What is your name?

Tracey Verhoeven

What office are you running for?

I am the Democratic endorsed write-in candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia Congressional District 11

Are you the incumbent?

No

Upload a headshot/photo of yourself.

Attach your resume or CV.

Tell us more about yourself

I am a small business owner, entrepreneur, mother and was the caretaker of my own mom until her recent passing. I am committed to working hard for my family. When I was nine years old, my father, a Sacramento County deputy sheriff, was killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice instilled in me a deep sense of obligation to serve others and contribute to making our nation better for everyone. My mother said I came out of the womb wanting to make the world a better place. I’ve fought to improve people’s lives, both in big and small ways — from organizing a boycott in kindergarten because our milk was not properly refrigerated before lunch, to working extensively in political organizing to oppose discriminatory ballot measures and help elect Democrats in key battleground states. I’ve worked across the country, meeting a diverse array of people thanks to my career. My experience in community organizing, sales and marketing has honed my communication skills and solution-oriented mindset. I’ve also worked in theater, film, and television, where I developed a strong voice and confidence — essential for standing up for constituents and holding those in power accountable. These experiences have given me a unique perspective, one that I hope to bring to the U.S. House of Representatives. My focus is on making Georgians and all Americans lives better.

Where did you go to school?

I went to California State Northridge in California.

Campaign Website

TheRealDemocrat.com

Social Media Links

https://www.instagram.com/traceyverhoeven4congress, https://x.com/tracey4congress, https://www.facebook.com/traceyforcongress, https://www.tiktok.com/@traceyverhoeven4congress

What is your job/occupation?

Small business owner

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Waleska

What is your top policy priority if elected? How would addressing this issue make a difference for the people you are seeking to represent and what skills or qualities do you possess that will make you an effective elected official?

I believe in being of service to the people first and foremost. The challenges in my life have given me empathy. Along with empathy, I am solution oriented and have learned to communicate effectively to get results. I am constantly looking for ways to make people's lives better. As for my top priority, I want to stop the divisiveness in Washington and get things done for all Georgians. I plan on working to strengthen the local economy by investing in sustainable job creation, and small businesses which would include affordable healthcare, and housing. Let's get the middle class flourishing again. I believe in what the Founding Fathers originally intended in the Declaration of Independence and that was for the people to have inalienable rights of “life, liberty and happiness.” You can’t have freedom, life or be happy when you can't afford to live.

Share an example of a time when you had to compromise or adapt your position on an issue.

Though I can't recall any particular moment on an issue, I believe that communication is the key to everything.

The rising cost of living, including housing, health care, and childcare, is a concern for families in Georgia. What would you advocate for in Congress to help alleviate these pressures? What would you do to continue to control inflation?

I love talking with people of all parties. When we actually speak to one another, we find that we agree on more things than we don't. Being a caretaker for my elderly mother, and for my 7 year old son, I know how expensive childcare and eldercare is. Unfortunately, Georgia is a leading state for caregiver burnout. I want to implement a tax credit that will provide financial relief to family members who act as caregivers for the elderly, disabled relatives and children. I want to expand Medicaid to make assisted living and other medical costs more affordable for seniors, especially those who are not fully covered by Medicare. As for affordable housing, we need to look at building more homes, and down payment assistance. Though inflation has come down, price gouging is still obvious to any shopper. I would like to see a federal ban on price gouging.

What is your position on term limits for members of Congress? How do you believe term limits would impact the effectiveness of and trust in government?

I believe that we need experienced people in Congress. My idea of term limits is if they aren't doing the job that they were elected to do, vote them out.

A recent poll shows a majority of Americans across partisan lines want to see reforms take place on the Supreme Court. Do you support a judicial code of conduct, and term limits or any other changes for Supreme Court justices? Why or why not?

Most Americans view the Supreme Court legitimacy at an all time low. There is big public support for major reforms, including ethics requirements for justices as well as term limits. I support this as well. I believe that the Supreme Court needs to reflect public values so a staggered 18 year term would bring regular turnover to the bench.

What steps, if any, would you support to secure the southern border? What is your stance on pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for many years?

I believe in humane immigration reform. We need strong border security but also a pathway to citizenship that recognizes the contributions of our long time neighbors and asylum seekers. I look forward to working with the Republicans on this.

How would you address the spread of misinformation and disinformation? What role do you believe social media companies and the government should play in combating these issues? Are you confident that elections in Georgia are conducted freely and fairly?

Nothing bothers me more than blatant misinformation and the conning of good people. In my opinion, it isn't free speech but equivalent to yelling, "fire!" in a crowded theater because it hurts people. We need social media companies and the government to work together to do a better job of educating while we get rid of Citizens United, which brings in dark money from bad actors who push misinformation out to our electorate to confuse us. As for the question of whether the elections in Georgia are conducted freely and fairly? The elections need to be fair and free for nothing is more unpatriotic than going against the will of the people.