Zakaria Mohamed Kortam

[{"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>Zakaria Kortam completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kortam'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-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading-bio-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-369789-2025-09-30\" 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-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tZakaria Kortam is an AI Engineer and a Senior at the University of California, San Diego. He has a background in software development and engineering, with prior studies at Evergreen Valley College. He is active in student and tech communities, including being involved with UC San Diego’s engineering programs and broader initiatives in artificial intelligence and innovation.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-369789-2025-09-30\" 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-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I will always put America first. Not Israel. Not China. Not any other nation. My commitment is to represent the interests of the American people, never a foreign government.</li><li>Partisan politics is dangerous. The exploitation and abuse of the American people by greedy special interests must end.</li><li>We need a fiscal overhaul. We must cut spending on foreign wars and corrupt special interests, and instead invest in our industrial and educational sectors to expand skills and opportunities in the workforce. It is time to bring back the industrial core of America.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading1-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-369789-2025-09-30\" 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=\"heading1-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tEducation, Healthcare, Foreign Policy, Investment in Technology, Infrastructure, Corruption\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading2-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-369789-2025-09-30\" 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=\"heading2-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tA public official must be loyal to their constituents. If they are controlled by special interests that contradict the interests of their own constituents, then they have already failed. Second to that, they must be diligent, intelligent, as well as ambitious.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading3-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-369789-2025-09-30\" 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=\"heading3-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-369789-2025-09-30\" 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 represent their constituents and to fight for their needs on a national stage.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading4-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-369789-2025-09-30\" 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 worked at the school lunch-line for about half a year.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading5-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tDirect representation for local constituencies on the national stage.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading6-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tThere is benefit, though, there can also be more time to get corrupted.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading7-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-369789-2025-09-30\" 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 perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tCorruption at the hands of special interests and lobbies.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading8-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tNo, four is more reasonable.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading9-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-369789-2025-09-30\" 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=\"heading9-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-369789-2025-09-30\" 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 imperative.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading10-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tRon Paul\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading11-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tAbsolutely. Democracy is built on communication and establishing a common ground between disagreeing parties.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading12-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-369789-2025-09-30\" 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\tDirect investment in domestic energy production and transmission, applying in education, as well as utilizing it to enhance domestic output and production.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-369789-2025-09-30\" id=\"heading13-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-369789-2025-09-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-369789-2025-09-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-369789-2025-09-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-369789-2025-09-30\" 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 for the House. Term limits for the Senate.\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 style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\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>Zakaria Kortam completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kortam'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-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading-bio-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-178177-2023-01-26\" 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-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tZakaria Kortam was born in Mountain View, CA to an Egyptian-American family. He was raised in Sunnyvale and San Jose, where he presently resides. He completed High School at the age of 16 and is presently studying computer and electrical engineering at Evergreen College, as well as Mission College.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading-key-message-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-178177-2023-01-26\" 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-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Bring back the real California. California has been in an unfortunate decline. Our economy has begun to slip, while people are leaving our state in growing waves. We have the highest taxes in the nation, yet our infrastructure is falling apart. The mismanagement must be eliminated, if not minimised. The corruption and abuse of taxpayer money must end.</li><li>Protect American interests and to bring back logic and reality to the Chambers of congress. A dissociation has occurred between Congress and its constituents. Congress has lost its touch and has begun to vote in very unrealistic and questionable manners. It's about time that we call them all to account and bring in sensible people.</li><li>Fight corruption across the board. Stock trading of any member should be banned in Congress. Our state and federal government must be more transparent and direct about where all of the money is going. Additionally, there should be as little taxes as possible.