Election 2022: The Modesto Bee Editorial Board’s roundup of endorsements

Ballots for the June primary election must be turned in by June 7. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the November general election.

Here is a summary of The Modesto Bee Editorial Board’s endorsements for this week’s election. Like editorials, endorsements represent the collective opinion of the Editorial Board.

The board is led by Opinion Editor Garth Stapley, joined by Managing Editor Patty Guerra and Maria Figueroa, research and information specialist. Community Advisory Board members Joyce Parker, Rosalee Rush and Sal Salerno provided input after forums for each race, all of which can be viewed at modbee.com/opinion/.

The Bee’s opinion section operates independently from the news. Reporters do not participate in Editorial Board deliberations or weigh in on its decisions. They may observe candidate interviews.

Federal offices

U.S. Representative, California’s Congressional District 5

The Bee’s choice: Nathan Magsig

Here’s why: Magsig has two decades of experience holding office in the Valley, and has a strong grasp on water and forest management policies.

U.S. Representative, California’s Congressional District 13

The Bee’s choice: Adam Gray

Here’s why: “If you want a member of Congress who has no record, no experience and doesn’t even live in the district, then vote for any of my opponents, because they all fit that description,” Gray said in The Bee’s forum. He has represented Merced and Stanislaus counties well for 10 years in the state Assembly and is jointly endorsed by The Bees in Modesto and Fresno as well as The Merced Sun-Star.

California Legislature

California Assembly, District 22

The Bee’s choice: Chad Condit

Here’s why: Condit approaches representation from the middle and is not afraid to go his own way. He also has years of experience working behind the scenes at the capitol in Sacramento.

California Senate, District 4

The Bee’s choice: George Radanovich and Tim Robertson

Here’s why: Radanovich represented Stanislaus County during most of his 16 years as a congressman and is the logical GOP choice to do so again in the state Legislature. Democrat Robertson serves on the Keyes Community Services District and is involved in three countywide boards focusing on better Stanislaus jobs.

Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, District 3

The Bee’s choice: Terry Withrow

Here’s why: Incumbent Withrow’s efforts to curb homelessness are genuine, and he has never ducked hard questions from the media. His leadership for 12 years is one reason county government runs fairly well.

Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, District 4

The Bee’s choice: Mani Grewal

Here’s why: A former Modesto city councilman, Grewal brings perspective of municipal government and successful business ownership to the board. He was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy in late 2020.

Statewide Offices

Below are recommendations of The Sacramento Bee on statewide races.

California Attorney General

The Bee’s choices: Rob Bonta and Anne Marie Schubert

Here’s why: The attorney general’s race provides a forum for meaningful discussions on these issues, and the public would be best served if Bonta and Schubert are the two candidates debating them until November.

California Controller

The Bee’s choice: Steve Glazer

Here’s why: Glazer has consistently demonstrated the capacity to go against the party on principle, an indispensable quality for the office he seeks.

California Insurance Commissioner

The Bee’s choice: Marc Levine

Here’s why: Levine has been a strikingly different sort of politician, which is the least this office needs.