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Laura Bassett, SD-38 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

May 6, 2026

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Laura Bassett

Current job title: Small Business Owner

Political party affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: N/A

City where you reside: Oceanside

Campaign website or social media: bassettforca.com

Do you believe balancing the state budget should rely more on spending cuts, new revenue streams or a combination? Tell us how you would propose tackling California’s projected budget deficit. (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

California’s growing budget shortfall is the result of years of decisions by current legislators who approved spending without enough accountability or long-term planning. We cannot solve this problem by turning to the same people who are consistently asking taxpayers to pay more, especially when Californians already face some of the highest tax burdens in the country.

The focus should be on fixing how we spend. That means taking a hard look at programs and major projects that are over budget, delayed, or failing to deliver results, and reforming or ending them. It also means putting stronger oversight in place through regular audits and clear performance standards so state agencies are held accountable for outcomes, not just how much they spend.

High taxes are already holding back growth, investment, and opportunity. Instead of adding to that burden, we should create an environment where businesses can expand and create jobs. A stronger economy will generate revenue naturally, while more responsible budgeting and better planning will help prevent future deficits.

For you, what’s a non-starter when talking about budget cuts? Why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

One clear non-starter when it comes to budget cuts is public safety. Protecting our communities is the first responsibility of the government, and reducing resources for law enforcement, fire services, and emergency response puts lives at risk.

That includes fully funding Proposition 36, which voters overwhelmingly approved to strengthen penalties for serious drug and firearm offenses and hold repeat offenders accountable. Sacramento has failed to provide the resources needed to properly implement it, leaving law enforcement without the tools they need. Ignoring the will of the voters and underfunding public safety measures is not acceptable.

Families across California deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, run their businesses without fear, and trust that help will arrive when they need it. While accountability and efficiency should always be part of the conversation, cutting public safety is not the answer. It is a commitment we have to uphold if we want strong communities and a functioning state.

What are the top three most pressing issues facing the state, and what would you propose, as a state legislator, to address them? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The cost of living has reached a breaking point for many families. Rising prices, high taxes, and excessive regulations have made it harder to afford basic necessities. Sacramento’s spending decisions have contributed to this problem, and now the state faces a massive budget shortfall. As a legislator, I would focus on cutting wasteful spending, opposing new taxes, and reducing regulatory barriers that drive up housing and energy costs so people can keep more of what they earn.

Public safety is also a top concern. Families deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, but recent policies have weakened accountability and made it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs. I would support fully funding Proposition 36, strengthening consequences for repeat offenders, and ensuring law enforcement has the tools and support needed to protect our communities.

Finally, protecting our coastline is critical to our district and our state. As a lifelong Oceanside resident, I’ve seen the impact of erosion and environmental changes firsthand. We need practical, science-based solutions that preserve our beaches, protect public access, and support our coastal economy for future generations.

Addressing these challenges requires a more responsible approach that prioritizes accountability, safety, and opportunity for Californians.

What specific policy would you champion in the statehouse to improve the cost of living for residents? Would you see this having an immediate impact on Californians or would it take some time? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

One policy I would prioritize in the statehouse is stopping the continued overtaxing of California residents, starting with halting any further increases to the gas tax. Californians already face some of the highest gas prices in the country, and additional tax hikes only make it more expensive for families to get to work, take their kids to school, and manage daily life.

Affordability is one of the most urgent challenges in our state, and government should not be adding to that burden.

Preventing further gas tax increases would provide immediate relief to working families and small businesses that rely on transportation every day.

Halting the gas tax increase is a step we can take right away to ease pressure on families, while longer-term reforms help bring down costs and restore affordability across the state.

There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Immigration is an important and often complex issue, and I understand why many Californians have strong concerns about how policies are implemented and how they impact our communities. The state does have a role in ensuring residents are treated fairly, that public safety is maintained, and that local agencies have clear and consistent guidance.

At the same time, I believe in federalism. Immigration policy is fundamentally a federal responsibility, and Congress is the body tasked with setting and reforming those laws. As a state legislator, my role is to focus on the issues we can directly impact here in California and to ensure our state policies are practical, lawful, and serve our communities well.

Right now, families in our district are most concerned about affordability, public safety, and accountability in Sacramento.

Those are areas where the state has clear authority and where we can deliver real results. I believe we should take a balanced approach that respects the proper roles of state and federal government while keeping our focus on improving the lives of Californians.