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading1-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading1-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-178177-2023-01-26\" 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- Economic issues<br/>\n<p>- Taxation<br/>\r\n- Corruption <br/>\n</p>\n- Nonsensical Political Partisanship\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading2-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-178177-2023-01-26\" 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 look up to former Governor and President Ronald Wilson Reagan, as I believe that he demonstrated many of the important qualities of our leaders that have been lost. He was down to earth, always clear and good at communication, open to speaking and interacting with different perspectives, and he helped to rebuild and expand our economy as California Governor.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading3-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tRonald Reagan\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading4-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading4-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-178177-2023-01-26\" 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. Keeping one's word. Honour. Dedication. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading5-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-178177-2023-01-26\" 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 am an effective worker. I do what needs to be done based on logical judgement and concise reasoning. I don't care about political affiliation or party loyalty. I am also uninterested in any outside interests, especially from lobbyists. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading6-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading6-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-178177-2023-01-26\" 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- Accountability to constituents .<br/>\n<p>- Making good decisions. Good judgement.<br/>\r\n- Leaving room for comprimise and discussion.<br/>\r\n- Maintaining composure.<br/>\n</p>\n- Truth and Nation over party.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading7-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading7-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tA reformer. One that brought back honour and divinity to the U.S. Congress. One that brought back ethics, morals, and positive discussion. One that brought back respectful dialogue and discussion amongst varying opinions. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading8-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading8-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tZakaria began pre-school at the age of 5. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading9-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tZakaria served breakfast and lunch from his high-school cafeteria to students for about 7 months. Following that, he became a part-time swim instructor.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading10-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tMegatron\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading11-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tPolozhenie Remix\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading12-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-178177-2023-01-26\" 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 perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tInternal fighting and the political divide, which is being exploited by our enemies. Our weakening identity. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading13-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-178177-2023-01-26\" 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=\"heading13-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tThere should be a term limit of 4 terms on all congress positions. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading14-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tIt's a very refined institution. It holds a certain amount of honourability due to the fact that It's more restrictive. It acts as a branch of wisdom, in theory. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading15-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tThat can really depend on what that experience is. Some Senators may have 3 decades of prior experience and have an incredibly poor performance. I'd rather a no-political-experience Senator that can do the job well over an \"experienced\" politician that can't do their job well.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading16-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-178177-2023-01-26\" 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 think of the filibuster?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tDepends on how one views it. It is clear that it is being used in order to favour whichever party is in power, however, it can also be used as a tool to require more support, thus making it \"more democratic\"? It really is circumstantial.<br/><br/>\r\nI'd say it would be better gone than present.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading17-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tJohn McCain, Josh Hawley\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading18-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tKnock knock...<br/>\n<p>Who's there <br/>\r\nYodelehi <br/>\n</p>\nYodelehi who?\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading19-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow would you evaluate a judicial nominee?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tImpartiality, commitment to truth, logical thought process, lack of social biases, commitment to the law. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading20-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat kind of relationships would you build with other senators?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tA positive and professional relationship. We all have a job and disagreements are a good indication of diversity, but country must be put over party. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading21-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tCompromise is necessary and desirable. It allows for a middle ground to be formed. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading22-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tDepends on what for. Ideally, it should keep such powers to a minimum, unless if necessary. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-178177-2023-01-26\" id=\"heading23-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-178177-2023-01-26\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-178177-2023-01-26\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-178177-2023-01-26\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-178177-2023-01-26\" 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\tGood experience in relevant fields, proof of expertise, effective action-taking, and the implementation of rational and logical judgement over corrupt and party-based opinions. \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\nZakaria Kortam completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kortam's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Zakaria Kortam is an AI Engineer and a Senior at the University of California, San Diego. He has a background in software development and engineering, with prior studies at Evergreen Valley College. He is active in student and tech communities, including being involved with UC San Diego’s engineering programs and broader initiatives in artificial intelligence and innovation. 