Congressional candidates for California’s 16th district answered questions submitted by the public in a May 3 open forum in preparation for the upcoming June 7 primary election.

The forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters, aimed to engage voters with the intent of increasing voter turnout in the local election. Candidates promise to address key issues such as women’s rights, climate change, housing and cybersecurity if elected.

“You want to update your House member to reflect what the new challenges are with a new perspective.”

— Ajwang Rading, congressional candidate

Story continues below advertisement

Candidate Ajwang Rading said open forums help broadcast each candidate’s platform and views, emphasizing the importance of the public voting.

“The thought that we’re supposed to have a representative every two years reflects differences in trends, in demographics and in current events,” Rading said. “You want to update your House member to reflect what the new challenges are with a new perspective.”