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Dan Janjigian
Dan Janjigian (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 31st Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2020.
Janjigian completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2020
See also: Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2020
Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)
Texas' 31st Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Texas District 31
Incumbent John Carter defeated Donna Imam, Clark Patterson, and Jonathan Scott in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 31 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | John Carter (R) | 53.4 | 212,695 |
 | Donna Imam (D) | 44.3 | 176,293 | |
 | Clark Patterson (L)  | 2.2 | 8,922 | |
 | Jonathan Scott (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 147 | |
| Total votes: 398,057 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jeremy Bravo (Independent)
- Moshe Schrauth (Independent)
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31
Donna Imam defeated Christine Eady Mann in the Democratic primary runoff for U.S. House Texas District 31 on July 14, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Donna Imam | 56.6 | 21,026 |
 | Christine Eady Mann | 43.4 | 16,109 | |
| Total votes: 37,135 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Christine Eady Mann | 34.7 | 24,145 |
| ✔ | | Donna Imam | 30.7 | 21,352 |
 | Tammy Young | 14.3 | 9,956 | |
| Michael Grimes (Unofficially withdrew) | 10.8 | 7,542 | ||
 | Eric Hanke | 5.9 | 4,117 | |
 | Dan Janjigian | 3.6 | 2,471 | |
| Total votes: 69,583 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Murray Holcomb (D)
- Omar Kadir (D)
- Jon Curtis (D)
- Roderick Kutch (D)
- Jeremiah Landin (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31
Incumbent John Carter defeated Mike Williams, Christopher Wall, and Abhiram Garapati in the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | John Carter | 82.3 | 53,070 |
 | Mike Williams | 8.6 | 5,560 | |
 | Christopher Wall | 4.9 | 3,155 | |
 | Abhiram Garapati | 4.2 | 2,717 | |
| Total votes: 64,502 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- John Bohlin (R)
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31
Clark Patterson advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 31 on March 21, 2020.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Clark Patterson (L) |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign themes
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Dan Janjigian completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Janjigian's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Healthcare reform Climate Change Immigration
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Healthcare - I've worked in Healthcare / Insurance for over 15 years, and in that time, I've worked individually with over 15K families, which has given me a very unique insight into what families actually go through when they deal with health care catastrophes. I've helped thousands of people navigate the system as it currently is laid out, and have never stopped being shocked as to how the system doesn't hold up to what my clients are being sold. My primary reason for running is to add a real perspective to the healthcare reform discussion, and ultimate help sculpt a system that will work for everyone.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I'm a big fan of Richard Branson and Jeff Rogers. Most people know Richard, but not Jeff. Richard is best known as the entrepreneur who started all the "Virgin" companies (Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, etc). What he's lesser known for is the charitable work that he's done around the world. Richard doesn't just throw money at areas that need it, he uses his money to educate the people in those under-served areas to create long term solutions. Jeff Rogers is a long time mentor of mine, and the CEO of One Accord in Bellevue, Washington. He's one of the most moral/successful people I've ever met, and just one of the best overall people and family men. Both of these men live life to the fullest, not just being great family and business men, but also pursue life to the fullest (between the two of them they drive race cars, kite-board, sail, hot air balloon race, etc, etc). Absolutely inspiring in all aspects of their lives.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I love the book, Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek. What really appealed to me in that book, from a Political end, were his thoughts as to why politics has become so partisan, especially within the House. He speaks to the fact that years ago, members would live in DC and travel to their Districts, not the other way around. Why this was effective was because, even though they would't always philosophically agree on everything, because their lives, their kids lives, their church lives, etc were so intertwined, there was a mutual respect that would open discussions. Back during that time, it wasn't about "winning" when it came to policy, it was about working together to get our the best policy for the people, and trading off who would get the credit. That's a space we need to get back to as a country.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I personally think what public officials have lost, is the connection to the people. It seems that public office has become a career for most politicians, as opposed to a calling. The Founding Fathers envisioned the House and Senate being representatives of the People. They'd represent, and then they'd go back to their "pre-politics" careers. Now you have officials that will be in office for decades at a time. How connected can you be after you've been a congressman for 40 years? How do you understand healthcare when your isn't the same as everyone elses? Politicians have to vote to limit terms in all offices (not just the presidency). They need to focus on the peoples needs, and they need to reform campaign laws so that lobbys and PAC's don't keep them from voting the nations conscience.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Simply put, I've spent my entire career working to bring people together. Whether it's in a sales situation, coaching, my family, etc, what has to happen in politics is a group of people that are willing to have conversations to get things accomplished. Divisive governance may rally groups to you, but it doesn't create long term growth, or really move anything forward.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To represent the wants of the people in your district on a local and national stage.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would love to be involved in healthcare reform that will create a long term solution for my district, state and nation. Something that will allow them to set aside the current stress they have for premium payments, and if they're "really" covered, and let them focus on putting their money into the things that will really make their lives better. I'd also like to reform how the government works, and make fundamental lasting change from the inside out. Term limits, regulated campaigns, the abolishment of gerrymandering, and a way to bring all participants to the table for real change.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Probably the most significant event I remember in my childhood was the explosion of the space shuttle. I was in school at the time, and remember my teacher, Mrs Nichols, not knowing what to say. I couldn't tell if it was real, or just a television show, but that led to some really big discussions at home with my parents. My Mom shared with me where she was when JFK was shot, and it was an odd connection that really bound us together at a time that the country was in shock.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job that I remember was selling newspapers and stationary around my neighborhood. I remember wanting to make "my own" money, and seeing a couple of different opportunities on the back of my comic books (no, I'm not kidding!) I sent in my info and went to work. My Mom actually still has some of the personalized stationary I sold back then. My first "real" job was working in my parents restaurant, the Armenian Gourmet. I did everything from hosting, bussing tables, working in the kitchen helping prep, dishwashing, etc. If was an amazing education on the amount of work and dedication it takes to build anything and do it well. I had many a morning where I'd get up with my Dad at 6:45am, get the hummus ready with him, head out to buy the produce and meat for the restaurant, and not come back until well after 10pm. I did it on and off, but he did it for over 40 years. Great example to be around.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I guess the most "awkward" date I had was with a girl I'd actually dated for quite a while prior to the date. We were out, and I'd tried to let her know as softly as I could that I didn't think that things were working out and it'd probably be best to break up. Anyone knows how awkward that alone could be, but that wasn't the really awkward part... I had driven, so on my way to drive her home, she opened the car door as I was going through an intersection, jumped/rolled out of the car, and ran off (to my front door, I found out later)... Yes, Awkward!
