FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 17, 2024
Contact: press@christyholstege.com

Christy Holstege Goes on Offense with First General Election Ad Targeting Wallis’ Dangerous Connections for Anti-Government Oath Keeper

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 47, CA — Recently, the Christy Holstege for Assembly released its first general election ad, highlighting the Republican Assemblymember’s ties to former Oath Keeper and MAGA Firebrand Sheriff Chad Bianco. The ad pulls back the curtain on Wallis’ deep connections with political extremists, highlighting how he’s earned the trust of far-right Republicans who fight against women’s rights and democratic elections.

Watch the ad “Oath Keeper”

Narrator: "The Oath Keepers are the violent extremists convicted of plotting the January 6th attack on the Capitol. But even after five police officers lost their lives,
Republican Greg Wallis bragged about his support from a former Oath Keeper.
Wallis was endorsed by anti-abortion extremists who’d ban abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest. As they attack our freedoms and democracy,
MAGA Republicans trust Wallis in the State Assembly.
How can you?"

Sheriff Chad Bianco, a former member of the extremist Oath Keepers, is currently under investigation by the Attorney General for civil rights violations, including unconstitutional conduct within his department, a disturbing spike in county jail deaths, and allegations of excessive force. Despite this, Wallis has repeatedly leaned on Bianco and the Riverside Sheriffs Association for political backing—one of Wallis’ top financial contributors in 2022. Wallis chose to have Bianco swear him into the California Legislature and most recently endorsed Bianco for governor of California. Bianco recently made national headlines for his endorsement of Donald Trump for president saying it was “time to put a convicted felon in the White House.” Bianco is also known for spreading false information about COVID, anti-vaccine posture, and hostility toward the LGBTQ community.

But Bianco isn’t Wallis’ only dangerous ally. Wallis’ political network includes notorious MAGA Congressman Ken Calvert, who voted to overturn the 2020 election results and has faced multiple fraud investigations. Calvert’s influence loomed over Wallis’ 2022 campaign, consolidating their efforts and even attending Wallis’ swearing-in ceremony. Adding to the roster of extremists, Wallis received the endorsement of Richard Grenell, a Trump advisor notorious for his anti-LGBT rhetoric, and later honored the right-wing leader on the Assembly floor during Pride Month—an insult to the very community Grenell has attacked.

Greg Wallis’ record in the Assembly reveals where his true priorities lie—protecting extremist interests rather than everyday Californians. Wallis opposed a bill to ban book bans (AB 1078), siding with those who want to censor what students can learn. He voted against requiring Shasta County to use a secure voting system (AB 969), undermining trust in our elections. When it comes to public health, Wallis abstained from a vote that would have provided condoms to high school students (AB 541), showing indifference to critical health needs. On gun safety, Wallis chose the gun lobby over the safety of Californians, voting against common-sense reforms like an excise tax on firearm dealers to fund anti-violence programs (AB 28), microstamping requirements to help trace guns used in crimes (SB 452), and closing background check loopholes (AB 1406).

The ad comes out as Holstege continues to out-raise and out-work her Republican opponent, garnering high-profile endorsements and significant local grassroots support. The closely watched seat remains a top pickup priority for California Assembly Democrats. Incumbent Republican Assemblymember Greg Wallis currently holds one of the most endangered seats in Sacramento.

For more information please visit: christyholstege.com.

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