Paul Chakalian

Paul Chakalian was born in Pasadena, California. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Evergreen State College in 2012, a graduate degree from Columbia University in 2015, and a doctoral degree from Arizona State University in 2019. His career experience includes working as a researcher for NOAA and a business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Paul Chakalian is a small business owner and dad who understands the real challenges facing working families in Yucca Valley and across our district. As the founder of Joshua Tree Distilling Co., he knows the struggle of running a small business in California — from navigating skyrocketing costs of healthcare, housing, and taxes to managing burdensome regulations that make it difficult to get ahead. Paul has experienced these challenges firsthand, working from home to raise his two young sons due to the high cost of housing and childcare.

Paul comes from a family of small business owners with roots in this region for nearly two decades. His journey began early, helping at his parents' bookstore as a teenager and learning the value of hard work and community. Today, he's built a successful craft distillery that provides jobs and supports the local economy, donating between 2–5% of its revenue every year to over two dozen local community organizations.

Paul is committed to championing the needs of small businesses and working families. With a deep understanding of local economic challenges, and a PhD in environmental science, he brings a people-first perspective focused on balanced and practical solutions to improve lives and livelihoods.

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?

If elected, Paul will work across the aisle to provide concrete improvements in our communities by reducing costs for working families, supporting businesses and schools, and ensuring access to quality healthcare and our shared natural spaces.Paul Believes in the Right To:

1. Pursue happiness, including security and financial independence, without government getting in the way.

2. Express yourself and speak your mind even when your opinions are unpopular or critical.

3. Practice your religion or no religion in the way that you and your family choose.

4. Access affordable healthcare, including reproductive health care.

5. Have clean and safe neighborhoods and natural spaces.

6. Love and marry whom you please regardless of race, gender, or religion.

7. Bear arms through responsible gun ownership.Paul Promises To:

1. Fight for lower taxes and increased government efficiency.

2. Vote with my constituents, not with a party.

3. Keep big money interests and foreign influence out of government.

4. Uphold our basic rights.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Increasing financial and economic freedom and security for American families.

2. Enhancing Social Security and Veteran services.

3. Providing Accessible Healthcare for all Americans.

4. Providing universal childcare to support families and address our falling birth rate.

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

To faithfully represent the interests of their constituents and our nation above all else.

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

Al Gore lost to George Bush despite winning the popular vote. I was 8 years old and that was the beginning of a lifetime of skepticism about our leaders willingness to deliver the promise of a nation that guarantees the free fair pursuit of happiness through democracy.

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

I started working at my parents bookstore at 13 and continued working there seasonally through college.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

1. Ensuring that all Americans share in the wealth created by our exceptional system of pluralistic democracy, public education, and capitalist innovation.

2. Protecting our position as the world's reserve currency and global leader in science, culture, and International affairs.

3. Enhancing our democracy to better represet the voices of everyday Americans.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are an essential part a healthy representative democracy and we need to revisit our current term limits (or lack thereof) for all elected positions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Randall Putz, Big Bear Lake Council Member.

Miguel Soto Jr., Adelanto Elementary School District Board Clerk.

Center for Forethought Equality, PAC.

US Term Limits, PAC.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

A healthy democracy requires absolute transparency between elected officials and citizens.