Wikipedia

Harley Rouda

Harley Edwin Rouda Jr.(born December 10, 1961) is an American attorney, businessman and politician who served as theU.S. representativeforCalifornia's 48th congressional districtfrom 2019 to 2021.[1]He was the firstDemocratto represent the district, which encompasses southwestern coastal portions ofOrange Countyincluding the cities ofHuntington Beach,Costa MesaandNewport Beach.

Harley Rouda
Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromCalifornia's48thdistrict
In office
January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
Preceded byDana Rohrabacher
Succeeded byMichelle Steel
Personal details
Born(1961-12-10)December 10, 1961(age 62)
Columbus, Ohio,U.S.
Political partyDemocratic(2017–present)
Other political
affiliations
Spouse
​
(m.1990)​
Children4
EducationUniversity of Kentucky(BA)
Capital University(JD)
Ohio State University(MBA)

Rouda first ran for office in the2018 election,when he defeated 15-termRepublicanincumbentDana Rohrabacher.[2]He was defeated for reelection by Orange County SupervisorMichelle Steelin2020.[3]After considering running for Congress in the 2022 elections, Rouda announced he would not seek any public office that cycle.[4]

On January 11, 2023, Rouda announced his candidacy forCalifornia's 47th congressional district,the House seat to be vacated by incumbentKatie Porter.[5][6]Three months later Rouda announced he was ending his campaign, citing health concerns.[7]

Early life and education

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Rouda was born December 10, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio,[8]the son of Marlese Rouda and the late Harley Edwin Rouda.[9]

Rouda received hisBachelor of Sciencefrom theUniversity of Kentuckyin 1984, where he was a member ofDelta Tau Deltasocial fraternity. He also earned aJuris DoctorfromCapital University Law Schoolin 1986 andMaster of Business AdministrationfromOhio State Universityin 2002.[10][11]

Career

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Following passage of the Ohiobar examination,Rouda worked at the law firm of Porter Wright Morris & ArthurLLPin Columbus,Ohiountil 1990.[12]He later left the firm to join his family business, HER Realtors, and eventually served as CEO of Trident Holdings, the parent company of HER Realtors.[13]

Early political career

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Rouda says he was raised in a "traditionalRepublicanhousehold. "[2]He was a registered Republican until 1997, when he left the party and became anindependentbecause he felt the Republican Party had been moving in the "wrong direction" on social issues.[14]Rouda says the last Republican he voted for wasBob Dolein the 1996 presidential election. He switched his party affiliation to the Democratic Party after the 2016 election.[2]Shortly before registering as a Democrat, Rouda donated to theJohn Kasich 2016 presidential campaign.Kasich would suspend his campaign shortly before he was defeated byDonald Trumpin theCalifornia primaries.Due to these donations, he was criticized by Democrats as insufficiently loyal to the party or being a "Republican in disguise" during the campaign,[15]to which Rouda responded, “we gave… because they are personal friends – not because he is someone who I share a political ideology with – and because I wanted to stop Donald Trump and his divisive campaign.”[16]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2018

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See also:2018 United States House of Representatives elections in California § District 48

On March 2, 2017, Rouda announced his candidacy for U.S. Representative fromCalifornia's 48th congressional district,challenging the incumbent,Dana Rohrabacher,shortly after changing his party registration fromno party preferenceinto aDemocrat.[12]His primary opponent,Hans Keirstead,was endorsed by theDemocratic Party of Californiaat the party convention.[17]Rouda received theDemocratic Congressional Campaign Committeeendorsement in May 2018.[18]In thenonpartisan blanket primaryelection, Rouda secured the second spot over Keirstead on the ballot by 125 votes (from a total of 174,024), thus allowing him to face Rohrabacher in the general election.[19]

On October 25,Michael Bloombergannounced he would be supporting Rouda's campaign by donating $4 million to his PAC, Independence USA. That made Rouda's race against Rohrabacher the most expensive House race in the 2018 election cycle.[20]

