BY: VIVIANA GARCIA
STAFF WRITER
Despite numerous runs in the 1990s and recent terms, Cypress College professor Peter Mathews seeks to represent California’s 42nd congressional district without the financial support of large corporations.
Mathews announced his campaign run on March 17, 2022, via Twitter for the primary election on June 7, 2022.
The progressive Democrat would be responsible for representing cities like Long Beach, Lakewood, and Downey under the 42nd congressional district.
Mathews however, does face an uphill battle against 7 opponents for the U.S House of Representatives position. Among the candidates are elected officials Robert Garcia, mayor of Long Beach, and Assemblywomen of the 58th congressional district Cristina Garcia.
Mathews supports issues that politicians like Bernie Sanders have been advocates of including Medicare for All, tuition-free public colleges, and universal child care.
As of April 9, 2022, Mathews participated in signing the Green New Deal Pledge to demonstrate his commitment to establish policies to end climate change and produce millions of jobs.
The progressive political analyst, who has appeared on several media channels discussing an assortment of policy issues, was able to gain a high ranking in the previous 2020 election.
“I came in second out of 4 democrats right behind the congressman and he’s not there anymore and makes it much easier for us to do this,” said Mathews when discussing his run for the 47th Congressional district in his last campaign.
Mathews said that he has been able to use his 30-year educational career to help shape his political efforts.
“I don’t take any corporate money from our campaign because I don’t want to be bought by any corporation or lobbyist and then neglect the students and middle class. I want to work for the working 99 percent the middle class, the working poor,” said Mathews.
He also recalled an experience when he worked closely with students, parents, and professors to prevent the increase in student tuition by 300 percent.
Individuals 18 and older may register to vote in the upcoming elections as June 7, 2022, is the primary election date.
