California YIMBY✓ Endorses
2026 Midterm Partner Endorsements
Catherine Blakespear
California State Senate, District 38 · California
What the Guides Said
California YIMBY✓ Endorses
Housing Action Coalition✓ EndorsesAbout Catherine Blakespear
Catherine Blakespear is a mom, fourth-generation San Diegan, attorney, and former journalist who has spent over a decade standing up for her community. She currently represents Senate District 38, covering northern San Diego County and southern Orange County.
Catherine got her start in public service on the Encinitas Traffic and Public Safety Commission before being elected to the Encinitas City Council in 2014. She went on to serve three terms as Mayor, and also served on the boards of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Regional Solid Waste Association, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and San Dieguito Water Board.
As Mayor, Catherine made Encinitas the first city in the county to deliver 100% renewable power and passed a tough climate action plan to reduce emissions. When the pandemic hit, she delivered emergency financial assistance to help local businesses keep their doors open.
Catherine Blakespear on Housing and Abundance
“I’m focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, from creating more options for attainable, affordable housing to expanding access to healthcare and childcare to supporting small businesses that employ our neighbors and keep local economies booming.”
“Awarded the 2020 Chair’s Award at the 40 th annual Roosevelt Honors by the San Diego County Democratic Party for “bravery in doing the right thing on homelessness, housing, and transit, even when it’s unpopular.””
“I closed big developer loopholes, safeguarded our environment, expanded rail service, protected clean-energy investments, and strengthened gun safety laws.”