On November 6, the election was too close to call, as Rouda held a narrow lead over Rohrabacher.[21]As mail-in votes were counted, Rouda's lead expanded,[22]and theAssociated Presscalled the race in his favor on November 10.[23]

2020

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See also:2020 United States House of Representatives elections in California § District 48

Rouda ran for reelection and faced off against the Republican challenger,Orange County supervisorMichelle Steel,[24]during the general election on November 3, 2020. Steel ultimately defeated Rouda, garnering 51.1% of the vote to Rouda's 48.9%.[25][26]Immediately after his loss, Rouda announced he would run against Steel again in2022.[27]

Rouda missed federally mandated deadlines for reporting that his wife traded stocks while he was in office. The missed reporting appeared to violate theSTOCK Act,which is designed to combat insider trading.[28][29]

2022

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See also:2022 United States House of Representatives elections in California

After conceding the election, Rouda had announced that he would challenge Steel in 2022.[27]However, new congressional maps going into effect for the 2022 cycle placed the homes of Rouda, Steel and two-term Democratic RepresentativeKatie Porterin the same district, now numbered the47th district.When Porter announced her intention to run in the 47th district,[30]Steel chose to run in the new45th district.[31]

After initially announcing his intent to challenge Porter,[32]Rouda dropped out of the race in January 2022.[33]Rouda formed apolitical action committee,Join Together PAC, to support the election of moderate Democrats, such asKatrina Foleyof theOrange County Board of Supervisors.[34]

2024

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Main article:2024 California's 47th congressional district election

After incumbent representativeKatie Porterannounced that she would not be running reelection to the House in the 47th district, instead opting to run in the2024 United States Senate election in California,Rouda announced that he would run for the seat in the 2024 elections.[35]However, on April 11, 2023, Rouda announced his withdrawal from the race, citing atraumatic brain injuryhe received following a fall.[7]He then endorsed activist Joanna Weiss and called for California state senatorDave Minto drop out of the race due to his DUI.[36]

Committee assignments

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Caucus memberships

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Electoral history

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California's 48th congressional districtelection, 2018[37][38]
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dana Rohrabacher(incumbent) 52,737 30.3
Democratic Harley Rouda 30,099 17.3
Democratic Hans Keirstead 29,974 17.2
Republican Scott Baugh 27,514 15.8
Democratic Omar Siddiqui 8,658 5.0
Republican John Gabbard 5,664 3.3
Democratic Rachel Payne (withdrawn) 3,598 2.1
Republican Paul Martin 2,893 1.7
Republican Shastina Sandman 2,762 1.6
Democratic Michael Kotick (withdrawn) 2,606 1.5
Democratic Laura Oatman (withdrawn) 2,412 1.4
Democratic Deanie Schaarsmith 1,433 0.8
Democratic Tony Zarkades 1,281 0.7
Libertarian Brandon Reiser 964 0.6
Republican Stelian Onufrei (withdrawn) 739 0.4
No party preference Kevin Kensinger 690 0.4
Total votes 174,024 100.0
General election
Democratic Harley Rouda 157,837 53.6
Republican Dana Rohrabacher(incumbent) 136,899 46.4
Total votes 294,736 100.0
DemocraticgainfromRepublican
2020 California's 48th congressional district primary results by county supervisorial district
Map legend
  • Rouda—50–60%
  • Rouda—40–50%
California's 48th congressional district,2020
Primary election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harley Rouda (incumbent) 99,659 46.7
Republican Michelle Steel 74,418 34.9
Republican Brian Burley 25,884 12.1
American Independent Richard Mata 5,704 2.7
Republican John Thomas Schuesler 4,900 2.3
Republican James Brian Griffin 2,714 1.3
Total votes 213,279 100.0
General election
Republican Michelle Steel 196,208 50.9
Democratic Harley Rouda (incumbent) 189,235 49.1
Total votes 385,443 100.0
RepublicangainfromDemocratic

