Legislative Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Melissa Chaudhry
Position Sought: US House of Representatives, Congressional District 9
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: 37
Are you a Democrat? Yes
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: Zahid Chaudhry
Website: https://www.VoteMelissa4Congress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vote-Melissa-4-Congress/61559685770498/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa4USHouse
Part I – Candidate Background
1. Please briefly describe your qualifications, education, employment, community and civic activity, union affiliation, prior political activity, and other relevant experience. Beyond your qualifications, what makes you the best candidate for this position or office? Please describe any specific background or unique perspective you offer and how those will help you accomplish your goals for the position sought. If possible, give practical examples.
I have a broad range of qualifications, experiences, and a deep commitment to service that make me uniquely positioned to represent Washington’s 9th District. My background includes extensive work in affordable housing, community organizing, sustainability, economic development, frontline human services work, and global humanitarian efforts. I have formally studied Living Systems Design from the International Living Futures Institute and Biophilic Design, giving me expertise in developing ecologically sustainable infrastructure that promotes human wellness—skills that are critical for developing resiliency in both housing and climate.
I spearheaded the successful funding of $3.2 million for a walkable, ecologically-friendly, affordable homeownership project in King County that prioritizes community well-being, long-term affordability, redlining remediation, and sustainability. I have also been active in addressing hygiene poverty through my involvement with a nonprofit dedicated to providing much-needed hygiene supplies to underserved communities. I also worked to assist hardworking, taxpaying marginalized communities in accessing their equal share of relief funds.
My union affiliations are a cornerstone of my values. From a young age, I understood the importance of unions and the labor movement, and I have joined a union at every workplace where one was available. My strong relationship with labor, bolstered by my union membership, has allowed me to understand workers’ needs and advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
I have engaged in political activism at both the grassroots and policy levels, advocating for voting rights, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. My campaign is endorsed by multiple local organizations, including the Transit Riders Union, Seattle Sunrise Movement, and Global Solidarity Network, which reflects my commitment to progressive values and grassroots organizing.
What sets me apart as the best candidate for this office is my lived experience – including as the wife and daughter of decorated, disabled American veterans – and my deep ties to the diverse communities of Washington’s 9th District. As the wife and granddaughter of immigrants – who has spent time as an undocumented immigrant myself; as a white American convert to Islam; and as a survivor of psychological abuse, single parenthood, and the mental health system – I have firsthand experience navigating complex systems of inequity. My work across cultures—both locally and internationally—has given me a unique perspective on the intersectionality of race, class, and policy. I have lived through economic hardship and know what it takes to fight for justice from the ground up.
For example, my personal experience with housing insecurity has shaped my advocacy for affordable housing solutions. My commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and justice drives my approach to politics. I bring a systems-thinking mindset to policymaking, grounded in practical solutions that serve the real, everyday needs of the people in my district. I am committed to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented and fighting for policies that promote equity, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity for all.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
What prompted me to run for office is the deep commitment I feel to serve my community and the urgent need for bold leadership that represents the diversity and lived experiences of the people in Washington’s 9th District. Growing up in a union-supportive, working-class family, I saw firsthand how policies that favor the wealthy and powerful can leave everyday people behind. My personal experiences with housing insecurity; living as an immigrant without status – unable to work, drive, access healthcare, or open a bank account; working in small business development on three continents; growing food and designing infrastructure in climate-resilient ways; single parenting while attending college full time; and advocating for those who are often marginalized have shown me how much more needs to be done to build a truly equitable and sustainable future.
I was also inspired by the people in our district—immigrants, working families, and individuals who continue to struggle with issues like affordable housing, healthcare access, and wage stagnation. These are bread-and-butter issues that affect people's daily lives, and I believe our current leadership isn't addressing them adequately. Seeing the struggles of families, coupled with the growing affordability crisis, hygiene poverty, and racial inequities, made me realize that our community needs representation that not only understands these challenges but also has a clear vision and a plan to solve them.
I believe we need leaders who have lived through the same struggles as the people they represent—leaders who can bring real-world experience to policy decisions. Running for Congress is my way of standing up for those whose voices are often overlooked, and advocating for common sense, practical, inclusive solutions that serve everyone in our district, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
Fundamentally, I am driven to help America become the thriving, prosperous, inclusive democracy we always aspired to be. To achieve this, we must return to the fundamental principles that unite us as Americans: liberty and justice for all; government of, by, and for the people; lifting our lamp beside the golden door; universal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we must deeply reckon with America’s history of racism, militarism, and exceptionalism. This is lifelong work, and I’m dedicated to it.
3. What are your campaign’s most important themes, issues, or priorities (three to five)? Share issues or priorities specific to the office that you’re running for.
Our campaign’s most important themes and priorities center around equity, sustainability, and justice for the diverse communities of Washington’s 9th District. These priorities are grounded in addressing the pressing issues that affect our district every day. The key themes are:
1. Affordable Housing and Community Development
– Priority: We are facing a housing crisis in Washington’s 9th District, where skyrocketing rents and housing insecurity are driving many families out of their communities. My campaign prioritizes creating affordable, ecologically sustainable housing, such as the $3.2 million I helped secure in federal funds for affordable housing in King County. We need more investments in housing that is accessible, affordable, and community-centered, with a focus on reducing displacement and promoting homeownership for low- and middle-income families.
– Plan: I will fight for federal funding to support affordable housing projects – specifically, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities, which are a bipartisan issue, expand rental assistance programs while reducing burdens on new construction, and promote housing policies that ameliorate gentrification and displacement. Housing is a fundamental need, and we should ensure access to shelter at all levels of the economic ladder.
