Skip to content
California ballot
Photo of Jerlilia Ryans

Jerlilia Ryans

DemocraticFirst-time candidate

Attorney/Business Owner

Jerlilia Ryans ran for U.S. House California District 50 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Jerlilia Ryans graduated from Centennial High School. Ryans earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego in 1980. Ryans' career experience includes working as an attorney/business owner.[1]

Bachelor's:
University of California, San Diego, 1980
High school:
Centennial High School

Campaign money

Raised
$58K
From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings through June 30, 2026.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

Jerlilia Ryans has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2028 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Jerlilia Ryans asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Jerlilia Ryans, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2028 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Jerlilia Ryans to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing jerlilialjryans@gmail.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jerlilia Ryans. I am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver for my elder siblings. I have lived in San Diego for over 40 years, and I am running for Congress to defend our democracy and fight for the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families—affordability, the rising cost of living, universal healthcare for all, affordable housing, a meaningful child tax credit, and a fair, comprehensive immigration plan.

I am running because every single day our democracy is being threatened. The Trump administration and its allies continue to undermine our institutions, our rights, and the rule of law. The American people deserve a representative who will stand up every day—without fear or compromise—to protect their freedoms and fight for their future.

As an attorney, I understand the law. As an American, I believe deeply in the Constitution and in equal justice under the law. I am running for Congress to ensure that our government works for the people—not special interests—and to build an economy and democracy that leave no one behind.

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?

1. A Proven Advocate for Working Families .

I am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver who understands the real-life challenges families face. I’m running to lower the cost of living and fight for kitchen-table priorities like affordable housing, universal healthcare for all, a meaningful child tax credit, and economic policies that let working people get ahead—not just survive.2. Defending Democracy and the Constitution

As an attorney and a lifelong American, I believe deeply in the Constitution, the rule of law, and equal justice. At a time when our democracy is under constant attack, I will stand up every day to protect our democratic institutions, civil rights, and freedoms—no matter who is in power.3. Deep Roots, Real Leadership for San Diego

I’ve lived in San Diego for over 40 years and have dedicated my life to serving my community. I’m running for Congress to bring principled, people-centered leadership to Washington—leadership that answers to voters, not special interests, and delivers real solutions for our district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Lowering the Cost of Living & Economic Justice

Fighting rising costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities, and everyday necessities. Supporting fair wages, small businesses, and tax policies—like a strong child tax credit—that put working families first.

2. Universal Healthcare for All

Ensuring healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. Supporting a universal healthcare system that lowers costs, expands access, protects patients, and allows families to get care without fear of medical debt.

3. Affordable Housing & Homelessness Solutions

Investing in affordable housing, renter protections, and pathways to homeownership while addressing homelessness with humane, evidence-based solutions.

4. Defending Democracy & rule of law

Note: Ryans submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on February 12, 2026.

Show past responsesHide past responses

December 6 submission

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 first main point about my Candidacy will be extending the ACA subsidies for all Americans.Second point will be affordabilities; lowering the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare expenses and prescription drug cost.Lastly, protecting medicare and social securities from being privatized.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The areas of public policies that I am truly passionate about: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights, Affordable Housing & Cost of Living, Veterans’ Services & Support, Protecting Seniors, Social Security & Medicare, LGBTQ rights and Immigration with Fairness & Humanity.

Jerlilia Ryans did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Jerlilia Ryans did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

Source(opens in new tab)