Albert James Mora

Albert James Mora was born in East Chicago, Indiana. He earned a high school diploma from Washington High School, a bachelor's degree from Purdue University, and a graduate degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

His career experience includes working as an investment banker. As of 2025, Mora was the treasurer of the Encinitas Historical Society.[1]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased March 27, 2025

NOTE: Mora's campaign on July 21, 2025, revised its answer about bills for raising revenue. The revised response is contained in brackets.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Albert Mora is a retired investment banker and corporate treasury officer. Albert's candidacy for the 48th Congressional District of California is his first entry into politics. Albert is a balanced, centrist candidate whose supporters represent views across the political spectrum.

Albert was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana and moved to Southern California in 1997. He is a maternal fourth-generation American and paternal second-generation Mexican-American. He has five children.

Albert received a bachelors degree in business administration from Purdue University and MBA from the University of Chicago. Albert’s 25-year Fortune 100 career involved travel and over $75 billion in currency, stock, bond, and derivatives transactions across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am humanity's biggest fan. We discovered everything from fire to relativity and proliferated to 8 billion beautiful, unique souls around the globe. We are the wonder of the sacred, infinite universe. I am here to connect, learn, inform, and inspire individuals, communities, and nations to hurdle every exciting new opportunity!The U.S. Constitution is the greatest document ever written. The Constitution laid the foundation for America evolving into the greatest nation in history and set the template for lovers of democracy and freedom around the world. I shall advocate for every American to support our magnificent Constitution.My first value is to value everyone. My first objective is to motivate every American to revere and live by the U.S. Constitution. My first principle is balance.

I am for a secure border balanced by humane treatment and increased legalization of immigrants. A strong economy balanced by smart regulation. Protection of the environment balanced with building a clean energy industry. Protection of unborn children balanced with respect for women’s rights. Support of the needy balanced with rewarding merit. Support of the right to bear arms balanced with protecting communities - especially students. We hurdle highest when in balance.

I am here for all Americans. This defines a leader in the spirit of freedom and democracy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Promotion of the U.S. Constitution, international American partnership and leadership, education, jobs and technical training, free trade / low tariffs / stable economies, borders & immigration, global warming / clean energy / fire mitigation, affordable housing and health care, human rights, omnipresent U.S. military.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I have many historical and modern heroes including Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Michelangelo, Galileo, Shakespeare, Captain James Cook, George Washington, Mozart, Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, Max Planck, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Cole Porter, Katharine Hepburn, Babe Ruth, David Lean, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, James Brown, Elvis, Pelé, and Michael Jordan. They all inspired me to reach as far as I could. I am the son of a steel mill craneman who had a 25-year international institutional capital markets career.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My political philosophy is based on basic human decency and balance of power, and offers hope.

I’m not referring to balance of power among three branches of government. I am referring to balance of power between individuals and the government.

To the extent a people are self-determined, cooperative, and productive, they thrive with less government – they earn their freedom. And to the extent a government has skill, resources, and good intent, the more it will be embraced by its citizens.

The ideal is a system of government that strikes a sustainable balance between unhampered individual freedom and government involvement and control.

The Founding Fathers showed their trust in basic human decency by rejecting authoritarianism and pushing the balance of power to the individual, with the opportunity to participate in leadership. The millions who came from every corner to create the greatest nation in history proved that the Founding Fathers’ faith in universal human decency was well-placed.

Gradually in degrees the U.S. government’s power has increased at the expense of the individual, until Americans voted a non-politician into office in 2016 and 2024. But rather than empowering individuals, he is concentrating greater power in himself.

So where is the hope?

Right before our eyes. Look around as you go through your day, and most of us will plainly see the decency in which the Founding Fathers laid the fate of the nation. Knowing full well that we live among individuals with varying political views, most of us work, study, play, and love without reference to political orientation, as we have for generations, and as we shall for generations.

The exact path is not knowable, but I believe basic human decency will swing the balance of power back to the American people. I will message, inspire, and beckon voters into the sensible, balanced center.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important principles for an elected official are idealism, trustworthiness, patriotism, optimism, empathy, balance, and absolute belief in basic human freedom and rights.

