On Nov. 8, 2016, Jordan Cunningham (00) was elected decisively to represent California’s 35th State Assembly District, which includes all of San Luis Obispo and portions of Santa Barbara counties.
After graduating from PLNU with a degree in physics, he attended law school at University of California, Berkeley. Cunningham said PLNU gave him a foundation that started his unique career journey toward the State Assembly.
“The combination of a well-rounded liberal arts education and a science degree has served me very well in academic settings,” Cunningham stated. “Physics gives you a solid analytical background, the work ethic to struggle with hard problems, and an empirically grounded view of the world. That is useful in every profession, including law and politics.”
He placed equal importance on his participation in extracurricular activities at PLNU — such as the debate team, writing for the school paper, and intramural sports. “Success in politics depends on your ability to persuade and instill trust and confidence,” he said. “The PLNU experience gave me that foundation.”
While at PLNU, Cunningham had the chance to intern with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., an experience that impacted the trajectory of his career.
“Spending that summer in the nation’s capital and working for the premier law enforcement agency in the world realigned my career goals. It sparked an interest in public service and politics that has never subsided,” he said. “We are called to serve our community, and to do so with integrity. Those are core principles that have informed everything I’ve done.”
When Cunningham chose to run for State Assembly, it was not a difficult decision.
“My generation inherited an amazing country and system of government and commerce,” he said. “We owe it to future generations to preserve and strengthen it.”
Regarding his busy home life and full workload, he stated, “My wife is my business partner, my life partner, my confidant, and my top adviser. My children are my motivation in all things. Balance is elusive, but I’ve tried to improve at being fully present, wherever I am. Wherever you are and whomever you are with, give them 110 percent of your attention and focus.”
His recommendation to those seeking to serve in politics is this: “Supplement your education with practical experience through internships and summer jobs. Study everything you can — books and people — about persuasion and the human decision-making process. It will serve you well in law or politics.”
The Viewpoint
PLNU's university publication, the Viewpoint, seeks to contribute relevant and vital stories that grapple with life's profound questions from a uniquely Christian perspective. Through features, profiles, and news updates, the Viewpoint highlights stories of university alumni, staff, faculty, and students who are pursuing who they are called to be.