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California Optometric Association supports Hernandez for lieutenant governor
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The California Optometric Association congratulated Sen. Ed Hernandez, OD, (D) on advancing to the state’s November general election for lieutenant governor.
Hernandez was one of 11 candidates that ran for the position this year.
“Through his work in both houses of the legislature and as Senate Health Committee chairman, Hernandez championed increased access to quality and affordable health care for all, especially for underserved and rural communities,” California Optometric Association (COA) President Ranjeet S. Bajwa, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, said in an announcement from the COA.
“With a clear vision for Californians’ health and a key role in setting priorities for the state, Dr. Hernandez will be a crucial voice for eye health in California’s public policy as the state confronts the epidemic of diabetes and navigates the future of health care,” Bajwa said. “We look forward to supporting an eye doctor for statewide office.”
On the California voters’ guide website, Hernandez said that he has, “led the fight to make health care more affordable and accessible, passing a landmark law that cracks down on big pharmaceutical corporations for skyrocketing prescription drug costs by creating new, tough transparency rules to help lower drug prices.”
As a leader in the state senate, he helped pass laws to protect access to clean air and clean water, increase funding for schools and career education programs, and provide 1 year of free community college, according to the statement.
The current lieutenant governor of California is Gavin Newsom (D), who was elected in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. He is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election.
Hernandez faces Eleni Kounalakis (D) in the November general election. She is a businesswoman and former U.S. ambassador under President Obama.
Source: voterguide.sos.ca.gov/candidates