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? I will always put America first. Not Israel. Not China. Not any other nation. My commitment is to represent the interests of the American people, never a foreign government. Partisan politics is dangerous. The exploitation and abuse of the American people by greedy special interests must end. We need a fiscal overhaul. We must cut spending on foreign wars and corrupt special interests, and instead invest in our industrial and educational sectors to expand skills and opportunities in the workforce. It is time to bring back the industrial core of America. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Education, Healthcare, Foreign Policy, Investment in Technology, Infrastructure, Corruption What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? A public official must be loyal to their constituents. If they are controlled by special interests that contradict the interests of their own constituents, then they have already failed. Second to that, they must be diligent, intelligent, as well as ambitious. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? To represent their constituents and to fight for their needs on a national stage. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at the school lunch-line for about half a year. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? Direct representation for local constituencies on the national stage. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? There is benefit, though, there can also be more time to get corrupted. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Corruption at the hands of special interests and lobbies. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No, four is more reasonable. What are your thoughts on term limits? Term limits are imperative. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Ron Paul Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. Democracy is built on communication and establishing a common ground between disagreeing parties. What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence? Direct investment in domestic energy production and transmission, applying in education, as well as utilizing it to enhance domestic output and production. What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States? Term limits for the House. Term limits for the Senate.\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.\n\n\nZakaria Kortam completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kortam's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Zakaria Kortam was born in Mountain View, CA to an Egyptian-American family. He was raised in Sunnyvale and San Jose, where he presently resides. He completed High School at the age of 16 and is presently studying computer and electrical engineering at Evergreen College, as well as Mission College. 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? Bring back the real California. California has been in an unfortunate decline. Our economy has begun to slip, while people are leaving our state in growing waves. We have the highest taxes in the nation, yet our infrastructure is falling apart. The mismanagement must be eliminated, if not minimised. The corruption and abuse of taxpayer money must end. Protect American interests and to bring back logic and reality to the Chambers of congress. A dissociation has occurred between Congress and its constituents. Congress has lost its touch and has begun to vote in very unrealistic and questionable manners. It's about time that we call them all to account and bring in sensible people. Fight corruption across the board. Stock trading of any member should be banned in Congress. Our state and federal government must be more transparent and direct about where all of the money is going. Additionally, there should be as little taxes as possible. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? - Economic issues - Taxation - Corruption - Nonsensical Political Partisanship Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to former Governor and President Ronald Wilson Reagan, as I believe that he demonstrated many of the important qualities of our leaders that have been lost. He was down to earth, always clear and good at communication, open to speaking and interacting with different perspectives, and he helped to rebuild and expand our economy as California Governor. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Ronald Reagan What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Honesty. Keeping one's word. Honour. Dedication. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I am an effective worker. I do what needs to be done based on logical judgement and concise reasoning. I don't care about political affiliation or party loyalty. I am also uninterested in any outside interests, especially from lobbyists. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? - Accountability to constituents . - Making good decisions. Good judgement. - Leaving room for comprimise and discussion. - Maintaining composure. - Truth and Nation over party. What legacy would you like to leave? A reformer. One that brought back honour and divinity to the U.S. Congress. One that brought back ethics, morals, and positive discussion. One that brought back respectful dialogue and discussion amongst varying opinions. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? Zakaria began pre-school at the age of 5. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Zakaria served breakfast and lunch from his high-school cafeteria to students for about 7 months. Following that, he became a part-time swim instructor. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Megatron What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Polozhenie Remix What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Internal fighting and the political divide, which is being exploited by our enemies. Our weakening identity. What are your thoughts on term limits? There should be a term limit of 4 terms on all congress positions. What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution? It's a very refined institution. It holds a certain amount of honourability due to the fact that It's more restrictive. It acts as a branch of wisdom, in theory. Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics? That can really depend on what that experience is. Some Senators may have 3 decades of prior experience and have an incredibly poor performance. I'd rather a no-political-experience Senator that can do the job well over an \"experienced\" politician that can't do their job well. What do you think of the filibuster? Depends on how one views it. It is clear that it is being used in order to favour whichever party is in power, however, it can also be used as a tool to require more support, thus making it \"more democratic\"? It really is circumstantial. I'd say it would be better gone than present. Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? John McCain, Josh Hawley Tell us your favorite joke. Knock knock... Who's there Yodelehi Yodelehi who? How would you evaluate a judicial nominee? Impartiality, commitment to truth, logical thought process, lack of social biases, commitment to the law. What kind of relationships would you build with other senators? A positive and professional relationship. We all have a job and disagreements are a good indication of diversity, but country must be put over party. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Compromise is necessary and desirable. It allows for a middle ground to be formed. How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers? Depends on what for. Ideally, it should keep such powers to a minimum, unless if necessary. What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet? Good experience in relevant fields, proof of expertise, effective action-taking, and the implementation of rational and logical judgement over corrupt and party-based opinions.\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."}]