Paula Swift

Paula Swift was born in California. She graduated from Lynwood High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Azusa Pacific University, a graduate degree from the University of Southern California, and an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California. Her career experience includes working as a business owner and educator.[1][2]

California State Assembly District 70

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Dr. Paula Swift, and I'm running for the California State Assembly because I know what it means to fight for a better life. After all, I've had to do it myself.

I'm a native Californian who put myself through college while raising a family, earning my bachelor's from Azusa Pacific, my master's in Communication Management, and my doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. For over twenty years, I've worked across nonprofits, government, and the private sector, and today I run a consulting firm that partners with organizations to fix broken systems and expand access to what people need.

At 35, I survived a tragedy that took my four-year-old son's life. Widowed and grieving, I raised my surviving daughter alone and turned my pain into purpose, spending more than two decades advocating for foster youth and domestic violence survivors so no family faces what mine did without support.

I'm also an adjunct professor, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a proud mother to my daughter and our feisty Cane Corso.

I believe outcomes, not slogans, measure leadership. In Sacramento, I'll fight for families overwhelmed by the cost of living, for fair healthcare, for workers seeking stability, and for kids who deserve a future built on opportunity, not circumstance. That's the California I'm fighting for.

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'm running because I know what it's like to fight for your family when the systems meant to help you fail instead. I put myself through school, not just to earn credentials, but to build tools I use every day to fix broken systems. My path took an unimaginable turn when gun violence shattered my world, leaving me a widowed single mother rebuilding from the ground up. That loss became purpose. For two decades, I've advocated for foster youth and domestic violence survivors, fighting for people too often overlooked by government. I'm not bringing a resume to Sacramento, I'm bringing resilience, real solutions, and a track record of turning pain into progress for others.My campaign is rooted in a simple belief: state government should work for every Californian, not only those with influence or access. Families across our district and beyond are struggling with the cost of living, and they deserve a representative focused on real, practical fixes. I'll fight to lower everyday costs, expand access to affordable and quality health care, and build genuine paths to homeownership and stable housing. My focus will be on supporting and creating legislation that actually improves daily life. I've spent my career fixing systems that fail people, and I'm ready to bring that same results-driven approach to the Assembly floor.I've knocked on a lot of doors, and one thing keeps coming up no matter who I talk to: people feel forgotten by their own government. Parents want good schools for their kids, and they want their adult children to build a life with the same opportunities they had growing up. Seniors want to stay in the homes they built their lives in. Veterans want to live with dignity. Small business owners want a fair opportunities to sustain their livelihood. I've spent my career working in spaces where these concerns get discussed but rarely acted on, and that has to change. This district deserves a representative who shows up consistently and fights for every part of this community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public policy around child welfare and support for domestic violence survivors is where my heart is. I spent twenty years in child advocacy, and that work shapes how I think about everything I want to do in the Assembly. I also care about affordable health care and housing, having raised my daughter as a single mother and knowing what it takes to keep a family afloat. And having spent the last six and a half years as a consultant fixing broken systems, I'm drawn to the harder work of making government actually function and bringing real resources back to this community, whether that's education funding, veterans' services, or support for small businesses.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I've been fortunate to build a coalition of support that spans elected leaders, organizations, and community members who believe in this campaign. On the federal level, I'm proud to have the backing of Congressmembers Robert Garcia, Derek Tran, and Dave Min. State Controller Malia Cohen, State Senators Tom Umberg and Bob Archuleta, and Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur have also endorsed my candidacy, along with Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor, Alex Lee, Avelino Valencia, José Luis Solache Jr., and Christopher Ward.

For a full and up-to-date list of endorsements, I'd encourage you to visit www.votepaulaswift.com/endorsements.

U.S. House California District 40

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Paula Swift is a dedicated public servant and a proud wife and mother who has experienced firsthand both the promise and the pitfalls of the American Dream. Now, she is running for Congress in California’s 40th District to be a true representative for the people—someone who listens, understands, and takes action to create a better future for all.

Raised with a value system based on hard work, faith, and service, Paula, a native Californian, put herself through school while raising a family. These academic achievements aren’t just credentials—they are the tools she uses daily to solve complex problems, build coalitions, and inspire others to lead with vision and compassion.

Paula’s professional career spans two decades across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. As CEO of her consulting firm, she has worked with government agencies, educational institutions, small businesses, and corporate leaders to drive meaningful, measurable change. Her experience has taught her how systems work—and how to fix them when they don’t serve the people they were created for.

