Both of the candidates running in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election for California’s 30th Congressional District — Alex Balekian (R) and Laura Friedman (D) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Balekian:
“I perceive one of the greatest challenges facing the United States over the next decade to be the deep-seated political division that currently pervades our society. …
It’s alarming that political allegiance is taking precedence over the common good of the American people. This type of division doesn’t just undermine the function of our government; it erodes the social fabric of our nation. …
One potential solution to this problem is inviting more political outsiders into the arena, individuals who aren’t entrenched in the partisan politics that dominate our current system. …
… we must prioritize bridging our political divide and fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect. We must remember that we’re all striving towards a shared goal – building a stronger, more unified America.”
Friedman:
“The growing gap between rich and poor and the disempowerment of individuals is a huge challenge, and a focus in my legislative work. Far too often the needs of workers and ordinary people are put secondary to the profits of big corporations. I’ve seen my constituents taken advantage of by landlords, hospital chains, their employers, online ticket sellers. The polluters keep polluting, with all of us paying the price. This has resulted in homelessness, misery, poverty and a sense of cynicism and disenfranchisement. Simply put, people don’t believe that the government or our political system is set up to work for them, and that is a danger to Democracy.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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