Rhoda Nazanin

Rhoda Nazanin was born in Isfahan, Iran. She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2018. Nazanin's career experience includes working as a minister, project manager at the Skirball Cultural Center and as an in-home healthcare worker. She has been associated with SEIU 2015 and Stonewall Democratic Club.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I never imagined running for office. I immigrated here when I was eight years old with my family to escape religious persecution in Iran and pursue the American Dream. And like many of us, I was horrified by the events of January 6th. It was not only a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, but also on our democracy. Even more upsetting was realizing that an elected representative from our community, Mike Garcia, sided with the insurrectionists and murderers that day and voted to throw out the votes of our fellow Americans.

I knew then that the 25th District needed a better choice than what they had been previously offered. As Democrats we can't afford to lose this seat again and our democracy depends on beating Mike Garcia. I'm not a politician, but I believe voters deserve real representation that reflects their diverse life experiences. When I was growing up in Northridge, there was no one like me serving in Congress. Over the years, I have been so inspired as more women of color and members of the LGBTQ community have been elected to public office. As an immigrant, former pastor, and queer woman of color, my experiences will help me to represent the people who haven't been given a voice.

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?

Access to Medical Care is a Right, Not a PrivilegeCollege Education Must Be Affordable for EveryoneClimate Change is a Public Safety Issues

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare

While I was in college, my father became ill. He couldn’t afford insurance and put off seeing a doctor. Eventually he was hospitalized with cancer spreading throughout his stomach. Despite surgery and chemotherapy, he passed away. We then received a bill for over $200,000. No one should have crushing debt because of necessary medical treatments, and no one should avoid seeing a doctor because they’re afraid of the cost. My experience is too common, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

College Tuition

I was the first in my family to go to a university. My parents were so proud and dropping out to help support my mother and sister was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I was fortunate, in my 30s I was able to return to school and finish my degree. Many are not as lucky. Family crises and financial hardship leave too many unable to either pursue or complete a college education. If we truly value higher education in this country, we must make it accessible to all.

Climate Change

Like many of you, in recent years I have had to evacuate my home and workplace because of wildfires. Other parts of the country face lengthening and worsening hurricane seasons, Texas now floods, and the Midwest is hit with a polar vortex. Climate change is not only an issue that we must face to give our grandchildren a better future 40 years from now. Climate change is an existential threat to our way of life today, and it must be treated as such.

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

My favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I think about this quote often:

“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

I’m running for office because I believe that Members of congress are supposed to be public servants, and our current representative Mike Garcia has forgotten that.

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

While my work at the non-profit, Skirball Cultural Center, in Los Angeles has added to my experience in managing teams and working with others, the real experience that makes me qualified to lead in Congress is my history as a pastor for 10 years and my lived experiences as someone from the working class, an immigrant, and a queer woman.

During my years of service to my congregation, I learned how to truly listen and deeply connect with others. I led them through difficult times, worked with our youth, and helped my congregants navigate the labyrinthian immigration system.  While it may not seem as exciting

as the big votes on the floor, constituent service is supposed to be at the heart of a representative’s job, and I’ve already invested the majority of my career doing the same kind of work.

Additionally, being a person of faith with a family that has leaned more conservative has taught me to work with people across the aisle. I know how to navigate conversations respectfully, stand up for my values, and compromise when needed.

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

I’ve always known I was gay, but growing up and later serving as a pastor in a conservative church, I had felt like I needed to hide that part of myself to be of service. Coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was afraid that people in my life wouldn’t accept me for who I am. And some didn’t. It was the single darkest period of my life. But by being open and allowing people to connect with my authentic self, other relationships deepened. I’m now engaged to the love of my life.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why does a pitcher lift one leg before he throws the ball? Because if he lifted both legs he’d fall down.

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