Congressman Harley Rouda is a businessman, husband, father, and a patriot – not a politician. Harley loves this country, and ran for Congress because Washington politicians have failed us for too long.

Harley has spent his career working to grow businesses large and small – helping create and support thousands of jobs. Harley's business helped our workers get ahead. Hard work, honesty, fairness and respect. Those values drive him everyday.

Harley and his wife Kaira have worked hard to raise their four children. They've been involved in our community and Orange County charities that help the homeless; protect victims of domestic violence; support veterans, reduce gun violence, advance educational opportunities, strengthen human rights and protect our environment.

Too many politicians only care about themselves and their special interest campaign contributors. That’s why they’ve done nothing to reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs, fix our crumbling roads and bridges, or make college more affordable.

Harley is refusing to take any money from corporate PACs – because he will only answer to you, not drug companies, the gun lobby, or Wall Street bankers.

In Congress, Harley has been using common sense to find common ground. We can make health care more affordable. We can invest in schools and career training. And we can protect Social Security and Medicare. It all starts by putting country ahead of party, and people ahead of special interests.

Congressman Harley Rouda respectfully asks for your continued support to change Washington, and make Congress work for America and Orange County.

Native of Southern California born in Los Angeles, CA . Baby Boomer Generation. Raised in South Pasadena Ca from Kindergarten through High School. Graduate of South Pasadena High School 1973. Attended Pasadena City College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Los Angeles . Earned a BS degree from Cal State Los Angeles in 1977 in Industrial Technology with an option in Printing Management. Majority of career was in Sales and Sales Management in the Printing and Packaging Industry. In 2002 became a public school teacher for 2 years. Licensed Real Estate Agent in 1999 and Real Estate Broker since 2008 and small business owner. Married with 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Revise the Affordable Care Act to Lower premiums

Mental Health Centers and Homeless Shelters

Traffic and Transporation Solutions

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Revitalization and Economic development, Helping Small Businesses and working with Helping the Homeless and those with Mental illness with centers, Honoring and serving Veterans. Supporting Individuals with Disabilities with programs, Health Care, Physical Fitness Awareness and Illness Prevention, Traffic and Transportation Studies for reducing congestion, Public Safety and Education. Reduce Taxes. Passionate about the US Constitution the history of the USA. One Nation under God a nation that serves and respects each individuals faith beliefs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to all the mentors in my life who taught me about trust, hard work, integrity and doing the right thing. The examples of I would like to follow are my Dad who taught me about business and gave me an opportunties to succeed and do the right thing always and Mom who believed in me and said you an do anything you set you mind to.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Work is my play by Wallace E Johnson .. Living the American Dream. Wallace was a common who balanced his life and served many in the process with his hard work and perserverance. .

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, heart for service.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Faith, hard worker, early to rise, dedicated, honest, sincere. Experience in multiple areas from Public Education to Small Business , Insurance, Real Estate and more!

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Be available to all. Serving in Congress is an honor and priviledge not a career . The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators should serve their term(s), then go home and go back to work ... not get all kinds of freebies. I feel the core responsibilities are to Listen, explore, analyze and respond to all issues and write new bills as needed while supporting bills measures that work for the best of the people we serve in our districts

That legacy would you like to leave?

That my service made an impact of those served on a local and national level.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Assassination President of John F. Kennedy in 1963. I wlll always remember. A sad time in American History. I was 8 at the time

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My 1st job was working as an order taker at Mcdonalds in South Pasadena, CA . I held the job for 6 months

What is your favorite book? Why?

57 Jobs and Counting a career passion less traveled which I wrote, It is my favorite book because I grew threw the process of writing the book and it encourages me tho this day to keep growing and experiencing new opportunities one day at a time and to continue to put your faith above all and let the Lord direct your paths.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Gum Gummy. Gum is a World Traveler who travels in search of interesting people, places and events from Antarctica to Zambia and then returns to share his story to all

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The greatest struggle i had to overcame was developing confidence. I went through several experiences that raised my belief in myself and that nothing was impossible through faith, hard work and determination.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It is a fingerprint of the USA with representatives from every states and repesents the interests of the the people who the representative serves in the district the he or she is elected .. Government for the people by the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No I do not . I think the most important thing is the person has the passion and interest to serve the District by proposing changes and policies that will represent the district motions and proposed bills

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Terrorism, Public Safety, Illegal immigrants not paying taxes or supporting our government and obeying the Laws, Affordable Housing. Affordable Health Care, ongoing funding for Social Security, Education, Military, Police, Fire and and Government Services.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Defense, Health, Housing Transportation , Technology

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

NA

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think the maximum term should be 2 terms

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I think the best story was from a lady and her son who I met several years ago when they were homeless and was able to help them with a gift card to Boston Market, While collecting singatures for my campaign and ran into both the Mother and the son , It was a nice reunion and great to see that they are no longer homeless and doing well ..