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Emanuel Gonzales
Emanuel Gonzales (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 32nd Congressional District. He lost in the primary on March 3, 2020.
Gonzales completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Gonzales attended Boston University and Pennsylvania State University. His career experience includes working as a healthcare professional specializing in kidney dialysis.[1]
Elections
2020
See also: California's 32nd Congressional District election, 2020
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 32
Incumbent Grace Napolitano defeated Joshua Scott in the general election for U.S. House California District 32 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Grace Napolitano (D) | 66.6 | 172,942 |
 | Joshua Scott (R) | 33.4 | 86,818 | |
| Total votes: 259,760 | |||
 = 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 32
Incumbent Grace Napolitano and Joshua Scott defeated Emanuel Gonzales and Meshal Kashifalghita in the primary for U.S. House California District 32 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Grace Napolitano (D) | 51.7 | 60,011 |
| ✔ | | Joshua Scott (R) | 28.2 | 32,707 |
 | Emanuel Gonzales (D) | 12.5 | 14,475 | |
 | Meshal Kashifalghita (D) | 7.7 | 8,958 | |
| Total votes: 116,151 | |||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Mary Ann Lutz (D)
- Andre Quintero (D)
- Raul Madrigal (D)
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Emanuel Gonzales completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gonzales' responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Medicare For All and healthcare reform G.I Bill Reform and Veterans Affairs Immigration Reform
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Ending G.I. Bill restrictions to ensure no veteran is denied the ability to imrpove their future. This means beginning by ending the G.I. Bill expiration date and expanding mental health services. Legalizing Marijuana and using tax revenue to fund education and public works programs in areas hit hard by the "War on Drugs." Also, ending the federal prohibition and giving access to cannabis veterans via Marijuana dispenseries inside V.A. hospitals and clinics. Ensuring all people have access to quality healthcare and paving the way for a national health service free at the point of need. Holding large corporations accountable for paying their fair share and making it difficult for them to game the system.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Urie Bronfrenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. This theory outlines societies influence on children and their development. I have used thhis model to understand how policy at all levels will effect everyday people.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
"Bitter Medicine" by Christopher Hitchens
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Diligence, focused, committed, and moral conviction.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I work hard and endlessly when it comes to my work in healthcare and activism in healthcare reform. I am diligent and always put all my effort in a cause I know will improve the lives of everyday people.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibilities of an elected official are to always be accountable to the constituents, be honest, and always put others before any personal gain.
What legacy would you like to leave?
The legacy I would like to one day leave behind is one that always put people first. A lagacy that ensures people have the right to high quality healthcare, a profound education, and the ability for parents to give their children a brighter future.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
World Trade Center Attacks on September 11, 2001. I was nine years old and I remember waking up for school. I turned the television on to see the smoke coming from the building and people jumping.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first official job was as a tutor and coach for Upward Bound while attending college in Boston. Very rewarding to see students grow and first generation students be accepted into college.
What happened on your most awkward date?
Girl turned out to be inslamophobic and very racist. Conversation was very awkward after her rant blaming Muslims for ruining the United States.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite holiday is Labor Day. It is inspiring to see people from all walks of life come together in solidarity to celebrate working people, as well as organize to demand change and representation for working families.
What is your favorite book? Why?
"Orientalism' by Edward Said. This book was introduced to me by a college professor and changed my entire way of thinking about the world. It also inspired me to. later travel to North Africa and visit parts of the Middle East.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
John-117, also known as the Master Chief.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
I like the library. It's a nice little space to sit and think while drinking coffee or tea.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Elevate by St. Lucia
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
A struggle in my life has been my dad living with End Stage Renal Disease for twenty two years, and having to receive dialysis three times a week. Since I was five years old, my dad has lived with kidney failure and my mom has been the bread winner of the family. His disease has brought about many uncertainties and when we had the Financial Crisis in 2007-2008, my mom lost her. We experienced homelessness, and like so many Americans, struggled to get back on our feet. It's not easy watching parents struggle or feel that they failed to give a brighter future for their children. That is why I am running for Congress. To make sure banks and corporations are responsibile and can't rip off working people.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Adopting elements of Proportional Representation would be a good start. This will ensure fairness and increase voter turnout.
What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The House of Representatives sets the rules on how legislation is passed. When there is a new Congress, the rules can change and the Rules Committee can pass new rules to carve the course of debate. This makes the House unique in its own way.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
Having previous experience in government and politics is benefitial, but I do not believe it is necessary nor does it determine if a person will be a elected official.
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Expanding healthcare coverage and climate change. It will not be easy to fight big corporations that profit off illness. For climate change, the issue will impact not only the United States at a domestic level, but also foreign policy and world affairs. Climate change brings about drought, scarcity, and increased human suffering. Climate change will impact world trade due to rising sea levels and create a rise in extremist groups that will prey on those suffering from thhe effects.
If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
The House Committee on Energy
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
I believe two year terms are enough time. Though short, it pushes members to get to work and to be diligent on behalf of those they represent.
What are your thoughts on term limits?
Though term limits can seem appealing, I do not think it is necessary. Becoming a good law maker takes time and some districts around the country love their representative. I think taking big money out of politics should be the focus when it comes to reform.
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Before becoming President of the United States, Lyndon Johnson served as a member of Congress. Despite the fierce criticism for Vietnam and personal matters, Johnson was a hard worker and worked tirelessly to mondernize his district in Texas. His diligence and hahrd work is something to mimic as a leader.
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?
Hearing stories from healthcare workers being laid off because the corporations want to save money. And the patients having to deal with cuts in care, short staffing, and rising healthcare costs; all while corporate executives are making millions each year and granting themselves bonuses. Hearing my constituents saying they don't feel safe at their dialysis clinics because companies would rather earn more in profit, rather than safely staff clinics is sad. Meeting family members whose loved ones died due to poor care is heart breaking. This is why I am running, to be a voice for these people and hold hhealthcare providers accountable.
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
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 25, 2019