2. Climate Action and Environmental Justice
– Priority: Climate change is not a distant issue; it’s impacting our district now, particularly in BIPOC and low-income communities that bear the brunt of environmental hazards. My campaign prioritizes leadership in action on climate change and strong investment in green jobs to transition to a sustainable, equitable economy.
– Plan: I will push for policies that invest in renewable energy, create green jobs, and reduce pollution in vulnerable communities. This includes expanding public transit, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and addressing environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized populations.
3. Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity
– Priority: Systemic discrimination, institutional racism, and lack of transparency continue to degrade our immigration system, incarceration system, and foreign policy. My campaign prioritizes bringing accountability, integrity, and transparency to these systems, while ensuring they serve the public fairly and equitably.
– Plan: I will advocate for immigration reforms that prioritize human dignity, an end to family separations, and pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals. I will also push for greater accountability in our systems of justice and policing — as well as in foreign policy, ensuring our international actions reflect our values and prioritize diplomacy and human rights over corporate interests and unchecked military force. We need to end institutional discrimination in all its forms and restore faith in our public institutions. These reforms – coupled with improving voter access, implementing campaign finance reform, and shifting to ranked-choice voting – will strengthen America at home and abroad, and open the door to greater civic engagement by minority communities, resulting in a truly representative democracy.
4. Economic Justice and Workers' Rights
– Priority: Washington’s 9th District is home to many working-class families who are struggling with stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and job insecurity. My campaign prioritizes ensuring fair wages, strengthening workers’ rights, and ensuring that all workers have access to safe working conditions, paid leave, and economic opportunity.
– Plan: I will advocate for federal labor laws that protect the right to organize, expand protections for gig and contract workers, and promote policies that strengthen families and prioritize small businesses over corporate monopolies. I also support expanding job training programs, especially in the green economy, to ensure that workers are prepared for the jobs of the future.
5. Healthcare for All
– Priority: Access to healthcare is a basic need, yet too many people in our district struggle to afford basic medical care, including mental health services and reproductive healthcare. My campaign prioritizes expanding healthcare access for all, including pushing for a public option or Medicare for All.
– Plan: I will fight to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and ensure that every person—regardless of their income—has access to healthcare. I will also advocate for mental health and reproductive healthcare services to be covered and accessible.
These priorities reflect the everyday needs of our community—safe and affordable housing, a livable planet, fair wages, access to healthcare, and a government rooted in integrity and accountability. My goal is to bring real, actionable solutions to Congress that prioritize the well-being of the people in Washington’s 9th District.
4. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
Running a successful campaign requires a strategic approach that balances grassroots organizing, community engagement, and a clear message that resonates with the diverse voters of Washington’s 9th District. Here are the key steps I am taking to ensure the success of our campaign:
1. Building a Strong, Inclusive Grassroots Movement
* Community Engagement: We are focusing on building deep, meaningful connections with the diverse communities in our district. From attending local events to hosting listening sessions, we are making sure voters feel heard and understood. We are prioritizing outreach to BIPOC, immigrant, and working-class voters, ensuring they see themselves reflected in our platform.
* Volunteer Mobilization: Our campaign is powered by a strong volunteer base. We have activated a network of passionate volunteers who are canvassing neighborhoods, making phone calls, and organizing events to spread our message. By training and empowering local leaders, we are building a campaign that is truly community-led.
2. Targeted Digital and In-Person Outreach
* Digital Campaigning: Recognizing the importance of digital engagement, we are leveraging social media platforms to reach voters where they are. Our content is designed to engage people, spark conversations, and invite them to join our movement. We are also using data analytics to ensure that our messaging reaches the right voters, particularly in underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.
* In-Person Canvassing and Events: In addition to digital outreach, we are conducting a robust ground game that includes door-to-door canvassing, town halls, and community events. Meeting voters face-to-face allows us to listen to their concerns and share our vision for a better future for Washington’s 9th District.
3. Ensuring Campaign Inclusivity and Language Accessibility
* Multilingual Outreach: Given the linguistic diversity of our district, we are ensuring that campaign materials, events, and outreach are accessible in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Chinese, Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, and Arabic. This ensures that we are engaging immigrant and non-English-speaking communities, who are often overlooked in political campaigns.
* Cultural Relevance: We are tailoring our message to reflect the cultural values and concerns of the many communities in our district. By understanding and speaking to the specific challenges faced by these communities, we can ensure that our campaign resonates with everyone in the 9th District.
4. Emphasizing Transparency and Accountability
* People-Powered Campaign: We have committed to running a campaign free of corporate PAC money, ensuring that we remain accountable to the people, not wealthy special interests thousands of miles away – or overseas (like the incumbent: www.opensecrets.org). We are transparent about our funding, and our campaign’s focus is on serving the needs of the district rather than corporate donors.
* Policy-Driven Messaging: We are running on clear, practical policy solutions that directly address the issues affecting the district, such as affordable housing, healthcare access, climate action, and workers’ rights. Our message is rooted in real-world solutions that resonate with voters’ everyday needs – as well as shared principles and common interests that broadly appeal to voters across the district.
5. Endorsements and Coalition Building
* Gaining Key Endorsements: We have built a broad coalition of endorsements from local organizations, community leaders, labor unions, and advocacy groups, including the Transit Riders Union, Seattle Sunrise Movement, and Global Solidarity Network, as well as multiple culture-specific groups and several Democratic LDs (including the 43rd LD – which not only gave me their sole endorsement, but voted to formally censure and condemn Adam Smith. The 33rd also gave me their sole endorsement, and didn’t endorse Adam Smith, despite containing his alma mater.). These endorsements reflect our campaign’s alignment with the values and priorities of our district’s residents.
