Evan Bell

Evan Bell was born in Centralia, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lake Forest College in 2010 and a graduate degree from Arizona State University in 2013. His career experience includes working as an organizer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Evan Bell, and I am a union representative and organizer living in San Jose.

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 economic agenda of the country is a choice. People need real leadership to address the rising cost of everything - from the cost of groceries, to rent and mortgage payments, to student loan debt. We need to lower the cost on everything.Joe Biden needs a strong progressive voice in Congress that will fight for lower and middle class people.Student loan debt is crushing the future of American families - and we have to do something about it now.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Student loan debt, cost of housing, and rebuilding democracy at home.

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

I think that we need more regular people who've struggled and know the struggles of the communities they would serve. I am a lower to middle class person who works hard to try to provide for his family but I still struggle everyday. I believe I have the ability to listen to people, bring folks together, and find common ground, just as I do as a union organizer. I also know that this will be an uphill battle, running against much better known candidates. But I've fought hard when times got rough - failing out of law school, the death of my dear mother, etc.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of service, of passion, of kindness, and hopefully, one of results. I know I won't be able to do it alone, but with good people at my side, I know we can do anything.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Too many to choose, to be honest. The most recent book I read is "The Reign of Marvel Studios," which is fantastic. I am a huge MCU fan.

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

I would probably be some type of Marvel character. I really love Ant-Man and his ability to shrink and grow big. I think I would want his abilities.

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

Probably "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch."

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

As I mentioned above, I failed out of law school in 2011. The worst and best thing that ever happened to me. It led me down a path where I better recognize myself, so I'm grateful for that struggle. In 2014, I received a DUI, an incident that I recognize to be utterly and completely irresponsible and dangerous. I am grateful to the officer who arrested me, which lead me to become a better person and clean up my act.