Tessa Lynn Hodge

Tessa Lynn Hodge's High Desert roots include a grandfather who retired after twenty two years in the Air Force and opened a Victorville print shop.¹ Her grandmother worked as a registered nurse for more than thirty years, mostly at St. Mary's Medical Center in Apple Valley.¹ Hodge has lived in the region throughout her life.¹

She became a licensed clinical social worker and has nearly a decade of experience working with vulnerable children and families.¹ Her clinical work has included children in foster care and students receiving mental health services through schools.¹

Hodge has also worked in San Bernardino County translating state and federal legislation into county policies and guidelines for staff.¹ She describes that work as part of her interest in addressing poverty, addiction and mental health through public policy.¹ In her candidate survey, she identifies her grandfather Bert Willis as an example of kindness and community service.²

Her agenda includes Medicare for All, expanded rural healthcare, workforce training, affordable housing and renter protections.² She also supports term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court and stronger legislative oversight of the executive branch.² She faces Republican incumbent Jay Obernolte in November's election.²