Bruno Amato

Bruno Amato was born in Orange, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1983. Amato's career experience includes working as an actor and an ironworker. He has been affiliated with the Ironworkers Union and SAG/AFTRA.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Bruno Amato is a Navy Vet and Former Union Ironworker who is now taking on Kevin McCarthy for California’s 23rd Congressional District. As the son of Italian immigrants, Bruno learned the value of hard work and service to his country at an early age. At 17, Bruno enlisted in the US Navy and served four years as a torpedoman working on 2 submarine tenders. He later worked a variety of jobs, including as a Union Ironworker. He is now a SAG/AFTRA working actor. Bruno feels strongly that CA-23 needs a representative that listens to the needs of their constituents. He believes that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. He wants to work to bring more renewable energy jobs to the Central Valley and make sure that this district does not get left behind in the transition to clean energy. Bruno believes that education should be a priority and that teachers should have the proper funding and resources to ensure the success of this country’s future. As a lifelong working-class guy, Bruno understands the needs of this district’s working-class and will advocate for policies that will improve their lives and conditions.

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?

Today in the United States 40% of families can't afford a $400 unexpected expense. We need to do so much better for our working-class families so they aren't living paycheck to paycheck. One of the ways Bruno thinks we can do this is by providing healthcare through a single-payer system.The unemployment rate in CA-23 is over 3% higher than the statewide unemployment rate. Families are struggling and we need a representative that will bring high quality union jobs to this district and fight for working families.Kevin McCarthy is a traitor to this country who puts Q-Anon and Domestic Terrorists above his constituents. His actions leading up to and in response to January 6th show that he is no leader. Unseating him has never been more important. Bruno is a Navy Veteran and Union worker whose priorities will always be service to his country and the working people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a teenager, Bruno witnessed firsthand the importance of comprehensive care for veterans. Bruno’s father was diagnosed with cancer and he drove him to and from the VA hospital for treatment. This experience with his father impressed upon Bruno the need to advocate for better care for veterans. That is why one of Bruno’s main objectives is to bring state-of-the-art medical and mental health services to veterans in their communities.

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

Bruno believes that honesty, integrity, and an understanding of the needs of working-class people are the most important characteristics of an elected official.

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

Bruno understands the needs of working-class families and will advocate for them. He strongly believes in the power of democracy and will champion ideas that will make this country's democracy stronger.

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

Bruno's first job was in the United States Navy. He joined the Navy at seventeen and served aboard two submarine tenders, the USS Fulton based out of New London, Connecticut, and the USS Sperry based out of Point Loma, California. As a Torpedoman, he spent his days loading and off-loading torpedoes, Subroc, and Tomahawk missiles from ships to submarines. Bruno served in the Navy for 4 years. After leaving the Navy, Bruno worked as a Union Ironworker for over a decade before coming to California to pursue an acting career. Most recently, Bruno published a novel titled “The Final Act” about a Veteran with PTSD.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Live Your Dreams by Les Brown

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

Bruno believes that tackling the Climate Crisis and disinformation will be the greatest challenges our nation will face.

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?

While visiting parts of this district, Bruno met a woman in Taft CA. Her father was staying at a VA hospital in Los Angeles, over 2 hours away. Since she was without a vehicle, she had to take a bus to LA each week to visit her father. That is unacceptable. When elected to Congress Bruno will advocate for a VA Hospital to be built here in the Valley to ensure we can take care of our vets here at home without sending them over 2 hours away and putting unnecessary strain on them and their families.

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

Compromise is necessary and valuable in some instances but Bruno does not believe in compromising when it comes to his values and the livelihoods of the working class.

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