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Rakhi Israni calls for term limits, fresh leadership in Congress
Rakhi Israni says term limits, fresh leadership and stock-trading bans are needed to restore accountability in Congress.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 25, May 2026
- 17:55 EDT
- 24
Rakhi Israni / Handout
Washington: Rakhi Israni, candidate for California’s 14th Congressional District said Congress needs term limits and fresh leadership in Washington to reduce complacency and improve governance.
Running as a Democrat, she argued that long tenures in Congress often lead to stagnation in policymaking and weaker accountability to constituents.
Also Read: Rakhi Israni focuses on affordability in CD-14
“Because people are spending decades in Congress, there is this complacency in policymaking or problem solving, which is hurtful to the people on the ground,” she said.
Prior to entering politics, she worked as a non-profit lawyer and educator and has been actively involved in community-building initiatives for several years.
The Problem - Complacency in Congress
Decades-long tenures in Congress, she said, have created a pattern of complacency that weakens responsiveness to everyday concerns.
Israni also pointed to what she described as a broader reluctance among lawmakers to call out problematic behavior, saying it ultimately affects families and local communities.
“We have seen it across the spectrum. This ultimately hurts the people in the district, and the families in the area that are trying to focus on their life, quality of lives and raising their families,” she said.
The Fix - Term Limits and Accountability
Israni proposed limiting congressional tenure and suggested a retirement age of 75, arguing that structured turnover would bring in new perspectives and improve problem-solving.
“It is important to bring in fresh perspectives, look at a problem from a different lens and engage with stakeholders. The drive to solve problems should be constant in people representing us,” she said.
As a first-time candidate, she said she aims to “restore decency” in Washington and argued that voters are increasingly frustrated with career politicians and want greater accountability.
Banning Stock Trading for Members of Congress
Israni also called for banning stock trading by members of Congress and their families, arguing that lawmakers should not profit from their positions.
“In order to ensure that we are actually solving problems, it is imperative that we remove complacency from the system,” she said.
Having lived in the East Bay for over two decades, she said her approach to leadership is rooted in listening first, finding common ground, and delivering results.
“It is important to be the most effective and not necessarily the loudest,” she said.
The special election to replace former Congressman Eric Swalwell is scheduled for August 18, while the Democratic primary is set for June 16. The primary for the permanent seat will be held on June 2.
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