Joanna Weiss

A Champion for Californians

Joanna Weiss is a community organizer, legal professional and native Southern Californian running to represent the people of California’s 47th Congressional District. Weiss graduated from the University of California – Los Angeles and went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California School of Law. She previously taught courses on civil procedure and public interest lawyering at Chapman University School of Law and served on the board of directors for the Public Law Center for over 10 years. As a lawyer, she provided pro bono legal work for domestic violence survivors, seniors on fixed incomes, and students with special needs. Weiss is the founder and former president of Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE), which motivates voters and supports candidates for office in order to organize for human, civil and constitutional rights, including reproductive freedom. She is a seasoned organizer and fundraiser who has the passion and experience needed to fight for the needs of Southern Californians in Washington.

A Leader Who Will Listen

Going back to her pro bono work as a lawyer, Weiss has always been passionate about helping women, seniors and children in need. She was motivated to found WAVE in order to defend democracy and voting rights, protect reproductive health care and freedom, and work to reverse the course of climate change. “I’m running for Congress in California’s 47th District to ensure every family’s needs and priorities are addressed by Washington decision-makers, whether it is access to affordable health care or an end to our homelessness crisis,” Weiss has said. “We need a robust and equitable economy, and housing our future generations and workforce can afford. In living rooms and at front doors across [Orange County], I’ve heard the following priorities from your neighbors. Tell me what’s important to you, so I can fight for US.”

A Pro-Choice Record

California’s 47th Congressional District is currently represented by pro-choice champion Rep. Katie Porter, who is running to represent California in the United States Senate. The vacancy will leave open a critical must-hold seat in a competitive district if Democrats are to be able to regain control of the U.S. House in the 2024 elections. Let’s show Weiss the full support of the EMILYs List community and make sure the 47th Congressional District of California is represented by a leader who will truly fight for our rights in Congress.