Whittier College has long equipped students to become active citizens. And this election season, at least three alumni—two in California and another in Hawaii—are competing in their local and congressional races to become or remain influential leaders in their communities.
Eugene Cleek '71 (R) is challenging John Garamedni (D) in northern California's third congressional district, which generally encompasses the areas north and west of Sacramento. Many know Cleek as a preeminent trauma surgeon at Enloe Medical Center, and he has continued to treat patients while campaigning, according to the Chico News & Review.
"Cleek said his campaign has been going well and that when voters hear he’s 'not a career politician, people’s eyes light up,'" the paper reported.
In Southern California, first-time candidate Ryan Richard '13 (pictured above) is challenging longtime incumbent Donald Dear for a West Basin Municipal Water District director seat. The public agency supplies water to nearly 1 million people from Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Richard, a telecommunications consultant who majored in political science and psychology, is no stranger to political engagement. In the past, he's worked on campaigns for Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas, Hawthorne Councilwoman Olivia Valentine, and former Inglewood City Council candidate Jean Davis, according to The Daily Breeze.
Over in West Maui, State Tenth House District Rep. Angus McKelvey '91 (D) seeks his seventh straight term against Chayne Marten (R). McKelvey earned his political science degree at Whittier, then a J.D. from Concord School of Law.
"Over the past ten years, I have built upon my legal and legislative skills to become an effective lawmaker who secured funding for West Maui and have passed numerous pieces of legislation to help working families everywhere," McKelvey told Lahaina News. "I am adept at building alliances with other policy makers by connecting the challenges and issues we face in our community to tackle our issues as part of the broader issues facing others in Hawaii."
In the state legislature, McKelvey chairs the economic revitalization, business & military affairs committee and serves as vice-chair of the consumer protection and commerce panel.
Image credit: The Daily Breeze
