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THE VALLEY — Valley voters are tired of political succession plans disguised as elections.
They do not want another consultant-built campaign, another career politician protected by party machinery, or another handpicked successor treated as inevitable before voters even have a real choice.
The San Fernando Valley is more moderate and pragmatic than many activists and consultants believe. Families here are worried about affordability, crime, traffic, infrastructure, failing schools, and whether their children can realistically build a future in Los Angeles.
Parents are exhausted by bullying in schools, nonstop screens in classrooms, declining enrollment across LAUSD, and political agendas that seem more focused on ideological fights and endorsements than literacy, math, discipline, and student outcomes.
People notice when schools decline. It affects confidence in neighborhoods, quality of life, and increasingly, property values.
Voters here are also tired of permanent incumbency.
After decades in office, many residents feel Congressman Brad Sherman represents an older style of politics built around donor networks, insider relationships, and political survival rather than accountability and fresh leadership.
At the same time, Valley voters are skeptical of candidates who appear more connected to national activist networks and ideological movements than to the daily realities of Valley life.
Many residents do not want this district pulled further toward hard-left politics focused on weakening law enforcement, treating public safety concerns as secondary, or undermining strategic American alliances abroad.
They want practical leadership rooted in public safety, economic stability, and common sense.
And they are increasingly wary of political succession efforts that appear designed by consultants and activist organizations rather than by the community itself.
This district is not a stepping stone.
People forget the Valley has long felt ignored by downtown Los Angeles politics. In 2002, Valley voters overwhelmingly supported secession because many residents believed City Hall treated the San Fernando Valley like an afterthought.
That frustration never disappeared.
Rick Caruso’s strength across the Valley against Karen Bass showed again that many Valley voters are politically independent and resistant to ideological governance disconnected from everyday concerns.
This is not Santa Monica or Silver Lake.
The Valley is fundamentally middle class, family-oriented, entrepreneurial, and more moderate than outside political operatives often assume.
I understand that perspective because I am not a career politician.
I am a small business owner who studied in England, earned an LLM from the University of San Francisco School of Law, lived in China, and spent years working in international trade with factories and supply chains connected to China, Peru, and Colombia.
I also experienced firsthand how tariffs, unstable policy, and economic disruption can devastate small businesses.
My decision to run became personal after October 7.
I am Israeli born. Much of my family was in Israel during the attacks while my wife was pregnant with our first child. Watching the explosion of antisemitism, political extremism, and moral confusion after October 7 forced me to rethink whether people with real-world experience were stepping up enough in public life.
I believe the Democratic Party still has room for practical, moderate voices who support standing with Israel, strong public schools, smart immigration policy, safe communities, economic growth, and basic competence in government.
Most Valley voters are not ideological extremists.
They are working parents, homeowners, immigrants, business owners, retirees, and young families trying to build stable lives.
They deserve representation that reflects reality instead of political performance.
That is why I am running.
(Dory Benami is an Israeli-born American Democrat running for the United States House of Representatives in California’s 32nd Congressional District.)
