FOR CALIFORNIA
MEET BRANDON
Opportunity Through Service and Education
A fourth-generation Californian, Brandon Riker learned from his parents the value of giving back to our community. Their careers as telecommunications executives and entrepreneurs meant that Riker moved around throughout his childhood. His family always had a seat at the table for Riker’s friends, particularly those who were uncertain where their next meal would come from.
As we face drastic cuts to public education, Riker knows firsthand how detrimental Republicans’ plans to eliminate the Department of Education will be for California kids. In middle school, a teacher noticed his academic struggles and helped him navigate learning with dyslexia. This discovery opened new resources to put Riker on a path to success.
Riker graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude in Economics from Washington College in Maryland and earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Riker would bring his unique perspective to Congress as an economist.
Building Successful Businesses
Riker launched a successful career as an entrepreneur. He worked in senior management and strategic planning roles at two investment firms, helping launch several cutting-edge alternative investment products.
Advocating for a Better Future
Riker spent his teenage years balancing basketball practice and demonstrating his opposition to the Iraq War. In 2008, he worked as an organizer for President Barack Obama’s campaign, learning how politics can improve people’s lives through policies like the Affordable Care Act.
For the past decade, Riker has been advocating for underrepresented communities. He serves on the board of SafePlace International, a global organization that works to find safe and sustainable spaces for displaced people around the world. He also volunteers his time at the food bank in the Coachella Valley.
Riker lives in the Coachella Valley with his dog Cooper, enjoying live music, attending sporting events, and hiking.
