[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 39 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JOSH RICHMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2022

  Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the public service 
of Josh Richman, an invaluable member of my district team for the past 
six years, as he moves on to his next professional endeavor. Josh 
joined my office in January 2016 after working nearly 24 years as a 
reporter in Pennsylvania and the San Francisco Bay Area. Immediately 
prior to joining our office, he was the senior political reporter for 
the Bay Area News Group, which includes the Oakland Tribune and the 
East Bay Times. Josh began his work with our office as Communications 
Director and was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor.
  I first met Josh when he covered local Tri-Valley politics and I 
served as a Dublin city councilmember. In September 2012, I announced a 
long-shot run for Congress against a 40-year incumbent from my own 
party. About 30 people (including family members) showed up for the 
announcement, and only one reporter, Josh. Though Josh told me 
throughout the campaign that I didn't have a chance, I admired how he 
fairly covered the race. And I personally resolved that if I could ever 
hire him, I would.
  Josh made an impact on my office immediately. He brought a fresh 
perspective to issues and cultivated strong relationships with 
constituents and the media alike. His history in journalism helped 
tremendously when it came to working with the media and developing 
relationships with reporters, bills we introduced, or events we were 
holding back home. It is unusual for a communications director to be 
based in the district, but in our case, he was essential. Josh had an 
inherent understanding of the local media landscape, was a keen 
photographer, and could provide vital feedback.
  I could always count on Josh for an honest, unfiltered, and well-
reasoned opinion. Each one of us needs at least one trusted person that 
won't always say, ``yes.'' Those people make us grow and become better. 
Josh was one of those people and he's made it clear he will still play 
that role, even while outside the office.
  Josh was also an invaluable mentor to many on our staff, particularly 
the many communications aides who worked under him. Many of those aides 
have gone on, with the benefit of Josh's experience, to become 
communications directors themselves. Josh also had an intimate 
understanding of the work his colleagues did and could recognize the 
moments that they felt overwhelmed. At those times he took it upon 
himself to infuse levity, joy, and acts of genuine appreciation for his 
colleagues into the work day. He saw the value in maintaining a 
workplace that was as happy as it was productive, and he did all he 
could to create that environment.
  I'd like to thank Josh's wife, Natalie, and son, Jack, for allowing 
me to borrow so much time that they may have otherwise spent together. 
I also thank Josh for his time, his expertise, his counsel, and his 
friendship. I wish him good luck in this next endeavor and know that 
this isn't the last he'll hear from me.

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