When Senior James Riple was asked to be a part of Councilwoman Janice Hahn’s Congressional campaign, he could hardly resist. With an enthusiastic passion towards the politics and those who run them, Riple volunteered to work with Hahn, hoping to further expand his experience.
Since 9th grade at Peninsula High School, Riple began to explore his interest in politics through clubs, namely Global Affairs, a club that he founded on campus and continues to manage. He also created a personal blog, Riple in the Pond, to input his political ideals into modern-day conflicts, discussing both sides of the debate. The blog grew to popularity notably among his friends, who soon began to input their thoughts as well.
Halfway through his junior year, Riple came across politician Craig Huey’s campaign sign. At the time, California held its 36th Congressional district special election following the resignation of U.S. Representative Jane Harman. The two major candidates, Democrat Hahn and Republican Huey, faced off each other in what would grow to be a head-to-head election.
Riple, intrigued by the campaign sign, began to look into the election efforts, to eventually find a volunteer opportunity at Hahn’s campaign office. He would later go on to assume a position at the office to manage recruitments for other student volunteers, as well as to collect data throughout the campaign.
Hahn later defeated her opponent Huey by a near margin of 55% to 45%. When Riple heard of the results, he felt “truly proud”, relieved that the Democratic Tea Party base had abundantly shown up to vote.
“I was pretty nervous because I knew the supporters that Huey gathered were no doubt showing up to vote, but would ours?” Riple said. “I think that’s always the fear: You are always afraid the other side will out-turn you.”
Now, in the midst of his final year at his high school, he now looks forward to his future, which he hopes will involve politics.
“I hope to take my political career to the top,” Riple said.
He looks to address certain points in government workings, such as the role of religious involvement in politicians, a topic Riple shows high passion in.
“My personal belief is that if you are an elected official, it is your duty to stand away from religious bias,” Riple said. “That isn’t their job.”
On students’ involvement in voicing their concerns, he stated that students should, like him and legislations, be active to find a cause.
“I think it is important for people to do their research to find something they are passionate about and make a change,” he said.
