Born and raised in Abyssinia, a nation known for its rich culture and enduring heritage, I come from a lineage of pride and dignity that has stood for centuries as a beacon of freedom. In a time when trust and integrity are desperately needed, I am committed to bringing both to our communities. As an immigrant who has spent the majority of my life in California, I proudly call the California Republic my home.
With 20 years of service in the United States Navy, I’ve had the honor of working alongside all branches of the military and people from diverse backgrounds during some of the most challenging times our nation has faced.
As a proud father, husband, and U.S. veteran, I refuse to watch our communities be left behind and priced out of the future we and our children deserve. Today, so much is at stake. The values and opportunities we once cherished are slowly slipping away. If we don’t act decisively, we risk ending up in a situation from which we may not easily recover. I can no longer stand by while the residents of our beautiful state grapple with a high cost of living and corruption in Sacramento and Washington.
I am running for governor because I love the United States, the Republic of California, and our future generations. We are straying from the values and principles that once united us. My experiences as both a veteran and an immigrant have shown me alarming signs that we are heading in the wrong direction; a course correction is essential before we reach a point of no return.
Politicians have forgotten who they represent. Today, special interests and foreign influences overshadow the voices of ordinary people, shaping decisions that should belong to the public. I had hoped for a leader with true understanding—someone who can grasp not only the issues we see on the surface, but also the deeper forces at work behind the scenes that continue to affect our lives. Looking at current candidates, they are complicit, compromised, or unable to solve the problems they helped create.
When I get elected, I will not back down or kneel in tough times. I will not seek refuge elsewhere while our country faces threats from those who wish us harm, nor will I be a yes-man for those with hidden agendas and pet projects. I will not be bought by anyone pushing their own interests. Instead, I will work collaboratively with all Californians to attract top talent, cut taxes, and create new revenue streams for our state. We will no longer be taxed to death; we owe it to our future generations to thrive, not just survive. I will work diligently to prepare the Republic of California for all scenarios.
Every single one of you is important. Our families and future generations deserve a governor who can extend an olive branch to all and stand firm against anyone without being constrained by party politics. I encourage you to be an informed voter because an informed voter is one of the most powerful forces in our democracy, and politicians know it. I invite you to step forward as an empowered voter, someone who understands what it will take to help restore California as an affordable, thriving home for all who live here.
I accept this challenge and am running as an Independent for every Californian, transcending party lines. A true Independent has never held the governor’s office in California, but I aim to change that and demonstrate the power of an independent agenda. Know the power this great state holds, and remember that the changes we make here often shape the direction of the entire nation. Let’s rise to this moment and make history together.
God bless you, God bless California, and God bless the USA.
Photo by @aubry_taiese