Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Shannon Ruiz-Ross
Current job title: Casual Longshoreman, Small Business Owner
Political party affiliation: Democratic
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Neighborhood Council (2015 – 2025) & Los Angeles County Central Committee (current), Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors Commission Chair (current), California Democratic Party, Irish American Caucus State Vice Chair (2023), Los Angeles County Democratic Party Region 5 Vice Chair (current), Streets LA Advisory Council (2019)
City where you reside: San Pedro
Campaign website or social media: shannonrossforassembly.com
Do you believe balancing the state budget should rely more on spending cuts, new revenue streams or a combination? Tell us how you would propose tackling California’s projected budget deficit. (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Balancing California’s budget requires a pragmatic combination of spending discipline and responsible new revenue. While new revenues can be part of the solution, we must be realistic about the burden on working families.
First, we need a thorough audit of state programs to identify what is working and what is not. Taxpayer dollars should be focused on programs that deliver real results, while ineffective or duplicative efforts are reformed or eliminated.
Second, we must improve efficiency across the state by cutting waste, strengthening oversight, and ensuring funds reach the communities that need them most, especially in priorities like housing, public safety, and education.
Finally, we should consider targeted, sustainable revenue options, such as closing loopholes and supporting economic growth that expands the tax base.
There is no single solution to the deficit. It will take disciplined budgeting, accountability, and a balanced approach to protect essential services while putting California on a stable fiscal footing.
For you, what’s a non-starter when talking about budget cuts? Why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Cuts that undermine critical social safety net programs or public safety are non-starters. These are core responsibilities of government and essential to the well-being and stability of our communities.
Programs that support vulnerable populations, such as access to healthcare, housing assistance, and food security, are not optional. Cutting them would not only harm those most in need but also create greater long-term costs in areas like emergency care, homelessness, and public health.
The same is true for public safety. Investments in law enforcement, fire services, and emergency response are fundamental to protecting lives and maintaining trust in government. Reducing resources in these areas puts communities at risk and shifts costs elsewhere.
We should be focused on improving outcomes and efficiency, not cutting the services people rely on to stay safe and stable.
Fiscal responsibility should never come at the expense of our most basic obligations to Californians.
What are the top three most pressing issues facing the state, and what would you propose, as a state legislator, to address them? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
1. Protect and strengthen local union jobs: Protecting and expanding local union jobs is my top priority. I will champion policies that strengthen collective bargaining rights, enforce prevailing wage standards, and ensure that public dollars support union labor through strong project labor agreements. As a small business owner and casual longshoreman, I understand firsthand how vital good-paying, union-protected jobs are to keeping families stable and communities strong. I will work to bring new industries and infrastructure investments to our region—especially in clean energy, transportation, and public works—and ensure those opportunities translate directly into union careers, apprenticeships, and long-term pathways for working families. Supporting organized labor isn’t just good policy; it’s essential to building a thriving, equitable local economy where workers have a real voice and a fair share in the prosperity they create.
2. Tackle California’s housing crisis with practical, affordable solutions: California’s housing costs are pushing too many families and young people out of the communities they love. We need a balanced approach that increases supply, cuts red tape, and encourages responsible development while respecting local input. I’ll support policies that expand the workforce and affordable housing, streamline approvals for infill and mixed-use projects, and make it easier to build near jobs and transit. We should also unlock underused public land for housing, promote public-private partnerships, and hold local governments accountable for meeting realistic housing goals. Every Californian deserves a fair chance to find a home they can afford, and that requires smart, efficient action from the state.
3. Invest in real community safety: Every Californian deserves to feel safe in their home, school, and neighborhood. I’ll work to ensure our law enforcement professionals have the resources, staffing, and training they need to do their jobs effectively and safely, while also promoting transparency and accountability that build public trust. Real safety also means addressing the root causes of crime — investing in mental health and addiction treatment, youth engagement, and community-based prevention programs that stop violence before it starts. By supporting both our officers and our communities, we can make every neighborhood safer and stronger.
What specific policy would you champion in the statehouse to improve the cost of living for residents? Would you see this having an immediate impact on Californians or would it take some time? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Protecting and strengthening union jobs: Good-paying, union jobs are the backbone of a strong middle class. As a small business owner and longshoreman, I’ve seen firsthand how these jobs support families and communities. I will fight to protect collective bargaining rights, enforce prevailing wage laws, and ensure public investments create union jobs through project labor agreements.
Tackling the housing crisis: Too many families are being priced out of their communities. We need practical solutions that increase housing supply while keeping it affordable. I support streamlining approvals for infill and mixed-use development, building near transit and jobs, and using underutilized public land for housing. We must also hold local governments accountable for meeting housing goals while respecting community input.
