Emanuel Pleitez's blog

Looks like Emanuel showed up early so we are live now!

Emanuel will be here at Future Majority beginning at 7pm PACIFIC (10pm eastern). If you'd like to ask him questions about his campaign, the issues he supports, running as a young candidate, or anything else, leave a question in the comments now or stop back at 7. --Mike

My name is Emanuel Pleitez and I am running for Congress in California's 32nd Congressional District, which is being vacated by Labor Secretary nominee Hilda Solis.

This district is my home. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Los Angeles and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in El Sereno. Growing up in a below poverty-level, single-parent, immigrant household, and being the first in my family to graduate from college, I understand first-hand the issues facing my community and the steps we must take to move forward.

Before I was ten years old, I lived in ten different places throughout South and East L.A. I remember my mother, Isabel, a cafeteria worker, explaining to my sister and I when it was time to go live with a different family. Often times we would end up taking a back room or garage. My mother always explained these moves with enthusiasm, like they were new adventures. Obstacles were challenges to overcome and setbacks became tests of character. More importantly, mother taught me that education is the gateway to opportunity and despite our economic hardships, I was able to gain admittance, attend and graduate from Stanford University. I want to bring that optimistic attitude and resiliency to our district, especially during this economic crisis.

I have used my education to rise out of poverty and enter public service--giving back to the community that afforded me such opportunity. Most recently, I served on the Obama-Biden Transition Team for the Treasury Department. I previously worked for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa during his tenure on the Los Angeles City Council and had a short stint in the offices of U.S. Senators Tom Daschle and Hillary Clinton on the Senate Democratic Steering and Coordination Committee.

I am running for Congress to be a true representative for my community, a fighter for the working-class, and to pursue progressive ideals that ensures economic justice, civil rights, and affordable healthcare for everyone. These are the issues that I value.

I am the son of a union member who will make workers and labor issues a priority. Every day more and more people are losing their homes and jobs. I have not forgotten what it's like to worry about having a roof over your head or whether or not you can afford to visit the doctor. Having served President Obama on the Transition Team for the Treasury Department, I believe I am the best prepared to offer new ideas and innovative solutions in dealing with our current economic crisis.

This is a new era in American politics, a time where progressive ideas and a commitment to public service is encouraged and supported.

If elected, at 26 years old, I would be the youngest serving Latino member of Congress. But I cannot do this without your support. Please join me in my campaign for new leadership and a new direction.

Together, we can make history.

For more information about me and my campaign, you can visit my website at PleitezforCongress.com