The long list of important characteristics for an elected official includes knowledge of world and U.S. history and the Constitution; knowledge of your respective geography / community; forming, communicating, and being guided by a cohesive philosophy, worldview, and decision-making framework; ability to negotiate; knowledge of 'how the world really works' and 'who to call' in government, business, and around the world; ability to multitask, partner, and delegate; knowledge of economics, public and private institutions, public finances, capital markets, and regulatory regimes; geo-military knowledge and strategy formation; knowledge of science and technology; understanding the U.S. education system, healthcare, energy, and other major industries; and support of public and private national and international humanitarian causes.

A successful elected official is empathetic, intelligent, hardworking, flexible, creative, resourceful, resilient, optimistic, energetic, and courageous.

The most important characteristic for an elected official is that they be driven by love.

Love of family, community, America, humankind, and life itself are my fuel.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My combination of attributes are unique and suit me well to succeed as a candidate and legislator.

I am balanced. I understand views and am a natural partner across the political spectrum. All of my friends and family who extend from extreme left to extreme right strongly support my candidacy because they trust and believe in me. I am a unifier in the face of 24/7 divisiveness.

I grew up in a diverse, blue collar steel mill community in East Chicago, Indiana, and I speak Spanish, which enables me to connect with constituents of any background.

I am a worker. I began working hard at age six and have never stopped. My many jobs include paperboy, bus boy, stock boy, steel mill laborer, mechanic, musician, research engineer, city cash manager, corporate treasurer, consultant, recruiter, and investment banker. In the course of my career I transacted and walked around the world.

I am a seasoned executive. In my profession I worked daily with leaders of Fortune 100 banks and corporations.

I enjoy public speaking. I enjoy sharing knowledge, interchange, banter, humor, and inspiring people.

I love the people of the United States of America as I do all of our human family. I love that we are the nation of immigrants who built the greatest nation on Earth. I live in deep gratitude to have been born and raised, and to someday die in the United States of America.

My family are history buffs and I have studied world history, science, and philosophy from a young age. Through my travel and reading I am able to interact with persons from around the world.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a U.S. congressperson are to understand their job description, powers and limitations, stay informed and engaged, prioritize, gather and share knowledge, conceive and promote legislation, and cast congressional votes.

An effective congressperson has two-way communication with constituents, utilizes all media including web site, writing editorials, publishing books, and taking interviews. An effective congressman is present, accessible, and responsive to their community.

An effective congressperson recruits and leads skillful staff in performing daily congressional duties and partnering with other lawmakers.

A great congressperson serves with gratitude and dignity, exudes optimism, and instills hope.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Through my personal life and work I have consciously sought to build a legacy of partnership, mutual respect, hard work, gratitude, and love of my fellow human beings. As an official I aspire to add to my legacy that of being an American patriot.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I watched JFK’s funeral march on TV on November 25, 1963 along with my parents, who I saw cry for the first and last time. I didn’t understand it at the time, but through the years I attached to the romantic notions of the Kennedy family story and mourned this tragic moment in American and world history.

I am profoundly impacted to this day with the sense that life is fragile for everyone from the meek to the powerful. Sentient life is the Universe's great miracle and I live in deep gratitude.

I was five years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Gopher and farmhand during summer vacations on family farms in Mexico. Ages 6, 9, and 12.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is one of many I've read about Lawrence of Arabia, titled "Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia" by Michael Korda, pub. 2010. The book is a comprehensive labor of love about one of my greatest influences and heroes.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Me. I'd like to inspire some young writer to create a fictional character based on my life.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I am a songwriter. The last song that stuck in my head, I titled 'Take 1', which means every moment in life is a first-take, an improvisational opportunity to be remembered and cherished.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I call myself the luckiest person I know. My life has generally not been a struggle, it has been a series of adventurous chapters. From an infant, I experienced great love and support from my parents, who often told me I was destined to be President of the United States. I received a wonderful education. I played lots of sports and remain fit. And as I’ve shared I received a great education and have worked around the world. I have five wonderful children, three grandchildren, and a new great-grandchild. Life has handed me sadness, insecurity and mourning at times, as it does everyone. But there is no major thing that has been a struggle. I love this life, embrace it for everything it is, and encourage that in others.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is unique as the federal government’s ears on the ground and the local community’s voice in Washington, D.C. The number of Representatives offers diversity of views and talent. The House holds the purse, legislates in partnership with the Senate, and tamps executive abuse of power. Serving in the House is also a viable career path toward state governorship, the senate, or presidency.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I am sure it is beneficial for representatives to have previous political experience. At the same time, by sheer numbers, the House offers opportunity for new entrants into national politics. I am a prime example. I am a seasoned international business professional. Given my education and experience, I am qualified to contribute to the national conversation. The House offers me an opportunity to gain political experience and support, and contribute in my own community as preparation for possible growth of my political career.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

