Barrett Holman Leak

Barrett Holman Leak (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 51st Congressional District. She lost as a write-in in the primary on June 7, 2022.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a multiethnic Black Jewish woman who is a lifelong Democrat. University educated (master degree) in the United States of America and Europe, I flipped burgers and packed fries at Burger King, was a freelance journalist and served as a federal government employee for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, during college to pay my tuition. Over the last 20+ years I have worked as a fulltime professional journalist, small business owner and a children's author. My platform includes(but is not limited to) small business support, Medicare For All, expanded voting rights, climate action/justice, women's rights (from healthcare to wage equity), LGBTQ+ rights, labor rights, affordable housing and effective solutions for houseless people, eliminating child poverty and rebuilding American manufacturing (infrastructure).

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?

The time is now for change. We have had the same type of representative for 172 years. Representation matters. We deserve and need a diverse, working class representative for our divers (45%+ POC) district. We need a leader with solid work and life experience who focuses on all segments of our district. I bring more than 2 decades of life and work experience that make me able to relate well to all people.Voting for me is voting for a person of integrity who will not, as our representative has done, take foreign business lobbyist money and junkets to other countries: Voting for me means having a representative who does not make stock investments that profit from the pain of other people. Voting for me means choosing a representative who has the common sense, compassion, vision and resilience. I know through personal experience what it is to go through hard times and what it takes to come through the struggles.I am seeking to be a public servant, not a politician.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about voting rights, affordable housing, small business support, equitable wage laws, healthcare and criminal justice reform.

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

Selflessness. The heart of a pubic servant. Compassion. The ability to listen to and connect with other human beings.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy goal is to leave this world slightly better than when I came into it. I want to have touched some lives in a positive manner and helped others have the freedom and ability to be their best.

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

I was 12 years old. I sold saltwater taffy, chocolate and fudge parties after school and on weekends. I did it for two years before becoming a drugstore cashier in high school.

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

I believe representatives should have 20 years of work and life experience under their belt before representing the people of a district. There are things you learn , skills you gain, by working.

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

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think term limits should be enacted for Congress. No more than three 2-year terms, total) in the U.S. House of Representatives and no more than two 6-year terms in the U.S. Senate. It is absurd that we have millionaires enriching themselves at public expense for 20-50 years.

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

Yes