* Collaborating with Local Groups: By working closely with grassroots organizations and local leaders, we are building a broad and inclusive coalition of supporters who can mobilize their communities and advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
6. Data-Driven Strategy
* Targeting Key Voter Groups: We are using data to strategically target key voter groups in our district, including young people, communities of color, immigrants, and women. By focusing on groups that have been historically underrepresented in the political process, we are expanding the electorate and engaging new voters.
* Tracking Metrics for Success: Our campaign tracks key metrics such as voter engagement, donations, and volunteer participation to ensure we are on track to meet our goals. This data-driven approach helps us allocate resources effectively and adapt our strategy as needed.
By combining grassroots energy, targeted outreach, and a focus on inclusivity and transparency, we are building a campaign that truly reflects the values of Washington’s 9th District. Our commitment to listening to voters, empowering communities, and offering real solutions is what will drive our success.
Part II – Yes or No Questions, please qualify your response if necessary
1. Do you support steps to build a fairer economy through tax reform, including a wealth tax? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #1
2. Do you support the right of public workers, excluding military, to bargain and strike? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #2
3. Do you support legalizing multi-unit homes statewide, as proposed in the #Homes4WA bill, to help alleviate the affordable housing crisis? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #3
4. Do you support legislation to address climate change and protect our environment, including the Keep Washington Evergreen Act? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4
5. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5
6. Do you support achieving a universal, affordable, quality single payer healthcare program? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7 Sensible and constitutional.
Part III – Free Response (Please answer at least four questions fully, consider the remaining three optional)
1. Why are you running as a Democrat? What aspects of the Democratic platform most resonate with you?
I’m running as a Democrat because the core values of the Democratic Party—equity, inclusion, and justice—align with my vision for a better, more compassionate America. Growing up in a union-supportive household and living through experiences that taught me the importance of economic and social justice, I resonate deeply with the party’s dedication to expanding opportunity and standing up for working families, immigrants, and marginalized communities.
The Democratic platform's emphasis on housing and healthcare for all, the fight for a living wage, protecting voting rights, and addressing climate change speaks to me personally. I also value the party’s focus on affordability, public education, and protecting workers’ rights—issues that are critical to the people of Washington's 9th District. For me, the Democratic Party represents a commitment to government that works for all people, not just the wealthy and powerful. That’s the kind of government I want to build.
In essence, I'm running as a Democrat because I believe in the transformative power of collective action to build a more equitable and sustainable future, especially for those who have been left behind.
2. What important state and local issues have you worked on (or taken an interest in) that you feel aren’t getting enough attention from elected leaders and the media?
Several important state and local issues I’ve worked on—or have taken a strong interest in—aren’t receiving the attention they deserve from elected leaders and the media.
First, structural racism and institutional discrimination in our federal systems – such as immigration – take an immense toll on residents of this district. Ending USCIS’s CARRP/“extreme vetting” policies that secretly and illegally discriminate based on race, perceived religion, and country of origin is an essential step in restoring American integrity and ensuring liberty and justice for all. (More information: www.aclusocal.org/en/CARRP and textbook example: www.KeepZahidHome.org.) And revising our immigration system to support highly educated, legal immigrants on H1B visas – who currently face wait times for green cards and citizenship that are measured in decades – is a critical step to ensuring justice and equal opportunity while strengthening our economy.
Another issue is hygiene poverty, which affects thousands of families across our district. Through my involvement with Essentials First, a nonprofit focused on alleviating hygiene poverty, I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of access to basic hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and menstrual supplies can significantly impact people’s dignity, health, and ability to thrive. This issue doesn’t get nearly enough attention, yet it’s critical for public health and the overall well-being of our communities.
Another underreported issue is the need for ecologically sustainable and affordable housing. I was deeply involved in securing $3.2 million for EcoThrive, a walkable, eco-friendly, and multiracial housing development in our district. The lack of affordable housing is discussed broadly, but solutions like community land trusts, which create long-term affordable homeownership options that strengthen communities and uplift working people, and gentle-density housing, which balances affordability with ecological responsibility, aren’t being promoted or pursued as aggressively as they should be. Our leaders often focus on big projects rather than human-scaled, community-centered solutions that have long-term sustainability in mind.
Additionally, transportation justice is often overlooked. While there’s much talk about infrastructure, the Transit Riders Union has emphasized the importance of equitable public transit access, particularly in areas like South King County, where many rely on buses and trains to get to work, school, and medical appointments. However, public transit improvements aren’t keeping pace with population growth or the needs of lower-income and immigrant communities.
Lastly, the impact of corporate interests on local politics is another issue I care deeply about. I’ve seen how corporate money, particularly from industries like the weapons industry, fossil fuels, and foreign interests, influences policy decisions in ways that harm working people. Campaign financing needs more attention and reform at both the state and local levels.
These issues, which directly affect the daily lives of so many people, deserve far more focus from both our leaders and the media.
3. What legislative reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities?
Achieving greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals requires bold legislative reforms that address systemic inequalities and ensure that marginalized communities have equal access to opportunities and protections. Here are several key reforms I support:
1. Criminal Justice Reform
End cash bail: The cash bail system disproportionately impacts BIPOC individuals, leading to unjust pretrial detention for those who cannot afford bail. Eliminating this system would reduce racial disparities in incarceration.
Decriminalization of minor offenses: Many minor offenses, particularly drug-related or non-violent crimes, disproportionately affect BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We need to decriminalize offenses like marijuana possession and expunge prior convictions.
