A Special Invitation to a Unique Conversation

A SPECIAL INVITATION TO A UNIQUE CONVERSATION – JUNE 10th

ISB has been invited to join a Zoom conversation with George Whitesides, Derek Tran, and Adam Gray, all of whom won California congressional seats by flipping Republican-held districts in 2024. Their important California victories helped keep the Republican majority slim in the House in an otherwise disastrous election. We worked for them, now let’s listen to what they have to say.

You’re Invited: Inside the Freshman Fight — A Zoom Conversation with CA’s New Members of Congress

Join us for an exclusive informational Zoom conversation with three newly elected California Members of Congress who flipped Republican seats in 2024. Hear firsthand how they won tough races, what they’ve been learning in their first term, and how we can support their efforts. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to win and to govern as the minority party in these very challenging times.

This event will be moderated by Billy Ray, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and director, and passionate activist for democracy.

When: Tuesday, June 10th, 3:00 pm PT

Where: Zoom, please RSVP here 

Who:

George Whitesides, 27th District (Northern Los Angeles County, including Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita)

Before entering politics, Whitesides held prominent roles in the aerospace sector, including Chief of Staff at NASA and CEO of Virgin Galactic. As Vice Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, he shapes innovation and research policies. Additionally, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Whitesides unseated Republican incumbent Mike Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, in a closely contested race that flipped the district to Democratic control.

Derek Tran, 45th District (Parts of Orange and Los Angeles Counties, around Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley)

Born in Los Angeles County in 1980, Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees who fled the Communist regime in Vietnam. He grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, working in his family’s corner market after school. Tran served in the U.S. Army and later became a consumer rights attorney. He serves as the Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee within the House Small Business Committee, influencing oversight of federal regulations and ensuring accountability in small business programs. Tran narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in one of the most competitive and expensive House races. Tran’s victory marked a significant political shift in a district with a large Asian American population, including the nation’s largest Vietnamese community.

Adam Gray 13th District (San Joaquin Valley, including Merced, Madera, and southern Modesto)

A native of Merced, Gray previously served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2022, representing the Central Valley. His legislative focus has been on water policy, agriculture, education, and infrastructure—key issues for his district. Gray is a congressional leader as the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of centrist Democrats advocating for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan solutions. He also serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees. He narrowly unseated Republican incumbent John Duarte in the 2024 election, winning by fewer than 200 votes in one of the nation’s closest and final House races to be decided.