
Ritesh Tandon
Democrat | California
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Ritesh Tandon
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 17
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, MBA, 2007
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, MS (Computer Engineering), 2001
LD Engineering, Ahmedabad, BS (Mechanical Enginering), 1996
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Post Doctorate Research Fellow, 2021
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Sankara Eye Foundation, Volunteer, Uttar Pradesh Mandal of America
President, Smart Village Movement, Chief Liaison Officer/Board Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (3)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2022)
State Republican Party Organizations (2022)
WinRed (2020)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
Huck PAC (2022)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2022)
WinRed (2020)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
ActBlue (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
ActBlue (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
Election Forum (Home of the Reality Alert Newsletter)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Neutral
Help the needy if require.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Neutral
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Health and life of the mother, rape or incest, fetal abnormalities, socio-economic factors, and personal choice.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
No, the federal government should not have any role in people's lives.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Lower taxes, reduce interest rates, streamline tax code, cut regulations, boost retirement savings, minimize healthcare/education costs, support fair trade, and stimulate economic growth.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Agree
When students take out loans, they are aware that it's a loan that must be repaid. I believe student loan forgiveness is unfair, as many students have worked diligently, saved funds, and repaid their debts. Looking ahead, I aim to strive towards making college completely free for every student. This will alleviate parents from the heavy burden of college tuition and also ensure that no one is left behind due to a lack of funds for education.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Choose not to answer
Using ESG criteria for public investments balances societal values, like addressing climate change and social justice, with risk management and potential economic gains. It's an ethical approach but may limit investment diversity and is influenced by political views and changing regulations. This decision-making process involves weighing financial prudence against broader societal benefits.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
"Separation of church and state" refers to the principle of ensuring that government and religious institutions operate independently, without undue influence over one another. I strongly support the same. My view is that government decisions should be based on secular, not religious, considerations, thereby ensuring equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs or non-belief.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
Every one is equal. Businesses, especially those open to the public, should serve all customers equally, regardless of the owner's personal beliefs. Services should not be denied based on factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, ensuring equal participation in public life for all members of society.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations may be required by governments, schools, or employers in public health emergencies, high-risk settings, to protect vulnerable populations, and where legally and ethically justified.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
(B) and (C)
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
(C)
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The U.S.-Israel relationship is multifaceted, encompassing strategic, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. It is a significant aspect of U.S. foreign policy due to the combination of shared values, mutual strategic interests, and the complex dynamics of the Middle East.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
actors causing a decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention include changing demographics leading to fewer individuals meeting enlistment standards, competition from a robust civilian job market, younger generations' shifting attitudes towards military service, and the physical and mental health challenges of military life. Additionally, the effects of long-term military engagements and public perception of military conflicts influence decline in U.S. military.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Legal immigrants who add value to US Economy. Family, DACA and asylum cases to be considered, case by case basis.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Neutral
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I follow Hinduism, which shares similarities with Christianity in emphasizing compassion, love, and the importance of ethical living. Both religions believe in equality and value the pursuit of truth and spiritual growth. They also stress the significance of community and gathering together for worship and rituals. Furthermore, principles like serving others, charity, and the golden rule of treating others as one wishes to be treated are central to both faiths.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Neutral
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear Energy
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The general purpose of government is to establish order, provide public services, protect the rights and safety of its citizens, manage economic and social resources, and ensure the welfare of the society as a whole. Governments are responsible for enacting and enforcing laws, maintaining peace and security, and creating policies and infrastructure that promote the health, education, and general prosperity of their population.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Background checks, Mental Health Assessments, Waiting Periods, Ban on High-Capacity Magazines, Red Flag Laws, Safe Storage Laws, Training and Licensing, Age Restrictions, Limit on Number of Purchases, Tracking and Reporting
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