Police accountability: Strengthening community oversight of police departments and requiring transparency in investigations of police misconduct is essential. We need national standards on the use of force and body cameras, as well as ending qualified immunity for officers who violate civil rights.
2. Economic Equity
Targeted investments in minority-owned businesses: Providing grants, tax credits, and support for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs will help close the racial wealth gap and promote economic independence. Programs like these would benefit many in our district, which has a high concentration of minority-owned small businesses.
Living wages and worker protections: Raising the minimum wage, guaranteeing paid sick leave, and ensuring workplace protections against discrimination are key to ensuring that everyone, especially those in historically marginalized communities, has access to economic opportunity.
3. Affordable Housing and Tenant Rights
Anti-discrimination housing policies: Strengthening anti-discrimination laws to ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals have equal access to affordable housing is crucial. Policies that prohibit landlords from denying housing based on source of income or past criminal records, and rent stabilization laws to prevent displacement, are necessary to protect vulnerable communities.
Inclusive zoning and community development: We need to address racial disparities in housing by pushing for inclusive zoning laws that prevent socioeconomic (and de facto demographic) segregation and ensure affordable housing in all neighborhoods.
4. Healthcare Access
Representation and tackling medical bias: Access to healthcare is an essential need that should be available to all. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities often face significant barriers to healthcare, particularly in mental health services and gender-affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Ensuring smooth and equitable access to healthcare, investing in the recruitment and training of healthcare providers from those communities, and providing professional development training for medical professionals that counteracts medical bias and racism, would help to alleviate these barriers and improve health outcomes in marginalized communities.
Reproductive justice: Restrictions on reproductive healthcare, particularly abortion access and maternal health services, disproportionately affect women of color. We must ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals have access to safe, affordable, and comprehensive reproductive care.
5. Education Reform
Curriculum reform: Schools need to teach an inclusive curriculum that reflects the history and contributions of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, including in K-12 education.
Addressing the school-to-prison pipeline: Disparities in school discipline disproportionately affect BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students. We need restorative justice programs in schools to address conflicts and reform zero-tolerance policies that lead to higher suspension and expulsion rates for marginalized students.
6. Voting Rights and Political Representation
Restoring voting rights: Restoring voting rights for people who have been incarcerated and eliminating voter suppression tactics like ID requirements and purging voter rolls are essential to ensuring that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices are heard in our democracy.
Proportional representation: Introducing reforms like ranked-choice voting and proportional representation can help ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities have fair representation in government and that their voices aren't diluted by gerrymandering or partisan politics.
7. LGBTQIA+ Protections
Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws: Passing comprehensive federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression in all areas of life—including employment, healthcare, housing, and education—will ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals are fully protected.
Gender-affirming healthcare: Ensuring that transgender and non-binary individuals have access to gender-affirming healthcare, including mental health services, hormone therapy, and surgeries, without discrimination or barriers, is critical for achieving equity.
8. Immigrant Rights
Equal application of immigration law: Currently, USCIS operates with systemic discrimination and institutionalized racism in the form of the CARRP program, which unconstitutionally targets legal immigrants with extensive and unjust delays and deportation based on their race, perceived religion, or country of origin. www.aclusocal.org/en/CARRP has more information, and www.KeepZahidHome.org shows a textbook case. CARRP and other “extreme vetting” policies must be thoroughly dismantled and immigration policy restored to Congressional oversight – where it legally belongs.
Pathway to citizenship: A fair and just immigration system that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals – the vast majority of whom are BIPOC – is essential. This includes protecting DACA recipients and ensuring that immigrant communities – who pay taxes, contribute to the economy, have lower rates of crime than other communities, and are invested in the future of America – have access to legal work opportunities.
9. Climate Justice
Environmental justice policies: BIPOC and low-income communities often face the brunt of environmental pollution and climate change impacts. We need policies that prioritize clean air and water for marginalized communities and create green jobs that are accessible to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ workers.
While some of these reforms are state-level issues only, some federal steps can be taken to provide incentives and support. These legislative reforms are not just policies but essential steps toward dismantling systemic inequities and building a society where BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals are fully included and empowered.
4. What are some obstacles inherent in proposed legislative solutions to climate change? How would you approach those obstacles in order to best overcome or minimize any negative effects?
Addressing climate change through legislative solutions is critical, but it comes with inherent obstacles that require thoughtful approaches to overcome or minimize any negative effects. Here are some of the key challenges, along with strategies I would advocate for to effectively address them:
1. Political Polarization and Opposition from Special Interests
Obstacle: Climate change legislation often faces significant opposition from industries that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, as well as from political actors who downplay or deny climate science. Corporate lobbying and misinformation campaigns can slow or block meaningful legislation.
Approach:
Build bipartisan coalitions: Although the issue is politicized, there are ways to frame climate solutions that appeal to both sides of the aisle. Focusing on the economic benefits of green jobs, energy independence, and infrastructure modernization can make climate action more palatable across political lines. Collaborating with businesses that are transitioning to clean energy and engaging labor unions to ensure job security for workers in transitioning industries can also help bridge gaps.
Limit the influence of corporate money: Campaign finance reforms are critical to reduce the influence of fossil fuel industries on legislation. Supporting candidates and elected officials who refuse corporate PAC money, especially from polluting industries, is key to driving authentic climate policy.
2. Economic Impact on Vulnerable Communities and Workers
Obstacle: Some climate policies, such as carbon pricing or regulations on fossil fuels, can disproportionately impact low-income communities and workers in traditional energy sectors, leading to job losses and increased costs for essential goods and services.
