Harmesh Kumar

Harmesh Kumar earned a bachelor's degree from Panjab University in 1980 and a Ph.D. from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in 1991. His career experience includes working as psychologist.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased July 30, 2023

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a clinical psychologist, I contemplate the potential of my medical background to contribute significantly towards addressing the escalating challenges of mental illness within our society. This pervasive issue is increasingly affecting various facets of our community. I have amassed nearly four decades of invaluable experience in my field. Throughout my career, I have been fueled by a deep-seated passion to serve those who have been overlooked and underserved. It pains me to witness the extensive suffering endured by individuals and families in our state. Regrettably, I believe that much of this suffering can be attributed to the emotional strains imposed upon our citizens by politicians and the perpetuation of a dysfunctional system that primarily serves the interests of its beneficiaries and the elite, rather than the ordinary people and small business owners who form the backbone of our society.

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?

Promote real mental health to support the families, local communities, and reduce crime and recidivismMitigate the alarming levels of gun violenceAlleviate the pervasive issue of homelessness

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about education and healthcare policies but I also believe that they can be further improved upon. I believe that every individual should have access to quality education regardless of their background, and that affordable and accessible healthcare and mental healthcare is essential for the well-being of all citizens. These areas of public policy are particularly important to me, and I actively follow and support initiatives that aim to improve education and healthcare systems in our society. I will also continue to make improvements on these policies in due if I am elected.

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

As a licensed clinical psychologist in California, I have amassed nearly four decades of invaluable experience in my field. Throughout my career, I have been fueled by a deep-seated passion to serve those who have been overlooked and underserved. It pains me to witness the extensive suffering endured by individuals and families in our state. Regrettably, I believe that much of this suffering can be attributed to the emotional strains imposed upon our citizens by politicians and the perpetuation of a dysfunctional system that primarily serves the interests of its beneficiaries and the elite, rather than the ordinary people and small business owners who form the backbone of our society.

These emotional pressures have given rise to social chaos, fueling a distressing cycle of anxiety, depression, gun violence, domestic strife, and homelessness. Recognizing the urgent need for change, I have made the decision to enter the political arena. My primary objective is to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all, a cause that I am determined to secure adequate funding for. By taking this crucial step, we can begin to mitigate the alarming levels of gun violence, alleviate the pervasive issue of homelessness, and prevent incidents of police brutality.

Thus, I implore the esteemed voters of California to join me in effecting the transformative change we so desperately need. Together, we can lay the foundation for a society where mental health services are readily available to all, catalyzing a cascade of positive outcomes that will not only heal our collective wounds but also uplift the lives of every citizen in our great state.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the U.S. Senate seat include legislation, representation of constituents, oversight of the executive branch, involvement in the budget process, treaty ratification, advice and consent on presidential appointments, participation in impeachment trials, and providing constituent services. Senators draft, propose, and vote on laws, advocate for their state or district, oversee government agencies, allocate funds through budget and appropriations, ratify treaties, confirm presidential appointees, conduct impeachment trials, and assist constituents with federal matters.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to serve the people that are not being served right now

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

In 1993, after completing my post doctoral training under Dr. Ruff, associate professor at UCSF and director of neurobehavioral services at Saint Mary's Hospital San Francisco, I founded the first non profit mental health agency named Neurobehavioral and Psychological Institute (now called the Hume center https://www.humecenter.org/ ) to served the underserved. It is still serving a larger community in San Francisco Bay Area. I served there until 2004.

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

Let it be by The Beetles

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It sets the policies for the national and international level by selecting judges, ambassadors, and chiefs of Army, Air Force, and Navy. The senate seat is also sets the agenda for any and all immigration policies. The Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials, essentially serving as jury and judge. I will be honored to be a part of this process.

