Brian Tetrud
Brian Tetrud (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 15th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Tetrud completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Brian Tetrud was born in Palo Alto, California. He graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in 2010 and a graduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2024. His career experience includes working as a CEO. He has been affiliated with Finless Foods and Ladera Foods.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: California's 15th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House California District 15
Incumbent Kevin Mullin, Mantosh Kumar, and Brian Tetrud are running in the general election for U.S. House California District 15 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Kevin Mullin (D) | |
| Mantosh Kumar (D) | ||
 | Brian Tetrud (D)  | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brian Tetrud completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Tetrud's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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You may know Brian as the founder of Ladera, a company he launched 14 years ago with his mother’s family recipe. What began as his mother’s family granola recipe has since grown into a nationally recognized brand. From there, Brian dedicated his career to investing in and advancing breakthrough technologies across food, biotechnology, and now artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Brian’s entry into public service is a natural extension of his lifelong drive to challenge outdated systems and push for bold, thoughtful innovation. He believes that America, as the world’s leading superpower, should serve as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and hope—not just for its own people, but for the world.
Yet, for many, that vision feels increasingly out of reach. Despite our nation’s extraordinary wealth, homelessness and incarceration are rising, while education outcomes and life expectancy decline. Meanwhile, reckless policies on mass deportation and foreign intervention are fueling instability and resentment both at home and abroad.- Make Bribery Illegal
I am running because I believe it is unacceptable for our congressional representatives to be bought out governments.
Our political representatives vote to suppress free speech and continue conflicts around the world because it benefits them. Our current house representative, Kevin Mullin has received over $700,000 from the Israel lobby for his votes for continued warfare and suppression of free speech.
85% of Americans believe money in politics is the biggest threat to democracy. Special interests control our government and this needs to be fixed. Campaign finance reform is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that elected officials are responsive to their constituents, not to the highest bidder. - Immigration Reform About 1 million immigrants come into the country legally each year, and another 200,000 are unauthorized. First generation immigrants are among the hardest working people in this country - many have endured and escaped extreme hardship that Americans can hardly fathom. However, the process for immigrants to obtain and maintain authorization to be here has been a mess for decades. We need a compassionate, secure pathway to legal immigration and citizenship that reflects our values and economic needs. That is why I support The Dignity Act which would reduce visa backlogs, reform how children and families of immigrants are treated, reform the asylum process, and improve border security.
- Healthcare The United States spends more on healthcare per person than any other country in the world by a wide margin, yet, we have the lowest life expectancy in the G7. We pay higher premiums, more for drugs and more for hospital care. Basic universal healthcare will lead to better outcomes and less expensive care. Early checkups, vaccines, and interventions save lives and money - without access and affordable care, treatment options become more expensive and less effective. Expanding Medicare access will improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare spending.
Healthcare Reform - Expanding Medicare access will improve health outcomes and reduce overall healthcare spending.
Immigration Reform - We need a compassionate pathway to citizenship
Campaign Finance Reform - Special interest groups control our government and this needs to be fixed.
Homelessness - The homeless epidemic is growing with no sign of resolution. California is the wealthiest state in our country yet 200,000 people are left on the streets. Our unhoused community deserves a new deal.
I look up to Ron Paul for his ability to stand up to his own party and fight for a balanced budget, reduced inflation, and non-interventionist foreign policy.
I look up to Bill Clinton for actually balancing the budget, strengthening alliances abroad, and signing NAFTA.
Most of all, I look up to George Washington. He had the power to become king but decided on democracy. His strength allowed our country to be what it has become. We need to look back in time to reflect on the values and principles our country was founded on: liberty, individual responsibility, limited government, and the idea that government exists to serve the people, not the other way around. These ideals remind us that freedom, opportunity, and justice must guide our laws, policies, and leadership today.
Why are some of the wealthiest counties in our country clustered around Washington, D.C.? Why are nearly all of our congressional representatives now millionaires?
Abraham Lincoln famously said at Gettysburg, “the great task remaining before us [is to] highly resolve that … government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Today, that vision is under threat. In 2024 alone, over $4.5 billion was spent on lobbying in the U.S., and a Princeton study found that the preferences of 90% of Americans are ignored by Congress — only the interests of economic elites and special interest groups shape legislation.
If we want a government truly of the people, by the people, and for the people, our elected officials must be protected from the corrupting influence of money. We need to Make Bribery Illegal Again — enforce strict campaign finance reform, limit lobbyist influence, and ensure that public service is driven by duty, not dollars.
Elected officials must put the interests of their constituents first, crafting, supporting, and advancing legislation that improves the lives of everyday people — not corporations, lobbyists, or foreign actors. True representation means listening to the community, understanding their needs, and turning those priorities into action in Congress. It’s about ensuring that government works for the people it serves, rather than for the wealthy or well-connected.
I am bringing my values to congress. I want a balanced budget, non-interventionist foreign policy, education that makes us smarter, and healthcare that we can afford.
This date is a constant reminder that our decisions abroad have implications at home. We can't go around the world committing atrocities and expecting no retaliation. Many innocent people died because of our encroachment on the freedoms and the occupation of countries in the middle east on behalf of Israel. This needs to stop!
Over the years I managed bookkeeping, sales support, facility tours, logistics support for events. I was a music teacher (violin and piano performance), athletics trainer (tennis, weight lifting, and Brazilian Ju-Jistu), and staff trainer.
