Marine Corps veteran and vocal critic of California's homeless crisis, Kate Monroe, has announced her candidacy for Congress as a Republican in 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Monroe expressed her desire to counter the "woke ideology" that she believes has infiltrated politics. She believes that many people, not just those on the right, are seeking a return to more centrist policies in San Diego.
Monroe will challenge Democratic Representative Mike Levin in California's 49th Congressional District. This swing district spans from southern Orange County to northern coastal areas of San Diego County. Prior to Levin's election in 2018, the district was represented by Republican Darrell Issa.
Monroe highlighted the rise of the "woke ideology" and the impact it has had on the safety of San Diego. Crime rates in the city have surged in 2021, mirroring the trend seen in many major cities across the country. Recent police data indicates a decrease in several categories of crime, except for burglary and vehicle theft.
The region has also been in the spotlight due to its homeless crisis. Monroe has spent the past few months shedding light on the issue by interviewing individuals living on the streets and sharing their stories online. She believes that homelessness is not limited to San Diego, but rather a nationwide problem.
Monroe proposes a tailored approach to addressing homelessness. She suggests prioritizing assistance for those she refers to as "circumstantially homeless," individuals who have ended up on the streets due to financial setbacks or other life events. She believes that once these individuals are back on their feet, attention can be shifted to those with mental health issues and, lastly, those struggling with severe drug addiction. Monroe criticizes the popular "housing first" approach in California and the West Coast, arguing that it is not suitable for those with severe drug addiction.
Kevin Dahlgren, who documents Oregon's drug and homelessness issues, commended Monroe for her hands-on approach to understanding the homeless crisis. Dahlgren praised her for visiting multiple encampments, conducting interviews, and witnessing firsthand the chaos and neglect experienced by the homeless.
Despite being new to national politics, Monroe plans to leverage her experience as an entrepreneur and CEO of VetComm, a company with a nonprofit arm dedicated to helping homeless veterans obtain disability compensation and transition into housing. If elected, she would become the first female Marine Corps veteran in Congress.
The 49th Congressional District, where Monroe is running, is home to nearly a quarter of a million veterans and over 100,000 active-duty military members. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is located within the district.
While acknowledging the progress made by the Department of Veterans Affairs in recent years, Monroe believes there is still work to be done in improving wait times and the quality of care provided to veterans.
In her discussions with potential voters, Monroe found that the majority of people care about similar issues. She believes that safety, health, border security, and the economy are the key concerns that need to be addressed, not only in San Diego and Orange County but also as a nation. Monroe advocates for a return to an "America first" mentality in politics, emphasizing the need to protect the nation and appreciate its greatness.
Two other business professionals, Matt Gunderson and Sheryl Adams, have already entered the Republican race. Gunderson previously ran an unsuccessful state Senate campaign, while Adams has an extensive career with major corporations such as Ford, General Motors, and Hyundai.
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