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Luele Kifle
Luele Kifle (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 18th Congressional District. He lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.
Kifle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Luele Kifle earned an associate degree from the ITT Technical Institute in 2011 and a bachelor's degree from DeVry University in 2016. His career experience includes working as a government contractor.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: California's 18th Congressional District election, 2024
California's 18th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 18
Incumbent Zoe Lofgren defeated Peter Hernandez in the general election for U.S. House California District 18 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Zoe Lofgren (D) | 64.6 | 147,674 |
 | Peter Hernandez (R) | 35.4 | 80,832 | |
| Total votes: 228,506 | |||
 = 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 18
Incumbent Zoe Lofgren and Peter Hernandez defeated Charlene Nijmeh, Lawrence Milan, and Luele Kifle in the primary for U.S. House California District 18 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Zoe Lofgren (D) | 51.2 | 49,370 |
| ✔ | | Peter Hernandez (R) | 32.8 | 31,665 |
 | Charlene Nijmeh (D) | 11.0 | 10,631 | |
 | Lawrence Milan (D) | 2.8 | 2,714 | |
 | Luele Kifle (D) | 2.1 | 2,034 | |
| Total votes: 96,414 | |||
| = 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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Fepbrina Keivaulqe Autiameineire (No party preference)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kifle in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Luele Kifle completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kifle's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My mother worked tirelessly to raise me and my two sisters as a single parent, and I grew up as a middle child in a Christian Orthodox household. I graduated from Alief Hastings High School in Houston, Texas, in 2009, and went on to earn a degree in computer network systems from ITT Tech in 2011. Later, I received a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University in 2016.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a Test Technician Level 5 at Hewlett-Packard, a Technology Support Analyst for NEXT Financial Group, and as a driver for Uber and Lyft. Currently, I am a Contract Disaster Housing Inspector for DHS FEMA, traveling to states affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, Ian, and Nicole, just to name a few...
I am passionate about helping people, and my experiences have taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. As a progressive democrat running for congress, I believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at success, and I am committed to fighting for policies that will make that a reality..- My 1st key message: As a progressive democrat with a unique background, I am running for Congress to bring diversity and representation to our government. As an immigrant from Ethiopia, born with muscular dystrophy and a speech impediment, I understand the challenges that marginalized communities face, and I will be a voice for those who have been left behind.
- My 2nd key message: In Congress, I will fight for progressive policies that will benefit all Americans, including Medicare For All, Reproductive Rights, Student Loan Forgiveness, Affordable Housing, Climate Change & G.N.D, Gun Reform, Police Reform, Free Colleges & Universities and much more. I believe in creating a more equitable society where everyone has access to the resources and support, they need to thrive.
- My 3rd key message: If elected, I will work tirelessly to represent the interests of my constituents and fight for policies that benefit our district. I promise to prioritize transparency and accountability in government, to work towards reducing corruption and special interests in politics, and to always put the needs of our community first. I will be accessible and responsive to the needs of my constituents, and I will work to create a more sustainable future for our community and our planet. Together, we can create a brighter future For The People Of CA-18th District, The People Of The Great State Of California & All Americans.
In addition to income inequality, I am also deeply committed to fighting for healthcare reform. Healthcare is a basic human right, and it is unacceptable that so many Americans still lack access to quality, affordable healthcare. I believe that we need to move towards a single-payer healthcare system that ensures that every American has access to the care they need.
Another area of public policy that I am passionate about is environmental. Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our planet, and we must take immediate action to address this crisis. This includes policies such as Green New Deal, by investing in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting our natural resources.
Finally, I am committed to fighting for social justice and equality for all. This includes policies such as criminal justice reform, immigration reform, and protecting the rights of marginalized communities. It is imperative that we work for a more sensible society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
First & foremost, it's my beautiful & strong mother named Yamrot. Despite the odds against me due to my Muscular Dystrophy (MD), I was fortunate to have a mother who worked tirelessly to provide for our family & ensure that we had the best possible life. She also never gave up on me, even when everyone else did. She is the strongest, smartest, caring, & kindest woman, former-wife to my father, & the greatest mother that ever lived. My mother instilled in us the values of hard work, compassion, & empathy, & we learned to stand up for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity.
