Why I’m Running for Congress: A Message from Mark DeSaulnier
I’m running for Congress because California’s East Bay deserves a representative who understands both the pressures facing working families and the responsibility of public service. Our communities are growing, changing, and confronting difficult choices about jobs, transportation, education, health care, and the cost of living.
Public office should be grounded in practical experience and a clear sense of accountability. My record in local and state government has shown me how policy decisions affect neighborhoods, schools, small businesses, and families long after a campaign has ended. I want to bring that experience to Washington and make sure the priorities of this district are heard.
This campaign archive preserves that message, along with information about my biography, policy positions, endorsements, events, and opportunities to participate. The campaign home page also reflects the civic work required to turn political support into action at the polls and in the community.
A Record Built Through Public Service
I have spent my career working to improve the places I call home. Service in local and state government taught me that effective leadership begins with listening carefully, studying the facts, and staying engaged when an issue becomes complicated. Those lessons shaped my decision to seek a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Representation should be more than a vote cast in Washington. It should include regular communication with residents, attention to local concerns, and a willingness to explain difficult decisions. My public service background provides the foundation for a congressional campaign centered on experience, transparency, and results.
Putting Working Families First
The economy must work for people who earn a paycheck, run a small business, teach in a classroom, or care for a family member. Economic growth is meaningful when it produces stable jobs, fair opportunities, and a reasonable path toward homeownership and financial security.
That means supporting policies that strengthen education, protect workers, encourage responsible business development, and invest in infrastructure. It also means recognizing the pressures that affect daily life in the East Bay, including long commutes, rising housing costs, and the challenge of balancing work with family responsibilities.
Practical Solutions for California
California needs federal partners who understand the state’s scale and diversity. Transportation networks, water policy, environmental protection, public safety, and access to health care cannot be addressed through slogans alone. They require cooperation among federal, state, and local leaders.
My approach is rooted in problem-solving. I believe Congress should focus on measurable outcomes, responsible budgeting, and policies that respect both individual opportunity and the public good. A representative must be willing to work across disagreements while remaining firm about the values that guide each decision.
| Priority | Why it matters | Congressional focus |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs and the economy | Families need dependable income and small businesses need a fair chance to grow | Support workforce development, innovation, and responsible investment |
| Education | Strong schools expand opportunity and strengthen communities | Protect quality public education and pathways to career success |
| Transportation | Congestion affects household budgets, health, and productivity | Invest in reliable infrastructure and regional mobility |
| Health care | Medical costs can threaten a family’s stability | Expand access, affordability, and consumer protections |
| Environment | Clean air, water, and open space are community priorities | Encourage conservation and practical climate solutions |
| Government accountability | Residents deserve confidence in public institutions | Promote transparency, oversight, and ethical leadership |
A Stronger Voice in Washington
Congressional representation should connect national policy to local experience. Decisions about federal funding, health care, transportation, veterans’ services, and education have direct consequences in Contra Costa County and throughout the surrounding region. I would bring those local priorities with me to Washington rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
A strong voice also requires independence. Constituents should know that their representative will examine legislation carefully, hear from the community, and make decisions based on public interest. Respectful disagreement is part of democracy, but so are facts, oversight, and a commitment to serve every resident.
Participation Beyond Election Day
A campaign succeeds through more than speeches and advertisements. Volunteers help share information, contact neighbors, organize events, and make sure voters understand when and where to cast a ballot. Supporters can also help connect residents with polling locations, rides to the polls, and Election Day coordination.
The campaign’s structure reflects a broader belief: democracy works best when people participate consistently. Whether someone contributes time, attends an event, talks with friends, or learns about the issues, each action strengthens civic life and keeps elected officials accountable.
Ways to Support the Campaign
- Volunteer for neighborhood outreach, phone calls, or campaign events.
- Share information about voting locations, transportation, and Election Day resources.
- Attend a community gathering to discuss local and national priorities.
- Help register eligible voters and encourage informed participation.
- Contribute financial support so the campaign can reach more residents.
A Commitment to Accountability
Running for Congress is a commitment to public responsibility. It means being prepared to defend a position, acknowledge a problem, and keep working after the campaign spotlight fades. My message is about bringing an established record of service to a larger arena while remaining connected to the people and communities that made that service possible.
I’m asking voters to join a campaign focused on practical progress, open communication, and a stronger future for California’s East Bay. Learn more about upcoming activities, campaign information, and ways to participate through the campaign contact page, and help carry this message into neighborhoods across the district.