I’m a North Star Progressive Democrat candidate because I believe that social justice policies such as single payer health care and free public transit are possible soon in California – if we elect enough people who are determined to fight for them. I want to help the California Democratic Party show the nation that such policies are not only morally right and good for messaging, but also successful in improving millions of lives.

I have substantial experience in policy analysis and advocacy. During a brief stint outside the Bay Area, I worked with Jared Bernstein (the most progressive member of the White House economics team during Barack Obama’s first term) at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), where I researched and helped advance national, state, and local legislation on higher minimum wages, fair chance hiring practices, and a variety of other economic justice policies. Independently, I’ve helped make the case for policies ranging from increased paid sick leave to more equitable education funding to ending the Food and Drug Administration’s unscientific restrictions on blood donations by gay and bisexual men.

I also have considerable leadership experience. I was selected as the youngest member of the Executive Board of the San José Teachers Association when I was a teacher, co-led a successful unionization effort at CBPP, and managed several programs in support of thousands of San José students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the procurement and distribution of internet hotspots. Additionally, I served as campaign manager for Marc Elrich, who was elected County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland despite running a publicly financed campaign against a former pharma exec who spent millions of dollars on advertising. I know how to organize strategically, energize people around a shared goal, and make change happen.

If elected as a delegate, I would be excited and honored to apply my passion for justice, policy expertise, and organizing skills to building progressive power within the California Democratic Party.

Ben Spielberg

Ben@ad23.vote