Health care costs — like in many other areas — are continuing to rise. What policies, specifically, would you support or like to champion that could lower premiums or out-of-pocket expenses? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Health care costs continue to rise, and one of the most important steps we can take at the state level is increasing pricing transparency. Patients deserve to know what they are being charged before they receive care. Clear, upfront pricing empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions and helps bring more accountability into the system.

I am also concerned about state-driven approaches that limit patient choice, including programs that do not allow people to keep their doctor. When patients are forced into narrow networks or restricted options, it reduces the quality of care and drives frustration. Affordability improves when the system allows for real choice and competition.

Californians should have the freedom to choose their own doctor and the care that works best for them. By prioritizing transparency and protecting patient choice, we can move toward a more affordable and patient-centered health care system.

Would you support expanding state health care programs to ensure more residents — including those who are not citizens — are covered? How would you propose the state fund such an expansion? Or, how would you propose the people who cannot afford health care still get the necessary care they need without expanding state programs? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

With healthcare costs continuing to rise and the state already facing a significant budget shortfall, it would be irresponsible to commit to major new spending without first addressing the sustainability of the system we have. We cannot continue expanding programs without a clear plan to pay for them.

I believe taxpayer-funded healthcare programs should be focused on serving the residents they were intended to support, while ensuring they are efficient and financially responsible. Before considering any expansion, we need to take a hard look at existing programs, improve oversight, and make sure resources are being used effectively.

There are also ways to improve access to care without simply increasing spending. Expanding pricing transparency, supporting community clinics, and protecting patient choice can help lower costs and give people more options.

We need a balanced approach that ensures people can access care, while also being honest about the state’s financial reality and protecting taxpayers from unsustainable commitments.

As part of combating homelessness, elected officials often talk about the need to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place. What policies or programs should the state adopt to make housing more affordable for renters and homeowners? What do you propose the state do to incentivize housing development and expedite such projects? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

To address homelessness, we have to start by increasing the supply of housing. California simply does not have enough housing, and that shortage is driving up costs for renters and homeowners.

The biggest barrier is overregulation. Complex permitting, excessive fees, and long approval timelines make it harder and more expensive to build. I would support streamlining approvals, reducing unnecessary regulations, and making it easier for investment to flow into housing projects.

Ultimately, the solution is simple: We need to build more. By removing barriers and encouraging development, we can increase supply, lower costs, and help prevent more Californians from losing their homes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2023 authorizing state energy regulators to penalize oil companies making excessive profits. But the California Energy Commission put off imposing the penalties last year after two oil refineries, which represent nearly a fifth of California’s refining capacity, said they would shut down operations. Those announcements prompted many to be concerned about soaring gas prices. What do you think of the commission’s decision? And how would you, as a state legislator, propose balancing California’s climate goals with protecting consumers from high gas prices at the pump? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The Energy Commission’s decision reflects a larger issue coming out of Sacramento. For years, state leaders have pointed to the private sector as the problem, while ignoring how their own policies are driving costs up and pushing producers out of California.

These refineries are critical to our state’s energy supply. They provide jobs, generate revenue, and help keep fuel available for millions of Californians. When companies warn they may shut down operations, that should be a wake-up call. Overregulation and uncertainty are making it harder to operate in California, and the result is reduced supply and higher prices at the pump.

I believe we need a more balanced approach. We can pursue environmental goals without driving up costs for working families. That means reassessing regulations that unnecessarily restrict production, providing more stability for energy producers, and being honest about the impact policy decisions have on prices.

If we want to protect consumers, we need to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply. Blaming producers will not solve the problem. Fixing the policies that are contributing to high costs will.

In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36 to increase penalties for certain drug and retail theft crimes and make available a drug treatment option for some who plead guilty to felony drug possession. Would you, as a legislator, demand that more funding for behavioral health treatments be included in the budget? How would you ensure that money is used properly? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I fully support funding Proposition 36 as approved by voters. Californians made it clear they want a system that holds repeat offenders accountable while also providing a path toward treatment, and the state has a responsibility to follow through on that commitment.

That includes ensuring resources are available for behavioral health and substance abuse treatment tied to the implementation of the measure. Without proper funding, the intent of Proposition 36 cannot be fully realized, and both public safety and rehabilitation efforts will fall short.

