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Harmesh Kumar

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Pleasecontact us with any updates.
Harmesh Kumar
Image of Harmesh Kumar
Elections and appointments
Last election

March 19, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Panjab University, 1980

Ph.D

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 1991

Personal
Religion
Sikh
Profession
Psychologist
Contact

Harmesh Kumar (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to theU.S. House to representCalifornia's 20th Congressional District. He lost in the special primary onMarch 19, 2024.

Kumar also ran for election to theU.S. Senate to represent California. He lost in the primary onMarch 5, 2024.

Kumar completed Ballotpedia'sCandidate Connection survey in 2023.Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Harmesh Kumar earned a bachelor's degree from Panjab University in 1980 and a Ph.D. from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in 1991. His career experience includes working as psychologist.[1]

Elections

2024

Regular

See also: United States Senate election in California, 2024

General election
General election for U.S. Senate California

Adam Schiff defeatedSteve Garvey in the general election for U.S. Senate California on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Adam Schiff
Adam Schiff (D)
 
58.9
 
9,036,252
Image of Steve Garvey
Steve Garvey (R)
 
41.1
 
6,312,594

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 15,348,846
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. Senate California

The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. Senate California on March 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Adam Schiff
Adam Schiff (D)
 
31.6
 
2,304,829
Image of Steve Garvey
Steve Garvey (R)
 
31.5
 
2,301,351
Image of Katie Porter
Katie Porter (D)
 
15.3
 
1,118,429
Image of Barbara Lee
Barbara Lee (D)
 
9.8
 
717,129
Image of Eric Early
Eric Early (R)
 
3.3
 
242,055
Image of James P. Bradley
James P. Bradley (R)
 
1.4
 
98,778
Image of Christina Pascucci
Christina Pascucci (D)
 
0.8
 
61,998
Image of Sharleta Bassett
Sharleta Bassett (R)
 
0.8
 
54,884
Image of Sarah Sun Liew
Sarah Sun Liew (R)
 
0.5
 
38,718
Laura Garza (No party preference)
 
0.5
 
34,529
Image of Jonathan Reiss
Jonathan Reiss (R)
 
0.5
 
34,400
Image of Sepi Gilani
Sepi Gilani (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.5
 
34,316
Image of Gail Lightfoot
Gail Lightfoot (L)
 
0.5
 
33,295
Image of Denice Gary-Pandol
Denice Gary-Pandol (R) Candidate Connection
 
0.4
 
25,649
Image of James Macauley
James Macauley (R) Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
23,296
Image of Harmesh Kumar
Harmesh Kumar (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
21,624
Image of David Peterson
David Peterson (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
21,170
Image of Douglas Howard Pierce
Douglas Howard Pierce (D)
 
0.3
 
19,458
Image of Major Singh
Major Singh (No party preference)
 
0.2
 
17,092
Image of John Rose
John Rose (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.2
 
14,627
Image of Perry Pound
Perry Pound (D) Candidate Connection
 
0.2
 
14,195
Image of Raji Rab
Raji Rab (D)
 
0.2
 
13,640
Image of Mark Ruzon
Mark Ruzon (No party preference) Candidate Connection
 
0.2
 
13,488
Image of Forrest Jones
Forrest Jones (American Independent Party of California)
 
0.2
 
13,140
Stefan Simchowitz (R)
 
0.2
 
12,773
Image of Martin Veprauskas
Martin Veprauskas (R)
 
0.1
 
9,795
Image of Don Grundmann
Don Grundmann (No party preference)
 
0.1
 
6,641
Image of Michael Dilger
Michael Dilger (No party preference) (Write-in) Candidate Connection
 
0.0
 
7
Image of Carlos Guillermo Tapia
Carlos Guillermo Tapia (R) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
5
John Dowell (No party preference) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
3
Image of Danny Fabricant
Danny Fabricant (R) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
3

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 7,301,317
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kumar in this election.

