Pleasanton Resident Running For Congress

PLEASANTON, CA — Carin Elam, a Pleasanton resident and business and IT consultant, is running to represent the 14th congressional district. The district, which includes much of the Tri-Valley and eastern Alameda County, is currently represented by Eric Swalwell, who is running for California governor.

Elam, a lifelong Democrat, grew up in Antioch, and has lived in Pleasanton with her two twins since 2010, according to her campaign website. She has worked for over 17 years in business and IT consulting, often with clients in the health care industry. She has also worked for Democrats Abroad, an international branch of the DNC, served as communications co-chair for the Global Women’s Caucus, and launched a platform to promote Democratic women running for congress.

Elam holds a bachelors and masters degree in public policy and political governance, and said she is running to preserve democratic institutions and help constituents feel that representation matters.
“I absolutely love democracy. I truly believe in a government for the people and by the people,” Elam said in a statement. “I feel a strong sense of responsibility to do what's right for my community, my family, and friends.”

Her top priorities include:

• Affordable health care: “No one should have to choose between their health and financial stability,” she said.
• Affordability: Elam plans to address rising costs through methods that include restoring Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, and pushing back against insurance rate increases.
• Protecting women’s health care: Elam said she plans to “protect access to health care for women” and “strongly supports” reproductive rights.
• Protecting the right to vote: Elam, who wrote her master’s thesis on the administration of fair elections and has helped administer elections, said she will “protect every citizen’s right to cast a ballot.”
• AI regulation: Elam said she wants to “power AI for good, regulate AI for bad,” particularly with regards to advancing accessible medical technology and regulating educational and social media policies.

“I will work toward practical solutions that have a long-term, positive impact on the district,” Elam said in a statement. “I take pride in working collaboratively to implement real solutions and build a future that reflects shared values. I’m ready to bring my strong work ethic, lived experience, and fierce determination to Congress.”

Visit carinforcongress.com for more information.

Several other candidates are vying for the 14th district seat, including BART Board President and former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez and California State Senator Aisha Wahab.

SEE ALSO:

• SRVUSD Graduate Running For Congress
• BART Board President, Ex-Dublin Mayor Announces Run For Congress