Approach:
Just Transition programs: It’s essential to pair any climate legislation with a strong, well-funded "Just Transition" program that provides job training, financial support, and employment opportunities for workers transitioning from fossil fuel industries to renewable energy sectors. Investments in education, retraining programs, and local infrastructure projects can help create green jobs and prevent economic displacement in affected regions.
Targeted economic relief: For low-income households that may bear the brunt of increased energy costs, especially in the short term, we need policies that provide targeted economic relief, such as energy rebates, expanded tax credits, or subsidies for clean energy home upgrades. Legislation should be designed to protect vulnerable communities from any regressive effects of climate action.
3. Global Cooperation and Competitiveness
Obstacle: Climate change is a global issue, and unilateral actions by the U.S. may not be sufficient to drive global reductions in emissions. There is concern that stringent domestic climate regulations could place U.S. industries at a competitive disadvantage compared to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
Approach:
Trade and diplomatic pressure: The U.S. should use its economic and diplomatic power to push for international agreements that set higher environmental standards globally, such as expanding the Paris Agreement commitments. Additionally, implementing border carbon adjustments (tariffs on carbon-intensive imports) can ensure that domestic industries are not undercut by international competitors who do not meet similar environmental standards.
Leadership in clean technology: The U.S. can enhance its competitiveness by becoming a global leader in clean energy technologies, from electric vehicles to renewable energy solutions. By investing heavily in research, development, and innovation, the U.S. can create a competitive advantage in emerging industries and export those technologies globally.
4. Short-Term Costs vs. Long-Term Benefits
Obstacle: Many climate solutions, such as investing in renewable energy infrastructure or decarbonizing industries, require significant upfront costs, while the benefits—such as reduced climate risks and health improvements—are often long-term. This can make it difficult to gain public support for ambitious climate action, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.
Approach:
Phased implementation with early benefits: Structuring climate policies in phases allows for early wins, such as job creation in renewable energy sectors, immediate improvements in air quality, and energy cost savings from energy-efficient upgrades. By highlighting the short-term benefits while keeping the long-term goals in focus, we can build sustained public support.
Green financing and incentives: Public-private partnerships, green bonds, and federal incentives can help offset upfront costs for renewable energy projects and infrastructure upgrades. By leveraging private investment in climate solutions, we can reduce the burden on taxpayers while still advancing ambitious climate goals.
5. Resistance from Fossil Fuel-Dependent Regions
Obstacle: Regions heavily dependent on fossil fuel extraction and related industries may resist climate legislation out of fear of economic collapse and job loss. Elected officials from these regions often advocate against climate policies, creating regional and political divides.
Approach:
Regional economic diversification: Climate legislation must include substantial investments in economic diversification for regions that currently rely on fossil fuels. This could include funding for renewable energy projects, green infrastructure, and technology hubs in these regions, providing them with new industries and job opportunities. By demonstrating that climate policy can benefit these communities, we can reduce resistance.
Community engagement and planning: Engaging local communities in planning their own transition away from fossil fuels is crucial. Creating forums for workers, community leaders, and local governments to design tailored economic plans allows for buy-in and ownership of the transition process.
6. Technological and Infrastructure Challenges
Obstacle: The infrastructure required for renewable energy and electrification—such as grid upgrades, charging stations for electric vehicles, and energy storage technologies—requires significant investment and time to develop. The transition to a clean energy economy is not simple or instantaneous.
Approach:
Invest in grid modernization and innovation: Federal and state governments must prioritize investments in modernizing the electrical grid to accommodate renewable energy and decentralized power sources. Public investments in new energy storage technologies, smart grids, and large-scale renewable energy projects will be key.
Local and community-led projects: Encouraging local governments, cooperatives, and Indigenous communities to lead renewable energy projects can help create a decentralized, resilient energy system. Federal incentives and grants can support community-driven energy solutions, allowing for more nimble and adaptable responses to infrastructure challenges.
7. Public Perception and Misinformation
Obstacle: Climate change policies are often mischaracterized as overly burdensome or ineffective. Misinformation campaigns can erode public trust and create divisions around the urgency of climate action.
Approach:
Public education and awareness: A well-funded public education campaign that communicates the risks of climate inaction and highlights the tangible benefits of climate solutions is crucial. Collaborating with trusted local leaders, scientists, and community organizations can help counteract misinformation and build widespread support.
Transparency and accountability: Ensuring transparency in how climate funds are used and reporting clear metrics on the success of climate policies can build public trust. Demonstrating how climate solutions directly improve community resilience, public health, and job opportunities will help shift the narrative toward positive outcomes.
In summary, while legislative solutions to climate change face significant obstacles, they can be overcome through thoughtful, inclusive strategies that prioritize justice, equity, and economic opportunity. Balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, ensuring fair transitions for workers and communities, and building broad coalitions will help ensure that climate action is not only effective but widely supported.
5. What safety, law, or justice reforms are you currently in favor of, and how will you work to implement them?
I’m in favor of a broad range of safety, law, and justice reforms aimed at creating a fairer, more equitable system that prioritizes community well-being, holds law enforcement accountable, and addresses the root causes of crime. Here are some of the key reforms I support and how I would work to implement them:
1. Police Accountability and Reform
Reform qualified immunity: This legal doctrine often shields law enforcement officers from accountability when they violate citizens’ rights. I support efforts to reform or eliminate qualified immunity to ensure that officers can be held accountable for misconduct.
Community oversight: I would push for the establishment of independent civilian oversight boards that have the authority to investigate incidents of police misconduct and recommend disciplinary actions. These boards should be fully transparent and involve community representation, particularly from BIPOC and marginalized communities.