Special

See also: California's 20th Congressional District special election, 2024

General election
Special general election for U.S. House California District 20

Vince Fong defeatedMike Boudreaux in the special general election for U.S. House California District 20 on May 21, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Vince Fong
Vince Fong (R)
 
60.6
 
50,643
Image of Mike Boudreaux
Mike Boudreaux (R)
 
39.4
 
32,952

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 83,595
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election
Special nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 20

The following candidates ran in the special primary for U.S. House California District 20 on March 19, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Vince Fong
Vince Fong (R)
 
42.3
 
51,194
Image of Mike Boudreaux
Mike Boudreaux (R)
 
25.8
 
31,202
Image of Marisa Wood
Marisa Wood (D)
 
22.6
 
27,337
Image of Kyle Kirkland
Kyle Kirkland (R)
 
4.9
 
5,941
Image of Harmesh Kumar
Harmesh Kumar (D)
 
2.4
 
2,885
Image of Ben Dewell
Ben Dewell (No party preference)
 
0.9
 
1,074
David Fluhart (No party preference)
 
0.7
 
878
Image of James Cardoza
James Cardoza (No party preference) Candidate Connection
 
0.2
 
298
Image of Anna Zoë Cohen
Anna Zoë Cohen (R)
 
0.2
 
289

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 121,098
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kumar in this election.

2018

See also:California gubernatorial election, 2018

Kumar sought election to the office ofgovernor of California in 2018. Kumar was not included in the certified list of candidates in the election.[2]

2016

See also:California State Assembly elections, 2016

Elections for theCalifornia State Assembly took place in 2016. The primary election was held on June 7, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 25, 2016, for candidates filing with signatures. The deadline for candidates using a filing fee to qualify was March 11, 2016.[3] IncumbentSusan Bonilla (D) did not seek re-election.

Tim Grayson defeatedMae Torlakson in the California State Assembly District 14 general election.[4][5]

California State Assembly, District 14 General Election, 2016
PartyCandidateVote %Votes
    DemocraticGreen check mark transparent.pngTim Grayson61.53%107,653
    DemocraticMae Torlakson38.47%67,300
Total Votes174,953
Source:California Secretary of State


Mae Torlakson andTim Grayson defeatedDebora Allen andHarmesh Kumar in the California State Assembly District 14 Blanket primary.[6][7]

California State Assembly, District 14 Blanket Primary, 2016
PartyCandidateVote %Votes
    DemocraticGreen check mark transparent.pngMae Torlakson32.35%34,535
    DemocraticGreen check mark transparent.pngTim Grayson31.58%33,712
    RepublicanDebora Allen26.06%27,826
    DemocraticHarmesh Kumar10.02%10,694
Total Votes106,767


Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released July 30, 2023

Regular

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also:Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Harmesh Kumar completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kumar's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all |Collapse all

As a clinical psychologist, I contemplate the potential of my medical background to contribute significantly towards addressing the escalating challenges of mental illness within our society. This pervasive issue is increasingly affecting various facets of our community. I have amassed nearly four decades of invaluable experience in my field. Throughout my career, I have been fueled by a deep-seated passion to serve those who have been overlooked and underserved. It pains me to witness the extensive suffering endured by individuals and families in our state. Regrettably, I believe that much of this suffering can be attributed to the emotional strains imposed upon our citizens by politicians and the perpetuation of a dysfunctional system that primarily serves the interests of its beneficiaries and the elite, rather than the ordinary people and small business owners who form the backbone of our society.
  • Promote real mental health to support the families, local communities, and reduce crime and recidivism
  • Mitigate the alarming levels of gun violence
  • Alleviate the pervasive issue of homelessness
I am personally passionate about education and healthcare policies but I also believe that they can be further improved upon. I believe that every individual should have access to quality education regardless of their background, and that affordable and accessible healthcare and mental healthcare is essential for the well-being of all citizens. These areas of public policy are particularly important to me, and I actively follow and support initiatives that aim to improve education and healthcare systems in our society. I will also continue to make improvements on these policies in due if I am elected.
As a licensed clinical psychologist in California, I have amassed nearly four decades of invaluable experience in my field. Throughout my career, I have been fueled by a deep-seated passion to serve those who have been overlooked and underserved. It pains me to witness the extensive suffering endured by individuals and families in our state. Regrettably, I believe that much of this suffering can be attributed to the emotional strains imposed upon our citizens by politicians and the perpetuation of a dysfunctional system that primarily serves the interests of its beneficiaries and the elite, rather than the ordinary people and small business owners who form the backbone of our society.