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I love Halloween. Absolutely love it. My kids look forward to it all year, we decorate the entire house, and everyone is excited and in a great mood. There's no stress about finding the "perfect presents," it's not nearly as marketed as every other Holiday, and it's generally just a lot of fun. I also love any Holiday that allows us the additional excuse to get the entire family together, but Halloween is definitely the most fun.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I love books, so I'll go with the first one that came to mind - A Separate Peace. I read it the first time in High School, and I've read it several times since. It's historical, deals with jealousy, insecurity, regret, war, and is really the first book of "depth" I remember picking up.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Is Michael Jordan fictional? ;-)
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My kids - They've always got something going on, and as much as I'm sure I drive them nuts, they absolutely re-energize me.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Life's Been Good To Me So Far - Joe Walsh
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Physical damage I've done to my body over the years. After years and years of sports and athletics, I've had 4 knee surgeries, 3 shoulder surgeries, fractured my back, etc, etc. Every surgery has taken more recovery time, and I spend a lot of time making sure to keep myself as healthy as possible. I'm still incredibly active playing ultimate frisbee weekly, as well as karate and the gym, but the damage is definitely there!
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Redistricting should be done by a bi-partisan group within the state of both the major parties. When districts are drawn, they should be as close as possible to the existing county lines, and should attempt to equally include rural and non rural areas, if possible.
What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The House is a fantastic representation of the country as a whole because the number of districts are based on population (as opposed to the Senate which is just based on being a recognized state). In a perfect world, if every House member truly represented their districts as they'd want to be represented, there's no greater body of government to do that.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
No - As a matter of fact, they really shouldn't have any background, or very little. Members should be representatives of the people, and hopefully have a strong understanding of the platforms they're most passionate about. Those mainly happen in "real life situations," not in the Halls of Congress.
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Dealing with Healthcare costs, the dwindling of Social Security money that'll be necessary for retiring Americans, and all of that compounded by the average American living longer and longer. This is all compounded by our National Debt growing at an unfathomable rate, and little to no real effort being made to think long term to deal with any of it. As if that wasn't enough, we've already done irreparable harm to the environment, and EVERYONE, even those that don't believe in climate change, can all agree that we like to breath clean air. Long term solutions have to override these short term bragging rights.
If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Anything that deals with healthcare, finance or campaign reform.
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
No, I believe that a Congressman should be elected for a 5 year term, and possible two (but that should be a maximum). 2 years is too short, because you have a member that gets elected, and a year later is campaigning more than legislating. Campaign money plays too big a role.
What are your thoughts on term limits?
They should exist for every level of elected government, including the Supreme Court.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I'd hope that I'd be respected enough, and do a good enough job to be considered for the Speakers Role at some point if it made sense.
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Not any representative in particular.
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
I had a resident that I'd helped through a major heart issue. He'd suffered an unexpected stroke at a very young age, and had no heart issues in his family. The stroke had a very strange onset, and he was lucky it was even caught at all by medical professionals. His admissions to the hospital led to aortic valve surgery, and ICU stay and a long time of recovery. Because of our system as it is, he was left with giant medical bills, but an even larger immediate issue... He owned his own business, with employees. How was he supposed to replace HIMSELF when he was in the hospital for several weeks, and really unable to work effectively for quite a long time after that? We don't realize how vulnerable our lives and careers are until we're hit with something like that, and unfortunately it's nearly impossible to even insure yourself for every situation. This is a resident that did everything "right." He wasn't abusing or taking advantage of the system, but the bottom line is that the system massively failed him anyway. This type of issue is unfortunately extremely common, and we need to make it the exception, not the norm.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