De-escalation training: Police should receive mandatory training in de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, and mental health crisis intervention. I would advocate for policies that make such training the standard for law enforcement agencies, with regular evaluations to ensure effectiveness.
Implementation:
Legislation at the federal and state levels: I would support or introduce federal legislation to reform qualified immunity and require standardized police training. At the state and local levels, I would work with advocacy groups, local governments, and police unions to establish civilian oversight boards and ensure ongoing dialogue between police and the communities they serve.
Redirecting resources: By reallocating police budgets toward mental health services, housing support, and youth programs, we can address the root causes of crime, allowing law enforcement to focus on serious issues while reducing unnecessary confrontations. This must be implemented over time, while sufficient – responsible and responsive – police presence is maintained to preserve valuable deterrence effects that protect life and property, to ensure our communities are safe and thriving.
2. Criminal Justice Reform
Discrimination: Work to end bias and prejudice in the criminal justice system that negatively affects BIPOC communities.
Sentencing alternatives: I would advocate for alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders while ensuring justice and redress for victims of crimes. Structured well, and in a context of sufficient deterrence of criminal behavior, diversion programs, restorative justice practices, and community service can help reduce recidivism while addressing the root drivers of crime.
Expungement of low-level, nonviolent offenses: I believe in automatic expungement for individuals convicted of low-level, nonviolent offenses, especially for crimes like marijuana possession that have since been legalized in many states. This would help eliminate the long-term consequences of criminal records that create barriers to employment and housing.
Implementation:
Legislative action: I would push for federal criminal justice reforms to undo structural and systemic racism. On a local level, I would support pilot programs for diversion and restorative justice that could be scaled up based on their success.
Partner with advocates: Working with criminal justice reform advocates, such as the ACLU and community groups, will help build public awareness and pressure lawmakers to enact reforms.
3. Ending Cash Bail
Cash bail reform: The current bail system disproportionately punishes low-income individuals who are unable to afford bail, leading to unnecessary pretrial detention that contributes to overcrowded jails. I support eliminating cash bail for most nonviolent offenses and transitioning to risk-based assessments to determine whether an individual poses a threat to public safety or a flight risk.
Implementation:
State and local reform: Since bail systems are often state-specific, I would work with local legislators to draft and promote laws that eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenders. I would also support efforts at the federal level to incentivize states to reform their bail systems through grants and other financial incentives.
Public education: Building public understanding of how cash bail perpetuates inequality is essential. I would collaborate with advocacy groups to promote awareness and highlight the success of jurisdictions that have reformed their bail systems without compromising public safety.
4. Rehabilitation and Reentry Programs
Invest in rehabilitation: Prisons should be focused on rehabilitation, not punishment. I would advocate for expanding access to education, vocational training, and mental health services for incarcerated individuals to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Ban the box: I support banning the box on job applications that asks about criminal records, so formerly incarcerated individuals are not automatically disqualified from employment opportunities. Providing job opportunities is crucial for reducing recidivism.
Reentry support: I would work to expand reentry programs that provide housing assistance, job training, and mental health support for individuals leaving the criminal justice system. Offering these services can help reduce recidivism and support individuals’ efforts to rebuild their lives.
Implementation:
Legislation and federal funding: I would support federal and state legislation to expand rehabilitation and reentry programs, and advocate for increased federal funding to support these efforts. Partnerships with nonprofit organizations, unions, and the private sector can also help provide job placement and housing for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Collaboration with local organizations: I would work closely with community organizations that already provide reentry services to expand their reach and effectiveness. This could include creating public-private partnerships to provide job training and employment opportunities for those reentering society.
5. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Mental health crisis response: I support expanding mental health crisis response teams that can handle situations traditionally dealt with by the police. These teams, made up of trained mental health professionals, can respond to incidents involving mental health or substance use crises, ensuring appropriate and compassionate care while freeing up law enforcement for other responsibilities.
Decriminalizing addiction: I advocate for treating substance use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. This means expanding access to treatment and harm reduction programs, including safe consumption sites and needle exchange programs, while decriminalizing low-level drug possession.
Implementation:
Funding for alternative crisis response models: I would push for increased federal funding for programs like CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets), a model that has proven effective in reducing police involvement in nonviolent crisis situations. I would also advocate for state and local governments to adopt similar programs.
Healthcare expansion: Expanding Medicaid and other healthcare access for mental health and substance abuse treatment is critical. I would push for federal legislation to remove barriers to mental health services, particularly in low-income and underserved communities.
6. Voting Rights for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Restore voting rights: I firmly support restoring the right to vote for formerly incarcerated individuals. Voting is a fundamental part of citizenship, and disenfranchising people after they’ve served their time is unjust and undemocratic.
Implementation:
State-level campaigns: Since voting rights for formerly incarcerated people are often determined at the state level, I would work with civil rights groups to campaign for state laws that restore these rights. At the federal level, I would support legislation like the For the People Act, which includes provisions to protect and expand voting rights.
7. Gun Safety Reforms
Common-sense gun control: I support universal background checks, closing gun show loopholes, and implementing red flag laws that allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. These reforms can prevent gun violence while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners.
Implementation:
Bipartisan legislative efforts: Gun safety reforms require careful coalition building. I would work across party lines to frame gun safety legislation as a public health issue, emphasizing how these measures save lives without infringing on Second Amendment rights.
Engaging community leaders: Partnering with local community leaders, particularly in areas heavily affected by gun violence, would help build grassroots support for these reforms.