This is about restoring trust in the system. Voters spoke clearly, and it is the legislature’s job to implement Proposition 36 as intended, with both the resources and accountability needed to make it work.

What role should the state play in ensuring hospitals and doctors are providing gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ residents? Similarly, what role do you believe the state could play should other states adopt policies that restrict that care? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and have their healthcare and mental health needs taken seriously. I believe legal adults should have the freedom to make their own medical decisions in consultation with their doctor, without unnecessary government interference.

The role of the state should be to ensure access to care and protect individuals from discrimination, not to dictate personal medical choices. When it comes to minors, these are complex and sensitive decisions that should involve parents and medical professionals, with appropriate safeguards in place.

I also believe we need to recognize that there are real biological differences, particularly in areas like athletics. Protecting fairness in women’s sports is important, and policies should reflect that while still treating everyone with dignity and respect.Ultimately, the government should not be in the business of policing how people live their lives. Its role is to ensure fairness, protect equal access, and uphold the rights of all individuals.

Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Do you believe it’s the state’s responsibility to regulate social media use? Why or why not? And what specific restrictions or safeguards would you propose as a state lawmaker? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

As a mother of six, this issue is something I have thought about for years. Social media can have real impacts on young people, especially when it comes to mental health, exposure to harmful content, and misinformation.

Many platforms already have age guidelines in place, yet young children are still able to create accounts. That shows this issue goes beyond simply adding more rules at the state level. We have to recognize that enforcement is difficult and that responsibility cannot fall on the government alone.

I believe parents play the most important role here. We should be encouraging and supporting parents in setting boundaries with technology and having honest conversations with their children about how to use it responsibly. At the same time, there is a role for education. Improving digital literacy and helping young people understand misinformation, online risks, and healthy usage habits is critical.

Rather than broad government mandates, I would support policies that promote transparency from platforms, strengthen parental tools, and expand education around responsible social media use. This is an area where awareness, involvement, and accountability will be more effective than one-size-fits-all regulation.

Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Yet public concerns remain that there aren’t enough regulations governing when or how AI should be used, and that the technology would replace jobs and leave too many Californians unemployed. How specifically would you balance such concerns with the desire to foster innovation and have California remain a leader in this space? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Artificial intelligence is an exciting frontier, and California has the opportunity to remain a leader in shaping how this technology develops. Innovation and technological advancement are not bad things; they have consistently driven progress, improved productivity, and created new industries.

At the same time, it is reasonable for people to have concerns, especially when it comes to job disruption and how AI is being used. As with past technological shifts, some jobs will change or be replaced, and our workforce will need to adapt. That is why the focus should be on preparing people for that transition, through education, job training, and skills development that align with emerging industries.

I believe the state’s role is to set clear, thoughtful guardrails without stifling innovation. That includes transparency in how AI is used, protections against misuse, and ensuring consumers understand when they are interacting with AI systems.

California should lead by encouraging responsible innovation while also investing in its workforce. If we approach this the right way, AI can create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and keep our state at the forefront of technological progress.

Statistically, violent crime rates in California is on the decline, but still, residents are not feeling safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in the state legislature in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Even if statistics show certain crimes declining, what matters is how people feel in their daily lives, and too many Californians do not feel safe in their own neighborhoods. That gap between the data and lived experience is something the legislature needs to take seriously.

My role as a legislator is to restore that sense of safety by supporting law enforcement and ensuring they have the resources, staffing, and clear laws needed to do their jobs effectively. That includes fully funding Proposition 36, strengthening consequences for repeat offenders, and backing the officers and prosecutors who work every day to protect our communities.

We also need to address policies that have created confusion and weakened accountability. When laws are inconsistent or not enforced, it erodes trust and contributes to that feeling of insecurity.

Public safety is foundational. When people feel safe, communities are stronger, businesses can thrive, and families can live without fear. My focus will be on restoring that confidence through practical policies that prioritize safety and support those on the front lines.

What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

One of my favorite “hidden” talents is performing in community theater. My family and I have been actively involved in our local theater, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in more than 15 stage musicals.

It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Theater brings people together, builds confidence, and creates a strong sense of community. It has also taught me the importance of teamwork, preparation, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

It is a fun and creative outlet, and something I truly enjoy sharing with my family and our community.

Orange County Register

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Laura Bassett, SD-38 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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