These emotional pressures have given rise to social chaos, fueling a distressing cycle of anxiety, depression, gun violence, domestic strife, and homelessness. Recognizing the urgent need for change, I have made the decision to enter the political arena. My primary objective is to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all, a cause that I am determined to secure adequate funding for. By taking this crucial step, we can begin to mitigate the alarming levels of gun violence, alleviate the pervasive issue of homelessness, and prevent incidents of police brutality.

Thus, I implore the esteemed voters of California to join me in effecting the transformative change we so desperately need. Together, we can lay the foundation for a society where mental health services are readily available to all, catalyzing a cascade of positive outcomes that will not only heal our collective wounds but also uplift the lives of every citizen in our great state.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to the U.S. Senate seat include legislation, representation of constituents, oversight of the executive branch, involvement in the budget process, treaty ratification, advice and consent on presidential appointments, participation in impeachment trials, and providing constituent services. Senators draft, propose, and vote on laws, advocate for their state or district, oversee government agencies, allocate funds through budget and appropriations, ratify treaties, confirm presidential appointees, conduct impeachment trials, and assist constituents with federal matters.
I want to serve the people that are not being served right now
In 1993, after completing my post doctoral training under Dr. Ruff, associate professor at UCSF and director of neurobehavioral services at Saint Mary's Hospital San Francisco, I founded the first non profit mental health agency named Neurobehavioral and Psychological Institute (now called the Hume center https://www.humecenter.org/ ) to served the underserved. It is still serving a larger community in San Francisco Bay Area. I served there until 2004.
It sets the policies for the national and international level by selecting judges, ambassadors, and chiefs of Army, Air Force, and Navy. The senate seat is also sets the agenda for any and all immigration policies. The Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials, essentially serving as jury and judge. I will be honored to be a part of this process.
Long-time politicians may become entrenched in their positions and be less open to new ideas or approaches. This can lead to increased partisanship and difficulty in finding common ground. Some argue that career politicians may lose touch with the everyday concerns of their constituents, potentially leading to a lack of representation. Seasoned politicians might be resistant to adopting innovative solutions or fresh perspectives, potentially hindering progress on certain issues.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a senator does not solely depend on their previous experience in government or politics. Other factors such as personal qualities, commitment to public service, ability to listen to constituents, and willingness to collaborate with colleagues also play crucial roles in determining a senator's success.
I think the filibuster is a parliamentary procedure in the United States Senate that allows a senator, or a group of senators, to delay or block a vote on a bill by continuously speaking or by making lengthy speeches. The filibuster is not a formal rule written into the Constitution but is based on Senate precedents and rules.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Kumar’s campaign website stated the following:

Mental Illness and Gun Violence
Having personally treated thousands of patients with mental disorders for almost 40 years, Dr. Kumar knows mental illness and what must be done to reduce its incidence in our society. Based on his personal findings, as well as those of other experts in the field, he has formulated a plan he feels will help curb mental illness in the nation. Dr. Kumar feels many of our nation's problems are rooted in the continual growth of mental illness that effect people of all ages, genders, racial backgrounds, educational levels, and socioeconomic status in all areas of society. Mental illness, when left untreated or improperly managed, can potentially contribute to an increased risk of gun violence. Certain mental illnesses may impact one's thoughts, emotions, and behavior in ways that could potentially lead to violent acts. Conditions such as severe depression, untreated psychosis, or specific personality disorders can sometimes impair an individual's judgment, perception of reality, impulse control, or ability to cope with stressors effectively.

