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 in business meant that Riker moved around throughout his childhood. It wasn’t easy but he remembers his family always had a seat at the table for neighbors and friends, particularly those who weren’t sure where they would find their next meal.
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. Because of engaged teachers and mentors, 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.
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. Riker continued a trajectory of public service and political engagement. 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.
Let’s send a trained Economist to Congress.
Riker would bring his unique perspective to Congress as a trained economist. There are already over 150 lawyers in Congress, but zero economists. Riker has spent his career as a strategic planner, building successful businesses, managing complex budgets, and assessing economic policy. He decided to run for office because our representation in Congress wasn’t adding up. Current Rep. Darrell Issa is one of the richest members of Congress. He is completely out of touch with the needs of residents in the 48th District. Riker is running his campaign the way he would govern – and that starts with listening.
Riker has already organized 4 town halls and more than 90 listening sessions throughout the district. Rep. Issa? He hasn’t organized a single town hall in years.
Advocating for an Affordable Future
As a trained economist, Riker knows we need a Congress that focuses on lowering costs and raising wages. Healthcare, groceries, rent – just about everything – is getting more expensive with no end in sight. We need leaders at the federal level to focus on building a stronger economy, lifting wages for working families, and putting pressure on the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share. Riker will be deeply committed to building an affordable future for everyone.
Riker lives in Palm Springs with his dog Cooper, enjoying live music, attending sporting events, and hiking.