Second, Martin Luther King Jr. I look up to him because of his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, & civil rights. He led a peaceful movement that fought against racial segregation & discrimination. His famous speeches, "I Have a Dream" & "I've Been to the Mountaintop," continue to inspire generations to work towards a more just & equitable society.
Third, Barack H. Obama. I look up to him for his intelligence, his ability to inspire, & his commitment to making the world a better place. He broke barriers as the first African American president of the United States & worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Americans. His efforts towards healthcare reform, climate change, & equal rights have made a significant impact on our society & will continue to do so for years to come.
Firstly, an elected official should always be honest and transparent in their actions and decisions. They should be truthful with their constituents and never hide anything from the public. Integrity is also an important trait for an elected official as it shows that they have a strong moral compass and will always do what is right, even when it is not the easiest or most popular decision.
Accountability is also crucial for an elected official. They should take responsibility for their actions and be willing to face the consequences of their decisions. They should also be accountable to the people they serve and listen to their concerns and feedback.
Empathy is another important characteristic for an elected official as it shows that they can understand and relate to the needs and struggles of their constituents. They should be able to put themselves in other people's shoes and make decisions that benefit the greater good, rather than just themselves or a select few.
Lastly, a commitment to public service is crucial for an elected official. They should view their role as a public servant and work towards improving the lives of those they serve. This means putting the needs of the people first and working towards policies that benefit the community as a whole, rather than just their own personal or political agenda.
In addition to these, having strong communication and leadership skills is also important. An effective officeholder should be able to articulate their vision and goals clearly and work collaboratively with others to achieve them. They should also be able to make tough decisions when necessary and have the courage to stand up for what they believe in.
Finally, a successful officeholder must be committed to public service and genuinely care about the well-being of their constituents. They should prioritize the needs of the community over their own personal interests or political gain.
Another crucial responsibility for elected officials is to stay true to their principles, even if it means going against their political party. They should not be afraid to speak up against issues they disagree with, whether it's their party's stance or not. They should always be ready to take a stand for what they believe is right, regardless of the consequences.
Furthermore, elected officials must be accessible and accountable to their constituents. They should keep their constituents informed about their activities and policies, and engage in frequent communication to address their concerns. It's also important to be transparent and honest about their actions, especially when it comes to campaign finance, lobbying, and conflicts of interest.
As the election approached, I found myself increasingly invested in the outcome. I was impressed with Barack Obama's message of hope & change, & I was excited at the prospect of seeing America's 1st black president elected to office winning the election over a man I had a great deal of respect for John McCain, who I viewed as a true American hero and an honorable politician.
On election night, I was glued to the television as the results started to come in. It was a long & suspenseful night, but when the news finally broke that Obama had won the election, I was filled with a sense of pride & hope for the future. I was not yet a U.S. citizen & therefore unable to vote in the election but as soon as I became a U.S. Citizen I immediately registered to vote and voted for Obama in 2012 happily..
Looking back on that historic election now, I am struck by how much has changed in the years since. Obama's presidency was marked by both triumphs & challenges, & the political landscape of our country has undergone significant shifts in the years since he was elected. But I remain grateful for the experience of witnessing that historic moment, & for the lessons that it taught me about the importance of power of hope & optimism in times of uncertainty.
I found it rewarding to help others overcome their technical challenges, and I enjoyed working with a diverse group of people. It was also a great way to learn time management skills, as I had to balance my studies with my part-time job. The job taught me the importance of prioritizing my tasks and managing my time effectively, which has helped me in my career and personal life.
One of the things I appreciate most about the book is how honest and candid Obama is about his experiences, both the highs and the lows. He doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges he faced, including the difficulties of passing healthcare reform and the criticisms he received from some quarters. At the same time, he shares moments of triumph, such as the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the successful operation to capture Osama Bin Laden.