Mental Illness In Our Society Today
In our country today millions of people suffer from many forms of mental disorders such as: anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions, schizophrenia, as well as problems of substance abuse-the consumption of alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms to numb painful mental health symptoms. Unfortunately, most of this chaos is created by our politicians. They have been influenced by the lobbyists and their money. It only helps only them not ordinary citizens. According to the American Psychiatric Association there are over 450 different definitions of mental disorders. Affirming Dr. Kumar's findings are alarming facts reported in the "2023 The State of Mental Health In America" by MHA- Mental Health America, the nation's leading community-based non-profit mental health organization. -- 21% of adults (over 50 million Americans} are experiencing problems with mental illness. 55% of them (over 28 million individuals} receive no treatment for their illness. --15% of adults had a substance use disorder in the past year. 93.5% of them did not receive treatment. --16% of youth report suffering at least one major depressive episode in the past year. 60% of youth with major depression do not receive mental health treatment. While the number of people who suffer mental illness is of serious concern, even more alarming is the fact that some people who've committed atrocious incidents were later diagnosed as having mental disorders. In that respect, mental illness can be far more dangerous than cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, and other illnesses that bring about suffering, and even death, to the unfortunates afflicted by such diseases. But, while the overwhelming majority of the mentally ill pose no danger, a person with a mental disorder can hurt more than just him or herself. Based on all the aforementioned findings and statistics, we all know that mental health is not limited to the individuals who is suffering but it also emotionally impacts their loved ones, their families, their local communities and small businesses around them. Dr. Kumar asserts that there is a pressing need for the government to prioritize and allocate increased resources towards individuals afflicted with mental disorders.

The Total Candidate
As a man who once worked for WHO (the World Health Organization}, Dr. Kumar has years of working for the betterment of our California community. That is a major reason why he has considerable knowledge on so many other issues that need attention. Having been an immigrant, he knows firsthand our country's immigration system, what immigrants face trying to find their niche in society, and how the system can be improved. He has personal experience in many problem areas that have been mostly overlooked by the government; including the plight of the homeless and the need for affordable housing. Dr. Kumar feels, "We are all Americans so we must unite to improve our country regardless of our individual backgrounds! We must work together to improve our quality of life by caring for one another so that our future generations can compete in the world! Since I first arrived, I have done all of that in my journey.” He is not the usual U.S. Senate candidate. But he is smart, savvy, determined, honest and truthful. Dr. Kumar for California's U.S. Senator! Take the time to get to know him and help him make the country the best its ever been.[8]

—Harmesh Kumar’s campaign website (2024)[9]

Special

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also:Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Harmesh Kumar did not completeBallotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary


Ballotpedia LogoNote: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at theFEC website. Clickhere for more on federal campaign finance law andhere for more on state campaign finance law.


Harmesh Kumar campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024*U.S. House California District 20Lost primary$0 N/A**
2024*U.S. Senate CaliforniaLost primary$16,528 $12,845
Grand total$16,528 $12,845
Sources:OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also


External links

Candidate

U.S. House California District 20

  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Personal

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Footnotes

    1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 31, 2023
    2. Cite error: Invalid<ref> tag; no text was provided for refs namedofficiallist
    3. California Secretary of State, "Key Dates and Deadlines," accessed April 18, 2017
    4. California Secretary of State, "Certified List of Candidates for the November 8, 2016, General Election," accessed September 7, 2016
    5. California Secretary of State, "2016 General Election results," accessed December 23, 2016
    6. California Secretary of State, "Certified List of Candidates for Voter-Nominated Offices," accessed April 4, 2016
    7. California Secretary of State, "Statement of Vote," accessed August 22, 2016
    8. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    9. Dr. Kumar for Senate, “Issues,” accessed March 4, 2024


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