With the force of a tornado, Joy Silver has touched down in the political eye of the expansive 28th California Senate District where she plans to uproot incumbent Republican state Sen. Jeff Stone.
A political newcomer, Silver has received the coveted endorsements of U.S. Democratic Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, former Democratic U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs City Councilmember Geoff Kors and scores of others.
They say she is “waging a relentless campaign of meeting people throughout the district. … Joy may be small in stature, but she is a giant dynamo when it comes to energy, ideas, and commitment to Democratic principles.”
To learn who is willing to put their names and reputations on the line for someone is always fascinating, but why they do it is equally intriguing, so Uken Report asked.
Joy Silver
An openly gay, progressive woman, who once played in an all-female band called Lilith, Silver is coordinator of the Courageous Resistance of Palm Springs and Other Desert Cities. It was born in the wake of Election Day 2016. Since its creation it has been credited with persuading at least two Coachella Valley communities – Cathedral City and Coachella — to adopt sanctuary city status.
“Joy Silver is a progressive leader who will bring a fresh vision to Sacramento and get things done for seniors, working families, and our environment,” Ruiz told Uken Report.
Boxer could not immediately be reached for comment. She will be special guest at a fundraising brunch for Silver on Jan. 21.
If you try to wrap Silver in a neat package and slap a “Progressive” label on it, you’d be partially right, but one label is not a one-size-fits-all. Silver served as chief strategy officer of Choices Women’s Medical Centers, leading a team of medical professionals and support staff in providing care to women.
No stranger on the local political stage, Silver served two terms on the board of the American Society for the Aging, served on the L-Fund of Palm Springs, serves on the PALS Palm Springs steering committee and was the chair of the Steinway Society of Riverside County’s Wellness Committee, which brings quality arts education to children throughout the Inland Empire.
“Joy is a passionate, thoughtful, and effective candidate who will be an outstanding leader for our community in Sacramento,” Middleton told Uken Report. “She stands for our values.”
Middleton made history in November by becoming the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in California.
Before becoming colleagues on the Palm Springs City Council, Kors said he has known Joy for 15 years.
“She is both an amazing person and proven leader,” Kors told Uken Report. “She is running a strong campaign to replace the most right wing state Senator in California and I am proud to support her.”
Kors went on to say, “Joy is smart, hard-working and passionate about ensuring all voices are heard and providing an opportunity for Californians to achieve their dreams. She has always been motivated to do what is right and advance a more just society. Joy will be a new and courageous voice in the state Senate.”
Perez, who is seeking election himself, said, he is supporting Silver’s campaign because he believes she will work “tirelessly” in Sacramento to represent the people of the 28th District.
“Joy has experience in working with underprivileged communities, seniors and housing development issues which are top priorities for our residents,” Perez said. “I know she will give her all to this campaign and the state Senate seat when she is elected.”
Stone was first elected to the state Senate in 2014. He was a 2016 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 36th Congressional District of California. He lost to Ruiz.
The vast 28th District, which is entirely in Riverside County, stretches from the vineyards of the Temecula Valley to the Colorado River and includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Wildomar.
