Trinh Ha

Trinh Ha was born in Vietnam. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine in 2008 and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2019. Her career experience includes working in consulting.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My family came to America thirty years ago. We had fled socialist Vietnam, where my father spent seven years in hard labor camps simply for standing with America during the Vietnam War. This country gave us a second chance. I went on to earn a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and build a career serving veterans. Today, as a mother, I'm running for Congress because I want to help keep America free, safe, and affordable for the next generation.

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 understand freedom because my family lost it. My family's experience under socialism gave me a deep appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities America offers. I will always put America and Americans first.I focus on the basics: Lowering the cost of living, strengthening public safety, securing the border, and improving education so families can thrive.I'm a public servant, not a career politician. I helped serve millions of veterans and fought waste, fraud, and abuse in government. I'll bring that same commitment to Congress.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about protecting constitutional rights, expanding economic opportunity, and making life more affordable for working families. I care deeply about strengthening education, supporting law enforcement, honoring our veterans, and making sure government is accountable to the people it serves.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Mainstream Republicans of Washington; Washington State Young Republicans; Pierce County Republican Party; King County 47th Legislative District Republicans; Senator Judy Warnick; Senator Keith Wagoner; Senator Jim McCune; Senator Nikki Torres; Representative Rob Chase; Representative Kathy Lambert; Representative Chad Magendanz; Representative Cyndy Jacobsen; Representative Michael Keaton; Mayor Scott Drennen; Mayor Carolyn Harding and others.

Campaign websiteHa's campaign website stated the following:Strong SchoolsAs a mother, an immigrant, and someone whose own journey was made possible by access to learning, I know that education is not just a policy issue. It’s a promise—that every child, no matter their background or ZIP code, will have the tools to thrive.That means giving local communities the power to shape their schools. It means making curriculum transparent and engaging parents as partners in their child’s future. It means investing in technical education, community colleges, and the skilled trades so that every student has a path to success.Washington’s 8th District is home to hardworking families who value education not only as a personal good, but as a public trust. In Congress, I will work to make sure federal policy respects the autonomy of our local districts, the diversity of our communities, and the aspirations of our children.Safe StreetsAs parents, we want our children to walk to school without fear and to know that help will come when we need it.Public safety isn’t an abstract policy; it’s about peace of mind. That’s why I’ll make sure our local law enforcement is well-trained, well-equipped, and held to the highest standards. I’ll confront the fentanyl crisis with tough penalties for traffickers and real investment in treatment and mental health care.I’ll also strengthen community partnerships—between police, families, and local leaders—because crime prevention starts close to home. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural town, you deserve to feel safe in your community.Smart ImmigrationMy family came to America seeking freedom and a chance to rebuild our lives. That experience taught me that immigration must be both strong and fair—upholding the rule of law while honoring America’s promise of opportunity. Legal integrity and human dignity are not opposing values; together, they define who we are.I’ll work to secure our borders, stop illegal trafficking, and enforce our immigration laws, while making the legal process clearer, faster, and more accountable. Families, farmers, and small businesses in Washington’s 8th District deserve a system that works—one that protects our communities and treats people with dignity.I’ll also modernize guest worker programs so farms and essential industries have access to a legal, reliable workforce.Immigration built this country. It still can—if we do it wisely, with compassion and common sense.People-First EconomyIn Washington’s 8th District, small businesses and working families are the backbone of our economy, but they’re being crushed by red tape and rising costs. I know this firsthand—my husband runs a small business. I see the challenges entrepreneurs face every day just trying to keep their doors open.That’s why I’ll fight to simplify the tax code, cut needless regulations that strangle growth, and invest in infrastructure that helps rural businesses compete. I’ll also expand job training, apprenticeships, and technical education so every student has a pathway to a real career.And I’ll modernize how we support small businesses—from easier access to capital to the right to repair, so local shops can compete, and families save money. Because when small businesses thrive, families and communities thrive.Respected VeteransNearly 42,000 Veterans call Washington’s 8th District home, including thousands of Vietnam-era Veterans who deserve our full support. Yet, too many face long waits at the VA, limited access to local providers, and a maze of red tape.In Congress, I’ll fight to expand job training, housing assistance, and career pathways for Veterans returning to civilian life. I’ll make sure every Veteran gets timely access to healthcare and mental health services—whether through the VA or trusted community providers. And I’ll strengthen partnerships with local clinics and organizations across our district to deliver real results.Caring for our Veterans is not just policy; it’s a solemn obligation. Those who served our nation should never have to fight for the care and respect they’ve already earned.— Trinh Ha's campaign website (July 16, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.