Investing in real community safety: Public safety means both supporting law enforcement and addressing root causes of crime. I will work to ensure first responders have the staffing, training, and resources they need, while also investing in mental health care, addiction treatment, and youth programs that prevent violence before it starts.Across all three priorities, my approach is simple: bring workers and communities to the table early, align our budget with our values, and deliver results that strengthen opportunity, stability, and public trust.
There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I believe California has a responsibility to protect its residents from federal overreach, especially when enforcement actions undermine trust, due process, or public safety. We should continue to strengthen state laws that set clear boundaries to ensure that any federal immigration activity in our communities respects constitutional rights and does not involve intimidation or unnecessary force.
At the same time, public safety works best when communities trust their government. When families fear interacting with law enforcement, reporting crimes, or accessing basic services, it makes all of us less safe. That’s why California must maintain policies that separate local services from federal immigration enforcement and protect access to schools, healthcare, and courts.
I do not believe the state should simply defer to federal actions that conflict with our values or harm our communities. That means pushing back on overreach, closing gaps in existing protections, and making sure our policies reflect both the rule of law and basic human dignity.
Health care costs — like in many other areas — are continuing to rise. What policies, specifically, would you support or like to champion that could lower premiums or out-of-pocket expenses? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Health care is a human right, and ensuring access should not be treated as optional. We must take concrete steps to lower costs for families already struggling with rising premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. I support expanding targeted subsidies to help working- and middle-class households afford coverage.
At the same time, investing in preventive and primary care will reduce long-term costs by addressing health issues before they become more serious and expensive. Health care reform should be guided by a simple principle: no one should have to choose between getting the care they need and avoiding bankruptcy.
Would you support expanding state health care programs to ensure more residents — including those who are not citizens — are covered? How would you propose the state fund such an expansion? Or, how would you propose the people who cannot afford health care still get the necessary care they need without expanding state programs? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I absolutely support expanding state health care programs to ensure more residents are covered, including those who are not citizens, because access to care improves public health outcomes and reduces costly emergency interventions in the long run. We should begin by closely evaluating how efficiently current tax dollars are being used and identify areas where waste or duplication can be reduced. By improving accountability and trimming inefficiencies, we can free up existing resources to support expanded coverage.
Additionally, the state should prioritize reallocating funds from programs that are underperforming or delivering limited impact toward health care access, which has clear and measurable long-term benefits.
We must continue to pursue federal partnerships and funding opportunities to help offset costs, especially given the state’s outsized role in serving diverse populations. Ensuring that more people can access affordable care is both a moral responsibility and a practical strategy to create a healthier, thriving California.
As part of combating homelessness, elected officials often talk about the need to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place. What policies or programs should the state adopt to make housing more affordable for renters and homeowners? What do you propose the state do to incentivize housing development and expedite such projects? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Preventing homelessness starts with making housing more affordable and accessible in the first place. We must expand financial assistance programs for renters and homeowners who are at risk of losing their housing, including targeted rental support resources that help stabilize families before they fall into financial crisis.
We must also significantly increase the supply of affordable housing, especially in communities where the need is greatest, as well as workforce housing that reflects the realities of local incomes.
To make this possible, the state needs to reduce unnecessary red tape and restrictions in the development process. Streamlining permitting, reforming regulation, and setting clear, consistent standards can help projects move forward more quickly without compromising safety or environmental protections. We should also create stronger incentives for developers to build affordable units, including tax credits and partnerships that lower construction costs.
Addressing housing affordability requires both immediate relief and long-term solutions. By helping people stay in their homes while also making it easier to build more housing, we can reduce homelessness and create more stable communities where residents can invest in their neighborhoods.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2023 authorizing state energy regulators to penalize oil companies making excessive profits. But the California Energy Commission put off imposing the penalties last year after two oil refineries, which represent nearly a fifth of California’s refining capacity, said they would shut down operations. Those announcements prompted many to be concerned about soaring gas prices. What do you think of the commission’s decision? And how would you, as a state legislator, propose balancing California’s climate goals with protecting consumers from high gas prices at the pump? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
We should approach regulations like these with a scalpel, not a hammer. We must also be mindful of unintended consequences that could reduce supply and drive up costs for consumers. The California Energy Commission’s decision reflects the reality that abrupt regulatory changes, without accounting for market impacts, can create volatility for Californians at the pump.
