Denard Ingram

Denard Ingram's professional experience includes working as a social worker and behavior therapist. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rollins College in 2009 and a graduate degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012.[1]

Ingram has been affiliated with the City & County of San Francisco, City of Oakland, and The Trevor Project.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Reimagining our Democracy. Inspired by the Black Panther Party mantra “All Power to the People”, Denard Ingram pays homage to the Oakland-based movement and reminds all East Bay residents of the power we possess to shape our government. As a queer, black man, he lives at the intersection of several marginalized identities. Denard works to elevate the voices and experiences of those communities. At the core of Reimagining our Democracy is a movement aimed at empowering ALL the people to take back our power by expanding our civic engagement; a recognition that as our society evolves, so must the way we govern.

Denard received his B.A. in Psychology from Rollins College, and his M.A. in Child & Adolescent Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; both of which he has utilized for over a decade of public service. As a Social Worker for the City and County of San Francisco*, he knows how vital significant investments into housing, healthcare, economic equity, and the Care Economy are for many Californians. Denard resides in West Oakland, and serves the City of Oakland* as Chair of the Housing, Residential Rent, and Relocation Board (Rent Board).

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 not a career politician! I'm a social worker with over a decade of experience in social services coupled with my legislative experience Chair of the Oakland Housing & Rent Board stepping in to this political space because I see a need. A need to expand the representation we have at every level of our government. Expand to more BIPOC faces, more Queer voices, and more diverse disciplines.I'm bring to this race an alternative. An alternative to the same political blueprint we have been used for decade after decade; a blueprint that continues to give us elected officials all too eager to prioritize the needs of corporations and special interests over the needs of the people. My priorities are the people of the district, and those across this country. I am unwavering in my commitment to always prioritize the needs of the people over those of special interests, corporations even when that goes against the interest of establishment democrats and party leadership.As a queer, black man watching the legislative attacks on my communities is beyond disheartening. We must ensure that whenever laws are being drafted we have BIPOC voices, and Queer voices at the table speaking to our experiences. We MUST take up space in the streets, but also at every level of our government. Nothing about us without us!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights/protections, Law enforcement reform, tenant protections, medicare for all, climate change, investing in the people through programs like a guaranteed income, decriminalizing substance use, sex work, and homelessness are just a few. You can find more information on the campaign website noted below.

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

There is an album on the PM Press label called The Meaning of Freedom by Dr. Angela Davis. I highly recommend giving it a listen to better understand my political philosophy, but also to enrich your own political and worldviews.

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

Great listening skills. Empathy. An effective collaborator. A commitment to prioritizing the needs of the constituents over profit.

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

First and foremost, LISTENING to your constituents. Prioritizing the needs of the people over profit, corporations, and even party leadership when necessary.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Progressing the fight for the liberation of Black, Queer, and other oppressed people across the U.S. and abroad.

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

The Columbine shooting. I was 13 at the time.

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

My very first job was working at my uncle's car wash during my early teen years. I earned my first paycheck working at Wendy's during my junior and senior years of high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Cruel/Cruel by Dior J. Stephens. It's a fantastic poetry collection that elevates and speaks to the experience of the author as a black queer person.

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

Dr. Manhattan.

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

My Power by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, Nija Charles, Busiswa Gqulu, DJ Lag

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

Living with dyslexia.

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

Acknowledging the very real and growing expression of white supremacy for the domestic terror threat that it is, and addressing it accordingly.

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

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support and advocate for term limits. I will introduce legislation that would limit members of Congress to no more than 5 consecutive terms.

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

Compromise is certainly necessary for policymaking. I've learned this as Chair of the Oakland Housing & Rent Board through writing and introducing legislation to become law here in Oakland. However; for me there is no compromise when doing so puts marginalized communities at risk of continued systemic violence.

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?

I will introduce and/or support legislation seeking to increase revenue by ensuring that corporations are paying taxes at a rate that is both equitable and relative to their profits.

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

By working to identify and dismantle systems across the Federal government that are derived from and/or seek to uphold white supremacy, which is the single greatest domestic threat facing our country.

Denard Ingram did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.