California voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition 35, an historic victory for access to health care in California. On election night, ballots showed two-thirds of voters in support. While ballots will be counted for the next several weeks, it’s safe to say that the voters have spoken up to support California’s Medi-Cal program. In fact, Proposition 35 was one of the first ballot measure races to be called on Election Night.
Family physicians across the state, whose advocacy efforts were crucial in raising awareness and garnering public support for the initiative, were an important part of a successful strategy led by the California Medical Association (CMA). The CAFP played an important role in the success of the initiative through financial contributions that helped empower a comprehensive media campaign, active participation in press events, and impactful testimony at committee hearings. CAFP also mobilized family physicians statewide to engage in text banking and media efforts. Family physicians like Raul Ayala, MD, and Rakesh Patel, MD, exemplified this commitment by speaking at events in the Central Valley and San Diego, rallying support from voters across California.
CAFP looks forward to working closely with CMA and coalition partners to guide Prop 35’s implementation in the months ahead, ensuring enhanced access to care and support for family physicians across the state.
