[Coto de Caza, CA] — Today, Eleni Kounalakis announced her endorsement of Esther Kim-Varet for Congress in California’s 40th Congressional District, further highlighting Kim-Varet’s quickly expanding endorsement base on the local, state, and national levels.
From 2010 to 2013, Kounalakis served as President Obama’s Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary. In 2014, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Kounalakis to chair the California Advisory Council for International Trade and Investment.
Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis was sworn in as the 50th Lieutenant Governor of California. She is the first woman elected Lt. Governor of California.
“I’m proud to endorse Esther Kim-Varet because she is exactly the kind of leader California needs right now — a workhorse who knows how to deliver real results for working families,” says Lt. Governor Kounalakis. “Esther has the rare ability to connect deeply with her community while staying focused on what matters most: lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and protecting our Democratic values. I’m confident she will fight every day for the people of California’s 40th District.”
California’s 40th Congressional District has long been a battleground where Democrats have come close but fallen short in recent cycles. With multiple Democratic candidates often splitting the vote, the district has remained in Republican hands despite shifting demographics and growing competitiveness.
Kim-Varet’s campaign represents a new path forward towards victory.
A working mother, small business owner, and daughter of immigrants, Kim-Varet has built a grassroots-driven campaign focused on affordability, economic opportunity, and protecting fundamental rights. She has quickly emerged as a leading Democratic contender in a crowded field, with strong fundraising, broad coalition support, and growing momentum across Orange County and Riverside County.
“Lt. Governor Kounalakis has spent her career fighting for California families, and I’m deeply honored to have her support,” said Kim-Varet. “This campaign is about delivering real results — lowering costs, supporting working families, and making sure our communities are heard in Washington. Together, we’re building the coalition needed to win this race and finally flip CA40.”
Following the passage of Proposition 50 and the redrawing of congressional lines, CA40 has become one of the most closely watched races in California, with two Republican incumbents competing in the primary and Democrats working to consolidate support to ensure a place in the general election.
Kounalakis’ endorsement adds to growing momentum behind Kim-Varet’s campaign and signals increasing support from leaders across California who recognize the importance of electing a Democrat in this critical seat.
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