Conclusion:
Each of these reforms is crucial for creating a fairer, more just society. To implement these changes, I would focus on building coalitions with advocacy groups, lawmakers, and community leaders while educating the public on the importance of these reforms. By prioritizing fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation, we can create a justice system that keeps communities safe while promoting equity and healing.
6. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
Improving voter turnout and increasing trust in our election process are crucial for a healthy democracy. Here are several key steps that need to be taken:
1. Expand Access to Voting
Automatic voter registration: Implement automatic voter registration nationwide, ensuring that eligible citizens are registered to vote when they interact with government agencies, such as getting a driver’s license or accessing public services. This reduces barriers to voter registration and expands the electorate.
Same-day voter registration: Allow same-day voter registration, enabling people to register and vote on Election Day. This would help capture voters who may have missed registration deadlines but are motivated to participate in the election.
Increase access to early voting and vote by mail: Expand early voting periods and make vote-by-mail more accessible. By offering more flexible options for when and how people can vote, we make it easier for individuals with busy schedules, mobility issues, or childcare responsibilities to participate.
2. Combat Voter Suppression
Strengthen the Voting Rights Act: Reinstate the full protections of the Voting Rights Act, particularly the preclearance provisions that required states with a history of voter suppression to get federal approval before changing voting laws. This would help prevent discriminatory practices aimed at reducing turnout, particularly among BIPOC communities.
Fight voter ID laws: Oppose strict voter ID laws that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Instead, provide free, accessible IDs for anyone who needs one, or eliminate ID requirements where feasible.
Curb voter roll purges: Implement safeguards to prevent aggressive voter roll purges that can mistakenly remove eligible voters, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
3. Make Voting More Convenient and Accessible
National holiday for Election Day: Make Election Day a federal holiday or move elections to the weekend, making it easier for working people to get to the polls without the pressure of work obligations.
Increase polling locations and hours: Ensure there are enough polling locations in every community, especially in marginalized areas that are often subject to long lines and wait times. Extending poll hours into the evening would also make voting more accessible for people working non-traditional hours.
Improve accessibility for voters with disabilities: Strengthen protections and services for voters with disabilities by ensuring that all polling places are accessible, that assistive technology is available, and that vote-by-mail options are easy to use for those who need it.
4. Improve Civic Education
Invest in civic education: Strengthen civic education programs in schools and communities to help people understand the importance of voting and how the election process works. Increasing voter education would not only motivate people to vote but also build greater trust in the election system.
Community outreach: Partner with local organizations to increase voter education and engagement, particularly in communities that historically have low turnout. Grassroots efforts to inform and energize voters can have a significant impact on turnout rates.
5. Increase Voter Trust in the Process
Transparent election processes: Strengthen the transparency of election procedures, including how votes are counted, and ensure there are robust protections against fraud. Publicly sharing information about how votes are secured, counted, and verified can build public trust.
Audits and verification: Regular audits of election results, along with publicly available data on election security, can help build voter confidence. Election officials should make clear that election security is a priority, and that there are systems in place to prevent fraud.
Fight misinformation: Misinformation about the election process and results erodes voter trust. Social media platforms and public institutions need to be proactive in combating false information about voting, election procedures, and results. Partnering with trusted community leaders and organizations to provide accurate, timely information is essential to restoring trust.
6. Restore Voting Rights for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Re-enfranchise formerly incarcerated individuals: Many states still restrict voting rights for formerly incarcerated people, which disproportionately affects BIPOC communities. Restoring the right to vote for individuals who have served their time is a vital step toward making the electorate more inclusive and reflective of all citizens.
7. Implement Proportional Representation and Ranked-Choice Voting
Proportional representation: Reforming the election system to implement proportional representation can help ensure that more voters feel their voices are represented. This would encourage more people to participate by reducing the “winner-takes-all” dynamic that leaves many feeling like their vote doesn’t matter.
Ranked-choice voting: Expanding ranked-choice voting would allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, which can reduce negative campaigning and ensure that candidates with broad support win. It can also empower third-party and independent candidates, giving voters more diverse choices and encouraging turnout.
8. Protect Against Gerrymandering
Independent redistricting commissions: Establish independent redistricting commissions to draw fair and competitive electoral districts. Gerrymandering undermines voter confidence by manipulating districts to favor one party, diluting the power of many voters, particularly BIPOC communities.
9. Strengthen Immigrant Civic Education and Voting Access
Provide voting materials in multiple languages: Immigrants and non-English-speaking voters often face language barriers that prevent full participation in the electoral process. I support requiring all voting materials, including ballots, registration forms, and informational guides, to be available in multiple languages reflective of the local community, particularly in areas like Washington's 9th District, where many languages such as Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic are spoken.
Civic education for immigrant communities: Immigrant communities often face unique challenges in understanding the U.S. voting system and their rights. I would advocate for robust civic education programs, in partnership with local organizations, to help new citizens understand their voting rights, the election process, and how to navigate it. Workshops, seminars, and multilingual resources would empower immigrant communities to engage in civic life more fully.
Access to voter assistance: Ensure that polling places have multilingual staff or volunteers available to assist voters who may need help understanding ballots or navigating the voting process. Additionally, phone and online helplines in multiple languages can provide real-time support for immigrant voters.
Conclusion:
To improve voter turnout and increase trust, we need a multifaceted approach that expands access, fights suppression, modernizes the voting process, and enhances civic education. By making it easier for people to vote and ensuring that their votes are fairly counted, we can strengthen democracy and encourage more people to participate in shaping the future of our country.
7. Do you think public schools are adequately funded? If not, what minimum requirements should be met in an adequately funded public school system? What specific forms of taxation would you support to attain that funding?