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 will work to build a strong economy that puts working families first, where wages keep up with the cost of living, small businesses can thrive, and no one has to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. That means fighting for good-paying jobs, affordable childcare, fair taxes, and better opportunities for all. Our economy should work for everyone, not just the wealthy few.because the health of our planet affects all of us. We need cleaner air, safe water, and green spaces for our families and future generations. That means investing in renewable energy, reducing pollution, and protecting natural resources. I’m committed to practical solutions that support healthier communities and a more sustainable future.I will fight to protect Social Security and Medicare because our seniors deserve the benefits they’ve earned through a lifetime of hard work. These programs ones we must keep. I’ll oppose any effort to cut or privatize them and work to strengthen them for future generations. No one should have to worry about affording healthcare or retirement after spending their lives contributing to our country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m deeply passionate about public policies that protect and support children in foster care. Each year, over 20,000 young people age out of the system without a permanent family or support network, many facing homelessness, unemployment, or incarceration. I believe we must invest in wraparound services that support families before a crisis occurs, helping to prevent unnecessary placements. By strengthening family stability, we can reduce trauma and create better outcomes for children.

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

An elected official must lead with integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to public service. It’s essential to listen with empathy, act with transparency, and make decisions based on what’s best for the people, not special interests. I believe a true leader stays connected to their community, shows up in difficult moments, and works tirelessly to deliver real, lasting change.

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

I bring a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to service, qualities that I believe are essential for any successful officeholder. I listen first, lead with compassion, and never shy away from tough conversations or hard work.

My background in community advocacy and strategic leadership has taught me how to bring people together, solve complex problems, and stay focused on what truly matters: delivering real results for the people I serve. I show up, I follow through, and I lead with both heart and accountability.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of service, impact, and integrity. one rooted in the belief that government should be a force for good. I hope to be remembered as someone who truly listened, showed up when it mattered, and fought tirelessly to make life better for everyday families. No matter where I go in life, I will never forget that I am the daughter of parents who survived the Jim Crow South. Their strength, resilience, and values guide me every step of the way. I will always remain grounded in that truth, and I will always be accessible to the people I serve. If I can lead with compassion, inspire others to take action, and help bring about meaningful, lasting change, that will be a legacy I’m proud to leave behind.

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

The first historical event I clearly remember was the Iran hostage crisis. I was around 10 years old at the time, and I remember watching the news with my family and seeing the images of the American hostages and the nightly updates.

Even at that young age, I could sense how serious it was. It was one of the first times I realized how connected we are to the rest of the world and how global events can deeply impact people here at home.

What was your first job?

My first job was an after-school position during high school at Sears Roebuck in their customer service department. I assisted customers with appliance delivery updates, tracking orders, answering questions, and helping resolve any issues that came up. I was there for about two to three months, but it was a meaningful experience. It taught me the value of clear communication, patience, and the importance of listening, skills that have consistently built upon ever since.

What is your favorite book? Why?

One of my favorite books is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I first connected with it not just for its beautiful storytelling, but because I saw so much of my own life reflected in its pages. Like the March sisters, I grew up with three sisters, each of us with our own distinct personalities, dreams, and challenges, but bound by love, loyalty, and a strong family foundation. The book captures the power of sisterhood, resilience, and finding your voice, all of which have shaped who I am today. It’s a story that continues to inspire me to lead with heart, purpose, and authenticity.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman

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

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

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

One of the greatest struggles in my life was losing my son to gun violence. There are no words to fully capture that kind of pain. It changed me forever. But in the midst of that unimaginable loss, I found a deeper strength and sense of purpose. It built in me a perseverance and determination that fuels everything I do today. I carry my son’s memory with me in every room I walk into, and it’s part of why I’m so committed to creating safer communities, advocating for justice, and standing up for those who feel unseen or unheard. That pain became my power, and it drives me to serve with compassion, courage, and unwavering resolve.

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

I believe that while experience in government can be helpful, it’s not what qualifies someone to lead. In fact, what we’ve seen in Washington lately proves that too much time in politics can do more harm than good.

Many career politicians have become completely disconnected from the people they’re supposed to serve. They often prioritize party loyalty, special interests, or personal gain over real service. That’s not leadership, that’s self-preservation.

I’m running because I’ve spent my life working in the community, not climbing political ladders. I understand the struggles families face because I’ve lived them and worked alongside them. What we need now are leaders who are grounded in service, not status.

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

Over the next decade, I believe the United States’ greatest challenges will be addressing economic inequality, rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, and responding to the climate crisis. Too many families are working hard but still can’t afford basic necessities. At the same time, polarization and disinformation are eroding civic engagement and public trust.

We also face urgent environmental threats that demand bold, collaborative solutions. Meeting these challenges will require honest leadership, real accountability, and a commitment to policies that put people first.

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

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking. In a diverse nation like ours, finding common ground is essential to making progress and passing legislation that serves the broadest number of people.

However, at no time should compromise come at the expense of the rule of law, our Constitution, or the fundamental rights of any group. Productive compromise means working together with integrity, staying rooted in our values, and ensuring that all actions taken in government remain lawful, ethical, and just.