LAGUNA BEACH, CA – Today, businessman Harley Rouda announced a campaign for California’s 48th Congressional District, challenging 28-year career politician Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.
Rouda released the following statement upon announcing his campaign:
“Our Country deserves better from its politicians. Divisiveness, conflict, and finger pointing has to end. The time has come to embrace common sense and find common ground.
“That means we need elected officials who are ready to work together to serve their neighbors and their country, and have the energy and passion to deliver. It is time to have a congressional representative who is accessible and unifying. It is in this spirit that I am announcing my campaign for the 48th Congressional District of California. As a father of four, a husband, and a businessman, I am fully committed to serving our country and serving all of the constituents of the 48th District.
“We need new leadership that is willing to put country over party, and put service above self. We need new leadership that believes in science, climate change, and supports STEM and clean energy. We need new leadership that believes in women’s rights, human rights and liberties for all, and for all a better life. We need new leadership that supports public education for K through 12, and affordable access to higher education. And we need new leadership that is committed to bringing back our federal tax dollars and making our District the economic hallmark of our great country.
“I’m running to bring much needed common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the social pragmatism our 48th District and our country deserves. Join me, let’s send a clear message that it’s time for a change for the better and that it is time for career politicians like Rohrabacher to get a real job.
“You can make a difference. Visit www.harleyforcongress.com and sign up and get involved. And if you are not registered to vote, don’t wait – do it now. We need you and our country needs you.”
Harley Rouda is a successful businessman who created the firm Real Living, and now serves on the board of, or as an advisor to, firms in real estate, retail, and a variety of other industries. Rouda received an MBA from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from Capital University Law School. He lives in Laguna Beach, with his wife Kaira Rouda, a USA Today bestselling author. They have four children.
Active in numerous charities and civic organizations over the years, Harley has been involved in fighting homelessness and domestic violence; active with Human Rights Watch; supporting education for the disadvantaged as well as supporting access to higher education; saving military jobs; and working with civic organizations to drive economic development.
The 48th Congressional District is a top pickup opportunity for Democrats. Hillary Clinton won the district by 2% after a 13-point shift from 2012 to 2016 – one of the largest swings for any district in the nation. Rohrabacher is particularly vulnerable given his reputation as one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies and his penchant for fringe positions that don’t match the moderate 48th District.
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Thank you for deciding to run and serve the 48th congressional district. We need a new representative that supports education, federal legislation and expenditures for environmental protection as well as health care for all Americans .