Again, as with other questions (this whole questionnaire is targeted to state and local races, not federal/Congressional office candidates) – this is almost entirely a state-level question. Nevertheless, I’ll provide a solid answer, to demonstrate my values.
No, public schools in Washington State—and across the country—are not adequately funded. While efforts have been made to increase funding, many schools, especially those in low-income and underserved communities, continue to face challenges like inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated facilities. Washington’s regressive tax system, which relies heavily on local property taxes to fund schools, contributes to significant disparities between wealthy and lower-income districts.
Minimum Requirements for Adequate Public School Funding
To ensure every student receives a high-quality education, an adequately funded public school system should meet the following minimum requirements:
1. Equitable Funding Across Districts: Funding should be based on student need rather than local property wealth. Schools in lower-income areas must receive additional resources to address challenges like poverty, language barriers, and other socioeconomic factors.
2. Competitive Teacher Salaries and Professional Development: Teachers need competitive salaries to attract and retain talented educators, particularly in high-need areas. Additionally, funding should cover ongoing professional development, allowing teachers to stay current with best practices and improve their skills.
3. Small Class Sizes: Class sizes should be small enough to allow individualized attention. Research shows that smaller class sizes, particularly in early grades, improve student outcomes. Adequate funding ensures schools can hire enough teachers to maintain reasonable student-to-teacher ratios.
4. Up-to-Date Facilities and Technology: School buildings must be safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning. This includes modern classrooms, libraries, science labs, and access to up-to-date technology such as computers, tablets, and reliable internet connections for both in-school and remote learning.
5. Comprehensive Student Support Services: Schools should provide sufficient support for students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, including access to counselors, nurses, social workers, and mental health services—especially in schools serving high-needs populations.
6. Curriculum and Enrichment Opportunities: Every student should have access to a well-rounded education, including programs in STEM, the arts, and extracurricular activities. Adequate funding should support diverse curricula that prepare students for college, careers, and civic life.
7. Special Education Funding: Special education programs are often underfunded, leaving schools struggling to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Adequate funding must ensure that special education programs are fully supported with enough staff and resources to provide individualized attention and care.
8. Early Childhood Education: Universal access to quality preschool programs is essential for closing achievement gaps and giving children a strong start in school. Adequate funding should include investment in early childhood education for all families, regardless of income.
9. Language and Cultural Accessibility
* Integrated Ethnic Studies Curriculum: Schools should incorporate a comprehensive ethnic studies curriculum that reflects the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of marginalized communities, including BIPOC, immigrant, and Indigenous populations. This helps foster inclusivity, empathy, and social awareness.
* Professional Development for Teachers: Teachers should receive ongoing professional development in culturally relevant pedagogy, anti-racism, and supporting diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This training ensures teachers are equipped to engage students in meaningful conversations about race, identity, and history.
* Language Accessibility: Schools must provide bilingual education and translation services for non-English-speaking students and families, ensuring all students can engage fully in their education and families can participate in school activities and decision-making processes.
10. Practical Life Skills and Trades Education
* Vocational Training in the Trades: Schools should offer practical life skills and vocational training in high-demand trades, such as plumbing, automotive repair, construction, and electrical work. These programs would provide students with hands-on training, preparing them for stable, well-paying careers in industries that face a shortage of skilled workers.
* Financial and Household Management: Every student should graduate with a solid understanding of personal finance, including household budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and navigating loans and taxes. This helps students avoid debt traps and fosters financial independence.
* Parenting and Relationship Skills: Schools should teach relationship skills, conflict resolution, and parenting education to prepare students for interpersonal dynamics in adult life. These skills contribute to emotional intelligence and help build more stable families and communities.
Specific Forms of Taxation to Attain Adequate Funding
Washington State’s regressive tax system places a disproportionate burden on lower- and middle-income residents. To adequately fund public education and ensure equitable outcomes, I support the following tax reforms and revenue-generating measures:
1. Capital Gains Tax Expansion: Washington’s recent capital gains tax on high-end asset sales is a step forward, but expanding it or increasing the rate would generate additional revenue earmarked for education. This targets the wealthiest residents without burdening working families.
2. Wealth Tax: A modest wealth tax on ultra-wealthy individuals’ assets, such as stocks, real estate, and luxury goods, could generate significant long-term funding for public schools without impacting low- and middle-income families.
3. Corporate Taxes: Large corporations, particularly in tech and retail, should contribute more toward public education. A progressive Business & Occupation (B&O) tax that targets highly profitable businesses, along with a tax on companies with high executive pay disparities, could help raise revenue for schools.
4. Property Tax Reform with a Focus on Equity: Washington’s reliance on property taxes exacerbates funding disparities between wealthy and lower-income areas. I support decoupling public school funding from local property taxes and using a statewide levy to distribute funds based on student needs rather than local property values.
5. Green Taxes: Expanding taxes on carbon emissions, pollution, or environmentally harmful industries could generate revenue while promoting sustainability. These funds could be allocated to public schools, supporting both education and environmental goals.
Conclusion
Adequate public school funding is essential to ensure every child in Washington State has access to high-quality education, regardless of socioeconomic background or geography. To achieve this, we need progressive tax reforms that equitably distribute the responsibility for funding schools. Expanding the capital gains tax, enacting a wealth tax, reforming corporate taxes, and restructuring property taxes can provide the resources necessary for a strong, equitable public education system. Furthermore, integrating ethnic studies, vocational training, and practical life skills into the curriculum will better prepare students for the diverse and complex realities of adulthood, ensuring they are ready for both higher education and well-paying careers in the trades.
Printed Name Melissa Chaudhry
Date (mm/dd/yy) 09/07/2024