The House also has distinctive constitutional powers: it originates all revenue and spending bills and holds the sole power of impeachment, making it central to fiscal policy and government oversight. Its large membership—435 representatives—encourages specialization through committees and fosters a dynamic, fast-moving legislative environment.
However, experience isn’t everything. Fresh perspectives from people outside traditional politics can challenge entrenched interests, bring innovation, and reconnect Congress with everyday concerns. The ideal balance is a mix of seasoned legislators who understand the system and newcomers who question it — combining institutional knowledge with new energy to keep government both effective and responsive.
Our national debt is reaching unsustainable levels — currently, 20% of government expenditures go just to service interest. Continually spending more than we take in threatens economic stability and risks eventual bankruptcy. Responsible fiscal policy is critical to protect future generations.
War and Foreign Policy
Over the past 30 years, unnecessary military interventions have created enemies and strained resources. The U.S. must resolve conflicts with other major powers through diplomacy and cooperation, not by acting as the world’s police. Strategic engagement, not endless warfare, is key to national security.
Education
Our global leadership depends on intellectual capital. Declining education outcomes threaten innovation and competitiveness. We must invest in quality education, equitable access, and workforce development to ensure the U.S. remains a leading power.
Healthcare
Every American should be able to afford basic healthcare coverage. It is unacceptable that we pay multiples more than other developed nations. We must reduce the influence of biopharma and hospital lobbying so that medical progress benefits all citizens, not just corporate profits.
Economic Inequality
On the other hand, two years is a very short time to legislate effectively. Representatives often spend much of their term fundraising and campaigning, leaving less time for long-term policymaking or bipartisan collaboration.
Many congressional leaders today are removed from the long-term consequences of their decisions — they will not personally experience the impacts of investments in infrastructure, education reform, or reductions in national debt. Meanwhile, prolonged tenure increases exposure to lobbying, special interests, and opportunities for personal gain, undermining public trust. Term limits help ensure that government remains accountable, forward-looking, and aligned with the needs of the people, rather than the ambitions of career politicians.
Her ability to build consensus across divides, stay grounded in her values, and communicate complex issues clearly makes her a model for any representative seeking to balance responsiveness to constituents with long-term, principled policymaking. Emulating those qualities would help ensure decisions are both ethical and impactful.
One constituent stands out to me: an immigrant working multiple entry-level jobs while caring for an elderly parent. She shared the stress of navigating healthcare, unpredictable work hours, and the constant fear of losing her home — all while trying to provide stability for her family. She asked me, simply, how I could make her life easier.
Her story made it clear that healthcare reform is not optional. A lapse in coverage or a single accident could mean financial ruin for many hardworking families — just for the basic right to stay alive. Protecting workers in the workplace and ensuring fair compensation is equally critical.
However, compromise should be principled, not a surrender of core values. It works best when grounded in evidence, transparency, and mutual respect, allowing differing perspectives to shape policies that serve the common good. Many historic achievements — from civil rights legislation to economic reforms — were the result of thoughtful compromise that balanced ideals with practical action.
Equally important, I would use this power to advance campaign finance reform, ensuring that elections and policymaking are driven by constituents, not by wealthy donors or foreign interests. By limiting the influence of foreign lobbies and enforcing transparency in political contributions, we can protect the integrity of our democratic process.
These powers must be exercised objectively and transparently, without partisan bias, to maintain public trust. By gathering facts, holding hearings, and producing actionable reports, the House can guide effective legislation, correct abuses, and prevent future misconduct.
Israel has the right to exist, but not at the expense of the whole Middle East. There is so much rich culture and so many great people living in this region and they all deserve to live a full life.
Regulation and Oversight: Establish clear safety, privacy, and ethical standards to prevent misuse of AI, protect personal data, and ensure fairness.
Research and Innovation: Fund basic and applied AI research, support public-private partnerships, and ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive while prioritizing public benefit.
Workforce and Economic Policy: Prepare workers for AI-driven changes by investing in education, reskilling programs, and initiatives that reduce economic displacement.
National Security and Public Safety: Ensure AI is deployed responsibly in critical infrastructure, defense, and public services while mitigating risks like autonomous weapons or biased algorithms.
International Leadership: Promote global cooperation on AI ethics, standards, and governance to prevent misuse and ensure that AI benefits humanity broadly.
Election Security and Integrity: I would support measures like the Protect American Election Administration Act of 2023 (H.R. 2934), which aims to prevent private entities from funding state-administered federal elections, thereby reducing the risk of external influence and ensuring that election processes are publicly funded and accountable.
Voter Access and Participation: I would advocate for legislation that expands access to voting, such as enhancing early voting options, implementing automatic voter registration, and ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots without unnecessary obstacles.
Campaign Finance Reform: I would work towards reducing the influence of money in politics by supporting reforms that increase transparency in campaign financing, limit the impact of dark money, and ensure that elections are decided by voters, not by the wealthiest donors.
Protection of Election Workers: I would support federal measures to protect election officials and workers from threats and harassment, ensuring that they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
Combating Foreign Interference: I would advocate for stronger safeguards against foreign interference in U.S. elections, including enhanced cybersecurity measures and stricter regulations on foreign lobbying and influence.
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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
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2025
