More than half of the people in California are women, and our mothers, daughters, and sisters have not always been treated with the respect and equality they deserve. Given what is going on nationally, California needs to double down in ensuring that women are treated equally, and that their specific needs are addressed now, not in the future. As a proud husband and “Girl Dad,” this is my commitment.

• Make sure that women’s health issues are addressed, now: all women should have access to affordable healthcare, including no-cost breast and ovarian cancer screening, and that the state prioritizes additional funding for breast and ovarian cancer emergencies.

• Protect the right to choice. I am pro-choice, and I support and will continue to support California law, which enshrines the right to choice. I believe I’m in the mainstream of our community here: let’s educate our young people so that abortion is less common, but make sure that if a woman needs to make this decision that medical care is available and safe. Like most Californians, I believe we need to use common sense here: I oppose late term abortions, unless the life of the mother is in danger, and support parental notification.

• Require equal pay for equal work for women. It’s pretty outrageous that in 2022 women often earn less for the same job than men do. It’s past time to fix this problem.