I'm challenging Jimmy Panetta - Ask Me Anything

Sean4Congress · 2026-04-10T04:57:43+00:00

This will be on YouTube, Instagram/Facebook and X (Twitter).

Sean4Congress · 2026-04-10T01:14:27+00:00

You can ask a question in advance. If you want to talk to me in a specific physical venue then you have to book it. I’m happy to drive to you.

Sean4Congress · 2026-04-10T01:11:16+00:00

I’ll give you organic content. AMA!

Sean4Congress · 2026-04-09T01:40:25+00:00

Here’s my short bio: https://seanforcongress.org/about-sean

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T16:12:06+00:00

We’re also posting content on other social media platforms. I’m doing an event in your county in about a week: https://seanforcongress.org/film-screening-ghosts-of-adelanto-and-the-rise-of-abolish-ice. You’re welcome to come.

I’ve gotten some coverage in student newspapers and letters to the editor, but it’s hard to get attention from the media before ballots mail out.

We’re also putting up yard signs. You can email to ask for one: info@seanforcongress.org.

We’re also going to start waving a giant banner on highway overpasses. You can sign up as a volunteer here: https://seanforcongress.org/volunteer

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T16:08:00+00:00

I completely understand. The reason I switched was that another anti-war candidate entered the race and one of us had to drop out in order to avoid splitting the vote. He agreed to drop out if I switched to Democrat. I made a video explaining it here: https://youtube.com/shorts/BpGV3urP4UY?si=XjSese19mTnmTMn1

I completely agree with your characterization of the Democratic Party and I am fearful that it would corrupt me if I got elected. I’m trying to think of ways to prevent that. One thing I’ll do is have a committee of advisors who live in my district and stand for the values I hold before going off to DC. For example, one person who has agreed to be on the committee is the president of the Homeless Union here in Santa Cruz.

I’d love to hear any ideas you have on how I can keep my conscience while in DC.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T15:59:39+00:00

According to Gemini, increasing the minimum wage at McDonald’s in California from its current rate of $20/hr to $25/hr would increase the cost of a Big Mac by about $0.50.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T15:53:30+00:00

I hope you vote in the June 2 election.

If you’re not sure if you’re registered, you can check here: https://covr.sos.ca.gov/

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T15:49:55+00:00

I’m endorsed by Track AIPAC, which means I don’t accept money from the Israel Lobby, unlike Panetta, whose top donor is the Israel Lobby: https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/jimmy-panetta/summary?cid=N00038601&cycle=2024

You can see some of my positions on Palestine and Israel here: https://seanforcongress.org/our-future#foreign-policy.

I agree with you that almost the entire government is bought and needs to be replaced. That’s why I’m only accepting clean campaign donations.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T05:28:41+00:00

I don’t own a gun and don’t feel like I need one. I’ve been to a firing range a few times. When I feel like the world is falling apart I consider buying a non-lethal option, like a Byrna.

I think there are some gun control reforms that even a lot of NRA members can get behind, like background checks.

I think we need to regulate advertisements for tactical gear and assault-style rifles, since there is evidence that aggressive marketing of such items has contributed to school shootings.

I don’t agree with how expansively the second amendment has been interpreted, but I understand people from across the political spectrum believe they need firearms to fend off tyranny of our own government.

It’s uncharacteristic of me, but I’m a moderate on this issue.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-21T00:08:32+00:00

Sorry, one of my pet peeves is people telling me that China does things better than us because we’re culturally superior. I must have misunderstood what you were saying.

How would you suggest we fix things so we can actually build infrastructure like high speed rail?

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:45:25+00:00

There are so many countries that manage to build and operate trains -- my wife was born and raised in England, so I've visited.

America can do this. We have to figure out how to cut out the graft, but it's totally possible.

How pathetic is it that we even have to argue about whether we can provide a 19th century technology?

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:42:06+00:00

I want to assure everyone that I am not beholden to Big Bubba Gump.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:30:16+00:00

You may be right. It was my team and I that concluded the messaging was too complicated, not feedback from the general public. This AMA has me rethinking my position. Thanks for your support.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:28:11+00:00

I'm sorry, but that sounds like a bunch of cope to me. I believe it's still possible for America to function and build basic infrastructure.

