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Myla Rahman, CA-43 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

May 5, 2026

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Myla Rahman

Current job title: Executive Director, Angels for Sight

Age: 54

Political party affiliation: Democratic

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Carson

Campaign website or social media: mylaforcongress.com

From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)

The top issues impacting Californians are the same as in my district: the rising cost of living and housing; access to affordable, quality healthcare; and economic opportunity for a young and growing workforce. As a representative, my policies will come from a grassroots, community-driven approach, rather than a top-down vacuum. I want to formally convene local advocates, labor leaders and key stakeholders so that legislation is informed by lived experience and input from our constituents.

Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

This is another example of the president overreaching the boundaries of his office, this time for the ultimate goal of voter suppression. It is not the federal government’s job to micromanage local precincts, but to protect the constitutional right to vote.

What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

In my district, immigration policy is a critical issue impacting families, workers and the economic health of our communities. Federal policy should focus on supporting life-long and long-term residents, and providing pathways to citizenship for both our high-skilled and essential workers. The systems we create should stabilize families and communities, not tear them apart.

It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

When it comes to disaster relief, there is no room for partisanship or bureaucratic delay. There needs to be codified legal requirements that automatically trigger the release of disaster relief funds. This means Californians can receive critical resources faster, without waiting on a vote or worrying whether funds will be withheld for political gain or retribution. For this, I will use any and all available legislative levers.

Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes, I support restrictions. Lawmakers and their families have a clear insider advantage when it comes to knowing how decisions that are made within the halls of Congress will impact certain stocks. This isn’t an ethical issue; it’s a legal one, and lawmakers should be accountable to the same laws as the citizens they represent.

Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Pollution disproportionately impacts lower-income populations in a variety of ways, including air quality and health outcomes. Stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions are important to the health and well-being of our communities. Any revenue from fining top polluters should go back to families in terms of rebates and tax breaks. It will be important to work with small business owners, so they understand the changes and are offered rewards and incentives for complying.

President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Congress has continued to approve funds, which the president spends without accountability or oversight. The president has even shut down the government when he doesn’t get the funding he requested, causing upheaval in the lives of millions of Americans. I could not approve additional dollars for military spending when it is clear the president doesn’t care about the harm he inflicts on the American people.

Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

If there is a direct, immediate attack on the United States or its citizens.

Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes, the Constitution laid out three branches of government to hold each accountable and prevent executive overreach. Congress should serve as a check to ensure our military is used as a last resort and only with clear authorization from Congress.

Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

No. During the past two administrations, Congress has failed to serve as a check on the president and instead divided itself between party loyalty. It’s a zero-sum game, where ultimately, the American people lose. As a member of Congress, my loyalty will be with the residents of this district.

Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

We can’t afford to ignore the mental health crises among teens and the role of social media in fueling anxiety and depression. As the mother of two teenage daughters, I know how important it is to set healthy boundaries when it comes to social media use. It’s important for apps to have features that allow parental controls and safety features. I also would support laws that prohibit companies from using algorithms that target minors.

Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The public feels safe when their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. Convening stakeholders and engaging the community, incorporating their feedback, will be crucial to any decision-making concerning public safety. One way to make citizens feel safe in their own neighborhoods is to remove federal ICE agents from our neighborhoods.

There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I believe in term limits. They apply to the White House — why not Congress? We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served, but leadership is a relay race, not a lifetime appointment. At this pivotal moment, our district needs a representative who isn’t afraid to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo.

What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I can still double-dutch (while jump roping).

Orange County Register

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Myla Rahman, CA-43 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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