David Ganezer
RepublicanQ1 California is rich in natural resources (i.e. oil, with California being the 7th largest oil producing state in the nation) and, as of June 2025, conserves 26.1% of its lands and 21.9% of its coastal waters. Given California’s resources, what policies would you pursue or continue, if any, in regard to land management and use?
“I support a balanced approach to land management that protects California’s natural resources while allowing responsible economic activity. California is rich in both natural beauty and resources, including being the 7th largest oil-producing state.We should continue conserving sensitive ecosystems, coastal areas, and wilderness, but we must avoid extreme “lock-it-all-up” policies that drive up energy costs for working families and hurt our economy. Responsible development, using modern environmental standards and technology, allows us to protect the environment while maintaining a strong economy and energy security.”
KEYWORDS: balanced land management, responsible resource use, environmental protection, economic reality
Q2 California is one of the leading states with the most data centers which are important facilities for processing and storing data. However they also have several environmental and health impacts, such as significant water usage and noise pollution, which can lead to decrease in net economic gains. What policies, if any, do you support in managing existing data centers or establishing additional data centers?
“Data centers are essential infrastructure for San Francisco’s tech economy, but they must be managed responsibly. I support policies that require new and existing data centers to adopt water recycling technology, energy-efficient cooling systems, and strict noise mitigation standards for neighboring communities.Rather than blocking data centers, we should direct them toward locations with better infrastructure and access to renewable energy. The goal should be smart, sustainable growth that supports innovation and job creation while protecting public health and minimizing environmental impact.”
KEYWORDS: sustainable data centers, water recycling, energy efficiency, tech economy
Q3 Access to public transportation is associated with less air and noise pollution, fewer harmful chemicals, and overall healthier communities. However, many transit agencies, such as BART in the Bay Area, are facing financial deficits due to a decline in ridership. What policies, if any, do you support that would address California’s public transit infrastructure?
“Public transportation is vital for reducing congestion and improving air quality, but agencies like BART are facing serious financial problems due to declining ridership and high costs.I support targeted federal investment in transit infrastructure repair and modernization — but only with strong accountability and performance standards. We must also address the core reasons ridership has dropped: safety, cleanliness, and reliability. Simply giving more money to failing systems without fixing management, security, and service quality will not create long-term solutions.”
KEYWORDS: accountable transit funding, public safety on transit, sustainable infrastructure
Q4 In 2025, approximately 33% of students in K-12 schools across California met or exceeded science standards, and teacher shortages have resulted in districts hiring teachers with substandard credentials in math and science. What evidence-based policies, if any, would you follow to increase science proficiency and access to quality education across the state and why?
“California’s K-12 education system is failing too many students, with only about 33% meeting or exceeding science standards. This is unacceptable. We must prioritize real results over ideology.I support evidence-based policies that focus on core skills: reading, math, and science. This includes expanding school choice options (charters, magnet schools, and vocational programs), paying high-performing teachers more, and removing bureaucratic barriers that prevent talented people from entering the teaching profession — especially in math and science.We should also restore phonics-based reading instruction and rigorous science curricula instead of diluting standards for political reasons. Students deserve an education system that prepares them for the real world, not one that prioritizes political narratives.”
KEYWORDS: evidence-based education, school choice, science proficiency, teacher quality, phonics
Q5 Healthcare is an important resource to Californians, with publicly supported programs such as Medi-Cal providing coverage covering roughly half of all Californians including 14.5 million low-income residents. According to the Center on Healthcare from West Health-Gallup, California has an overall healthcare grade of “C” over the categories of cost, quality, and access, with gaps in rural health coverage, environmental health threats, workforce shortages, and affordability challenges. What policies, if any, do you support to address the healthcare of Californians and why?
“Healthcare in California receives a “C” grade for cost, quality, and access. With Medi-Cal covering roughly half the state’s population, we must focus on improving outcomes rather than just expanding spending.I support policies that address the real drivers of high costs and poor access: reducing administrative bureaucracy, tackling healthcare fraud and waste, and increasing the supply of doctors and nurses through streamlined licensing and incentives for practicing in underserved areas. We should also prioritize preventive care and mental health treatment, especially for addiction and severe mental illness.Expanding government programs alone has not solved California’s healthcare challenges. We need smarter, more efficient systems that deliver better care at lower cost while protecting those who truly need help.”
KEYWORDS: healthcare access, cost reduction, fraud prevention, workforce shortages, preventive care
Q6 Do you support initiatives that alter funding for science research, i.e. Senate Bill 895 (California Foundation)?
“My brother, Kenneth Ganezer, PhD, was a theoretical physicist and longtime chairman of the Physics Department at CSU Dominguez Hills. Although he has passed, he instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of basic scientific research and technological advancement.I support evidence-based, transparent, and accountable funding for scientific research. While I have not taken a final position on every detail of Senate Bill 895, I believe California should prioritize funding scientific research that delivers measurable benefits to public health, environmental quality, and economic growth.Any major changes to science funding — including the creation of a new California Foundation — should include strong safeguards such as: Competitive, peer-reviewed grant processes, Clear metrics for success and accountability, Protection against political interference in research priorities, A focus on practical, applied science that solves real California problems (wildfire prevention, drought resilience, public health, clean energy innovation, etc.). I am generally supportive of increasing investment in science and innovation, but only if the funding is managed responsibly and delivers tangible results for taxpayers. Too often, government science funding becomes captured by special interests or ideological priorities rather than rigorous, objective research.”
KEYWORDS: evidence-based science funding, research accountability, practical innovation