Brandon Riker

Brandon Riker earned a high school diploma from Twin Valley High School, a bachelor's degree from Washington College in 2009, and a graduate degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2014. His career experience includes working as a small business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a fourth-generation Californian, a small business owner, and a trained economist. I've made payroll, navigated rising costs, and worried about the future, just like San Diego and Riverside County families. In 2008, I organized for Barack Obama's campaign because I believed politics could improve lives through policies like the Affordable Care Act. I still believe that.

I learned from my parents the value of giving back to our community. Their careers in business meant that we moved around throughout my childhood. It wasn’t easy but I remember my family always had a seat at the table for neighbors and friends, particularly those who weren’t sure where they would find their next meal.

In middle school, a teacher noticed my academic struggles and helped me navigate learning with dyslexia. This discovery opened new resources and put me on a path to success. Because of engaged teachers and mentors, I graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude in Economics from Washington College in Maryland and earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

For the past decade, I have been advocating for underrepresented communities. I serve on the board of SafePlace International, a global organization that works to find safe and sustainable spaces for displaced people around the world. I also volunteer my time at community organizations such as the food bank in the Coachella Valley.

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?

It's time we send a Democrat to Congress who understands why everything costs so much and how to fix it. There are over 150 lawyers in Congress, but not a single trained economist. I'm running to pass a second New Deal that raises wages and makes life affordable for working families.The message is clear: the economy needs to work for everyone. My economic plan puts more money in your pocket by making the first $50,000 of income tax-free, raising wages so no one needs two jobs to get by, and protecting Social Security and Medicare for every generation. I'll fight to let any American buy into Medicare so you can see a good doctor you can afford. I'll expand apprenticeships and trade schools so everyone has a path to a good career. The system is set up to help billionaires and big corporations, not us. I have never taken corporate PAC money and won’t be beholden to special interests.I believe that being in and of the community is necessary. I have been a part of the Palm Springs and Riverside County community for ten years. I've already organized town halls across the district, because that's the kind of Congressman I'll be — accessible, accountable, and fighting so you can afford to live and thrive in California. I have done over 110 listening tours with voters in smaller groups over the last year and have met voters all over the district – from Palm Springs to Idyllwild to Hemet to Temecula to San Marcos to Vista to Escondido. Everyone in this district deserves to be heard and I have been doing just that.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

For me, the highest priority is giving back to the community by listening to what people really want and then finding a way to make that a reality. Right now, what I hear from people is that the economy is not working for them. The affordability crisis means different things to different people - housing, food, car payments, health care, insurance, and education. We need to actually pass specific legislation that puts money back in people’s pockets now, while addressing the more systemic issues in the economy. We need a Second New Deal; it’s been too long.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

U.S Senator Peter Welch (Vermont)

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Former U.S. Ambassador Noah Mamet

Palm Desert Councilmember Karina Quintanilla

Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina

Nashville TN Metro Councilwoman-At-Large Olivia Hill

NJ Assemblymember Luanne Peterpaul

Former San Francisco City and County Supervisor Leslie Katz

Riverside Community College Trustee Bill Hedrick

Former Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton

Marine Clerks Association, ILWU Locals 13/63/94

Riverside County Young Democrats

ABLE Dems

Live! From the Resistance

2026 Mental Health Now Candidate

End Citizens United Unrig Washington Candidate

And over 100 teachers, veterans, and community leaders in Riverside and San Diego counties