Personal life

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Rouda and authorKaira Rouda(néeSturdivant) have been married since 1990. They have four children. They moved to California after Rouda sold the family firm.[2]

Rouda has been heavily critical of former House colleagueKatie Porter.In her recent memoirI Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan,Porter stated that Rouda mistook her for a valet and made heavy real estate purchases in D.C. In response, Rouda published an opinion piece on theOrange County Registercriticizing Porter for her mischaracterizations of him and his family. He has referred to Porter as "a bully with a whiteboard" and called on voters to vote for anyone in the2024 California Senate Primaryother than her.[39]

References

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  1. ^"Board of Supervisors candidates face off in forum but with only 3 out of 5 in attendance".Daily Pilot.February 12, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on February 24, 2021.RetrievedMarch 3,2021.
  2. ^abcdMedina, Jennifer (September 7, 2018)."He's a Former Republican Taking On Dana Rohrabacher. Can He Win?".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on December 29, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  3. ^Conradis, Brandon (November 10, 2020)."GOP's Steel wins California House race after Democrat Rouda concedes".The Hill.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2020.RetrievedNovember 10,2020.
  4. ^Cama, Timothy (January 4, 2022)."Calif. Democrat Rouda drops House bid after redistricting".subscriber.politicopro.RetrievedNovember 14,2024.
  5. ^Doherty, Erin (January 11, 2023)."Former Rep. Harley Rouda announces bid to fill Katie Porter's House seat".Axios.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 28,2023.
  6. ^"Former Rep. Harley Rouda is running for Congress in CA-47".Orange County Register.January 12, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 28,2023.
  7. ^abAnastacio, Nicholas (April 11, 2023)."Former Rep. Rouda ends comeback House bid due to traumatic brain injury".NBC News.Archivedfrom the original on April 13, 2023.RetrievedApril 13,2023.
  8. ^"Candidate Conversation - Harley Rouda".Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales.May 5, 2017.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2018.RetrievedOctober 12,2018.
  9. ^"Harley Rouda Obituary".The Columbus Dispatch.Columbus, Ohio.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2018.RetrievedOctober 12,2018– via Legacy.
  10. ^Daily Pilot staff (March 3, 2017)."Political Landscape: Second Laguna resident vows to take on Rohrabacher in 2018 election".Los Angeles TimesDaily Pilot.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2018.RetrievedNovember 11,2018.
  11. ^"ROUDA, Harley".US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives.Archivedfrom the original on September 15, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 15,2021.
  12. ^abFurey, Donna (March 2, 2017)."Rouda Steps Up to Challenge Rohrabacher".Laguna Beach Independent.Archivedfrom the original on November 8, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  13. ^Weiker, Jim (July 14, 2017)."Former HER executive Rouda running for Congress in California".Columbus Dispatch.Archivedfrom the original on September 15, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 15,2021.
  14. ^Daniels, Jeff (September 14, 2018)."Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, Democrat Harley Rouda virtually tied in crucial California race".CNBC.Archivedfrom the original on January 5, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 5,2019.
  15. ^Wisckol, Martin (March 19, 2017)."Rohrabacher challenger Harley Rouda addresses past GOP affiliation".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on January 5, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 5,2019.
  16. ^"Rohrabacher challenger Harley Rouda addresses past GOP affiliation".Orange County Register.March 20, 2017.RetrievedMay 5,2023.
  17. ^Chmielewski, Dan (February 26, 2018)."Dr. Hans Keirstead Wins California Democratic Party Endorsement".The Liberal OC.Archivedfrom the original on December 30, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  18. ^Bowman, Bridget (May 11, 2018)."DCCC Takes Sides to Avoid Shutout in Crowded California Primary".Roll Call.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  19. ^Alex Padilla."Statement of Vote June 5, 2018 | Statewide Direct Primary Election"(PDF).California Secretary of State.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 25, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2018.
