The “off-year” or mid-term election years have the largest number of races in the country, even more than in presidential election years. This year, every election counts to elect progressives to office at every level of government. This week we are featuring Joz Sida (she/her), who is running for mayor in Fontana, California. Joz is a millennial democratic socialist who has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, the first mayoral candidate in Fontana’s history to ever be endorsed by a sitting senator. Joz is extremely passionate about environmentalism, saying “I am extremely excited and passionate about saving the earth. I want to ensure that we fight for clean air and that means fewer warehouses and more parks. That open lots are used to create community gardens instead of a gas station, car wash or drive-thrus in every corner. A wild plan is to ensure that the city government gives access to its constituents to come to the meetings and talk about their grievances.”

Joz has quite a few accomplishments over 15 years under her belt, including being the first Chapter Director of Sierra Club San Gorgonio (serving San Bernardino and Riverside Counties), where she advances environmental justice, climate action, and the protection of our public health and natural spaces; National Field Director, Progressive Turnout Project, overseeing voter engagement efforts in key battleground states; National Field Director, Corazón Latino, focusing on public health, environmental protection, and Latino community empowerment; State Director, Mi Familia Vota (Nevada), where she led civic engagement, voter registration, and immigration justice campaigns; and National Campaigner, MoveOn.org, where she championed bold policy change, rapid-response organizing, and digital advocacy.

Where are you based?
Fontana, CA

What position are you running for?
Mayor of Fontana

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
People-first platform. Stop warehouse expansion; restore faith in city government by getting meetings back to 6:30 or 7PM and help our street vendors, immigrant communities and all residents of this city to feel safe by stopping racist narratives that put us up against each other.

What inspired you to run?
16 years in office is too long. We need change. Someone that represents our community. All of our community not just the rich.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I want to inspire the next generation to run for office and not be afraid to lead. I want our city to know that it deserves better and more than we currently have.

What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I have done many amazing things in my life, the best accomplishment has been to lead campaigns, as I did with my job at Mi Familia Vota. I was able to register 17,000 voters with our team and we were able to help 4398 people apply for citizenship. That is extremely rewarding. Knowing that you could help was incredible for me. I learned how to be a better leader and organizer.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Warehouses is the biggest issue. I will work on a warehouse moratorium to stop the expansion. I will also work on a ban for data centers and AI centers and Detention Centers.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Putting the needs of people first is how we will show unity. It's not about party but about people living better lives.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I have been changing communities all over the country to be able to be back home for this moment. I am here for the people.

What is your motto in life?
You still have not lived your best day yet and you haven't met everyone you are supposed to meet.

Where can we find out more about you?
jozsidaforfontana.com or @jozsidaforfontana on Instagram.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Joz Sida, Mayor of Fontana, California