During his session, Congressmember Gomez shed light on the challenges of working within a divided government, emphasizing how the structure of Congress and the role of social media can amplify partisanship. Gomez explained that while the Founding Fathers intentionally designed a government that moves slowly to encourage deliberation, modern factors, such as social media and the 24-hour news cycle, often heighten political divides. These dynamics, he noted, have sometimes incentivized extreme behavior, especially in the public-facing committee hearings where viral moments can become more valuable than substantive discourse.

The congressmember described how he strives to engage with people from all walks of life, including those with differing political views. He shared insights from his role in the Congressional Dads Caucus, an informal bipartisan group organized around family-focused issues. Gomez recounted his collaboration with Republican members, such as one representative from Omaha, Nebraska, underscoring the importance of finding common ground on key issues like family welfare and local community needs.

In response to student questions, Gomez outlined his legislative priorities, which center on issues that impact his district’s diverse community: housing, climate change and reproductive rights. He spoke at length about his work to address the housing crisis, noting the significant challenges posed by high rent and housing shortages in Los Angeles. He stressed the importance of building more affordable housing options and supporting policies that make homeownership achievable for more people. Gomez also discussed his advocacy for climate-friendly initiatives, such as offering tax credits for used electric vehicles to promote sustainable transportation.

A highlight of the conversation was Gomez’s candid discussion on the social issues that shape his legislative focus. In response to a question about discrimination, he emphasized the need to speak out against both overt and subtle forms of injustice. He provided a compelling example of his advocacy for inclusivity through a policy update that supports non-binary parents, including revising birth certificates to reflect diverse family structures. This, he explained, is one way to ensure that all families feel seen and valued, underscoring the long-term importance of such subtle but impactful changes.

Congressmember Gomez’s visit was a powerful extension of the values Chandler students explore in their social studies classes that encourage civil discourse, remaining curious and asking thoughtful questions. As Chandler School encourages thoughtful, inclusive communication within its classrooms, Gomez’s visit offered a real-world perspective on what it means to lead with empathy, work across divides and champion the needs of a diverse community. His insights served as a reminder that while political landscapes can be complex, efforts to find common ground and advocate for inclusive policies are vital to creating a more equitable future.