Running a statewide campaign for the Governor's race is a lot of work. Especially when there are obstacles and you hold fast to your values. I'll be sharing the highs and lows of our campaign journey because it's not just about me; it's about all of us. As we run together, transparency holds significant value. It allows you to understand the challenges that affect decision-making and gain insights into my thought process. While I cannot name names within my campaign without concrete evidence, acquiring such proof is a complex task, as most people are reluctant to go on the record, and secretly recording conversations is illegal. Nevertheless, I have some strategies in play, and I'm aware that my opponents are keeping a close watch. To those individuals, I extend an invitation to join us in this endeavor and observe our unique approach to campaigning.
I've achieved a great deal, particularly considering that I initiated this statewide campaign with only a two-person team in May 2022 when I officially announced my candidacy. I made substantial efforts to establish a presence in the political arena. I conducted interviews with notable politicians, including Senators Joe Nguyen and Claire Wilson. My pursuit for recognition extended to the Democratic party, where I reached out and requested access to the vote builder list.
I attended the 33rd Democratic Christmas party, eager to introduce myself and inform them about my campaign through emails. Unfortunately, they explained that they were undergoing reorganization in January due to the tragic passing of a member. I later attended another 33rd Dem meeting where, this time, I was allowed to address the audience and announce my candidacy. I hoped to gather more information, but they informed me that I would receive a survey in 2024 for an interview, with no explanation for why I hadn't received the vote builder list. However, Mr. Menendez offered to invite me to an event attended by prominent figures and potential financial supporters. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford the $500 fee required for attendance.
Reaching out to the media presented its own set of challenges. I sent press releases to several media outlets and encountered some of the larger ones at festivals and events I attended, but none of them reached out to me. Faced with this hurdle, I decided to engage with smaller media outlets, which allowed me to share my story and define my campaign on my own terms. This experience underscored the importance of taking control of one's narrative in an environment where free press doesn't always equate to fair press.
In my quest to understand the needs of various groups, I engaged with unions and organizations. Unfortunately, I often received generic responses readily available through internet searches. Many responses carried a tone of condescension, questioning my credibility and resources, largely due to my status as a regular citizen running for a seat without prior permission. On a union job site, I encountered a group of businessmen who openly mocked me based on my race and gender, revealing the biases I had to navigate.
It became apparent that many groups had pre-existing agreements on candidate endorsements, even though campaign rules are designed to protect the integrity of campaigning. However, that integrity is often obsolete unless there are whistleblowers, who are rare. No one is willing to go on the record to confirm what they've said in private when no one else is around, making private recordings of such conversations illegal.
This raised questions about the purpose of PAC (Political Action Committee) surveys. If endorsements were predetermined, were these surveys merely for show, creating an illusion of inclusivity and fairness? My interactions with organizations posed further challenges. Some were hesitant to discuss issues with me due to concerns about losing funding. Although nonprofits can't officially endorse or support a candidate, my status as a candidate hindered my ability to engage with individuals, even on unrelated topics like my forgiveness coaching program.
I received rumors from small businesses about a respected organization in our disadvantaged communities attempting to dissuade people from taking my campaign seriously. Interestingly, this same organization took me to lunch, during which they inquired about my willingness to compromise on values. They presented a scenario revolving around endorsing either moms or dads as the better parents for children. I would have to make a choice like this. They suggested I could not choose both and should side with moms because "everyone loves moms." I challenged this binary perspective, asserting that what's best for a child depends on who the better parent is, irrespective of gender. This incident highlighted how restrictive, outdated norms and attitudes still permeate the political landscape.
In this ongoing campaign journey, I've encountered hurdles and challenges that underscore the need for transparency, fairness, and a level playing field in our political landscape. While I continue to navigate these complexities, it's essential to remember that this campaign isn't just about me; it's about all of us. We strive for a system where every voice is heard, where authenticity and values matter, and where the best interests of the people are at the forefront of our decisions. As we move forward, I invite you to join us in redefining the way we approach politics, ensuring that it truly serves the needs and aspirations of our communities. Together, we can bring about positive change and create a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate future for all.
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