Sheryl Adams, a former auto industry executive and Republican, is challenging Rep. Mike Levin for his seat in Congress representing coastal North County and southern Orange County.
To help inform voters, the San Diego Union-Tribune asked all the candidates a series of the same questions about their priorities, positions and campaigns. Their emailed answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?
I am running for Congress because I am concerned by the issues facing people in CD-49 and our current representative’s decision to put politics over problem-solving. I could not just sit back and watch as our cost of living continues to rise, prices continue to rise, crime increases and our children’s education is politicized.
I am confident that I am the best candidate in this race because I am the only one with a proven record of problem-solving. I am an accomplished leader, business executive and entrepreneur. I am a trailblazer in the automotive industry, helping found and implement the technology that became “OnStar.” I am a distinguished member of the Congressional Smart Cities Caucus. In that role, I help local governments provide better and improved services in more efficient ways. I am also an active volunteer in my community.
In Congress, I would deliver solutions to CD-49.
What are the top 3 issues facing this district and California generally?
The three major issues facing California and CD-49 are: the wide open southern border, out of control cost of living, and the increased politicization of our children’s education.
Right now, because of the policies of politicians like our current congressman, the southern border is wide open. This is allowing deadly drugs like fentanyl to pour into our community and poison our neighborhoods. This must be stopped.
The second issue is out-of-control cost of living. Extreme politicians in Sacramento and Washington have caused skyrocketing inflation, which has led to higher prices for basic goods. From gas to groceries to housing costs, everyday necessities have become unaffordable for far too many in CD-49.
Finally, our children’s education is increasingly politicized. Extreme activists are more concerned with pushing political ideologies in our schools than making sure children receive the best possible education that sets them up for success in life.
What are the first 3 things you would do in your first term in Congress?
On day one, I would submit a bill to shut down the southern border and increase border security. We cannot delay this any longer. Every day that the border is wide open, more deadly drugs like fentanyl are smuggled across and countless victims of human trafficking suffer. We must give our Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement the resources they need to enforce the law at the border. Next, I would lead the charge to fully support and fund law enforcement.
I would fight to cut wasteful spending and fight to lower taxes for working Americans. We need to eliminate wasteful spending to bring down inflation and need to lower taxes to provide relief for the millions of Americans and Californians who currently struggle to pay for basic goods.
Finally, I would fight to increase standards in our schools and provide oversight to make sure our children’s education is not politicized.
What would you do to curb climate change and its effects on California?
We must cut red tape and overburdensome regulations so that companies can innovate. Companies have made great advances in developing new technologies that efficiently lower emissions. I am confident that if we get the government out of the way, American businesses can continue to produce new innovations which will increase sustainability.
I strongly oppose efforts like the “Green New Deal,” which would wreak havoc on our economy and cost countless jobs.
How should U.S. migration and asylum policy change, what should guide it, and what specifically will you pursue in Congress?
First and foremost, we must secure the border and enforce our laws. We must make sure that the border is secure before we consider any changes to immigration laws. That is why on day one I will lead the fight to increase funding for border security and push to end the Biden administration’s disregard for the law.
What is your stance on the war in Gaza, and on U.S. involvement in and support of it?
The U.S. must support Israel and its right to defend itself; Israel is one of our most important allies. Hamas is an antisemitic and anti-American terrorist organization. On Oct. 7, Hamas brutally raped and murdered over 1,000 innocent civilians, including women and children. Hamas wants to wipe Israel off the map, along with the United States.
We must give Israel the support they need to defend themselves and wipe out Hamas. Not only is it the morally right thing to do, it is also in America’s best interest.
Would you support federal statutory restrictions on, or protections of, abortion rights? Which, and to what extent?
The Supreme Court has ruled on this issue. It is an issue that is to be handled at the state level, not in Congress.
Would you support or oppose stricter federal gun laws and background checks? Which, and to what extent?
I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. I would oppose any bills which infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
