Michael MacDonald

Michael MacDonald (Democratic Party) is running for election to the California State Assembly to represent District 38. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michael MacDonald, and I’m running for State Assembly because Ventura County is at a turning point — and too many people feel like the system isn’t working for them anymore.

I’m the City Clerk for the City of Ventura, where I oversee elections, public records, legislative processes, and compliance with open government laws. Before that, I served as Assistant City Clerk for the cities of Berkeley and Port Hueneme. Earlier in my career, I worked in the California State Senate under Senators Hannah-Beth Jackson, Fran Pavley, and Scott Wiener — helping constituents navigate state agencies and seeing firsthand how decisions made in Sacramento shape life on the ground.

I also served as Chair of the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, where I oversaw the largest corruption case in the commission’s history. That experience reinforced what I already believed: accountability isn’t optional — it’s the job.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from CSU Channel Islands and the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation.

Ventura County should be a place where hard work still leads to a good life. I’m running to fight for that.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ventura County is one of the least affordable places in the country — and working families are paying the price. Housing costs are rising faster than wages, insurance premiums keep climbing, and too many people are being priced out of the communities they built. I will fight to increase housing supply at every income level, cut the red tape that drives up construction costs, and stabilize the insurance market so coverage is accessible and rates are fair. Affordability isn’t just a housing issue — it’s a cost-of-living crisis. My goal is simple: Ventura County should be a place where hard work still leads to a good life.Ventura County’s economy is at a turning point. Too many residents are commuting hours out of the county just to earn enough to live here. That’s backwards. I will fight to bring opportunity back to Ventura County — supporting small businesses, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, and investing in workforce training programs aligned with local industry needs. I’ll also push for Ventura County to receive its fair share of state investment in infrastructure, broadband, and economic development. The goal: a thriving local economy where people can live and work in the same community.Public safety is foundational — and it means more than policing. It means safe neighborhoods, well-resourced first responders, mental health co-response teams, and a serious approach to homelessness that balances compassion with accountability. I will support law enforcement, invest in prevention and intervention, and push for strategies that reduce crime while rebuilding trust in our institutions. I will also address the modern threats families face today — online fraud, identity theft, and organized retail crime. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about restoring the promise that drew so many of us to Ventura County in the first place. Growing up here, this was a place where hard work could build a stable, good life — where families could afford homes, small businesses could grow, and you could get ahead if you put in the effort. Today, that promise is slipping away. Housing costs are soaring. Insurance premiums keep rising. Wages aren’t keeping pace. I know we have the will, the knowledge, and the resources to restore what made Ventura County special — and to build something even stronger for the generation coming up behind us.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsements are still forming. This section will be updated as endorsements are confirmed.