Jonathan Elist

I am an experienced government advisor, successful businessman, and upset parent who is determined to bring a fresh perspective to DC. As the son of Iranian immigrants, I was determined to make the most of the American Dream, earning international affairs and business degrees from Princeton, Stanford, and Harvard.

I've had a diverse blend of professional experience in both the public and private sectors: the Small Business Administration, the US Department of Commerce, and in government consulting with international, federal, state, and local government entities. I launched a successful urology medical device company. Alongside my professional experience, I have volunteered my time with major philanthropic organizations with a leadership role.

As a dedicated father and husband, I am concerned about my family's future. This was the driving force behind my candidacy; America gave the opportunity to my parents and me, and now it is time that I continue to fight for our future generations. Politicians like Alex Padilla, George Gascon, and Gavin Newsom do not represent us. It is time we bring common sense leaders back to our nation.

• Vibrant Economy - What do out-of-control inflation, record gas prices, and a housing crisis have in common? They are caused by tone-deaf politicians who refuse to pass sensible legislation to provide relief to Americans. With 64% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it is critical that we address the silent tax of inflation.
• Safe Communities - Violent crime is skyrocketing, and our communities feel less safe by the day. Our “leaders” have failed us because they refuse to prosecute crime. I would help direct resources to hire more police officers, provide them with dignified compensation, and bolster efforts to prosecute criminals.
• World-Class Education - The educational system is failing our children. As a father, I've watched California consistently rank at the bottom of education, even with all of the resources we have expended. We need to strengthen our educational institutions by pushing for accountability and transparency while incentivizing competition in the market. Most importantly, we need to ensure that parents have a seat at the table when it comes to major curriculum decisions for their children.

I believe I have the necessary experience and passion in the policy areas of health, economics, and foreign affairs. I have served as a government efficiency consultant with major public sector entities, and as a successful medical device CEO, I understand the necessity of market-driven solutions to help make government more efficient. Finally, as the son of Iranian immigrants, former employee of the US Embassy in Argentina, and a strong supporter of Israel, I acknowledge the importance of our interconnected world and the need for strong leadership.

I believe that I have a unique mix of private and public sector experience that will make me a successful officeholder. I have a wide range of perspectives to offer in my position.

Those in higher office need a diversity of experiences to enact meaningful change. Working in both the public and the private sectors provides me an advantage in drafting and understanding policy from multiple perspectives.

I have worked extensively as a government efficiency consultant. During my time in Argentina working in the US Embassy, I helped advocate for US business interests abroad. Throughout my time as CEO of a successful medical device company, I have pursued creative and innovative solutions.

I look forward to putting these skills to use on behalf of the people of California and the US.

I believe the core responsibility of a US Senator is to act on behalf of the American people, not party bosses, not special interests, not corporations.

Those who seek office must seek to pass legislation in line with the policy proposals made during the campaign. We need strong champions dedicated to their constituents. Unfortunately, we hear many empty promises from career politicians. It is time to return public service to a noble, selfless service for the people.

My first job was as an assistant to our school bookstore in junior high school for a summer. I helped put together the books and supplies for each student before the new school year started. The job instilled a sense of discipline. It also felt empowering to earn a paycheck even at that age.

I am a big fan of Latin music, everything from reggaeton to cumbia to salsa. I get La Bikina by Luis Miguel stuck in my head at least once a month.

First and foremost, I would consider the objective qualifications of the appointee. The Senate advises and provides its consent for the president’s nominated appointees, and we need to ensure that our presidential appointees are well prepared to serve our country.

In my opinion, some confirmation hearings have become partisan circuses, where some senators act for the cameras. When there is important work to be done, that approach of grandstanding is unacceptable.

If appointees have the necessary experience for their respective posts, lack any credible obstructions of personal character, and have a proven track record of diligence, it is our duty to fill the role.

I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, learning about their experiences, and understanding their values and goals. I look forward to building relationships across the board while I'm serving in the Senate. We used to have a government where a Republican and a Democrat could go out for dinner, but we have become so divided and siloed that this is simply no longer the case.

I believe in action over words. Policymaking requires the incorporation of various perspectives to ensure that bills and proposals become the law of the land. I am committed to working with legislative colleagues to do what I will be sent to DC to do: help pass legislation that can have a meaningfully positive impact on all Americans. I will do so without compromising on my core values.