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

Long-time politicians may become entrenched in their positions and be less open to new ideas or approaches. This can lead to increased partisanship and difficulty in finding common ground. Some argue that career politicians may lose touch with the everyday concerns of their constituents, potentially leading to a lack of representation. Seasoned politicians might be resistant to adopting innovative solutions or fresh perspectives, potentially hindering progress on certain issues.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a senator does not solely depend on their previous experience in government or politics. Other factors such as personal qualities, commitment to public service, ability to listen to constituents, and willingness to collaborate with colleagues also play crucial roles in determining a senator's success.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I think the filibuster is a parliamentary procedure in the United States Senate that allows a senator, or a group of senators, to delay or block a vote on a bill by continuously speaking or by making lengthy speeches. The filibuster is not a formal rule written into the Constitution but is based on Senate precedents and rules.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

NA

Campaign website

Kumar’s campaign website stated the following:

Mental Illness and Gun Violence

Having personally treated thousands of patients with mental disorders for almost 40 years, Dr. Kumar knows mental illness and what must be done to reduce its incidence in our society. Based on his personal findings, as well as those of other experts in the field, he has formulated a plan he feels will help curb mental illness in the nation. Dr. Kumar feels many of our nation's problems are rooted in the continual growth of mental illness that effect people of all ages, genders, racial backgrounds, educational levels, and socioeconomic status in all areas of society. Mental illness, when left untreated or improperly managed, can potentially contribute to an increased risk of gun violence. Certain mental illnesses may impact one's thoughts, emotions, and behavior in ways that could potentially lead to violent acts. Conditions such as severe depression, untreated psychosis, or specific personality disorders can sometimes impair an individual's judgment, perception of reality, impulse control, or ability to cope with stressors effectively.

Mental Illness In Our Society Today

In our country today millions of people suffer from many forms of mental disorders such as: anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions, schizophrenia, as well as problems of substance abuse-the consumption of alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms to numb painful mental health symptoms. Unfortunately, most of this chaos is created by our politicians. They have been influenced by the lobbyists and their money. It only helps only them not ordinary citizens. According to the American Psychiatric Association there are over 450 different definitions of mental disorders. Affirming Dr. Kumar's findings are alarming facts reported in the "2023 The State of Mental Health In America" by MHA- Mental Health America, the nation's leading community-based non-profit mental health organization. -- 21% of adults (over 50 million Americans} are experiencing problems with mental illness. 55% of them (over 28 million individuals} receive no treatment for their illness. --15% of adults had a substance use disorder in the past year. 93.5% of them did not receive treatment. --16% of youth report suffering at least one major depressive episode in the past year. 60% of youth with major depression do not receive mental health treatment. While the number of people who suffer mental illness is of serious concern, even more alarming is the fact that some people who've committed atrocious incidents were later diagnosed as having mental disorders. In that respect, mental illness can be far more dangerous than cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, and other illnesses that bring about suffering, and even death, to the unfortunates afflicted by such diseases. But, while the overwhelming majority of the mentally ill pose no danger, a person with a mental disorder can hurt more than just him or herself. Based on all the aforementioned findings and statistics, we all know that mental health is not limited to the individuals who is suffering but it also emotionally impacts their loved ones, their families, their local communities and small businesses around them. Dr. Kumar asserts that there is a pressing need for the government to prioritize and allocate increased resources towards individuals afflicted with mental disorders.

The Total Candidate

As a man who once worked for WHO (the World Health Organization}, Dr. Kumar has years of working for the betterment of our California community. That is a major reason why he has considerable knowledge on so many other issues that need attention. Having been an immigrant, he knows firsthand our country's immigration system, what immigrants face trying to find their niche in society, and how the system can be improved. He has personal experience in many problem areas that have been mostly overlooked by the government; including the plight of the homeless and the need for affordable housing. Dr. Kumar feels, "We are all Americans so we must unite to improve our country regardless of our individual backgrounds! We must work together to improve our quality of life by caring for one another so that our future generations can compete in the world! Since I first arrived, I have done all of that in my journey.” He is not the usual U.S. Senate candidate. But he is smart, savvy, determined, honest and truthful. Dr. Kumar for California's U.S. Senator! Take the time to get to know him and help him make the country the best its ever been.[8]

—Harmesh Kumar’s campaign website (2024)[9]

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