Joint Action Committee
for Political Affairs

Voting Record:

Rep. Janice Hahn Democrat of California, District 36

Statistics

Party: Democrat
Born: 3/30/1952
Education: Abilene Christian University, B.S. Education, 1974
Occupation: Businesswoman, Teacher, U.S. House of Representatives
Family: Divorced; 3 children
Religion: Churches of Christ
Political Career: Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission (1997-1999), Los Angeles City Council (2001-2011), U.S. House of Representatives (2011 to Present)
Committees: Not yet assigned to commitees

Why Your Support

In her special election campaign to succeed Rep. Jane Harman, Janice Hahn promised to be an advocate for women on issues from healthcare to equal pay to reproductive health. For her support, Hahn earned the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and EMILY’s List.

Where Israel is concerned, Hahn promised to follow the lead of her predecessor: “I will do everything in my power to protect and enhance our enduring 60-year alliance with Israel—a bond built on the shared values of democracy, freedom and human rights.  The safety and security of the State of Israel as a Jewish state—and a critical ally of the United States—will be a top priority of mine in Congress.” Having visited Israel in 2008, Hahn was impressed by the diversity, acceptance and tolerance she witnessed in a country so often accused of behaving in an opposite manner. Congresswoman Hahn is supportive of President Obama’s continual efforts to restart the stalemated peace talks in the hopes of finding a compromise to the conflict. In terms of specific pro-Israel legislation, Congresswoman Hahn has pledged to support the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel that calls for specific levels of foreign assistance over a ten-year period. Jane Harman is a tough act to follow. Hahn has begun to meet the challenge. As a newcomer, she needs to fend off challenges with a strong show of support.

Background

Janice Hahn won a special election on July 12, 2011 to fill the Congressional seat formerly held by Jane Harman. Hahn defeated Republican Craig Huey – a Tea Party-backed candidate – by a margin of 55 percent to 44 percent.

For over eight terms the 30th District has had strong pro-Israel, pro-choice representation.  Hahn has pledged to uphold those values.

In the upcoming 2012 election, Hahn faces the challenge of a new member of Congress who has not had the same amount of time as her colleagues to prove herself or develop name ID with her constituents. The political and economic climate in California makes things unpredictable for Democrats, and Hahn will likely face a tough challenger again as she seeks to hold onto the seat.

The 36^th district of California includes much of Los Angeles’ coastal communities including Venice, Wilmington and San Pedro. The district is predominantly Democratic, having voted for President Obama in 2008 by a margin of 65%, Gov. Jerry Brown by 56% and Senator Barbara Boxer by 55%. The district is 48% white, and over 30% Hispanic. The median income is just over $51,000 and over 85% of voters have at least a high school diploma.

About The Candidate

Raised in a famously political family, Hahn’s political career began long before her first elected position. Hahn’s father, Kenneth, served as Los Angeles County Supervisor for forty years after beginning his career in politics as a Los Angeles City Councilman. Hahn’s uncle, Gordon, was a member of the California State Assembly, who also began his career on the L.A. City Council. Her brother James served as Los Angeles City Comptroller, City Attorney and Mayor of Los Angeles from 2001 to 2005.

Since elected to the L.A. City Council in 2001, Hahn has perpetuated the family brand as a champion for the people. She is a courageous leader who provides a voice for those who most need to be heard, and she is now legislating from this perspective in Washington. When home from Washington to meet with constituents and deal with local matters, the Congresswoman resides in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles nearby her three children and five grandchildren where she is an active member of her community and church.