Hypernasal speech is another challenge that I have faced throughout my life. It is a speech disorder that affects the resonance of my voice, causing it to sound nasal and muffled. It can be frustrating when people have trouble understanding me or make assumptions about my intelligence based on the way I speak or walk. However, I have learned to communicate effectively by using different techniques such as speech therapy and other medical procedures.
Another unique quality of the House is its focus on representation. Unlike the Senate, where each state gets two senators regardless of population size, the House is apportioned based on population, with each state getting a certain number of representatives based on its population. This means that states with larger populations have more representatives and therefore more say in the legislative process. It also means that the House is more directly representative of the American people as a whole.
The House also has some unique powers and responsibilities. For example, all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House, and the House has the power to impeach federal officials. These powers give the House a crucial role in the functioning of the government and make it a key player in shaping national policy.
However, it's also important to recognize the value of fresh perspectives and new voices in Congress. Having someone new to Congress can bring a different set of experiences, ideas, and priorities to the table, which can help to foster innovation and change. Moreover, our democracy is founded on the idea that anyone can run for office and represent their community, regardless of their background or experience.
1) Climate change is indeed a critical issue that the world is facing today. The increasing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and other human activities are causing global temperatures to rise and weather patterns to change, which can have disastrous consequences. It's vital to take action to reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy, and support climate mitigation and adaptation measures.
2) The loss of faith in the American electoral system is a concerning issue that undermines the democratic process. It's crucial to ensure fair and transparent elections and hold accountable those who spread false information and undermine the public's confidence in the electoral process. Encouraging voter participation, promoting media literacy, and strengthening cybersecurity are some of the measures that can help address this issue.
3) The potential for a second civil war in America is a serious concern. Political polarization, social unrest, and the erosion of trust in institutions are factors that contribute to this possibility. It's important to promote dialogue, respect, and understanding across political and social divides and to uphold the rule of law and democratic values.
4) Mass shootings, national debt, immigration, and border security are also significant challenges that require attention and action. Finding solutions to reduce gun violence, manage public finances, promote immigration policies that balance security and compassion, and enhance border security can help address these issues.
On the one hand, two years is a relatively short period of time, which means that representatives must be accountable to their constituents and responsive to their needs and concerns. In this sense, shorter terms can promote greater responsiveness and accountability in government, as representatives are forced to constantly engage with their constituents and demonstrate their value as public servants.
At the same time, however, two years is long enough for representatives to build relationships and expertise in their fields, as well as to pursue meaningful legislative initiatives. It strikes a balance between accountability and effectiveness, giving representatives enough time to make meaningful contributions to the legislative process without becoming too entrenched in their positions or out of touch with the needs of their constituents.
Furthermore, term limits can help to promote turnover and fresh ideas in Congress, which is important for maintaining a healthy democracy. If members of Congress stay in office for too long, they can become set in their ways and resistant to change. This can stifle innovation and progress, which can be detrimental to the country as a whole.
To put it simply, term limits ensure that elected officials remain accountable and responsive to the people they represent, and help to promote turnover and fresh ideas in Congress. It's important to note, however, that term limits alone are not a panacea for all of the problems in our political system. We also need to focus on campaign finance reform, gerrymandering, and other issues that contribute to the dysfunction in Congress.
What I admire most about AOC is her fearlessness. She's not afraid of anyone, and she's a true fighter who never gives up when it comes to fighting for what's right. She's always bold and makes bold statements, and if anyone attacks her verbally or physically, she attacks them back ten times worse and ultimately destroys them. She's smart, intelligent, and strong, and I believe that these qualities are essential for anyone who wants to be an effective representative in Congress.
What was so inspiring about this woman was her unwavering dedication to her children's future. She made sure they had a safe place to live, even if it was small and cramped, and she worked tirelessly to make sure they had everything they needed for school. She was always putting their needs before her own and never once complained about the difficulties she faced.
Despite all the challenges she had to overcome, this woman still had hope for a better future. She was passionate about politics and believed that if enough people came together, we could make positive change in our communities. Her story was a reminder to me that there are so many people out there who are struggling and who are relying on our elected officials to make a difference in their lives.
