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Joby Bernstein

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Joby Bernstein
Image of Joby Bernstein
Elections and appointments
Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Dartmouth College, 2017

Personal
Birthplace
New York, N.Y.
Religion
Jewish
Profession
Investor
Contact

Joby Bernstein (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 16th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.

Bernstein completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Joby Bernstein was born in New York, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 2017. He also attended Stanford University. His career experience includes working as an investor. He previously worked for the New Hampshire and Vermont state legislatures as a policy researcher in natural resources and economics. He was also involved in efforts with the Utah state legislature to establish a green bank.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: California's 16th Congressional District election, 2024

California's 16th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House California District 16

Sam Liccardo defeated Evan Low in the general election for U.S. House California District 16 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sam Liccardo
Sam Liccardo (D)
 
58.2
 
179,583
Image of Evan Low
Evan Low (D) Candidate Connection
 
41.8
 
128,893

Total votes: 308,476
Candidate Connection = 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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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 16

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 16 on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Sam Liccardo
Sam Liccardo (D)
 
21.1
 
38,492
Image of Evan Low
Evan Low (D) Candidate Connection
 
16.6
 
30,261
Image of Joe Simitian
Joe Simitian (D)
 
16.6
 
30,256
Image of Peter Ohtaki
Peter Ohtaki (R) Candidate Connection
 
12.8
 
23,283
Image of Peter Dixon
Peter Dixon (D)
 
8.1
 
14,677
Image of Rishi Kumar
Rishi Kumar (D) Candidate Connection
 
6.8
 
12,383
Karl Ryan (R)
 
6.3
 
11,563
Image of Julie Lythcott-Haims
Julie Lythcott-Haims (D)
 
6.2
 
11,386
Image of Ahmed Mostafa
Ahmed Mostafa (D) Candidate Connection
 
3.2
 
5,814
Image of Greg Tanaka
Greg Tanaka (D)
 
1.3
 
2,421
Image of Joby Bernstein
Joby Bernstein (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.9
 
1,652

Total votes: 182,188
Candidate Connection = 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

Endorsements

To view Bernstein's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bernstein in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Joby Bernstein completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bernstein's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Hello, I'm Joby Bernstein, a candidate for Congress (CA-16), seeking to bring fresh leadership to Silicon Valley. Committed to addressing critical issues like climate change, education, and immigration, I'm deeply rooted in Palo Alto, my home.

A nature enthusiast, I spend free time biking on Skyline and trail running in Wunderlich Park. Despite the natural beauty, our planet faces challenges. To combat climate change, I advocate for environmental protection, accessible higher education, and immigration reform.

With a background in business, policy, and sustainability, I offer unique perspectives backed by research. I aim to energize our community and nation, fostering innovation to overcome present challenges and ensure a thriving future.

At 28, my unmatched curiosity, energy, and drive define my approach. I'm determined to outwork anyone to safeguard our legacy and build a brighter future. Although not born in California, Silicon Valley is my home. From Jewish synagogues to Arastradero trails, this community has embraced me. Currently pursuing an MBA and MS in Climate Science at Stanford, I am dedicated to contributing meaningfully to our region's prosperity.
  • CLIMATE CHANGE THREATENS EVERY PART OF THE PLANET

    IT’S A GLOBAL PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES GLOBAL COOPERATION

    Our world is changing, and without our stewardship, it has led to people like me, you, your kids, your grandkids, and your neighbors to have to face the harm being caused to our air, land and water. No one wants to see kids unable to go outdoors because of wildfire smoke. No one wants to face the lifelong consequences of exposure to harmful pollutants. No one wants a world fighting over the limited resource of clean water.

    INITIATE A CARBON DIVIDEND

    ENSURE CONSERVATION

    FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY

    FIX TRANSMISSION

    INVEST IN AMERICA

    END OIL AND GAS SUBSIDIES
  • EDUCATION IS THE BACKBONE OF INNOVATION, GROWTH, AND EQUALITY We must work to improve our local schools, support our educators, provide accessible pre-K, and make higher education more accessible and affordable. I'm committed to ensuring every child and young adult has access to a world-class education. FREE PRE-K SUBSIDIZED SCHOOL FOR TRADE JOBS MINIMIZE DEBT INVEST IN TEACHERS PROMOTE RESEARCH
  • OUR NATION'S STRENGTH IS FUELED BY THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRANTS I'm dedicated to comprehensive immigration that reflects our American values, and provides a fair and fast path to citizenship for those who contribute to our society. IF YOU STUDY YOU CAN STAY WELCOME TALENT IN AMERICA MAKE DACA PERMANENT
We must create areas where our younger generations have voices—the amplification of the calls to action by the generations that are most affected by climate change.

ANTISEMITISM AND ISRAEL

REDUCING OPIOID USE

INDUSTRIAL POLICY

CHINA POLICY PRIORITIES
An effective legislator, empathetic leader, and climate warrior.
9/11. I grew up in NY. That day, many of my classmates lost a parent. As much as I love California, I feel isolated on 9/11 each year. Few people out here seem to feel the pain in the same way as what we lost on that sunny morning in September.
My first job was working on The Hill. I remember 'stalking' Senators in the Senate subway, steamy hot DC summers that drenched my suit on the commute home from work, and the passion I saw every policymaker had each day.
No, representatives do not necessarily need previous experience in government or politics to be influential leaders. Fresh perspectives and ideas from individuals outside the traditional political sphere can bring much-needed innovation and accountability to the political landscape.

Career politicians often become entrenched in established systems and practices, making it challenging to implement real change. Familiarizing with bureaucratic processes might lead to complacency and resistance to adopting new, more efficient approaches. This can contribute to a disconnect between elected officials and the evolving public needs.

New voices, unencumbered by political baggage, can offer innovative solutions and challenge the status quo. They bring a different lens to issues, fostering creativity and adaptability in problem-solving. This diversity of thought is crucial in addressing our society's complex and dynamic challenges.

Moreover, representatives without prior political experience may be more attuned to the concerns of everyday citizens. They can bring a genuine understanding of the struggles and aspirations of the people they serve. This connection with the grassroots allows for more authentic representation and responsiveness to the community's diverse needs.

However, it's essential to emphasize that effective leadership requires a combination of qualities, including a commitment to public service, strong ethical values, and the ability to collaborate and build consensus. While prior political experience can provide valuable insights, it should be optional for effective governance.
In the coming decade, the United States will face multifaceted challenges, but the paramount concerns are undeniably rooted in the intertwined issues of climate change and equity in climate solutions. Climate change represents an existential threat, impacting our nation's environment, economy, and social fabric. Concurrently, ensuring equity in addressing these challenges is imperative to building a just and sustainable future.

Climate change poses unprecedented risks, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels. The urgency to mitigate its effects and transition to a sustainable future cannot be overstated. The U.S. must lead the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and adapt to the changing climate. This requires comprehensive policies, innovation, and international cooperation to tackle the root causes of climate change and build resilience.

Equally critical is addressing the equity gap in climate solutions. The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. It is essential to ensure that the burdens and benefits of climate action are equitably distributed. This involves prioritizing vulnerable communities in adaptation strategies, supporting a just transition in industries affected by climate policies, and fostering inclusivity in decision-making processes.

BUSINESS LEADERS

Diana Strandberg, Senior VP and Director of International Research, Dodge & Cox, Retired

Ajay Krishnan, Head of Emerging Market Investing, Wasatch Global Investors

Noelle Eveland, 3M, Global Air Quality Engineer

Eva Cavanaugh, 3M, Engineer

Sonja Anton, DigitalService, Chief of Staff, Palo Alto

Amit Bharti, CtrlZ Climate Corporation, CEO

Anna Filochowska, Deloitte Consulting

David Goehring, Walmart, Senior Manager

Melanie Weinstein, Launch Therapeutics, Chief of Staff

Jerry O'Connor, American Securities, Senior Associate

Íñigo de Carlos, McKinsey & Co, Associate

Maria Rojas, Deloitte Consulting, Consultant

Cristobal Maturana, Stanford Office of Technology Licensing, Stanford
I firmly believe in the paramount importance of financial transparency and government accountability as pillars of a healthy and functioning democracy. The essence of democratic governance lies in the trust between the government and its citizens, and this trust is built on the principles of openness, honesty, and accountability.

Financial transparency is a cornerstone in fostering trust. Citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars are being utilized and allocated. It is the duty of the government to provide clear, accessible, and comprehensible information about public finances, budgets, and expenditures. This transparency not only empowers citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions but also serves as a deterrent to corruption and misuse of public funds.

Government accountability is the linchpin of a responsive and responsible administration. Elected officials and public servants are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the public interest. To fulfill this duty, they must be held accountable for their actions and decisions. Open communication, regular reporting, and mechanisms for oversight by both the public and independent institutions are vital components of ensuring that the government remains true to its mandate.

Transparency and accountability are not mere administrative virtues; they are fundamental to the democratic ethos. By embracing these principles, the government demonstrates its commitment to working for the people. It reinforces the idea that public servants are stewards of the collective welfare, working diligently to address the needs and concerns of the citizens they serve.

Moreover, financial transparency and government accountability foster a culture of continuous improvement. By subjecting government actions to public scrutiny, we create a feedback loop that allows for refinement and optimization of policies and programs.

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.

Campaign website

Bernstein’s campaign website stated the following:

CLIMATE INITIATIVES
Our world is changing, and without our stewardship, people like me, you, your kids, your grandkids, and your neighbors are facing the harm caused to our air, land and water. No one wants to see kids unable to go outdoors because of wildfire smoke. No one wants to face the lifelong consequences of exposure to harmful pollutants. No one wants a world fighting over the limited resource of clean water.

Protecting the environment is vital and our district is home to the best climate start-ups, scientists, and activists. We have shown the world what is possible in our homes and in the lab. But we can do more.

I want to help make it the home of new climate policy leadership. I’ve met with over one hundred climate startups, dozens of scientists, and energy policy makers. I have been a climate investor in both public and private markets. I started sustainability programs at two companies. I’m an advisor to climate startups. I want to show DC how we can take our progress at home and apply it across the country and the world.

Let’s fight for our climate. It is about our legacy and our future.

INITIATE A CARBON DIVIDEND
A carbon dividend would put a price on a ton of CO2, and re-distribute the funds back to Americans – equally. The wealthiest 10% in America emit 40% of emissions - and yet, the poorest Americans are most susceptible to climate change. Let’s fix our climate caste system. Let’s put cash in our pockets through good climate policy.

ENSURE CONSERVATION
Today, the wilderness is in trouble. As an outdoors guide for the past decade, I have watched the acrid smoke of wildfire choke the sky. We are losing something that is sacred to all. It is time to invest in our public lands and invest in our recreational assets. The wilderness doesn’t belong to us, it belongs to the future, a future we need to work to save.

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY
We can do more with our current energy use. Let’s invest in more efficient buildings, heat pumps, and public transportation. The cleanest source of electricity is always electricity not used at all!

FIX TRANSMISSION
No one likes blackouts. The nation’s four year bottleneck of permitting needs to be fixed. Federal government needs more power and permitting authority to ensure that we can build enough power lines to get renewable power onto the grid and into our homes.

INVEST IN AMERICA
No one should be left behind. A climate transition will dramatically increase the demand for high paying and high skilled jobs. Let’s start training for climate workforce.

END OIL AND GAS SUBSIDIES
We need to find ways to end the $5.4 trillion in global subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. Period.

EDUCATION INITIATIVES
We must work to improve our local schools, support our educators, provide accessible pre-K, and make higher education more accessible and affordable. I'm committed to ensuring every child and young adult has access to a world-class education.

I’ve met with teachers, professors, students, and parents, and the need is greater now than ever for greater access to high quality education for a brighter and more equitable future for our children.

FREE PRE-K
No parent should question if they can afford pre-k for their child. There are tremendous economic benefits and we need to capitalize on them!

SUBSIDIZED SCHOOL FOR TRADE JOBS
We need more electricians, builders, high tech manufacturers. Let’s invest in ensuring we can provide the proper education for the future of small business.

MINIMIZE DEBT
Create a government program to allow individuals to take out equity loans in themselves rather than debt.

INVEST IN TEACHERS
Teachers deserve to be rewarded for stellar performance in the classroom. It is time for large teacher bonus programs. Every teacher must be able to afford to live in their community.

PROMOTE RESEARCH
From STEM to social sciences, let’s get students excited about research

IMMIGRATION INITIATIVES
I have watched my best friends come to America to study, to work, to contribute, but then forced to leave America because they couldn’t get a visa. We should not use a lottery to determine if some of our nation’s smartest minds can stay.

I'm dedicated to comprehensive immigration that reflects our American values, and provides a fair and fast path to citizenship for those who contribute to our society.

IF YOU STUDY YOU CAN STAY
Students who study and graduated from an in-person bachelors or masters program in America will be given green card status to stay in the country as long as individuals hold a job and maintain a clean criminal record.

MAKE DACA PERMANENT
For every undocumented individual who came to America before turning 18 and has lived here for two years deserves immediate green card status and a path to citizenship.[2]

—Joby Bernstein’s campaign website (2024)[3]

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 6, 2024
  2. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  3. Joby for Congress, “Issues,” accessed February 12, 2024


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