Penny Harrington served as California’s director of legislation for a national public policy organization for 13 years and continues to volunteer as a policy analyst for a pro-life and pro-family coalition in the state. She is passionate about making a difference in support of biblical values and equipping others to do the same. She is very active with the Biblical Citizenship Committee.
There are many important factors to consider when reviewing candidates, but for those with a conservative biblical worldview our highest priorities are essential core values such as the sanctity of life, biblical marriage, sexuality and gender, parental rights, religious liberty, proper role of (and generally smaller) government, and lower taxes so that families and businesses can thrive. Other considerations include electability, character (to the extent that this can be known) and experience.
Judy Fitzgerald’s parents legally immigrated to the United States when she and her eight siblings were very young. Her mother later moved to San Diego with Judy and her three younger siblings where she raised them as a single parent. Judy understands what it means to work hard, pull yourself up, and pursue the American Dream.
Judy began working as a nanny while she was just in high school. She saved enough money to go to attend college before beginning her career as an officer for the Carlsbad and Oceanside Police Departments. She was progressively promoted to higher-ranking positions, going from a patrol officer to senior police officer to detective. During her time in law enforcement, Judy held several specialized assignments, including inter-agency warrant sweeps, juvenile truancy, and community engagement.
In 2009, Judy co-founded a local Escondido small business, Crossfit Xystum Fitness Gym, which grew to serve thousands of local customers and employ 15 employees. In 2019, Judy sold her family business to help care for her elderly father-in-law dealing with advanced Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
Throughout her career, Judy has always made time to give back to the community as a dedicated community volunteer. As a small business owner, Judy supported numerous charitable causes, including the Escondido Police Athletic League, the Wounded Warrior Project, Susan G. Koman 3-day walk, Amber Dubois Foundation, and the San Pasqual Foster Academy.
Since selling the business, Judy has balanced her family commitments with continuing her volunteer service and corporate work, serving on the Board of Directors of Henson’s Fix Auto and previously as the Executive Director of Alternatives Medical Clinic.
Judy has also been an active member of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce since 2015, serving as a member of the Board of Directors and as a President of the Chamber’s Ambassador Program. Judy also has been a leader in the local Escondido Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary Club, Chairing the Human Trafficking Committee and raising funds for local non-profit organizations.