This is how I will serve our district if elected — it is the heart of my non-partisan campaign.
A typical congressional district — and our District 1 in particular — has around 800,000 people of various political views.
The simple idea: Instead of representing only the voters who pick me, I will create a standing Advisory Council, designed to span the full political spectrum in our district. We will listen to one another, understand our disagreements, and reduce the “us vs. them” that divides us.
Most Americans, of every political stripe, are decent and well-meaning. We are pitted against each other by forces that thrive on division and bare-majority rule. Our single-representative-per-district system (and gerrymandering) won’t change soon, but we can work with and past it. This Council is my practical way to give every voice real representation.
How it works
- The Council has about 20 members who, as a group, cover the broadest feasible range of political views in CA-1.
- I meet with the Council regularly (monthly) to discuss issues that arise, and to report back fully on what is happening in Congress.
- The Council may also meet on its own whenever members wish.
- Discussions are civil, with strict time limits for uninterrupted speaking. The goal is not forced agreement, but genuine listening — understanding where and why we disagree.
- I will bring all viewpoints forward in Congress (floor statements, letters, committee input, public reports).
- Council members remain available to the broader district, so any constituent can easily connect with someone closer to their own perspective.
Selection – fully open and transparent
- Anyone in the district can volunteer or be nominated.
- Applicants self-identify their political views using broad, practical categories we will refine together.
- Within each category, applicants will select their own representatives for the Council.
This Council will foster real understanding, demystify the legislative process, and reduce the suspicion many feel toward their neighbors. It will turn “representation” into something concrete and inclusive — for our entire district, not just one side.
Pilot Council – launching now
During the primary I will recruit 5–10 people for a Pilot Council. It won’t cover every viewpoint perfectly, but it will include representatives from most parties, plus No Party Preference (NPP) voters.
This Pilot will test and improve the model before the full Council begins if I am elected.
If you are interested in joining the Pilot Council, apply here: