Ram Mammadov

Ramin Mammadov earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Michigan State University in 2006.[1][2]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased April 12, 2021

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Ram Mammadov, Proud Progressive Democrat and I am running to give the residents of the US House District 9 a true public servant and effective representation for the first time in over 60 years. We can do better, and we will do better. North Carolina needs a congressman who worked for minimum wage, who suffered through racism and discrimination, who struggled without the healthcare, housing, and education.

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?

Leave No One behindStrong Progressive VoiceServing everyone

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education

Infrastructure

Economic opportunities

Increase of minimum wage

Medicare for All

Universal basic income

Free college

Government funded childcare

Strong safety net

Campaign website

Mammadov's campaign website stated the following:

EDUCATION

State neglect and misconceived federal programs have left North Carolina public schools in disarray. Both state and federal governments need to increase investment in public education, vocational training, facility modernization, teacher pay, classroom supplies, textbooks, and post-graduate teacher development.

There also needs to be coordination between the UNC Schools of Education, Dept. of Public Instruction, State Board of Education, NC Association of Educators, and local districts and principals with assistance from the NC General Assembly and the US Dept. of Education. Together, we can rebuild public education into an effective and efficient system serving all NC students.

I strongly support universal access to pre-K, child care and public college regardless of income. As a product of public education, I know how education can be the bridge from poverty to a better life. The payoff is a stronger economy!

CLIMATE CHANGE + ENVIRONMENT

We must breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a pollution-free environment. Environmental justice is the foundation of infrastructure and economic development. We are facing a climate catastrophe as the East Coast is hit with hurricanes and heavy rainfalls, the West Coast is under deadly heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, the Midwest suffers from super tornados and sea levels are rising.

The only way to resolve this climate crisis is to transition from fossil fuels to green renewable energy through wind and solar power that will not degrade the conditions for life on our planet. It will create millions of new good paying, green jobs.

A clean energy future that focuses on protecting workers and environmental justice is not only achievable, but it is the only way we will protect our planet and our people for future generations. As your Representative, I pledge to electrify the economy by taking on the fossil fuel industry and standing up for decarbonizing electricity.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

My experience as a young immigrant made me passionate about creating equity and opportunities for success for everyone. People in our state continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.

As your Congressman I will advocate for a livable minimum wage, public college/university for ALL income levels, expanded childcare support, affordable housing, tax reforms that reward work (not wealth), and strengthened safety net programs including Social Security and Medicare.

I also support the Equal Rights Amendment and pay equity.

TARGETED INFRASTRUCTURE

I support an infrastructure program that will address underserved and rural areas. Small business owners need broadband to build back better, students need access to the internet, and many residents live in areas that lack access to transportation and health facilities. My information technology background allows me to present fresh solutions for a vibrant future.

VETERANS

The veterans who have served our country and those who serve us now put their talents and lives on the line to defend our democracy. It is our sacred duty to provide our veterans with the care they need and deserve. I will work for increased housing options for our homeless vets and job training opportunities.

We should increase Veterans’ access to quality health care using telehealth digital care delivery methods –especially in our rural areas and during the COVID pandemic. Vets need timely reviews for decisions on benefits claims and appeals with transparent reporting. We must improve veterans' access to healthcare including mental health resources to treat PTSD and depression.

Expanding targeted and timely interventions for our at-risk Veterans to prevent suicide and overdose death is critical. I fully support expanded access to veteran’s benefits including improved information technology and integration between government departments. Visit va.gov for resources and access to the Veterans Crisis Line.

RACIAL JUSTICE + EQUAL RIGHTS + PUBLIC SAFETY

As an immigrant who suffered through racism, discrimination, and marginalization, I stand strong for Equality for All. Equality must apply to all of us, not some of us. Systemic racism and prejudice have prevented America from reaching the promise of our constitution. African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, other people of color and LGBTQ+ have suffered from discriminatory practices that have been built into our institutions.

We must pass the Equality Act in Congress. I am committed to stronger protections of LGBTQ+ communities of North Carolina who are facing great challenges. I pledge to treat everyone equally and to listen to all people to effectively address challenges and needs.

In 1961, President John F Kennedy ordered federal contractors to take "affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin." Affirmative Action is a reasonable step we can take to increase equitable opportunities. I support HR 40 that would form a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans.

I support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and other criminal justice reforms to increase fairness in prosecutions and sentencing. It is time to move towards restorative justice and eliminate the death penalty. The Anti-Racism in Public Health Act would help address disparities in health. We also need to address racial disparities in our schools, workplaces and the impacts of the climate crisis.

Trust starts with law enforcement openly sharing key information with the public. Law enforcement leaders must be bold in taking steps to ensure the well-being of officers, increase positive engagement with the public they serve and create a desirable workplace that includes recognition and promotion of model officers. Establishing a culture of trust is a must.

VOTERS' RIGHTS

Efforts of politicians across the country to suppress the vote is a violation of our sacred right as Americans to participate in our democracy. I will work tirelessly to protect our right to vote via legislation like HR 1 For the People Act and HR 4 – John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Redistricting should be done by independent nonpartisan commissions – not politicians! Gerrymandering must end and be replaced with a transparent process using fair criteria and citizen input.

