Jackie Speier's Journey

Few candidates have faced the kind of adversity that Jackie Speier has overcome. After completing law school, Jackie went to work as an aide for California Congressman Leo Ryan and accompanied him in November of 1978 when he traveled to Jonestown, Guyana to investigate Rev. Jim Jones and the People’s Temple. As their delegation was preparing to leave it was ambushed by armed cult members who killed Congressman Ryan and five others. Jackie was shot five times and had to wait 22 hours for help to arrive.

Jackie’s experience in Guyana helped to shape her philosophy and taught her about “the fragility of our existence and the importance of making every moment count.”

In the years since the tragedy at Jonestown, Jackie has built a tremendous record of accomplishment – first as a member of San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and then in the California Legislature. She has made the most of her time as an elected official and few politicians have been as consistent in promoting progressive values. Jackie has authored and sponsored legislation to expand access to affordable health care, protect Americans’ human and civil rights, improve consumer and privacy protections, combat government waste and build a more fair and just society. Please support Jackie’s campaign and help her continue to work on these critical issues in the United States Congress.