Democrat, Economist, and Fourth-Generation Californian launches campaign to challenge Republican Ken Calvert by fighting for practical solutions that create economic opportunity and security for Southern California families
PALM SPRINGS, CA – Today, Democrat Brandon Riker, a fourth-generation Californian and successful business entrepreneur announced his campaign to flip California’s 41st Congressional District blue.
“I believe everyone who works hard should have a fair shot at the American dream. But right now, too many hardworking Californians are falling behind and are struggling to keep up with the skyrocketing cost-of-living,” said Riker.
“I am running for Congress because the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley deserve a representative who isn’t afraid to fight for practical solutions so that California families can pay for housing, food, and health care while still having money to save for retirement. Ensuring economic opportunity and security should not be a partisan issue – it’s who we are as Americans.”
Riker has called the Coachella Valley home for nearly a decade, where he has lent his extensive knowledge and expertise in economics, politics, and entrepreneurship to advocate for underrepresented communities. A former organizer on President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, Riker started a grassroots organization to help flip CA-41 from Red to Blue in 2024. He spent the early part of this year hosting 22 house parties and counting to listen to community members’ concerns.
“As I’ve met with people in every part of the 41st district, I heard repeatedly that they want a representative in Congress who fights for policies that help their families. They are tired of career politicians who serve themselves. That’s why I’ll focus on reducing the cost of living, creating more pathways to home ownership, expanding job training and apprenticeships, and protecting our health care and retirement programs — Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security — from devastating cuts,” stated Riker.
California’s 41st Congressional District encompasses the Riverside County communities of Corona, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Calimesa, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, and portions of Eastvale and Riverside. The district also includes the unincorporated areas of El Sobrante, Woodcrest, Temescal Valley, Lakeview, Nuevo, Homeland, Winchester, Cherry Valley, Anza, Pine Cove and Idyllwild.
A Red-to-Blue target for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2022 and 2024, this seat presents one of the best pick-up opportunities for Democrats in 2026.
Meet Brandon Riker
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 Success 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.
