What first inspired you to get involved in advocacy?

Being invited as a NextGen attendee to Washington, D.C., was my first introduction to automotive advocacy. The experience allowed me to understand that advocacy is necessary to ensure that new car dealers’ concerns are addressed, particularly with so many other groups operating within the same space. 

Was there a specific moment or issue that made you want to get involved?

The enforceability of employer arbitration agreements was my first involvement in advocacy. As an attorney, the impact of this issue resonated with me.

What’s been your most rewarding moment when it comes to advocacy?

The most rewarding moment was receiving the governor’s signature on the franchise bill AB 473 (2023), as I knew how much effort and time CNCDA staff put into the issue. 

What tips would you give someone just starting out or wanting to get more involved in advocacy?

I would suggest attending Dealer Day*, as it is an eye-opening experience to see the importance of individual meetings with legislators from your district. One meeting can have a significant impact on a very important issue, as legislators highly value feedback from their constituents.
* Editor’s note: Dealer Day 2026 will take place in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

I would also suggest finding opportunities to meet with your elected officials. Meet and greets, in-district events and hosting legislators at your dealership are all very effective ways to engage and get to know them better. I also find supporting their campaigns with a contribution to be an invaluable relationship-building tool. They never forget your support, and it shows that we are allies who believe in and appreciate their work. If you ever have any questions about doing any of these things, I encourage you to reach out to Kenton Stanhope, CNCDA Director of Government Affairs, at kstanhope@cncda.org.

Based on your experience, what do you think are some easy ways to stay engaged and make a difference?

In addition to attending Dealer Day, I recommend CNCDA webinars and in-person meetings, which often cover pending issues that can have a significant impact on our industry and business. As such, these insights can open avenues for members to become personally engaged and make a difference. 

Another easy way to participate is by taking action when you receive an advocacy alert from CNCDA. These alerts focus on proposed legislation that have major impacts on our industry, both good and bad. By taking a moment to click “send” on these alerts, you ensure your voice is heard in Sacramento and demonstrate that you are engaged on the issues that matter most to your dealership.