McCarty and supporters rally, door-knock for Sacramento mayoral ground campaign launch
Supporters of state Assemblyman Kevin McCarty gathered at his East Sacramento headquarters on Saturday for the official launch of his mayoral campaign's ground operation.
Addressing about two dozen volunteers, McCarty emphasized his pro-law enforcement stance on homelessness, public safety and the city budget.
"As I run for mayor, I think a lot about the younger generation. You should be able to walk through your neighborhood and to the park safely," McCarty said. "That means smart, practical, common-sense solutions... without taking money from the city."
With just over a month until the election, key differences between the two Democrat candidates who advanced from the March primary, McCarty and public health professional Flo Cofer, are becoming more apparent.
Police department funding has emerged as a major issue, with the more-progressive Cofer advocating for reallocating police funds over time to response services to non-violent calls, while McCarty has vowed not to cut police or fire department budgets.
The Sacramento Police Officers Association quietly endorsed McCarty in his mayoral campaign, though the powerful union's support wasn't publicly announced. Cofer has backing from progressive figures.
The two candidates have also sparred over homelessness, with Cofer accusing McCarty of misrepresenting her positions on public safety and the location of Safe Ground sites.
Both agree on the need for more shelters, as Sacramento faces more than 6,600 homeless individuals with limited shelter availability.
Sacramento resident Alaya Amra Agee, 31, set out to go door knocking for the first time after wanting to get involved in local politics. She has been impressed by McCarty's legislative experience and personal story.
"I've done my due diligence and research on him, and I see a proven track record," she said. "I'm interested in him being our next mayor so I'm doing something I don't normally do, getting out on the ground like this."
A mayoral candidate forum featuring Cofer and McCarty is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Congregation B'nai Israel in Upper Land Park.
The election is Nov. 5, and the new mayor will be sworn in Dec. 10.
This story was originally published September 21, 2024, 1:20 PM.
