Andrew Engdahl, a relative unknown to the political scene, is The Oak Leaf’s endorsed candidate for California’s 4th Congressional District primary election.

Engdahl has a unique life story that has led to his decision to run for Congress. Engdahl was born in Los Gatos, grew up in Livermore and graduated from Granada High School, becoming a Boys Scout and a Varsity wrestler along the way. 

Engdahl eventually double majored in history and business administration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He also gained success working at Oracle in technology sales for over a decade.

Engdahl now lives with his wife Kim in Santa Rosa where he has become involved through community service and volunteering.

Engdahl’s journey has not been easy, however. In the aftermath of his unsuccessful campaign for Congress in 2022, Engdahl faced a six-month battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But after undergoing several surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and extensive physical therapy, Engdahl went into remission. Engdahl credits his triumph over cancer as having influenced his position on health care. Engdahl survived his battle through insurance that covered his treatments but considers himself fortunate and believes other Americans should not suffer over a failure to pay medical costs. Because of his experience, Engdahl is in favor of universal health care. His experience gives him a unique understanding of health care access and affordability.

Engdahl possesses a progressive vision for the future of the 4th Congressional District on other hot-topic issues, including supporting the federal decriminalization of cannabis, the Equal Rights Amendment, codification of Roe v. Wade, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and a ceasefire in Gaza.

His opponent, current Congressman Mike Thompson, has provided years of service to the 5th [now 4th] Congressional District since 1999, and currently sits on the powerful House Committee of Ways and Means. However, the realities of today’s world exemplify the need for new visions and voices in Congress. 

In stark contrast to Engdahl’s support for a ceasefire, Thompson has failed to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. This is disqualifying. Over thirty thousand people have died in this conflict, both Israeli and Palestinian; millions of Gazans are grappling with famine, displacement and lack of access to health care; and over a hundred Israeli hostages remain in Gaza. The failure of Thompson to call for a ceasefire displays a lack of moral courage and the urgent need to have progressive voices like Engdahl speaking for what’s right.

The death of Senator Dianne Feinstein exposed Californians to the dangers of long-lasting careers in politics. Thompson has served California’s 5th [now 4th] Congressional District for over 25 years. In order for a new generation of ideas to arise, members of Congress must recognize the need to step aside after decades of service and let future leaders take wing. Failure to do so brings forth great risk, especially in today’s hyper-polarized political world, where a single congressional vote wields enormous power.

Andrew Engdahl’s life story and political positions represent the vision of what a progressive future can be for California’s 4th District, which is why The Oak Leaf is proud to endorse him.