The 34th Congressional District of California is holding a Special Primary Election for the US House of Representative TODAY, Tuesday, April 4th, 2017, with 24 candidates vying to fill the vacancy in the central Los Angeles district.

The election is the first opportunity for Californians to send someone new to Washington, DC, since Trump became elected and the Republicans solidified their hold on both houses in Congress.

Out of some of the most endorsed candidates, three responded to our interview questions regarding LGBTQ issues and why we should be considering them for candidacy.

Jimmy Gomez; Democrat

“I am not afraid to run to the fight and stand up for policies that have done the most good for the most people.”

On the other candidates:

“I am the only candidate with a record of running to the fight to move Progressive legislation passed, including California’s historic Paid Family Leave law, legislation requiring senior care facilities to undergo training on serving LGBTQIA seniors and legislation extending regulations on greenhouse gasses.”

On supporting minority and LGBTQ Communities: 

“I have been a strong advocate for LGBT and communities of color in the State Assembly and will continue fighting for these communities in Washington, that is why Equality California, Stonewall Democratic Club, Planned Parenthood, United Farmworkers and the California Labor Federation all support me.  I have never been afraid to run to the fight and stand up for policies that do the most good for the most people, especially those minority communities that are ignored or under-served.”

On fighting the Trump Administration:

“It is not enough to merely say “no” to the harmful and divisive policies coming out of the White House.  Whoever comes in needs to have the experience to hit the ground on day one. With my experience I will be able to start on the first day and know how to use the power of the office – not just the publicity power of holding press conferences and speeches, but also the levers of power to affect the appropriations process to fight the deep budget cuts to critical services, the use of correspondence, legislative and field hearings to demand greater transparency to expose the flagrantly unconstitutional actions of this Administration with respect to immigration and undermining civil liberties.”

To learn more about Jimmy Gomez, visit his website, Jimmy for Congress.

Wendy Carrillo; Democrat

“I’m running to be a loud, bold, unapologetic progressive who will fight for the values of the 34th Congressional District in Congress. I don’t believe that we are a nation of fear and oppression, but rather one of hope and opportunity. I want to defend these values in Congress. This country was there for me and my family when I needed it. Now, I want to be there for it.”

On the other candidates:

“If elected, I would be the first formerly undocumented woman in Congress. I would also be the first Salvadoran-American in the House of Representatives, at a time when our Congress is overwhelmingly white, male, and rarely shares the lived experience of millions of regular Americans in our country. My candidacy is different because in this crucial moment in our nation’s history, we need unapologetic and fearless activists who will stand up to the racist administration and lead on LGBTQ issues and trans-women’s liberation.”

On her priorities: 

“We are more powerful if we recognize that our battles are interconnected. I believe that women’s rights are human rights, that love is love is love is love, that Black Lives Matter, that the Fight for $15 should be national, that we should Say Her Name, that Mni Wiconi (Water is life), that where no human being is illegal and we are Here to Stay, that Science is real, and that Sí, Se Puede.”

On supporting the LGBTQ Community:

“I know that there is such as a thing as undocumented, gender nonconforming, person of color who needs a champion in Congress to defend their right to exist and live without fear. I am committed in ensuring that the LGBTQ community has access to resources that empower and create upward mobility. I don’t need a poll to know that the homicide rates for trans women of color are appalling, and I don’t need a poll to tell me that it is the right thing to take to the floor of the House of Representatives and Say Her Name.”

To hear more from Wendy Carrillo and her campaign, visit Vote For Wendy.

Maria Cabildo; Democrat

“My tag line is: ‘Builder. Leader. Fighter.’ It captures who I have been throughout my life. I believe in the power of people come together to create change. Ours has been a people-powered campaign, not driven by special interests.”

On supporting the LGBTQ Community:

“I have been an ally since I was a tween and learned that my older brother was gay and felt deep pain when I saw him bullied. He later died during the height of the AIDS pandemic. I am with the LGBTQ community because I see it as my community even though I am straight. I would have loved for my brother to have seen and been able to enjoy all the gains in civil rights that his community has made since his passing in 1995. I will fight to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, especially the trans community that faces so much discrimination and faces so many barriers to economic opportunity and access to critical services.”

On the Trump Administration:

“I plan to fight the Administration by holding it accountable to the American people. Organizing is critical and we must take back the house and reconnect the Democratic Party to its natural base.”

On the other candidates:

“I have already had a distinguished career outside of politics. I started my career in 1993, building housing for homeless adults, including people with chronic mental illness, AIDS and other special needs. I founded East LA Community Corporation in 1995. I became it’s Executive Director in 1999, while there I leveraged over $200 million in pubic and private investment into a community that had been long forgotten by both the public and private sector. I have a proven track record.”

For a closer glimpse into Maria Cabildo’s track record and promises, head to Maria Cabildo for Congress.

Don’t forget to vote tomorrow, Tuesday, April 4th. To find the closest polling place near you, visit here.