He Worked for Brad Sherman. Now He’s Running to Replace Him: Jake Rakov on Career Politicians, Abundance, and Why It’s Time for New Leadership

Jake Rakov is running for Congress in California’s 32nd — against his former boss, Rep. Brad Sherman. In this episode of Brogressive, we dive into what it means to challenge an entrenched incumbent, how to reimagine the role of a modern congressperson, and why Rakov believes the Valley deserves better.From housing and transportation to social media strategy and campaign finance reform, this is a candid and compelling conversation with a next-gen candidate ready to shake up Democratic politics in Southern California.00:38) — Why Jake Rakov is challenging his former boss Brad Sherman(02:34) — The myth of irreplaceable incumbents and the dangers of ego in politics(06:39) — What’s really going on in CA-32 and why voters are ready for change(10:46) — Reaching Republican and independent voters with accessibility, not ideology13:53 — How Rakov plans to use social media like a real human (not a PR robot)(19:35) — The policy differences that matter: housing, jobs, transportation(22:44) — Rakov's federal plan to address housing through incentives and accountability(26:15) — Why public-private partnerships are the future of good governance(30:36) — Housing without the “everything bagel” mandates: how to talk trade-offs(32:41) — No corporate PAC money — what that actually looks like in practice(38:21) — Behind the scenes of a grassroots campaign & Rakov’s TikTok strategy(42:00) — Will there be a debate with Sherman? And what happens if Rakov advances?Plus: some talk about Luca’s weight loss, LeBron’s longevity, and why Sherman might need a cryo chamber.🗳️ Learn more & support Jake: https://jakeforcongress.comFollow Jake ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jake_rakov,⁠ ⁠Ben ⁠@BenBartlettt⁠, Max ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MaxLevin23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.