
Pini Herman
Democrat | California
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Pini Herman
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2026
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 30
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, PhD, 1985-1990
WORK & MILITARY
Israel Defence Forces, First Lieutenant, 1975-1978
AFFILIATIONS
Movable Minyan, Board member, President, 1988-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
US Representative CA 30th District, 2026-2026
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Bernie Sanders (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Disagree
As a Jewish candidate, my tradition approaches this issue differently and does not define life or legal protection in the same way. I believe these deeply personal decisions should be guided by individual conscience, medical expertise, and respect for religious freedom, rather than a single legal standard imposed on everyone.
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Disagree
I do not support a blanket prohibition on the use of embryos created through artificial methods. While I respect the ethical concerns involved, I believe that responsible, regulated medical research—conducted with oversight and clear ethical standards—can lead to life-saving advancements. Public policy should reflect both ethical consideration and the potential to improve and save lives.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I believe decisions about abortion are deeply personal and should be made by individuals in consultation with their doctors, families, and their own moral or religious beliefs. These are complex medical situations, and the law should not impose rigid standards that interfere with timely and appropriate care.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
I agree that public funding should support access to comprehensive healthcare services, including providers like Planned Parenthood, which deliver essential care such as cancer screenings, contraception, and preventive services. These resources are especially important for low-income and underserved communities. I also support transparency and accountability in how public funds are used.
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Disagree
I do not support enforcing the Comstock Act in this way. Laws governing healthcare should reflect current medical practice, patient needs, and constitutional protections, rather than relying on outdated statutes that do not align with modern realities. Decisions about reproductive healthcare should remain between patients and their doctors, within a clear and lawful regulatory framework.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Neutral
Free enterprise and private property are important foundations of a strong economy. At the same time, I believe effective and responsible regulation is necessary to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and promote long-term stability.
People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.
Agree
I agree that a fair tax system should ask those who can afford to pay more to contribute more, especially to support working families and strengthen economic stability. At the same time, tax policy should be responsible, transparent, and focused on creating opportunity and long-term growth.
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Disagree
I do not support cutting essential services as the primary way to reduce the national debt. We need a balanced approach that protects critical programs, supports working families, and addresses the debt through responsible fiscal policy and economic growth.
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
1. Strengthen oversight and auditing Conduct regular reviews to identify inefficiencies, duplication, and misuse of funds. 2. Reduce duplication across agencies Streamline overlapping programs and improve coordination across government levels. 3. Modernize systems and technology Invest in updated systems to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and prevent fraud. 4. Increase transparency in spending Make government spending clear and accessible to the public. 5. Target fraud, waste, and abuse
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
I believe there should be a balance between respecting religious freedom and ensuring the public has access to services. Individuals and businesses that operate under state licensure or serve the general public should be expected to follow applicable laws and professional standards, while also respecting constitutional protections.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, separation of church and state means that government should not establish or favor any one religion, while fully protecting every individual’s right to practice their own faith. It ensures both religious freedom and freedom from government-imposed belief, allowing a diverse society to coexist respectfully.
HEALTHCARE
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 Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. I support a healthcare system where everyone has access to affordable coverage, including a public option, while preserving private choices. This approach expands access, promotes competition, and ensures people can choose what works best for them.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Agree
I support the use of aggregated, anonymized health data to better understand public health needs, improve care, and manage costs. Any such efforts must include strong privacy protections and should never compromise individual confidentiality.
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.
B The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. I believe the United States should play a responsible role in supporting democracy and human rights, but in a thoughtful and selective way. We should avoid unnecessary conflicts while engaging where it aligns with our values, national interests, and long-term stability.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
I agree that the Chinese government poses significant challenges in areas such as cybersecurity, intellectual property, and global economic competition. The United States should address these issues through strong alliances, strategic investment, and clear policies that protect our national and economic security while maintaining stability.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
I do not view the U.S.-Israel relationship as beyond criticism or unconditional support. I have serious concerns about the conduct of the current Israeli government and its impact on human rights and long-term peace. I believe U.S. policy should be guided by accountability, security, and the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.
Agree
I agree that terrorism, including threats associated with extremist groups, remains a national security concern. However, I believe domestic terrorism currently poses a more significant and immediate threat, and our policies should reflect that reality while addressing all forms of extremism.
IMMIGRATION
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe the United States should allow immigration through a fair, orderly, and humane system. This includes people seeking to work, reunite with family, contribute skills to our economy, or seek refuge from violence and persecution. We need clear, consistent processes and an immigration system that is efficient, lawful, and reflects our values as both a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Agree
I support policies that encourage trust between local communities and law enforcement, improving public safety. Sanctuary policies can help ensure that people feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with authorities. At the same time, our system of government allows states and localities to make decisions within their jurisdiction, particularly where powers are not specifically assigned to the federal government. This balance helps communities address their needs while maintaining safety.
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Disagree
I do not support eliminating the Department of Education. While states and local communities play a critical role in education, there is also an important federal role in ensuring equal access, protecting civil rights, and supporting students across the country. We should focus on improving outcomes through collaboration, not removing support.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Disagree
I do not support a blanket prohibition on foreign funding in American education. However, any such funding should be transparent, carefully regulated, and subject to oversight to ensure it does not compromise academic independence or national security.
VALUES
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Disagree
I do not agree with characterizing this as child abuse. Decisions involving a child’s health and well-being should be made carefully by families in consultation with qualified medical professionals, following established medical guidelines. These are complex and deeply personal matters that require thoughtful, individualized care.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
I disagree. Marriage under the law should be defined in a way that ensures equal rights and protections for all individuals. At the same time, religious institutions should be free to define and practice marriage according to their own beliefs. Government should not impose a single religious definition on everyone.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am guided by my Jewish faith and a strong belief in justice, compassion, and community. My values emphasize caring for others, pursuing fairness, and respecting the dignity of every person. I also believe in respecting the diversity of beliefs in our society and ensuring that everyone has the freedom to live according to their own values.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I agree that eligible voters should be able to cast a ballot without unnecessary barriers, including strict photo ID requirements that can disenfranchise people. At the same time, we should ensure election integrity through accessible verification methods and secure, well-administered systems.
EQUALITY
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.
Disagree
I disagree with a blanket, one-size-fits-all approach to this issue. These situations involve complex questions of fairness, safety, and inclusion, and should be addressed with thoughtful, context-specific policies that respect individuals while ensuring appropriate standards in areas like sports and safety-sensitive spaces.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Meeting growing electricity demand will require a mix of reliable energy sources, including renewables like solar and wind, supported by energy storage, as well as stable baseload sources such as nuclear and existing infrastructure.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No, I have not.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No, I have not.
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?
Choose not to answer
I would describe myself as leaning liberal, guided by a belief in fairness, equal opportunity, and building systems that work for everyone. I support expanding access to healthcare, investing in education, and strengthening economic security for working families. I also believe in protecting individual rights and ensuring government plays a responsible role in addressing systemic challenges.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Agree
I agree that the government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation online. This includes enforcing laws, supporting prevention efforts, and ensuring that technology platforms are held accountable for safeguarding minors.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Public safety should be the priority. Research shows that having a gun in the home can increase the risk of injury or death, which is why I support measures like safe storage requirements, background checks, and risk-based interventions. While the Second Amendment protects individual rights, I believe it also allows for reasonable regulations to ensure guns are used responsibly and communities are kept safe.
If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.