Beyond Party Lines: Dory Benami’s Vision for a More Practical California District

Dory Benami is a Democratic candidate running in the June 2, 2026, primary for California’s 32nd Congressional District, which covers parts of the San Fernando Valley and extends into areas like Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

A lifelong San Fernando Valley resident (with deep roots in Tarzana), Benami positions himself as a pragmatic, non-career politician and local “neighbor” bringing fresh leadership after three decades of the same congressional representation. He emphasizes practical solutions over partisan extremes, drawing on his business experience, legal training, and personal background as an Israeli-born American and father.

Background and Personal Life

Born in Tel Aviv, Benami moved to the San Fernando Valley before age two with his family. He grew up in Reseda, Canoga Park, Encino, and Tarzana (where his family settled in 1986), and he still lives on the same block where he rode his bike as a child. His father worked as a film producer, and Benami has described early political involvement, including volunteering on the 1992 Clinton-Gore campaign after his family connected with then-Governor Clinton during a film project.

He is a husband and father to daughter Alana, whom he and his wife (an immigrant from Colombia) are raising in Tarzana. Benami frequently highlights family concerns—school safety, street security, housing affordability, and ensuring the next generation can stay in the Valley—as central to his motivation for running.

Education and Career

Benami holds:

• An undergraduate degree from UC Riverside.
• A law degree with honors from the University of Warwick in England.
• An LL.M. in Intellectual Property and International Business Law from the University of San Francisco.

His professional path began in the entertainment industry, working with Writers & Artists Agency and New Regency at 20th Century Fox on international theatrical releases and home video distribution. He later transitioned to the footwear and apparel sector, living and working in China, where he negotiated with factories, managed supply chains, and dealt directly with tariffs and global trade issues. He describes himself as a small business owner with hands-on experience navigating regulations, creating jobs, and making payroll.

Benami argues this real-world background—rather than a career in elected office—equips him to understand how policies affect working families, businesses, and global markets.

Political Philosophy and Platform

As a proud Democrat, Benami criticizes both parties for drifting toward extremes and calls for a return to the middle ground. He cites figures like John Fetterman and Ritchie Torres as inspirations. Key positions include:

• Secure borders and legal immigration — paired with support for immigrants.
• Public safety — backing law enforcement while demanding accountability.
• Economic pragmatism — clean energy with common-sense regulation, support for small businesses, and accountability for government spending.
• Strong U.S.-Israel alliance, combating antisemitism and hate.
• Priorities for the district: housing affordability, crime prevention, school safety, government accountability, and addressing issues like wildfires and AI-driven job changes.

He frames his campaign around “New Energy, New Leadership, Real Change,” arguing that long-term incumbency has not kept pace with rising costs, housing instability, public safety concerns, and other modern challenges. Benami stresses he is running to serve the district’s constituents, not a party or ladder-climbing ambition, in a crowded primary field.

Campaign Context

The race features multiple candidates, including incumbent Rep. Brad Sherman (D). Benami highlights his local roots and outsider perspective in contrast to career politicians. His campaign uses grassroots appeals, social media (active on Instagram as @dorybenami), and direct outreach emphasizing community issues and pro-Israel stances, particularly resonant in areas with significant Jewish populations.

At age 50, Benami presents as a moderate, results-oriented Democrat shaped by immigrant family experience, international business, and Valley life. His pitch centers on restoring “sanity,” security, and opportunity so families like his can thrive in the changing San Fernando Valley and broader district.