Meister to Erickson: Not You. Endorses Brian Goldsmith for State Senate

Low key this is awkward.

West Hollywood Councilmember Lauren Meister endorsed Brian Goldsmith for California State Senate District 24 on Wednesday. Her colleague John Erickson is running for the same seat.

Meister said the district needs somebody who plays well with others. Any wonder what she means. Or rather – who? 

When reached for comment, Meister told WEHOonline that Goldsmith’s background set him apart.

“Brian is politically savvy without being a career politician,” Meister said. “He’s worked with people I respect, from Hillary Clinton to Katie Couric. He has a well-rounded background — working on campaigns, going to law school, involved in the tech world, and a respected journalist.”

She said his personality matters too.

“He’s also a nice guy — someone I think will ‘play well’ with others,” Meister said. “In Sacramento, you don’t just have 4 colleagues, you have 39 — you have to be smart, open-minded, likable, and convincing. I think Brian has all of these qualities.”

The endorsement carries an edge. UNITE HERE, the powerful hotel and hospitality workers union with deep, (some say too much) influence in West Hollywood, has already endorsed Erickson. Goldsmith told WEHOonline he knew it. “They have already endorsed my opponent,” he said.

When asked how he compares to Erickson, Goldsmith didn’t bite. “I’ll leave it to the voters to compare us,” he said. “I’m running a positive campaign on my experience and ideas.”

Goldsmith is from Beverly Hills. First-time candidate. Harvard undergrad, Stanford Law. Spent a decade-plus as a political commentator at CBS News, Yahoo News, and CNN — he’s the guy who produced the Katie Couric-Sarah Palin interview. He’s raised more than $2 million in the SD-24 race, more than any of the other 13 candidates.

Goldsmith told WEHOonline back in February that West Hollywood means something to him personally. “West Hollywood is arguably the capital of LGBTQ America, and I take that very seriously,” he said. “I take very personally the responsibility to be an ally to this community in the state legislature.”

We caught up with Goldsmith Wednesday afternoon and asked him what he’d do for West Hollywood first if elected. “West Hollywood is an incredible city, but it’s expensive to live and work here,” he said. “I’d help small businesses and restaurants — and the families and jobs they support — stay here by doing a comprehensive review of the state regulations, fees, and permitting that are driving up costs. Then I’d try to pass legislation simplifying the system so it’s easier, cheaper, and faster to get things done.“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Brian spent years advising other candidates, including Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign. Running himself, he said, is different. “Now I have a lot more sympathy for the candidate,” he said. “It’s different when your name is on the ballot, when the questions are about you.”

He called Meister’s support meaningful.

“So honored to have the support of Lauren Meister, a bold and courageous community leader and Councilmember,” he said. “No one has been stronger protecting the LGBTQ community.”

We asked Goldsmith Wednesday what made this the right moment to run. “We’re getting squeezed on both sides — Trump has weaponized Washington against us, and Sacramento has failed to deliver the results that our residents expect,” Goldsmith said. “I never planned to run for office but this moment demands that all of us step up to do something. It’s more important than ever that folks in elective office can do two things at once: defend our state from MAGA…and produce better outcomes on affordability, clean and safe streets, public education, and more.”

The SD-24 primary is June 2.