The Daily Delegate

By Joseph Shin
Elections Desk Reporter

In the pursuit of justice, the Sacramento Conference is buzzing with anticipation as two distinguished candidates, Brooke Drew and Lizzie Vargas, battle for the position of Chief Justice. Both bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table, promising to shape the future of the judicial system. 

Through questions asked by The Daily Delegate to these two candidates on Saturday, The Daily Delegate wants you to “Meet the Candidates.”

Question 1: Who or What Inspired You to Run for Chief Justice? 

Brooke: 

“I was raised Jewish, so I looked up to Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a model. She did so much for women’s rights like gender pay while even advocating for the civil rights movement. Seeing a woman in court and a woman who’s Jewish, I can share that part of my identity with her.”

Lizzie: 

“Aside from my parents who helped me discover my passion here at Y&G, another inspiration would be Sonya Sotomayor. When I first found out that she was the first Latina [Supreme Court] Justice, I was amazed. I realized that if someone who looks like me and has a similar background can do this type of work, I knew I wanted to be like her one day.”

Question 2: What Is One Change You Would Make to the Current U.S. Judicial system so That it Fits More of Your Ideas?

Brooke: 

“I’m not fully on defunding the police, but I am big on reforming the policing system. I think that although in California there are less cases of severe police brutality, the issue still exists. We have a very high population of different groups of color, and because of that, a lot of people live in fear. You should not live in fear of the people here to protect you. We still need the police around, but I believe that a reform in the police system in terms of hierarchical structure needs to change.”

Lizzie: 

“I think having a more even bench is needed, because with justices having no term limits right now, we’re getting a lot of appointments that are not making the bench fair and turning into unjust decisions. A lot of decisions are being overturned right now that are affecting women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. So not only implementing term limits, but having a diverse bench to get ideals from every single point of view is important.”

Question 3: How Has the Area You Come From Influenced Your Views and Campaign?

Brooke: 

“I come from Los Angeles County, San Fernando Valley area, which people call a “woke” area, but I believe that what I believe in and stand on are all through my own interests. Growing up with a Christian dad, Jewish mom, my sister and I being queer, and being adopted, there is no room to hate one another. Because of my family and how I grew up, I was able to shape my views in a way that was progressive. So my personal beliefs stand in the name of human rights, acceptance, and inclusivity of every single group.”

Lizzie: 

“Going to a school in downtown Los Angeles and seeing lots of the homeless population on the streets while also living in Monterey Park where there was recently a shooting last year, I feel like I see a lot of the failures of the justice system. I even lived in South LA where people didn’t get the proper resources like the rich neighborhoods would. Even with Y&G, I’m the only person from my school a part of this program because of the costs, or they just don’t know about this opportunity in front of them.”

Question 4: Who is Your Favorite Musician of All Time or Now? 

Brooke: 

“I was raised on oldies music because of my parents who are in their 70s and 60s. The Beatles, the BeeGees, the Eagles, The Rolling Stones, etc. But right now, I’ve been listening to a lot of Drake, 21 Savage, Malcom Todd, Cigarettes After Sex, even Spanish hype music which is pretty lit or even Russian opera if I’m feeling locked in.”

Lizzie: 

“I feel like it’s always changing, but recently to get into my own campaign mindset, I have been listening to a lot of Eminem. I don’t often listen to him but I think he’s been getting me really hype and has helped me switch into my game time mode for my speeches.”

Ultimately, the choice between Brooke and Lizzie is not just a selection of an individual but a decision that will shape the future of Y&G. The Sacramento Conference stands as a pivotal moment, inviting participants to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that the Chief Justice elected is well-equipped to steer the course of justice with wisdom and integrity.