Ahead of the March primary, The Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Sheryl Adams
Current Job Title: Technical executive at Hyundai AutoEver America
Political Party Affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: Torrey Pines Planning Board member
City where you reside: Del Mar
Campaign website or social media: www.sherylforcongress.com
How much assistance should the U.S. provide — military and/or financial — to foreign countries at war, like Israel or Ukraine? What, if any, should be the litmus test for American allies to receive assistance from the U.S.?
America should support allies when they’re faced with invasions that threaten their very existence. The world witnessed terrorists brutally murder, rape and torture innocent Israeli civilians, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas still holds innocent civilians hostage while firing rockets into densely populated civilian targets. In Ukraine, Vladimir Putin illegally invaded a sovereign nation in an attempt to regain Ukraine as its own. The US should support our allies to the extent that we can responsibly afford to do so. That being said, support should be accompanied by strict oversight and an expectation that our other European allies do so, as well. Problems of this magnitude require global support, not only from the US. Nor should we lose sight of the problems here at home. We must make sure we secure our own border, crack down on crime and drugs infiltrating our society, and work towards lowering inflation which is hurting all Californians today, especially families, veterans and the elderly.
Border security continues to be a concern for many Americans. What is one proposal, that you believe could get bipartisan support, to address the border?
We absolutely must secure our border … now. For decades, liberal politicians like Rep. Mike Levin have sat by and done nothing as the situation at our southern border has intensified to unbelievable levels. The border is wide open. Fentanyl is pouring across, directly into our communities. Countless victims are being trafficked across every day.
Liberal leftists like Levin give speeches and make empty promises but never deliver upon them. I, on the other hand, have a proven record of delivering results and tackling difficult challenges. In Congress, I would vote to secure the border on day one. We must make sure that we fully fund federal law enforcement so they have all the resources they need to stop the drugs and criminals enabled by current policies.
As AI technology continues to rapidly expand, what do you see as the federal government’s role in creating and enforcing a regulatory framework?
Artificial intelligence is a technology I work with every day in my job. While AI offers humankind benefits in medicine and engineering, for example, it can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
An area of great importance will be the use and implementation of AI in our military and national security. The U.S. must not be caught flat-footed in the implementation and use of AI in warfare and the protection of all Americans, including for our borders and, frankly, the universe. This will be a topic of great consternation to all as our future unfolds. Having a tech leader like me as your representative is yet one more key component to your vote in 2024.
The role — and size — of the U.S. Supreme Court has come under scrutiny in recent years. Do you believe more justices should be added to the nation’s highest court, or would you support any kind of reform, like term limits?
Court packing is an extreme and dangerous idea that is opposed by a majority of voters across parties. I will strongly oppose any effort by an extreme minority to alter the Supreme Court for purely political reasons. In Congress, I will focus on the issues that matter to Southern Californians, such as the out-of-control cost of living, rising crime, the wide open southern border and an education system that has left our children behind.
What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?
As a highly accomplished leader in the automotive/transportation industry, I fully understand the complexities and nuances of building out an EV charging network. In Congress, I would work to limit stifling regulations to enable and improve opportunities for American innovation. By allowing companies to innovate and create new technology, we can develop affordable products such as EVs that can lower emissions.
However, I will also fight against radical climate policies like EV mandates and the Green New Deal which would harm our economy and hurt small business owners across our region. We have seen firsthand in Sacramento what happens when extreme politicians give in to radical special interests. I will ensure our policies intended to protect our environment won’t impact families and small business owners negatively, especially financially.
The George Santos saga made for numerous memes and “SNL” skits. But what is one thing Congress should take away from the former congressman’s expulsion from the House?
The integrity and character of the leaders we send to Washington matter. I am proud to have spent decades engaging as an advocate for my community. I regularly volunteer with Interfaith Shelter for Homeless, various veteran initiatives such as Wounded Warrier 5K, the Torrey Pines Conservancy, the Torrey Pines Planning Board and San Diego Humane Society and CalFire’s “First 50” equine rescue group.
I also serve as a eucharistic minister at St. Peter’s in Del Mar. I am a mother to my nephew, whose adoption journey profoundly shaped me. In Congress, I will be a proud advocate for my neighbors in the 49th congressional district, just as I have been for years as a private citizen.
2023 was a year for labor in California. What is one policy you’d champion to support workers, if elected?
Workers in Southern California are struggling because of far-left policies being pushed by liberal Washington, D.C., and Sacramento Democrats. Workers and our families are increasingly unable to afford to live in Orange County and San Diego as rents and property affordability continue to skyrocket. We go to the grocery store and see essentials steadily increase month after month. Prices at the pump remain much higher than the national average. Many of us go home and have to worry about rising crime and an influx of dangerous drugs in our neighborhoods. Those of us with families have seen children fall behind in the classroom as a result of education policies that prioritize politics over academic preparation. I will always fight for workers; I am one. I will support lowering taxes so that we can keep more of our hard-earned money. I will fight to lower inflation and reverse the price rises that have impacted so many everyday essentials. I fully support law enforcement and support securing the southern border so that our communities are free of dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Finally, I will tirelessly fight to improve our education system and put parents first so that our children can have a prosperous future.
If you are an incumbent, tell us the most significant accomplishment of your most recent term. If you’re a newcomer, tell us how you, as a freshman, would stand out.
I am uniquely qualified to deliver results for the residents of the 49th congressional district. I am a highly successful trailblazer in the automotive industry. My entire career I have been a competent and powerful leader who has worked collaboratively to deliver real results that make a positive impact in our country. I led the national implementation of OnStar, a technology that is now widely used to make drivers and vehicles on our roads safer and more efficient. I am a member and panelist of the U.S. Congressional Smart Cities Caucus, a group that works with tech and community leaders to improve the services local governments provide to their residents. I will use my background as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur to work with my colleagues in Congress and deliver real results for my district and the region. I have always been a hard worker who does not just talk about problems but follows through and solves them. I will take this expertise to Washington and deliver for the residents of CA-49. You can count on me.
Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.
Competent, real-life pragmatism that delivers measurable results for Southern California.
What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?
Diet Coke from the fountain, Envy apples and York Peppermint Patties.
