Joanna Weiss, founder and past President of Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE) Action Fund, announced her candidacy to succeed Congresswoman Katie Porter in representing CA-47 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Weiss made her announcement in a video statement to supporters.
“I am running because we need fresh new leaders who are focused on the big challenges we face as a country and here in Orange County,” said Weiss. “Over the next several months, I’ll be traveling the district, bringing my message of progressive ideals and proven leadership directly to the voters.”
“Women’s rights truly are human rights,” said Coast Community College District Trustee Liz Dorn Parker. “Keeping the 47th District in the hands of a tireless champion of healthcare, public education, and the fundamental right of every woman to have complete control over her own body, is front and center in the fight to take back the House.”
“I’m so glad that my friend Joanna Weiss is running,” added Dr. Kathleen Treseder, Irvine City Council member and environmental scientist. “We need good candidates like her in public office.”
Since 2016, Joanna has led a team of Orange County volunteers in support of Democratic candidates and progressive issues. In Congress, she will work to address the devastating effects of climate change, defend democracy and voting rights, and fight to protect women’s health and reproductive rights.
Born and raised in Orange County, Joanna hails from a military family, is a lifelong Democrat, working mom, award-winning litigator, and community organizer.
About Joanna: Joanna is a former litigator and Adjunct Professor at Chapman University School of Law where she taught courses on Pre-Trial Civil Procedure and Public Interest Lawyering. Joanna served on the Board of Directors of the Public Law Center for over a decade, winning multiple awards for her legal and community leadership including the Women’s Journey Foundation Legacy Award (2019), the ACLU-Southern California’s First Amendment Award (2003), and the Anti-Defamation League Orange County/Long Beach (ADL) Marcus Kaufman Jurisprudence Award (2020).
Joanna attended Capistrano Valley High School and Saddleback College, graduated from UCLA, and received her JD from USC School of Law. Joanna and her husband Jason love to surf, hike, and volunteer with their children Leah, Will, and Audrey.