Jake Rakov's Congressional Campaign: A Call for Change in CA-32 District

April 2, 2025 — Studio City, California
Jake Rakov has officially announced his candidacy for Congress in California's 32nd District, aiming to unseat his former boss, Rep. Brad Sherman. Rakov, who previously worked in Sherman’s Washington office, is advocating for a much-needed shift in leadership among Democrats, highlighting the critical importance of introducing new voices into political discussions.

“I’m running for Congress because we need a new generation of Democrats to step up if we want to get anything done in Washington,” Rakov stated. His sentiments reflect a growing frustration among constituents who feel that long-standing representatives are out of touch with the evolving needs of their communities. “We can’t keep sending the same people back and expecting a different result,” he emphasized, pointing out that veteran politicians have often failed to address significant issues.

Rakov is basing his campaign on a three-part pledge that he believes will resonate deeply with voters who feel sidelined by the current political system. This pledge includes:
1. Term Limits: Rakov is committing to pushing for a constitutional amendment that enforces term limits, limiting himself to serving five terms or ten years. This marks a stark contrast to Rep. Sherman, who has been in office for nearly three decades and is poised to serve for even longer.
2. Rejecting Corporate PAC Money: Unlike his opponent, Rakov has promised to forgo corporate PAC contributions, which he argues have clouded the political process. Rep. Sherman has a history of accepting substantial financial contributions from corporate entities, amassing nearly $2 million over his career. Rakov’s decision to run a campaign without those funds signals a commitment to transparency and accountability.
3. Monthly Town Halls: He vows to engage directly with his constituents by hosting an in-person town hall every month while in office. This is a significant contrast to Rep. Sherman, who has reportedly not held a public town hall since 2019. Rakov believes that these interactions are crucial for a representative to remain connected to the concerns and needs of the community.

“Every member of Congress could take this same pledge today, and Washington would be so much better tomorrow,” Rakov remarked. “Unfortunately, Congress has become so dysfunctional, and many long-term members like Rep. Sherman either fail to recognize the problems or knowingly contribute to a system that prioritizes job security over genuine representation.”

Having served as a member of the steering committee for Los Angeles’s Stonewall Democratic Club, Rakov has roots in activism that fuel his campaign. His political journey began in Los Angeles and the Valley back in 2013, and his experiences have shaped his perspectives on the changing dynamics of leadership needed in today’s political landscape.

Rakov also emphasizes that his decision to challenge Sherman is not just personal but reflects the sentiments of many residents who feel neglected. He critiques the establishment mentality that has long dominated the Democratic Party in Washington, suggesting that fresh leadership is essential for progress.

As his campaign gains momentum, Rakov invites the public to learn more about his pledge and vision for the future. You can find additional details about his campaign on his website.

Living in Studio City with his husband Abe Rakov and their rescue dog Kip, Rakov balances his campaign efforts with family life, reinforcing his commitment to the community he aims to represent. They celebrated their marriage in the 32nd District in 2023, adding a personal connection to his platform.

For those interested in following Rakov's journey, he has shared a video launch message to further explain his motivations. The call for change echoes through his candidacy, and many are watching closely to see how this race unfolds in the coming months.