The first time I ran for anything I was nine years old and in the 4^th grade at Broadacres Elementary School in Carson. I was running for school secretary and my opponent was a very popular (and very cute) 6^th grade boy who was already 12. I lost that election by a landslide, but I learned a lot.  Mostly, that I needed to do a better job campaigning, and that underclassmen didn't have the same clout as upperclassmen. I ran for many other offices after that in school, at work, and in the community, and with each victory (and loss) I learned more and more.  One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my political journey is that campaigns aren’t won by candidates alone. They’re powered by the people who show up, step up, and stand beside them.

Here I am on the morning of that election, practicing my speech in front of my mom before she took me to school.

The first time I volunteered for a political campaign, I was 14 years old. A friend invited me to “hang out” at her house in San Pedro on a Saturday morning. Not long after my mom dropped me off, I realized I had been recruited to make campaign calls for her dad, who was running for school board. After a few calls, I connected with a Spanish-speaking voter and immediately switched to Spanish. From that moment on, I showed up almost every day after school for nearly two months, focusing on reaching Spanish-speaking voters. Her dad won that election, and that experience sparked my lifelong interest in real-world politics.

The first time I canvassed neighborhoods was in college when I volunteered for a professor whose husband was running for city council in the San Fernando Valley. Once again, I found myself talking with Spanish-speaking voters and making real connections. Since then, I have volunteered on dozens of campaigns, making calls, knocking on doors, and meeting incredible people along the way. What I have always loved most about this work is that it feels real. It feels like making a difference one conversation, one vote at a time.

Here I am with my new boyfriend after a full day of knocking on doors back in 1996. He thought we were going on a date. Poor guy, someone should have warned him!

Even though my kids have been knocking on doors with me since they were little, it wasn’t until I ran for college board in 2016 that they made their first campaign calls. Today, they are pros and often log in to make calls on their own, surprising me later with their reports. Shout out to my mom (who doesn’t even live in Long Beach) for making her 200th call this week!

If you have ever been curious about this part of the political process, this is your opportunity to jump in and be part of a very meaningful experience. You’ll get to experience something new, and we could really use your help.

Election Day is 33 days away and our momentum is surging across the district. Every day is packed with voter outreach as more and more volunteers join our growing team. We have an incredible group of phone bankers making calls daily from the comfort of their homes, along with a dedicated team of precinct walkers knocking on doors with a message of hope and change for the Westside and Wrigley.

Here's the next wave phone banking opportunities. Many of our volunteers have become so confident that they are now making calls on their own time outside of these scheduled sessions. Click HERE to sign up and join us. Spanish and Tagalog speakers are especially encouraged to participate. Each Zoom session follows a two-hour format like the one listed under May 1:

• Friday, May 1, 2026

1. 6:00–6:30 PM Training (if needed)

2. 6:30–7:30 PM Phone Banking

3. 7:30–8:00 PM Debrief (optional)

• Sunday, May 3, 2026 11 AM to 1 PM

• Monday, May 4, 2026 6 to 8 PM

• Friday, May 8, 2026 6 to 8 PM

• Saturday, May 9, 2026 9 to 11 AM

• Monday, May 11, 2026 6 to 8 PM

• Friday, May 15, 2026 6 to 8 PM

• Sunday, May 17, 2026 11 AM to 1 PM

I am out knocking on doors every day with family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes on my own. There is nothing like connecting with voters face to face. We also have three major walk days coming up for those who want to be part of a larger team effort. Save these dates and click HERE to RSVP. More details about each day will be sent soon.

• Saturday, May 9 – Community Walk Day #3

• Saturday, May 16 – “Boots on the Ground” ILWU & Labor Walk Day

• Saturday, May 30 – “All Hands on Deck” Get Out the Vote Day

Here I am walking with friends from Canton Street last night. They introduced me to their neighbors and we had great conversations with voters. Check out our furry four-legged volunteers!

We continue to host meet and greets across the district in homes, backyards, driveways, and local businesses. These gatherings are one of the most powerful ways to listen to and connect with voters. Click HERE to host a one to two hour meet and greet with your neighbors.

Now is the time to get involved and be part of this movement. Our campaign is powered by people just like you. Every call, every door, and every conversation matters.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Thank you and God bless,

Vivian Malauulu

Candidate for Long Beach City Council District 7