Courtney Simone Najera

[{"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>Courtney Najera completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Najera's 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-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading-bio-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-203952-2024-02-14\" 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-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tCourtney was born and raised in Colorado before she moved to Los Angeles in 2020. She began studying politics when she was twelve years old. She was raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to make ends meet. She has been in the workforce since she was thirteen years old and faced labor inequalities and wants to fight for justice for everyday Americans to improve working conditions and for livable wages. Her husband served eleven years in the military and is determined to expand benefits for veterans and their families who have sacrificed for our country. She is a UCLA Alumni and has taken out student loans to get an education, tuition prices for universities continue to rise and she is determined to join lawmakers working to cancel student debt. As a Native American-Middle Eastern American she is determined to continue to the fight for civil rights and make the world a more equal place for future generations.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading-key-message-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-203952-2024-02-14\" 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-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Justice for the working and middle class: Americans are increasingly struggling to afford basic necessities as wages remain stagnant. She believes that no one should have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Poor labor practices are often overlooked and she believes it's time to ensure workers are treated fairly and strengthen unions. She supports paid family leave, sick leave, maternal and paternal leave, and healthcare options for all workers. She is apart of the middle class and want to go to Washington to speak up for every worker in the United States</li><li>Healthcare For All: Too many Americans avoid getting necessary healthcare simply because they can not afford it. She has lupus which requires ongoing healthcare and medications. People shouldn't have to choose between things such as food or medications. She is pro-choice and wants to protect and expand reproductive health, people deserve to get routine exams which could save so many lives to detect diseases such as cervical cancer early on to receive treatment. She also wants to increase funding and expand Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans get prompt treatment.</li><li>Housing First: One of the issues constituents raised most was that the homelessness crisis needs to be addressed. No one should have to live on the streets. So many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and it's unacceptable that anyone is at risk of losing housing with rising rent costs. This is an issue across the nation and it will require all of us to work together, from federal to local levels of government, to address. This includes creating affordable housing, addressing healthcare needs, and providing services to get people into jobs to provide for themselves and their families.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading1-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-203952-2024-02-14\" 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=\"heading1-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tjustice for the working class, healthcare for all, student loan forgiveness, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, veteran and family benefits, addressing the climate crisis, reproductive rights, civil rights\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading2-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tHonesty, empathy, the ability to listen and let people know they are being heard, confidence, determination, respect, dignity, and integrity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading3-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tTo create a strong connection to the community and bring a collective voice to Washington that represents the interest of the people. Including supporting and creating legislation that benefits the community and helps the everyday American, not the wealthy class.<br/><br/>\r\nBeing involved in the community and addressing constituents' needs directly. Representatives have a responsibility to make changes federally but it's imperative to personally address issues specific to the community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading4-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tI want young people to see that there is room for them to participate in our government. Growing up I didn't have that and I want to inspire younger generations to get involved and demand change for things they believe in.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading5-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tThe first historical event I remember was 9/11, I had just turned six years old. This was the first time that I began to understand discrimination and I experienced adults calling me a terrorist because I am Middle Eastern. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading6-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tTerm limits are something that needs to be implemented in Congress. There are issues with different viewpoints and generational gaps are holding back needed change. Without term limits, younger generations needs are not being heard.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203952-2024-02-14\" id=\"heading7-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-203952-2024-02-14\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-203952-2024-02-14\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-203952-2024-02-14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-203952-2024-02-14\" 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\tI spoke with a gay veteran who served our country when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policies were in place. He served for over a decade and decided to separate from the military because he didn't want to hide who he was anymore and risk being discharged from the military losing rights to veteran benefits. There are people apart of the LGBTQ+ community who are still being denied to change their discharge status to honorable. It has impacted me greatly to learn more about this injustice for our veterans.\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>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nCourtney Najera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Najera's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Courtney was born and raised in Colorado before she moved to Los Angeles in 2020. She began studying politics when she was twelve years old. She was raised by a single mother who worked two jobs to make ends meet. She has been in the workforce since she was thirteen years old and faced labor inequalities and wants to fight for justice for everyday Americans to improve working conditions and for livable wages. Her husband served eleven years in the military and is determined to expand benefits for veterans and their families who have sacrificed for our country. She is a UCLA Alumni and has taken out student loans to get an education, tuition prices for universities continue to rise and she is determined to join lawmakers working to cancel student debt. As a Native American-Middle Eastern American she is determined to continue to the fight for civil rights and make the world a more equal place for future generations. 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? Justice for the working and middle class: Americans are increasingly struggling to afford basic necessities as wages remain stagnant. She believes that no one should have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Poor labor practices are often overlooked and she believes it's time to ensure workers are treated fairly and strengthen unions. She supports paid family leave, sick leave, maternal and paternal leave, and healthcare options for all workers. She is apart of the middle class and want to go to Washington to speak up for every worker in the United States Healthcare For All: Too many Americans avoid getting necessary healthcare simply because they can not afford it. She has lupus which requires ongoing healthcare and medications. People shouldn't have to choose between things such as food or medications. She is pro-choice and wants to protect and expand reproductive health, people deserve to get routine exams which could save so many lives to detect diseases such as cervical cancer early on to receive treatment. She also wants to increase funding and expand Veterans Affairs to ensure our veterans get prompt treatment. Housing First: One of the issues constituents raised most was that the homelessness crisis needs to be addressed. No one should have to live on the streets. So many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and it's unacceptable that anyone is at risk of losing housing with rising rent costs. This is an issue across the nation and it will require all of us to work together, from federal to local levels of government, to address. This includes creating affordable housing, addressing healthcare needs, and providing services to get people into jobs to provide for themselves and their families. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? justice for the working class, healthcare for all, student loan forgiveness, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, veteran and family benefits, addressing the climate crisis, reproductive rights, civil rights What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty, empathy, the ability to listen and let people know they are being heard, confidence, determination, respect, dignity, and integrity. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To create a strong connection to the community and bring a collective voice to Washington that represents the interest of the people. Including supporting and creating legislation that benefits the community and helps the everyday American, not the wealthy class. Being involved in the community and addressing constituents' needs directly. Representatives have a responsibility to make changes federally but it's imperative to personally address issues specific to the community. What legacy would you like to leave? I want young people to see that there is room for them to participate in our government. Growing up I didn't have that and I want to inspire younger generations to get involved and demand change for things they believe in. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The first historical event I remember was 9/11, I had just turned six years old. This was the first time that I began to understand discrimination and I experienced adults calling me a terrorist because I am Middle Eastern. What are your thoughts on term limits? Term limits are something that needs to be implemented in Congress. There are issues with different viewpoints and generational gaps are holding back needed change. Without term limits, younger generations needs are not being heard. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I spoke with a gay veteran who served our country when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policies were in place. He served for over a decade and decided to separate from the military because he didn't want to hide who he was anymore and risk being discharged from the military losing rights to veteran benefits. There are people apart of the LGBTQ+ community who are still being denied to change their discharge status to honorable. It has impacted me greatly to learn more about this injustice for our veterans.\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."}]