Raquel Mejia, a dedicated mother and former nurse, has become a pivotal figure in her son Kenneth Mejia's political campaign for reelection in Los Angeles.
Her strategy? Offering free Filipino food to draw in crowds of millennials and Gen Z supporters.
Last Sunday, Raquel quickly drove from Mass to Dollar Hits restaurant, a local favorite, to provide delicious dishes like lumpia and chicken adobo to eager campaign supporters.
"It’s heartwarming to see my son getting this much support from the young voters of LA. He must be doing something right," Raquel expressed.
Kenneth, who made history as the first Filipino American to hold a citywide office in Los Angeles, received impressive support in his 2022 election, garnering over 513,000 votes.
Raquel proudly noted that his message of accountability resonates with voters, even outpacing current Mayor Karen Bass.
The campaign's lively atmosphere was further amplified by Kenneth’s engaging personality and creative outreach efforts, including social media antics that appeal to younger audiences.
Raquel reminisced about how a meeting with Bernie Sanders inspired Kenneth to pursue a political career, leading him to leave a lucrative job as an auditor.
Although he faced early setbacks, Kenneth's campaign evolved significantly with the help of his campaign manager, Jane Nguyen.
Their collaboration transformed his image, making him a relatable and entertaining candidate.
Kenneth's dedication to transparency was highlighted when he exposed a $23 million fraud related to the city’s homeless program, showcasing his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Despite facing financial challenges compared to his opponent, Raquel emphasized that their strength lies in Kenneth’s integrity and values.
Raquel's journey from Bayambang, Pangasinan, to supporting her son's rise in American politics exemplifies resilience and hope.
As she reflected on Kenneth’s achievements, Raquel expressed immense pride and hopes for his continued success in advocating for the community.