HEALTH CARE

Healthcare costs are the #1 reason for personal bankruptcy. Yet Republican leadership in the NC legislature has blocked Medicaid Expansion leading to the closure of medical services in many rural areas. Local hospitals and clinics carry the costs of uninsured patients, making it harder to stay in business. At minimum, the NC General Assembly needs to accept federal Medicaid funding to expand coverage.

The Medicare for All Act would deliver comprehensive healthcare to all Americans with better outcomes for the least cost (no premiums, no deductibles, no co-pays, everyone included!). I challenge Republicans and others to present their proposals and see how they stack up against Medicare for All. I strongly believe it's time for comprehensive healthcare in the U.S. like other developed nations.

I strongly believe in every woman’s right to control her own body and make her own very personal health decisions. As your Congressman, I will strongly advocate for federal protection of women's rights to choose.

COMMON SENSE GUN SAFETY + REFORMS

The gun violence epidemic is sweeping through America. In 2021 alone, there were over 41,000 gun violence deaths in America. The effects of gun violence in America extend far beyond these casualties – gun violence shapes the lives of millions of Americans who witness it and live in fear of the next shooting.

Yes, we have a constitutional right to own a gun, and we must have reasonable gun laws. I strongly support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, which would expand background checks for all firearm purchases. We must require criminal background checks for all firearms purchases, including those sold at gun shows and on the Internet. Currently, unlicensed private firearms sellers are exempt from conducting criminal background checks on buyers at gun shows or over the Internet allowing felons, the severely mentally ill, and others prohibited from owning firearms access to weapons.

I support the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. We cannot afford inaction when it comes to matters of life and death.

OPIOID TREATMENT

When 1 out of every 6 people is prescribed antidepressants or painkillers, it is easy to understand why we have an opioid crisis in America. Study after study has shown that addiction to prescription painkillers leads to use of more lethal drugs like heroin and crystal meth. The epidemic has put enormous burdens on our families, healthcare facilities, social services and county jails. I will work to expand federal grants to assist our communities in effectively preventing and treating Opioid addiction.

IMMIGRATION REFORM

We are a nation of immigrants. Therefore, we need to balance our border security and asylum process with a clear, sensible path to citizenship. Dreamers (brought to the U.S. as children) deserve a path to citizenship.

A complete reform of our country’s dehumanizing immigration enforcement system that results in employer manipulation and abuse, threatens public safety and tears families apart is long overdue. Any reform should ensure access to justice and due process.

The U.S. also needs to address the root causes of immigration. In June of 2019, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations reported, “The Dry Corridor in Central America, in particular, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are experiencing one of the worst droughts of the last ten years with over 3.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance.” Extreme changes in climate and heavy droughts have left South America and especially the northern triangle devastated. Central American agriculture is on the verge of extinction. All of this leads to starvation and a high rise in migration. We can decrease migration if we focus economic aid in that region to help deal with the effects of the climate crisis and extreme poverty to stimulate sustainable, economic growth.

Our foreign policy requires a major reset. We have expended trillions of dollars in foreign aid while overlooking our own hemisphere. We need to recognize that South and Central America contribute to the North American continent's GDP and agriculture is vital to all of us in this hemisphere. With these changes in policy, we will curtail illegal immigration.

STRONG SAFETY NET

I will oppose all attempts to cut or privatize Social Security or Medicare programs that our Seniors so heavily depend on. This will be one of my top priorities in office. We also need to find ways to strengthen social safety net programs like unemployment benefits, food assistance, and family medical leave to help citizens weather the ups and downs of an ever-changing economy. A guaranteed minimum income may cost less than the complex social safety net bureaucracy we now use.[4]

—Ramin Mammadov's campaign website (2022)[5]

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased January 15, 2020

State Senate

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ram Mammadov and I am your candidate for the South Carolina State Senate from District 16. I represent a new generation of leadership that prioritizes service and the good and welfare of our community for all, not just the wealthy. I believe public service should NOT be defined by age, race, or gender. Public service must be led by example and by bold visionary leadership. We must meet South Carolina's challenges and solve the problems through creative and thoughtful approaches based on the principle of serving all people of our communities and representing their best interests!

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?

We can do better, we will do better!People's interests over partyLeave NO ONE behind

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Power of Education

Healthcare

Revival of Infrastructure

Fighting Poverty

Economic Growth

Veterans

Gun Safety

Women's Rights

Opioid Addiction

U.S. House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ramin Mammadov. I am running for the U.S. House of Representatives from the 5th District of the great state of South Carolina. It will not be an easy race. I believe I represent a new generation of leadership that prioritizes service and community. When one wins, we all win. I believe public service should NOT be defined by age, race or gender. Public service must be led by example and by leadership. Our Nation's problems must be solved by creative and thoughtful approaches based on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The United States helped me as a young immigrant. Now I am ready to give back and serve my country and the American people. I am running to rebuild unity and provide the voice for those whose voices aren't heard. Too often partisanship and special interests have done nothing but leave more people behind. As your next Congressman, I will bring a fresh approach to solving complex problems, because I genuinely want to create a better future for everyone in the 5th Congressional 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?

Leave NO ONE behindPeople's interest firtsCountry over party

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Improving Public Schools

Building a Healthcare System That Works

Immigration / Border Protection

Jobs & More Investments

Protecting Social Security

Military

Veterans

Agriculture and Farming

Mental Health & Opioid Addiction

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