.
Erickson, 40, is originally from Wisconsin, the home of progressive icon Robert La Follette, who served the state as a member of the US House of Representatives, Governor, US Senator and the 1924 presidential nominee of the Progressive Party.
For Erickson views his candidacy on progressive principles and values versus simple party identification.
Erickson graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a B.A. in English and Women’s Studies. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in American Religious History from Claremont Graduate University and a Dual-Master’s Degree from Claremont Graduate University.
He views himself as qualified, capable, and ready for the trials and tribulations of Sacramento statehouse politics.
John and his dog Winnie are proud tenants and often can be seen cycling and hiking throughout the 24th Senate District.
While Erickson finished first in a very crowded and fragmented primary field with a shade over 20% of the vote, Goldsmith (18.5%) finished a close second, and has successfully consolidated support from several Democrats in that field including Mike Newhouse, Eric Alegria, Ellen Evans and Zennon Ulyate-Crow which made up about 13% of the primary votes cast.
Because of California's open primary process, Erickson finds himself in a general election contest with a fellow Democrat versus a Republican.
I asked Erickson for his opinion on open primaries in general.
Erickson called the current selection process "a waste of money," as he would prefer each political party selecting their own nominee, but doesn't see a change to the process anytime soon.
Erickson described the electorate as "incredibly intelligent," and that he believes he has amassed a broad coalition within organized labor as well as the private sector, and brands himself as "a new kind of Democratic leader."
Erickson pointed to his strong support with teachers and educators in particular who are at the foundation of his core supporters also pointing out that 15 members of the California legislature (six senators, 9 assembly members) are on board along with 4 of the five members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, Lindsey Horvath & Hilda Solis) along with LA County Assessor Jeffrey Prang.
Erickson was not deterred that many of his primary opponents are now with Goldsmith, as they all represent in his view the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party.
And while touting his experience and progressive values, Erickson emphasizes that he is not a Democratic Socialist but was "recommended" by the California DSA in the June 2nd Primary.
The one candidate that has not endorsed to date is Santa Monica College Trustee Dr. Sion Roy, who had secured the coveted California Democratic Party endorsement. Since Roy was eliminated, neither Erickson nor Goldsmith received the required support for the general election runoff preference, which Erickson replied "was not surprised" by the non endorsement outcome.
Senator Ben Allen, the outgoing incumbent, offered this assessment of the race in an e-mail statement clarifying his current position.
"I still can't believe that my time in the Senate is coming to an end. Serving the constituents of the 24th district has been a privilege of a lifetime. I know there are two strong public servants who have stepped up to campaign to be the next Senator from the 24th District, including Brian Goldsmith. While I voted for Brian at the Democratic Party endorsement process, I have not at this point made an official public endorsement in the race as I have been focusing my political efforts on my own campaign for Insurance Commissioner."
Erickson believes his 15 years of advocacy at the municipal level qualifies his elevation to the California Senate as the most logical choice for voters.
He points to his governmental experience as a former mayor when in 2024 helped generate a $31 million dollar surplus in West Hollywood as well as a new firehouse currently under construction and also stresses strong labor support from the Los Angeles County Firefighters and the California Professional Firefighters Association.
One major difference Erickson did emphasize is that he is the renter in this race and has lived in the same West Hollywood apartment for the past sixteen years. Erickson said he supports expanding rent control, further protecting tenant rights and mandating affordable housing districtwide.
Erickson also supports universal health coverage or a single-payer system, as he wants to ensure housing, especially seniors on fixed incomes.
Describing 2026 as a "change election," Erickson noted he has fought for West Hollywood residents and has a resume of effective governmental service to fight cuts from the federal government controlled by Republicans.
"I fought Trump and will continue to do so."
While the electoral math to a path to victory remains somewhat fuzzy, Erickson believes that at the end of the day his municipal and state experience as an elected official and Chief of Staff for Alliance for a Better Community (ABC), will be the determining factor between him and Goldsmith.
Should Erickson win, he stated he had no committee assignment preference but has a sharp interest in education and healthcare policy legislation.
He said he would leave it up to the Democratic Majority Leadership to assign him "where he would be needed most."
In what has been thus far a sleepy, policy wonk contest to date; some observers believe this race will certainly heat up after Labor Day as both campaigns try to distinguish themselves with voters in this affluent, diversified and sprawling coastal district.
(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the Westside who is covering the 24th district senate race to succeed Ben Allen. A former legislative aide to the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, he is a regular contributor to City Watch LA and can be reached via e-mail at [email protected])
