Nicolette Hahn Niman

Nicolette Hahn Niman earned a high school diploma from Kalamazoo Central High School, a bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College in 1989, and a law degree from University of Michigan Law School in 1993. Her career experience includes working as a rancher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I believe that all people in California's District 2 -- whether they are urban or rural, liberal or conservative -- deserve to be well represented. The district is large and diverse. To give all residents a voice means understanding issues at a community level and helping to address the specific concerns of each community in the district. My focus will not be on Washington, it will be on the people and communities of the district.

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 value the voices of all people, and I am committed to understanding the concerns of all. I will work to fairly represent all people and communities in the district. I have spent the past 25 years working with rural people on food, agricultural and environmental concerns, so I have a strong connection to rural concerns. I have also lived in several large cities and served two terms on the City Commission of Kalamazoo, Michigan, so I have worked on urban issues, as well. I have been on my local school board for the past five years. Because I have never belonged to any political party, I work well with everyone and am able to focus on working together to solve problems.Life in California is too complicated and too expensive. Gas, groceries and housing are just a few examples of things that cost far more in this state than elsewhere. Healthcare and healthy insurance are also increasingly unaffordable. We need to return some common sense to governance and find ways to simplify regulations and reduce costs for ordinary people. There is no reason in the world that it should take a year or more to do "pre-development" to build a house. California can be a wonderful place to live and we need to remove obstacles that are getting in the way of everyday citizens being able to lead good lives.I have a particular passion for food and agriculture. I have written three books and about sensible farming and food production. Food is fundamental to good health. The people who practice agriculture should be celebrated and supported. The people who work our lands are the most knowledgeable about our natural resources and work hard to be good stewards of our soils, waters and air. We should be helping farmers and ranchers in their efforts to produce healthy food rather than taking a punitive approach. One example is programs that support farmers in improving their soils. By offering training and education and rewarding improved soil health we can create more profitable farms, healthier food, and more vibrant ecosystems.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Natural resources, food, agriculture, health care.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sonoma County Farm Bureau

Mendocino County Farm Bureau