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Benito Bernal
Benito Bernal (Republican Party) (also known as Benny) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 29th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
Benito Bernal was born in Los Angeles, California. Bernal graduated from San Fernando High School. Bernal's career experience includes working as a school bus driver and supervisor of the Los Angeles Unified School District.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: California's 29th Congressional District election, 2024
California's 29th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 29
Luz Maria Rivas defeated Benito Bernal in the general election for U.S. House California District 29 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Luz Maria Rivas (D) | 69.8 | 146,312 |
 | Benito Bernal (R) | 30.2 | 63,374 | |
| Total votes: 209,686 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 29
Luz Maria Rivas and Benito Bernal defeated Angélica María Dueñas in the primary for U.S. House California District 29 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Luz Maria Rivas (D) | 49.3 | 40,096 |
| ✔ | | Benito Bernal (R) | 26.4 | 21,446 |
 | Angélica María Dueñas (D) | 24.4 | 19,844 | |
| Total votes: 81,386 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Endorsements
Bernal received the following endorsements.
Pledges
Bernal signed the following pledges.
2020
See also: City elections in Los Angeles, California (2020)
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Los Angeles City Council District 6
Incumbent Nury Martinez won election outright against Benito Bernal and Bill Haller in the primary for Los Angeles City Council District 6 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Nury Martinez (Nonpartisan) | 71.8 | 21,126 |
| Benito Bernal (Nonpartisan) | 15.6 | 4,580 | |
 | Bill Haller (Nonpartisan) | 12.6 | 3,698 | |
| Total votes: 29,404 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 29
Incumbent Tony Cárdenas defeated Benito Bernal in the general election for U.S. House California District 29 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Tony Cárdenas (D) | 80.6 | 124,697 |
| Benito Bernal (R) | 19.4 | 29,995 | |
| Total votes: 154,692 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 29
Incumbent Tony Cárdenas and Benito Bernal defeated Joseph Shammas, Angélica María Dueñas, and Juan Rey in the primary for U.S. House California District 29 on June 5, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tony Cárdenas (D) | 66.7 | 43,579 |
| ✔ | | Benito Bernal (R) | 17.4 | 11,353 |
 | Joseph Shammas (D) | 8.1 | 5,278 | |
| Angélica María Dueñas (G) | 6.4 | 4,164 | |
 | Juan Rey (Independent) | 1.4 | 944 | |
| Total votes: 65,318 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2016
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Tony Cardenas (D) defeated Richard Alarcon (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Cardenas and Alarcon defeated Benito Bernal (D), David Guzman (D), and Joseph Shammas (D) in the top-two primary on June 7, 2016.[2][3][4]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Tony Cardenas Incumbent |
74.7% | 128,407 | |
| Democratic | Richard Alarcon | 25.3% | 43,417 | |
| Total Votes | 171,824 | |||
| Source: California Secretary of State | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |
Tony Cardenas Incumbent |
61.4% | 58,616 | |
| Democratic | Richard Alarcon |
13% | 12,397 | |
| Democratic | Joseph Shammas | 11.4% | 10,847 | |
| Democratic | Benito Bernal | 10.5% | 10,006 | |
| Democratic | David Guzman | 3.8% | 3,654 | |
| Total Votes | 95,520 | |||
| Source: California Secretary of State |
||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Benito Bernal did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Bernal’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
National Security The United States is breaking records and not in a good way. Our nation faces an unprecedented surge in illegal migration, an influx of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, child and human trafficking, and the mass migration of militants from conflict-ridden regions including China, Russia, and various Middle Eastern countries. These alarming trends pose severe threats to our national security, public health, and social stability, yet they are being exacerbated by politicians who choose to ignore essential border law enforcement policies. Unprecedented Surge in Illegal Migration. Illegal migration into the United States has reached historic levels, straining our border security and overwhelming immigration infrastructure. The current administration’s lax approach to border enforcement has resulted in a weak border, allowing millions of undocumented individuals to enter the country. This not only undermines the rule of law but also creates significant security risks, as insufficient vetting has enabled criminals and terrorists to exploit our immigration system. Influx of Fentanyl and Other Dangerous Drugs The influx of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into the United States has fueled a devastating opioid crisis, claiming tens of thousands of lives annually. Much of this deadly fentanyl is trafficked across our southern border by ruthless cartels. Despite this clear and present danger, our political leaders have failed to take decisive action to secure our borders and disrupt these criminal networks. Strong border enforcement is crucial to intercepting these drugs and protecting American communities from this lethal scourge. Child and Human Trafficking The scourge of child and human trafficking is another grave consequence of our current border policies. Vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied minors, are exploited by traffickers who prey on their desperation. The lack of robust border security measures has facilitated the rise of these heinous activities, putting countless lives at risk and perpetuating cycles of abuse and exploitation. We must prioritize the protection of the most vulnerable by enforcing our laws and dismantling trafficking networks. Mass Migration of Militants The mass migration of militants from conflict-ridden regions such as China, Russia, and the Middle East presents a dire national security threat. Our porous borders and inadequate vetting processes have created opportunities for hostile actors to infiltrate our country. These individuals may harbor malicious intentions, seeking to carry out attacks or engage in espionage. To safeguard our homeland, we must implement stringent border security measures and enhance our intelligence capabilities to detect and neutralize these threats. Political Inaction and Its Consequences The inaction of politicians who choose to ignore border law enforcement policies is a significant factor exacerbating these crises. By failing to enforce existing laws and implement effective security measures, they have allowed these threats to escalate. It is imperative that our leaders prioritize national security and the well-being of American citizens over partisan politics. We must hold them accountable and demand that they take the necessary steps to secure our borders and protect our nation. Our Veterans Veterans have made immense sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the support and services they deserve. As a younger brother of two that served our country, I firmly believe in the importance of honoring our veterans through concrete actions and policies that address their needs effectively. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 22 veterans commit suicide each day Here are four key areas where we can make a significant difference: 1. We Need More Veteran Service Officers Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) play a crucial role in assisting veterans with accessing benefits and services. However, many areas lack an adequate number of these dedicated professionals, leading to long wait times and insufficient support for veterans in need. Increasing the number of VSOs will ensure that veterans receive timely assistance and have knowledgeable advocates to guide them through the often complex process of securing their benefits. 2. More Efficient and Simple Processing for Services The process for obtaining veteran services and benefits can be cumbersome and slow, often leaving veterans frustrated and without the support they require. Streamlining these procedures and implementing more efficient systems will help veterans access their benefits faster and with less hassle. Simplified processing not only benefits veterans but also reduces administrative burdens, leading to a more effective and responsive support system. 3. Mental Health Reintegration Many veterans are unaware of the full range of services and benefits available to them upon discharge. This lack of information can prevent them from accessing vital resources that can significantly improve their quality of life. Providing comprehensive and easily accessible information about available services and benefits is essential. This can be achieved through better communication channels, educational programs, and proactive outreach efforts to ensure that every veteran is fully informed. 4. Access to More Local Services Veterans should not have to travel long distances to access the services they need. By expanding local services and facilities, we can ensure that veterans have convenient and immediate access to healthcare, counseling, job training, and other essential support. Investing in local infrastructure and partnerships with community organizations will create a more robust network of services that are easily accessible to veterans in their own communities Education Over the past 40 years, my family and I have used sports as a means to keep young adults away from gangs and drugs. We have trained them at the highest level to compete in front of Division I and Division II schools to achieve scholarships, enabling low- to middle-income families to send their children to higher education. Preserving The Family In today’s challenging times, it is more important than ever to protect the nuclear family, which is the foundation of our society. I stand firmly in support of parental rights and the vital role that families play in shaping the future of our nation. Unfortunately, recent actions by Democrats have put these fundamental rights at risk. Bills such as AB 1955 and AB 665, which have been passed and signed into law, are prime examples of how parental authority is being undermined. These laws encroach on the ability of parents to make crucial decisions for their children, eroding the trust and bond within families. AB 1955 and AB 665 are not just legislative measures; they represent a broader agenda that seeks to diminish the role of parents in the upbringing of their children. These laws prioritize governmental control over parental guidance, which can have detrimental effects on our children’s well-being and development. We must stand together to ensure that the rights of parents are protected and that families are supported, not sidelined. It is imperative that we work to repeal these harmful laws and prevent further encroachments on parental authority. By doing so, we can safeguard the future of our children and the strength of our communities. Let us unite in our commitment to uphold the values that make our nation strong. Together, we can preserve the integrity of the nuclear family and defend the rights of parents against overreaching government interference. Housing Under the current administration, we are witnessing the highest inflation in over 40 years. This economic strain has had a profound impact on every American, with one of the most significant challenges being the soaring costs of housing and rent. According to recent data, the median price of a new home has surged to $417,700 in the fourth quarter of 2023, representing a staggering 423% increase over the past four decades (Marketplace). Families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a place to live as prices continue to rise at unprecedented rates. Our communities are suffering, with escalating crime rates and rampant homelessness becoming more and more common. It is clear that the current policies are not working and are, in fact, exacerbating the situation. Reports indicate that homelessness in the U.S. has reached record highs, with California, New York, Florida, and Washington bearing the brunt of this crisis (Truthout). As your candidate, I propose a comprehensive plan to address these pressing issues. We need policies that not only stabilize but also reduce the cost of housing. This involves cutting red tape and streamlining regulations to encourage the construction of new homes, making housing more affordable for everyone. Moreover, we must tackle inflation head-on by adopting fiscal policies that promote economic growth and stability. Reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and fostering a business-friendly environment will help to control inflation and, in turn, bring down housing costs. We also need to address the root causes of homelessness, which often include mental health issues and substance abuse. By investing in mental health services and rehabilitation programs, we can help individuals get back on their feet and reduce the number of people living on the streets. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to affordable, safe housing. A future where our communities are not plagued by crime and homelessness but are thriving and prosperous. It’s time for a change in leadership, and I am ready to bring that change. Protect and Expand Youth Programs Over the past 30 years, many open fields and youth facilities have been neglected, destroyed, or developed to repay special interest supporters under the guise of providing low-income housing or other political agendas. The results of these actions have increased crime and gang activity and have negatively affected children’s mental state, sense of community, and sense of purpose.[5] |
” |
| —Benito Bernal’s campaign website (2024)[6] | ||
2020
Benito Bernal did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2016
The following issues were listed on Bernal's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.
| “ |
|
” |
| —Benito Bernal's campaign website[7] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House California District 29 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Bernal for Congress, "About," accessed February 9, 2024
- ↑ California Secretary of State, "Certified List of Candidates for Voter-Nominated Offices June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election," accessed April 4, 2016
- ↑ The New York Times, "California Primary Results," June 7, 2016
- ↑ California Secretary of State, "Statement of Vote," June 7, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Bernal for Congress, “Issues,” accessed February 9, 2024
- ↑ www.bennybernalforcongress.com, "Home," accessed 2016