California must of course continue moving toward a more sustainable energy future, but we need to do so in a way that is thoughtful and economically responsible. A key part of that transition is investing in clean energy, modernizing infrastructure, and accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. As demand for gasoline declines over time, prices will naturally stabilize and decrease.
At the same time, the state should engage proactively with industry stakeholders before implementing major regulatory changes. Clear communication and careful planning can help avoid sudden refinery shutdowns or supply disruptions that ultimately hurt consumers.
Balancing climate goals with affordability requires a pragmatic approach; we must continue advancing clean energy and emissions reductions while ensuring that working families are not burdened with sharp increases in fuel costs during the transition.
In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36 to increase penalties for certain drug and retail theft crimes and make available a drug treatment option for some who plead guilty to felony drug possession. Would you, as a legislator, demand that more funding for behavioral health treatments be included in the budget? How would you ensure that money is used properly? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes, I would support including additional funding for behavioral health treatment to be included in the budget as this is essential if we want to address the root causes of substance use and reduce repeat offenses.
To ensure responsible use of the funding, accountability must be built into increase. I would require regular, transparent reporting on how funds are allocated and what outcomes they are producing, along with independent audits to ensure resources are being used efficiently and as intended. Clear performance metrics should determine funding decisions.
What role should the state play in ensuring hospitals and doctors are providing gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ residents? Similarly, what role do you believe the state could play should other states adopt policies that restrict that care? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
California should ensure that all residents have access to the care they need, including gender-affirming care, without exception. Full stop. If other states adopt policies that restrict such care, California must continue to lead by example and set the standard for inclusive, evidence-based health care and ensure that all Californians can access the care they need safely and without discrimination.
Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Do you believe it’s the state’s responsibility to regulate social media use? Why or why not? And what specific restrictions or safeguards would you propose as a state lawmaker? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I do not believe it is the state’s responsibility to directly restrict social media use, but we do have a responsibility to protect children from harm and hold social media companies accountable for any potential threat they may allow toward our youth.
These companies should be held responsible if their platforms expose children to content that is unsafe or damaging. Companies should be required to conduct regular impact assessments on how their products affect young users and share that information publicly. Enforcement measures could include penalties for failing to meet safety standards or for knowingly allowing harmful content to reach minors.
The goal is not to restrict access for all young people, but to create a safer environment and ensure companies take responsibility for protecting vulnerable users. By focusing on accountability and safeguards, we can address legitimate mental health concerns while preserving personal freedom.
Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Yet public concerns remain that there aren’t enough regulations governing when or how AI should be used, and that the technology would replace jobs and leave too many Californians unemployed. How specifically would you balance such concerns with the desire to foster innovation and have California remain a leader in this space? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
California should embrace AI innovation while ensuring the technology is used safely and responsibly. I would require companies to be extremely transparent about how AI is being used, what data it is trained on, and the decisions it influences. This transparency allows regulators, businesses, and the public to understand potential risks and hold companies accountable.
At the same time, regulations should follow a risk-based approach, with stricter oversight for applications that could cause significant harm such as in healthcare, finance, or public safety while allowing lower-risk technologies to develop with fewer barriers. By tailoring rules to the level of potential impact, we can protect Californians without stifling innovation.
Additionally, California should invest in workforce training and education to prepare residents for jobs in an AI-driven economy, ensuring technological progress creates opportunity rather than displacement.
Statistically, violent crime rates in California is on the decline, but still, residents are not feeling safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in the state legislature in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I see my role as bridging the gap between state-level policy and the daily concerns of residents in my district. While overall crime rates may be declining, people’s sense of safety is shaped by their lived experiences in their neighborhoods. To address this, I would prioritize direct engagement with the community by hosting frequent town halls, neighborhood meetings, and informational sessions. These forums would allow residents to voice their concerns, learn about available resources, and build stronger connections with one another.
In addition to listening, I would work to connect local needs with state programs and funding for public safety, community-based violence prevention, and neighborhood improvement initiatives. By combining local engagement with state resources, we can address the underlying issues that contribute to fear, such as lack of lighting, vacant properties, or limited access to youth programs.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that residents feel heard, informed, and empowered, creating a sense of safety that goes beyond statistics. By focusing on both community engagement and strategic use of state resources, we can strengthen neighborhoods and give Californians confidence that their concerns are being addressed.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
My Italian American grandmother teaching me to cook was incredibly meaningful to me growing up, and I always love using that skill to make my husband, sons, daughter, and grandchildren dinner. I also enjoy fishing with my husband and son! It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out into nature and explore our coast. While campaigning takes up most of my time these days, I cherish the moments we’ve spent together connecting with each other.