The publication is reproduced in full below:
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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 39
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