America's greatest opportunities over the next decade are a return to Constitutional adherence; promotion of human rights and freedom; securing borders while legalizing productive immigrants; protecting Planet Earth's sustenance of life; promoting international cooperation and commerce; reducing crime and substance abuse; expanding affordable housing and healthcare; controlling firearms; preventing cybercrime; exploiting and controlling artificial intelligence; and not least upgrading education and training.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am undecided as to whether term limits would serve the American people and what form might work.

I value the energy, up-to-date education, current cultural connection, and skills of younger participants.

At the same time, numerous public servants have contributed robustly well into seniority, and the nation has benefitted from their experience, connections, and accumulated influence.

I will think more and correspond with congressional colleagues, thinkers, and constituents on the subject.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have long been impressed by numerous representatives, and more so since I started my candidacy. I admire their outstanding TV interviews, knowledge of issues, connection to their constituents, and hard work. Representatives are the ultimate hand-shakers and while I enjoy it, I also find it challenging.

In terms of modeling myself, I hope I can rise to the dignity and patriotism of Liz Cheney, who I have watched place America before self and party. And although her father Dick Cheney was not a congressman and some of our views don’t align, I am also extremely inspired by his courage and patriotism.

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?

Yes! From my May 22, 2025 Times of San Diego interview:

I had a memorable conversation with a Republican voter who lives in Julian as she texted her husband about her increasing concern over the Trump administration’s unpredictability. When her husband texted pro-Trump answers, she wasn’t reassured.

At the same time, she shared that she was feeling intimidated by increasing peer pressure from Democratic friends and family. What a conundrum.

When I told her I respected her right to vote as she saw fit, her fearful expression gave way to a glimmer of hope, and she thanked me warmly.

When a gay person shared a public humiliation dealt personally by Darrell Issa, we hugged.

Tell us your favorite joke.

It's terrible but I admit it killed me when David Letterman told it. He was broadcasting from a Las Vegas casino.

"I was running late on my way to the set today through the casino hoping no one would recognize me. Inevitably some character yelled, ‘Mister Letterman! Mister Letterman!’ I ignored him and sped up, but of course he raced ahead and stopped me and said, ‘Mister Letterman I came here because my wife is very ill and she needs medicine immediately. I need three hundred dollars! Can you give me three hundred dollars?’ I said, ‘What do you take me for! Some fool? What assurance do I have that you won’t take the three hundred and gamble it at a crap table?’ The guy said, ‘Don’t worry, I got money for that.’”

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

What others call compromise I call synergizing. What others call debate I call conversation. What others call negotiation I call closure. What others call politicking I call policymaking. These are the art of professional political leadership.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

If I elected I will be an uncompromising supporter of congressional leaders and efforts to retain the constitutional responsibility for originating revenue in the House.

[The Constitution gives the House the exclusive power to originate revenue-raising bills because members are directly elected by and accountable to the people. With my MBA and 25 years of global capital markets experience, if elected I will prioritize applying my specialized economic and analytical skills and diligence to this duty. I will ensure revenue policies are effective and accountable for my district and all Americans. I hope to fill this role serving as a member or by supporting relevant committees including Appropriations, Budget, and Financial Services.]

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House should assertively and responsibly exercise its investigative powers to evaluate any elected federal official, up to and including the President, for adherence to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, American political tradition, and service to the American people. The results of House investigations can provide the basis for impeaching an official; upon impeachment, the House notifies the Senate, where the official is tried.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None thus far.

What committees interest you?

House Budget, Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I support individuals making publicly available all of their financial activity and tax filings during campaigning and tenure in office. I support full accountability for public officers on whom voters bestow trust and the honor of public office.