CA-40: Joe Kerr (D) Prevails as Court Rejects Challenge to Ballot Designation
COTO DE CAZA, CA— A court has denied a petition filed by a fellow Democratic candidate in California’s 40th Congressional District (CA-40) race seeking to challenge Joe Kerr’s ballot designation, reaffirming long-standing California law and prior determinations by election officials.
The petition attempted to block Kerr from using his retired profession of “Firefighter Captain” on the ballot, despite clear state guidelines allowing candidates to list either their current or retired primary profession.
Under California law, a ballot designation may reflect a candidate’s current principal profession or their retired profession. Joe Kerr served 34 years as a firefighter and retired as a Captain. His designation is fully consistent with state law and the Secretary of State’s guidelines.
“Like many retirees, I’ve continued to stay active in public service,” Kerr said. “I’m proud of that work, whether it’s helping oversee clean water protections, supporting wildfire prevention, or assisting during the COVID-19 pandemic response. But none of those roles were my primary occupation. My career was in the fire service, and I’m honored to have served.”
https://theliberaloc.com/2026/03/29/joe-kerr-prevails-as-court-rejects-challenge-to-ballot-designation/