However, it's also important to recognize that compromise is not always easy to achieve, especially in a polarized political environment where ideological differences can be deep and entrenched. Some policymakers may feel that compromising on their core principles or values would be a betrayal of their constituents or beliefs.
Nonetheless, compromising is often necessary to achieve any meaningful progress in policymaking. By finding common ground, policymakers can bridge differences, balance competing priorities, and create policies that are more durable and sustainable in the long run. Moreover, compromise can help build trust and goodwill among policymakers, which can foster collaboration and more productive policymaking in the future.
First and foremost, I would work to raise revenue in a way that is fair and equitable. This means advocating for a progressive tax system that asks the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share, closing loopholes that allow corporations to avoid paying taxes, and implementing a financial transactions tax to raise revenue from Wall Street.
Secondly, I would prioritize using revenue-raising bills to invest in infrastructure projects that will create jobs, address the climate crisis, and ensure that communities have access to clean air and water. This means investing in clean energy, improving public transportation, and upgrading our aging infrastructure.
Finally, I would prioritize using revenue-raising bills to invest in our social safety net. This means expanding access to affordable healthcare and education, increasing funding for affordable housing, and strengthening social security and other programs that provide a safety net for those who need it most.
When the GOP has control of the House of Representatives, they often spend more time investigating their political opponents than they do on actual legislating. This can create a sense of political witch-hunt, which does not serve the American people well. When Democrats are in control, they do spend more time on legislating, but investigations are still part of the picture.
I believe that we need to focus on using our investigative powers to uncover real violations and crimes, not to pursue political witch-hunts. We should spend more time legislating and less time on investigations that are not grounded in evidence.
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
Kifle’s campaign website stated the following:
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POLICIES AND VISIONS! MEDICARE - FOR - ALL I care about Medicare-for-All because I know firsthand how difficult it can be for families to afford healthcare in this country. As a progressive candidate for Congress, I am committed to making sure that every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare. We need a system that prioritizes people over profits, and that's what I will fight for in Washington. AFFORDABLE HOUSING I care about affordable housing in California because I know that the high cost of living is driving families out of our state and tearing communities apart. As your representative in Congress, I will fight for policies that make housing more affordable and accessible, including expanding affordable housing programs, protecting renters' rights, and increasing funding for affordable housing development. Together, we can build a better future for all Californians. GREEN NEW DEAL I'm committed to fighting for a Green New Deal because I believe that we have a moral obligation to protect our planet for future generations and to build a more just and equitable society in the process. Together, we can make the Green New Deal a reality and create a better future for all. GUN REFORM I believe that we can respect the Second Amendment while also protecting the safety and well-being of all Americans. With your support, we can make gun reform a reality and create a safer, more secure future for everyone. DISABILITY RIGHTS We need to strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensure that people with disabilities have access to affordable healthcare and long-term services and support, and promote employment opportunities that enable people with disabilities to fully participate in the workforce. Disability rights are human rights, and I'm committed to being a champion for this important cause. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society that works for everyone, regardless of ability. STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS It will stimulate the economy, free up money for families to invest in their futures, and create a more equitable society where everyone has a fair shot at success. I care deeply about this issue because I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education without the crushing weight of debt holding them back. With your support, we can make student loan forgiveness a reality and build a brighter future for all. IMMIGRATION REFORM VOTING RIGHTS It's time to protect our democracy and ensure that every voice is heard, and that's why I strongly believe that we need to make voting day a national holiday. I'm committed to fighting for voting rights and will be a strong advocate for fair and accessible elections in Washington. POLICE REFORM That's why I am committed to ending qualified immunity, establishing an independent federal oversight commission, and reducing police officers' responsibilities. I believe that every person deserves to feel safe and protected in their community, and we must work together to achieve that goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for change and to fight for a fairer, more just society.[2] |
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| —Luele Kifle’s campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
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 18 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 28, 2023
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Luele Kifle for U.S. Congress, “Policies,” accessed February 12, 2024
