“Progressive vs. Pragmatist? Erickson & Goldsmith Draw Battle Lines in lively Senate Contest”

WESTSIDE - Who is the real Democrat? 

This is the question being posed by West Hollywood Councilmember John Erickson in a recent mailer when both are clearly registered Democrats and have deep roots within the party's philosophy, structure and standing.

The better and more accurate question would be who is the most progressive of the two? 

Erickson, 40, is a former West Hollywood mayor and a former vice president at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. WFP, the California Labor Federation and the California Teachers Association endorse him, and the California DSA "recommends him" as the field's leading progressive.

Brian Goldsmith, a journalist and first-time candidate, raised more than $2 million, more than anyone else in the June 2nd primary. National Democratic icons such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are on board as well as former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, developer Rick Caruso, and the Teamsters union are behind him. 

However, neither candidate secured the endorsement of the coveted California Democratic Party in a post, primary selection vote.

But as we enter the stretch run of this campaign, the premise of who is the real Democrat has been determined in the eyes of Erickson. 

While both have a plethora of party and club endorsements, labor backing from both public and private unions, and pretty much mirror each other on the core issues or battling President Donald Trump, Erickson tries to make a case that party resume and credentials are somehow so different, that it deserves a discussion.

For the difference is really a moderate, liberal in the image of Senator Ben Allen in Goldsmith or a more progressive, left-leaning direction as espoused by Erickson and this emerging wing of insurgents that are challenging Democrats to be far more aggressive in the tradition of Vermont US Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist who caucuses with the Democrats that made unsuccessful runs for the presidency in 2016 and again in 2020. 

With former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, a virtual lock to succeed the outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom who toys with the notion of a 2028 presidential run, the mechanics and legislative make-up of both houses of the California legislature will remain overwhelmingly Democratic, as Democrats currently enjoy a 29-10 advantage in the upper house with one vacancy and a lopsided 60-20 superiority in the General Assembly. 

No matter who wins, both will be freshmen as the district is losing the seniority status of the retiring Allen of Santa Monica, now a candidate for California Insurance Commissioner. 

Ironically, while the discussion seems centered on who is the "real Democrat," which candidate can best cross-party lines and represent Republicans as well as independents, especially in those coastal communities south of LAX.

For Goldsmith, he redefines the argument by calling for "common sense solutions to our most pressing problems." 

Goldsmith wants to stop funding what doesn't work regarding homelessness and invest more in mental health and substance abuse treatment. He calls for a "dedicated funding stream" to ensure all Californians have access to preventive health care and constructing housing where local neighborhoods believe it makes the most sense, guaranteeing local control. 

Interesting enough, Goldsmith is challenging his own party status quo, claiming he has "the courage to do things differently" as he promotes an independent streak of "more accountability and no excuses" in his waves of direct mail.

In the case of Erickson, he touts his own elected service as an example of true governance.

He believes "California must look at job creation as well as job retention, introducing more competitive tax incentives; cutting red tape and streamlining, industry-specific permitting processes; investing more in future-facing infrastructure and industries, including education and workforce development" according to his website. 

Erickson believes "these approaches will help bring back tourism, technology, agriculture and the film, television, and music industry to California so both the industries and those who work in them can thrive and the state can better fund affordable housing, public education, public safety and emergency response, and other essential programs."

For Goldsmith, 44 is married with two children, prefers a solutions-based lane founded in common sense Democratic priorities and principles while reaching out to those Republicans and undeclared voters based on that kind practical pragmatism. 

In the case of Goldsmith, he prefers what works, versus failed or untested solutions. 

"I’m a proud common-sense Democrat determined to get things done for our residents and small businesses—to make our district safer, more affordable, and to use taxpayer money more wisely. I’m focused on applying practical solutions to our toughest problems, like solving homelessness." 

If voters seek a more aggressive alternative within the Democratic Senate Caucus, Erickson is that voice. If voters prefer a more moderate, common-sense pragmatist, more independent and prepared to consider what works first, Goldsmith represents an extension of Ben Allen's three terms in Sacramento.  

(Nick Antonicello is a thirty-three-year resident of the Westside who is covering the open senate seat in the 24th LD. A regular contributor to City Watch LA, he can be reached by e-mail at [email protected])