The 26th District in California has historically been composed of slightly more Republicans than Democrats. Therefore, David Dreier, Republican House Rep for the district, has continually won reelection in the district since his first victory in 1981. However, the tide is changing, voters are fed up with the republican agenda and ready to usher in an era of Democratic leadership. We will be able to witness this change in the congressional race in the CA 26th District, as a democratic candidate will have the opportunity to end Dreier’s 27 year reign over the district.
Hoyt Hilsman will be the perfect candidate to oust Dreier. He is a director at the Hope Street Group, a bipartisan think tank of professionals who are committed to the equality of opportunity and economic growth. He is also a respected community volunteer. He has taught creative writing classes in public schools, volunteered at Union Station (a homeless shelter) and become an active member of the Writer’s Guild.
Hoyt Hilsman was raised in Washington DC. His father was Assistant Secretary of State during the Kennedy Administration. Hilsman attended Columbia University and then went on to Columbia Law School. During this time he worked with some prominent leaders of our time, such as Bill Clinton.
After finishing law school Hilsman began working at the Federal Legal Services Program with the poor, unemployed and disabled at a state prison. However, eventually Hilsman left the legal field behind and began making a name for himself as an award winning writer. He has been a contributor to the New York Times and Los Angeles Times. In addition, he has written several plays that have been produced throughout the US as well as other countries and written screenplays for major movie studios and television networks.
Hoyt Hilsman has followed in his father’s civic footsteps by becoming a delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He has also been a key advisor to many candidates during their campaigns.
What makes Hilsman attractive is that he is not a career politician, like David Dreier who has held the 26th District’s House seat since 1981. He is a democratic candidate who is an “author and educator”, as the New York Times points out in an article that highlights certain congressional candidates in key districts. He is an active community member who is unbiased. Congress needs more members like Hilsman!