Whitney Shanahan

Whitney Shanahan earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a consultant and content creator. Shanahan founded the group Pro Choice with Heart.[1]As of 2024, Shanahan was affiliated with Delta Gamma Sorority.[2]

Whitney Shanahan did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Whitney Shanahan lives in Fallbrook. She's a mother, proud bisexual and Reproductive Rights advocate. As your Congresswoman she'll work to make sure our rights and freedoms are protected and that families can safely and affordably thrive. She explains her drive to run, "In 2019 I was pregnant and in a red. I went to the ER with pregnancy complications and was questioned about what I had done to cause my possible miscarriage. Because in the state I was in the Republican legislature was working on passing a 6 week abortion ban - before most women even know they are pregnant and effectively criminalizing not just abortion but miscarriage too. My life changed in that moment and I became a pro choice advocate. I have spent the last 5 years holding hundreds of Pro-Choice rallies across the country to DEFEND ROE, collected over 270,000 signatures to go to DC and defend abortion rights and amassed a social media following of over half a million. And now that Roe v Wade has fallen this can't wait, we need Nationwide, Federal Protections to Abortion, Bodily Autonomy and Lgbtq rights."

Shanahan is the only Democrat in the Primary election that has a path to victory against Conservative Incumbent Rep. Issa, because she has the power of the pro choice movement behind her!

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?

Whitney Shanahan will reinstate the protections of Roe v Wade to ensure nationwide protection to reproductive rights in all 50 states.Whitney Shanahan lost her brother to gun violence as a child and now that she is a mother will work to keep our families and kids safe in congress with common sense prevention.As your Congresswoman Shanahan understands how hard it is to make ends meet, between grocery bills, housing costs and childcare it's untenable for many families. As a millennial she has worked multiple jobs most of her life. She will work to to make life more affordable for the families in her district.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Whitney Shanahan is passionate about Reproductive Rights, Gun Violence Prevention and making life affordable for families.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Those who lead with compassion and speak truth to power.

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

The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates & A Path With Heart by Jack Kornfield

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

As your Congresswoman, Shanahan will bring empathy, transparency and her fiery heart of a mother to Congress.

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

The fierce desire for justice, freedom and equality.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to Congress is to represent the people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would love to leave the legacy of reinstating the protections of Roe v Wade nationwide.

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

The Columbine school shooting, I was 13.

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

My first job was at Delia's clothing company.

What is your favorite book? Why?

A Path with Heart by Jack Cornfield, it was introduced to me by my mentor and friend Mavin Belzer, Ph.D -who teaches at the UCLA mindfulness awareness research center.

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

The Last Unicorn

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

Karma by Taylor Swift

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

I've struggled with dyslexia.

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

The power to initiative revenue bills, impeach federal officials and elect a president in the case of a tie.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it is beneficial for representatives to have close ties to the community they serve and a vested interest in the future of this country.

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

Ensuring human rights over corporate interests, Ending gun violence and combating an environmental crisis, so that future generations have clean air and water.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Shanahan supports term limits!

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No, I'm going to focus on being myself.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have spoken with many constituents who protested and rallied for women's rights in the 1970's and they all are shocked and saddened that we still in 2024 are fighting for those rights and now even slipping backwards since the fall of Roe v Wade.

Tell us your favorite joke.

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

Compromise is necessary when policy making, however I will not compromise on women's right to bodily autonomy.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Pass the Women's Healthcare Protection Act

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Investigate the link of maternal mortality and states with abortion bans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Pro Choice with Heart

What committees interest you?

Transportation and Infrastructure

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The government should be transparent and accountable to the people, ensuring the most vulnerable are taken care of - especially children.