Jerlilia Ryans

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Jerlilia Ryans completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ryans' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Jerlilia Ryans. I am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver for my elder siblings. I have lived in San Diego for over 40 years, and I am running for Congress to defend our democracy and fight for the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families—affordability, the rising cost of living, universal healthcare for all, affordable housing, a meaningful child tax credit, and a fair, comprehensive immigration plan.\r\n<p>I am running because every single day our democracy is being threatened. The Trump administration and its allies continue to undermine our institutions, our rights, and the rule of law. The American people deserve a representative who will stand up every day—without fear or compromise—to protect their freedoms and fight for their future.\r\n</p>\nAs an attorney, I understand the law. As an American, I believe deeply in the Constitution and in equal justice under the law. I am running for Congress to ensure that our government works for the people—not special interests—and to build an economy and democracy that leave no one behind.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>1. A Proven Advocate for Working Families .\r\nI am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver who understands the real-life challenges families face. I’m running to lower the cost of living and fight for kitchen-table priorities like affordable housing, universal healthcare for all, a meaningful child tax credit, and economic policies that let working people get ahead—not just survive.</li><li>2. Defending Democracy and the Constitution\r\n\r\nAs an attorney and a lifelong American, I believe deeply in the Constitution, the rule of law, and equal justice. At a time when our democracy is under constant attack, I will stand up every day to protect our democratic institutions, civil rights, and freedoms—no matter who is in power.</li><li>3. Deep Roots, Real Leadership for San Diego\r\n\r\nI’ve lived in San Diego for over 40 years and have dedicated my life to serving my community. I’m running for Congress to bring principled, people-centered leadership to Washington—leadership that answers to voters, not special interests, and delivers real solutions for our district.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389780-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading1-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-389780-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-389780-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-389780-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t1. Lowering the Cost of Living &amp; Economic Justice<br/>\n<p>Fighting rising costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities, and everyday necessities. Supporting fair wages, small businesses, and tax policies—like a strong child tax credit—that put working families first.<br/><br/>\r\n2. Universal Healthcare for All<br/>\r\nEnsuring healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. Supporting a universal healthcare system that lowers costs, expands access, protects patients, and allows families to get care without fear of medical debt.<br/><br/>\r\n3. Affordable Housing &amp; Homelessness Solutions<br/>\r\nInvesting in affordable housing, renter protections, and pathways to homeownership while addressing homelessness with humane, evidence-based solutions.<br/><br/>\n</p>\n4. Defending Democracy &amp; rule of law\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ryans submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 12, 2026.</i></p></div>\n<div class=\"text-center\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\"><button class=\"btn btn-default showResponses text-center\">Show past responses</button><button class=\"btn btn-default hideResponses text-center\">Hide past responses</button></div>\n<div class=\"pastResponses\" style=\"display: none\"><p class=\"large-date\">\tDecember 6 submission</p><div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" id=\"heading-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>The first main point about my Candidacy will be extending the ACA subsidies for all Americans.</li><li>Second point will be affordabilities; lowering the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare expenses and prescription drug cost.</li><li>Lastly, protecting medicare and social securities from being privatized.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389780-2025-12-06\" id=\"heading1-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-389780-2025-12-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-389780-2025-12-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-389780-2025-12-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\tThe areas of public policies that I am truly passionate about: Protecting Democracy &amp; Voting Rights, Affordable Housing &amp; Cost of Living, Veterans’ Services &amp; Support, Protecting Seniors, Social Security &amp; Medicare, LGBTQ rights and Immigration with Fairness &amp; Humanity.\t\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ryans submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on December 6, 2025.</i></p></div></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Jerlilia Ryans did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Jerlilia Ryans did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJerlilia Ryans completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ryans' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Jerlilia Ryans. I am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver for my elder siblings. I have lived in San Diego for over 40 years, and I am running for Congress to defend our democracy and fight for the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families—affordability, the rising cost of living, universal healthcare for all, affordable housing, a meaningful child tax credit, and a fair, comprehensive immigration plan. I am running because every single day our democracy is being threatened. The Trump administration and its allies continue to undermine our institutions, our rights, and the rule of law. The American people deserve a representative who will stand up every day—without fear or compromise—to protect their freedoms and fight for their future. As an attorney, I understand the law. As an American, I believe deeply in the Constitution and in equal justice under the law. I am running for Congress to ensure that our government works for the people—not special interests—and to build an economy and democracy that leave no one behind. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? 1. A Proven Advocate for Working Families .\r\nI am a small business owner, an attorney, and a caregiver who understands the real-life challenges families face. I’m running to lower the cost of living and fight for kitchen-table priorities like affordable housing, universal healthcare for all, a meaningful child tax credit, and economic policies that let working people get ahead—not just survive. 2. Defending Democracy and the Constitution\r\n\r\nAs an attorney and a lifelong American, I believe deeply in the Constitution, the rule of law, and equal justice. At a time when our democracy is under constant attack, I will stand up every day to protect our democratic institutions, civil rights, and freedoms—no matter who is in power. 3. Deep Roots, Real Leadership for San Diego\r\n\r\nI’ve lived in San Diego for over 40 years and have dedicated my life to serving my community. I’m running for Congress to bring principled, people-centered leadership to Washington—leadership that answers to voters, not special interests, and delivers real solutions for our district. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? 1. Lowering the Cost of Living & Economic Justice Fighting rising costs for housing, healthcare, childcare, utilities, and everyday necessities. Supporting fair wages, small businesses, and tax policies—like a strong child tax credit—that put working families first. 2. Universal Healthcare for All Ensuring healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. Supporting a universal healthcare system that lowers costs, expands access, protects patients, and allows families to get care without fear of medical debt. 3. Affordable Housing & Homelessness Solutions Investing in affordable housing, renter protections, and pathways to homeownership while addressing homelessness with humane, evidence-based solutions. 4. Defending Democracy & rule of law\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nNote: Ryans submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 12, 2026.\nShow past responses Hide past responses\nDecember 6 submission Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? The first main point about my Candidacy will be extending the ACA subsidies for all Americans. Second point will be affordabilities; lowering the cost of groceries, housing, healthcare expenses and prescription drug cost. Lastly, protecting medicare and social securities from being privatized. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The areas of public policies that I am truly passionate about: Protecting Democracy & Voting Rights, Affordable Housing & Cost of Living, Veterans’ Services & Support, Protecting Seniors, Social Security & Medicare, LGBTQ rights and Immigration with Fairness & Humanity. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Note: Ryans submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on December 6, 2025.\n\nJerlilia Ryans did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.\n\nJerlilia Ryans did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey."}]