Date of Award

Fall 10-21-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This comprehensive study investigates strategies to enhance diversity within California's elected government bodies, addressing pivotal queries and assumptions about public funding, private contributions, and inclusive initiatives in state and local elections. Participants from distinct regions—the San Francisco Bay Area and California Central Valley—alongside seasoned professionals in public administration, provided rich insights through in-depth surveys and expert interviews.

The study meticulously interrogates three main assumptions based on a Theory of Change, which served as a framework for understanding the prerequisites for achieving a more diverse elected government. The research participants lent robust support to these assumptions, contributing to a well-rounded analysis enriched by a thorough review of relevant research literature that both supported and challenged these assumptions.

Assumption 1, which postulated that public funding for elections would promote diversity, received mixed reactions. Survey respondents exhibited neutral views, while expert interviews leaned in favor of public financing as a catalyst for diverse representation. Assumption 2, advocating for stricter controls on private campaign contributions, garnered substantial support from both participant groups, highlighting a shared belief in the need for financial equity in elections. Finally, Assumption 3, emphasizing the promotion of inclusivity and diversity in government bodies, was unanimously upheld, showcasing a collective aspiration for electoral processes that truly reflect California’s multifaceted populace.

Employing a mixed-method approach, the study integrated both quantitative and qualitative data, revealing the complexity of fostering electoral diversity and underlining the imperative for additional, expansive research to address subsidiary questions. Despite the enriched insights and participant backing, the study's findings are contextualized within the constraints of a limited sample size, necessitating a cautious approach to generalizing results across California’s diverse population. This research, therefore, not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge but also paves the way for future explorations, aiming for a comprehensive and representative understanding of diversifying electoral candidacies in California.

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