  20. ^Jordan Graham (October 25, 2018)."Election: Michael Bloomberg spends $4M to back Harley Rouda, making CA-48 priciest House race in U.S."Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on November 6, 2018.RetrievedOctober 26,2018.
  21. ^Graham, Jordan (November 6, 2018)."Election 2018: Democrat Harley Rouda holds lead over GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher in CA-48".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on December 30, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  22. ^"Election Day +3: Here Are the Uncalled 11 House and 2 Senate Races".Roll Call.November 9, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on December 30, 2018.RetrievedDecember 30,2018.
  23. ^Kopetman, Roxana (November 10, 2018)."AP calls Harley Rouda winner in race against Dana Rohrabacher".Press-Telegram.Long Beach, Calif.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2018.RetrievedNovember 10,2018.
  24. ^Staggs, Brooke; Park, Jeong (April 26, 2019)."Orange County supervisor to challenge Rep. Harley Rouda for CA 48 House seat in 2020".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on April 26, 2019.RetrievedApril 27,2019.
  25. ^"STATEMENT OF VOTE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 3, 2020"(PDF).California Secretary of StateAlex Padilla.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on May 17, 2020.RetrievedMay 3,2020.
  26. ^"November 3, 2020, General Election - United States Representative"(PDF).California Secretary of State.Archived(PDF)from the original on January 10, 2021.RetrievedDecember 22,2020.
  27. ^abStaggs, Brooke (February 3, 2021)."Who's already running for Congress in Orange County in 2022?".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on February 28, 2021.RetrievedMarch 1,2021.
  28. ^Staggs, Brooke (July 7, 2021)."Former Rep. Harley Rouda missed deadlines to report stock trades".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on November 24, 2021.RetrievedNovember 24,2021.
  29. ^Levinthal, Dave; Leonard, Kimberly."On the congressional-comeback trail, Democrat Harley Rouda appears to violate the federal STOCK Act".Business Insider.Archivedfrom the original on November 24, 2021.RetrievedNovember 24,2021.
  30. ^Schnell, Mychael (December 21, 2021)."Rep. Katie Porter running for reelection in newly drawn California district".The Hill.Archivedfrom the original on April 22, 2022.RetrievedApril 22,2022.
  31. ^Staggs, Brooke (December 23, 2021)."GOP Reps. Young Kim, Michelle Steel target new districts in 2022 elections".Orange County Register.Archivedfrom the original on April 27, 2022.RetrievedApril 22,2022.
  32. ^Haberkorn, Jennifer; Mason, Melanie; Mehta, Seema (December 22, 2021)."With California's congressional maps set, candidates swoop in".LA Times.Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2021.RetrievedDecember 27,2021.
  33. ^"Former Orange County representative ends campaign to return to house".spectrumnews1.Archivedfrom the original on April 22, 2022.RetrievedApril 22,2022.
  34. ^"With congressional run on back burner, Harley Rouda focuses on PAC to elect moderate Democrats".January 12, 2022.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 11,2023.
  35. ^Doherty, Erin (January 11, 2023)."Former Rep. Harley Rouda announces bid to fill Katie Porter's House seat".Axios.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 11,2023.
  36. ^"Harley Rouda, after exiting congressional race, backs another Democrat".Orange County Register.May 15, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 19,2024.
  37. ^"2018 California primary election results"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on May 8, 2021.RetrievedJune 10,2019.
  38. ^"2018 California general election results"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on April 25, 2019.RetrievedJune 10,2019.
  39. ^Rouda, Harley (January 22, 2024)."Harley Rouda: Character matters. That's why Katie Porter is unfit for the United States Senate".Orange County Register.RetrievedFebruary 5,2024.
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of theU.S. House of Representatives
fromCalifornia's 48th congressional district
2019–2021 		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence(ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative 		Succeeded byas Former US Representative
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