Malcolm Colombo

Malcolm Colombo was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Colombo earned a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University in 2016. His career experience includes working as a engineer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born to a working-class family. My father is a truck driver, and my mother has held many professions; a substitute teacher, a retail worker, a waitress, and above all, had the full-time job of raising 4 children. Despite the tireless hard work my parents put forth day after day, our family depended on government assistance in every form. But it was because of that same assistance I was able to go to college and earn my Bachelors of Engineering in Civil Engineering. From that I have gained access to opportunities families like mine rarely see. However; my working-class upbringing has stuck in the back of my mind, and with that the stark realization that something more needs to be done. Something that is larger than one person’s success. This campaign is that something.

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?

Healthcare is a human rights, and we must pass Medicare-for-All.It is time that we remove the necessity of money in politics. Voter should not have to fund politicians and their campaigns. Nor should those that get elected be because of the fact they have the largest wallet. I am proud of the fact our campaign has not accepted a single donation. Our ideals will not bend to the highest bidder, and will always put the needs of our district first.Labor is the backbone to the United States. We must ensure that all workers have the opportunity to earn a living wage, as well as give them stronger opportunities to achieve the life they strive for.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Medicare-for-All, Labor Rights, Campaign Finance Reform

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bobby Kennedy - He displayed a moral courage that has been missing in politics for decades now. I would hope to achieve just a small fraction of that as a member of Congress.

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

Bobby Kennedy Sr's A Day of Affirmation Address - University of Capetown June 1966

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

I think displaying a moral courage to strike against the political norms is vital. To strive for ideals not because they are electable, but because they are simply the right thing to do.

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

I have good relationship building skills, and use problem solving in my daily job.

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

Protection of the American working class and their constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I stood on my ideals even when the pressure mounted.

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

As a millennial, the biggest events for me were 9/11 and the Great Recession. I was 9 and 16

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

I was a busser for 4 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Dune Messiah - I love the political intrigue and conspiracy. We rarely get to see what happens after the hero achieves their goals.

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

I think being raised poor and on welfare was not the easiest road, but I am grateful for the ideals and outlook it has granted me.

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

That it is a representative of the people, and we must return to that style of body to make the government more functioning.

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

No, I think it is more important for an official to display the ability of personal relationship building more so than the experience of government.

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

Yes, I think we need to reduce the power of incumbency, but 2 year terms is the start to making officials more accountable to their constituents.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The concept of term limits is trying to address a more underlying issue that elected officials once ingrained are a permanent fixture despite the fact their actions may or may not be in the best interest of their district. This has been achieved by the exponential rate money has influenced politics and special interest groups, how gerrymandering makes it nearly impossible for officials to face competitive elections, and political polarization. I believe it would be a better and more stable solution to address these issues than allow them to fester underneath with only applying a band-aid type solution of term limits. Term limits have been studied, and shown, that they only exaggerate these 3 core issues, and cede control of legislatures to lobbyists and special interest groups.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Bobby Kennedy

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?

I met an individual - a senior - who worked full time their entire life and is now disabled from hard factory work, but now depend on Social Security and Medicare. And these programs are barely enough, currently, to support them day to day. I want to make sure these programs are strengthened, like raising the cap on SS and passing Medicare-for-All, so that Americans that depend on our social safety nets do not have to worry at night.

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

Yes, but compromise on ideals should be a red line for anyone to cross.

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

I think the main responsibility of government is the protection of the working class. The powers of government should be used to ensure that laws and regulations ensure that regular Americans have a proper seat at the table, and have the necessary tools to use should they need them.

What committees interest you?

Transportation and Infrastructure, Intelligence, and Rules

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The more transparency the better.

U.S. House

Malcolm Colombo did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Maryland House of Delegates

Malcolm Colombo did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.