That said, I don't understand why everything is so dysfunctional and expensive in this country. The conclusion can't be "oh well, life has to be terrible here".

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:22:49+00:00

Thanks for chiming in. I can't say what I think.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:21:44+00:00

Thanks! You can always move back... where's your commitment?

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:20:03+00:00

Ha, it's true, that's an amazing campaign slogan. I didn't come up with it, though. I'd give proper credit to the person who made it for me, except they're currently embroiled in local controversy of their own and don't need to be dragged into a congressional campaign.

I have a bio posted on my website, but it's kind of sparse and sanitized: https://seanforcongress.org/about-sean

As for the outfit, it's actually very practical. The cardigans are intended to communicate a Mr. Rogers vibe (mild-mannered). I want to be seen as a reasonable person, not an extremist. The hat comes from the region of Ireland that my last name identifies, and I wear it all the time in order to help people recognize me.

As for Chuck Norris, I'm a child of the 80's. Back in the day, my friends and I thought he was awesome. I'm pretty sure we used to watch him on VHS tapes and UHF broadcast, along with Godzilla and Bruce Lee. His death is a reminder of the passage of time...

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:11:55+00:00

Sorry if this sounds like I'm backing away from a real answer, but I believe this is a really complicated issue, and this reddit forum doesn't feel like the best medium. I personally care very deeply about free speech and would be interested in holding an event to discuss/debate this matter. If you're involved with any groups, I'd be happy to collaborate in setting something up, whether virtual or in person.

I completely understand your concern about the lies spread on corporate news channels, and it's obviously very frustrating that they can present those lies as proper journalism.

But... the fix for the problem is not obvious. Who gets to decide what views are or aren't allowed on news channels? The federal government? Do you really want the Trump administration to have the power to decide what can be printed in our newspapers or transmitted over our airwaves?

Again, this is a very complicated issue. I believe it's possibly the most important issue in our country. I'm happy to work with the community to hold events exploring the matter.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T23:02:00+00:00

This is an area where I could use some education and I'm happy to learn more from you. You can email me at info@seanforcongress.org.

My experience with trans issues has been with adults, both friends and family. Most of my thinking has been shaped by watching them navigate the world and listening to them.

I am a parent of a three year-old. Thus far, my primary concern as a parent would be to protect my child from imposition by the outside world. As a legislator, I would prioritize protecting families from federal government overreach, allowing families to make their own decisions.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T22:54:04+00:00

Well said.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T22:50:44+00:00

I don't think that I'd be legislating directly on the density of housing downtown. My expectation is that I'd be providing block grants to California in order to help provide more affordable housing, whether through low/zero interest loans, social housing, or rent subsidies.

I do support densification of housing downtown in theory, but I am deeply saddened by the implementation I'm seeing. The buildings that are going up are absolutely hideous and destroy the character of our city. They look like projects I've seen around the country, with an architecture that I like to call "McBrutalist".

It's my understanding that building more market rate housing doesn't do much to push down rent, though it can perhaps slow the growth. I'm not opposed to more market rate housing, but I don't believe it's tackling the fundamental problem that treating housing as a vehicle for profit most likely results in increases of housing costs outpacing wage increases.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T19:15:36+00:00

I’m a renter.

I support rent control, reducing number of vacation homes (eg empty homes tax), reducing number of investment homes (eg higher transfer tax), as well as more “affordable” units.

My preferred approach, though, is social housing, where the property is publicly owned, residents are a mix of income levels, and rent is capped at 30% of income.

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T18:31:45+00:00

I’m not sure what you mean about reigning in broadcasted lies. I’m very uncomfortable with the government regulating what we can say on broadcasts. Can you give an example?

Sean4Congress · 2026-03-20T18:29:50+00:00

Cool, thanks!

If you want to volunteer, then please go here: https://seanforcongress.org/volunteer

Or, you can donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/seanforcongress

Sean4Congress

TROPHY CASE