Join Team Whitesides
Endorsed by the
California Democratic Party for CA-27!
It’s time we have bold, new leadership in CA-27, the congressional district from Santa Clarita to the Antelope Valley. As a local leader, former NASA Chief of Staff and aerospace entrepreneur, George Whitesides is committed to moving Southern California forward. Now, he’s ready to deliver for CA-27.
George’s campaign is connecting with voters across the district on the path to win this seat in 2024. In Congress, he will be committed to creating great jobs in the district, finding solutions to the wildfire crisis, protecting a woman's right to choose and protecting Social Security and Medicare for seniors. George is committed to moving CA-27 forward, including working across the aisle. With your support, George will make that happen.
Biography
George has spent his career solving problems. Over the past 20 years, he has helped lead NASA to new heights, created hundreds of quality jobs in the Antelope Valley, and supported front-line responders and public health through his work on the wildfire crisis.
Former Chief of Staff, NASA
George worked on President Obama’s transition team in 2008, and then served as Chief of Staff for NASA for the Obama administration. George was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the agency’s highest honor. George led reform of NASA to enable current U.S. space leadership.
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Former CEO, Virgin Galactic
George was the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, the human spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson. He grew the company over a decade from a small team to the global aerospace firm it is today, creating 700 jobs in the Antelope Valley and flying the first woman to space on a commercial space vehicle.
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Combating Our Wildfire Crisis
George co-founded Megafire Action, the first organization dedicated to solving our nation’s megafire crisis. He also initiated Caltech’s Keck Institute workshop on “Detecting and Tracking Fires that Matter” in 2021 and is an advisor to several philanthropic efforts working to make wildfire a manageable challenge through innovation and science policy.
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Leader In Our Community
George co-chaired the Antelope Valley Covid-19 Task Force, an ad hoc group that brought together NASA, industry, local government and the Antelope Valley College to support front line nurses and doctors, for which George received NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal.
George serves as a board member of the Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE), working to grow jobs and businesses in the AV.
George was awarded the Partners in Educational Excellence Award by the Antelope Valley Union High School District for his work supporting underprivileged students.