I’m Running for Congress
First of all, to all of you—my readers—I am truly grateful. When I began writing here, I had no idea how many people would follow along. I think that’s because, from the very beginning, I’ve been focused on one simple thing: listening.
For the past two years on the Encino Neighborhood Council, that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’ve listened to families worried about wildfires, neighbors worried about burglaries, and people who simply wanted their voices heard. And what I’ve learned is this: when we listen to one another, we can solve problems and build stronger, safer communities.
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in California’s 32nd District.
Why I’m Running
The reason is simple. Americans are craving community. Again and again, in every conversation I’ve had, people tell me the same thing: they want to know their neighbors. They want to get back to a time when kids rode bikes down the street, when we had lemonade stands and Little League games, when you could trust that your neighbor would be there for you—no matter their politics.
If we want to get back to that, we have to do the work ourselves. We have to lower our guard, start listening, and start trusting. For the past two years, I’ve tried to live by that principle. I believe that when you engage civically and really get to know your neighbors—not just with a wave hello—you are safer, healthier, and more connected. That’s the spirit I want to bring to Washington.
What I’ve Learned
The truth is, neighbor-to-neighbor works best. We get the best results when people walk side by side, not when orders are handed down from above. Too often, our politics has become top-down and disconnected. In 2024, Democrats failed because we didn’t engage with voters directly—we told people what we thought they should hear instead of asking them what they needed. We relied on billion-dollar ad campaigns instead of conversations.
I refuse to run that kind of campaign. My campaign will be grassroots, built from the bottom up. This won’t be about me—it will be about us. Together, we can tackle the problems that are tearing America apart and start building a positive vision for the future.
A Contrast for the Future
Brad Sherman has represented this district for three decades. Like President Biden, he has given years of service, but it’s time for him to step aside. What this moment calls for is not more of the status quo, but a new generation of leaders willing to take risks, bring fresh ideas, and restore the promise of America’s democracy.
The Democratic establishment won’t support me—they’ll stick with the incumbent or another insider. But that’s okay. Because not being an insider is my superpower. I know where I stand: I stand with you.
That’s why my slogan is simple: Josh Sauter—for us, for a change.
My Values
I bring not only my story, but also my values. My Jewish faith grounds me. It reminds me of the principle of tikkun olam—to repair the world. That’s the spirit I will carry to Congress.
Four years ago, I wasn’t even thinking about running for office. But today, I feel called to act. Democracy is under attack. The middle class is vanishing. Violence and fear are spreading through our communities. This is not the time to be timid or sit on the sidelines. This is the time to act.
I am running because I believe we can build a campaign rooted in listening, trust, and community. I am running because America needs its neighbors back.
And I am running because I believe we can make change—together.