Because I’m you: an everyday, hard-working Californian.

Because I, too, am impacted by the affordability crises of cost of living, cost of housing, and cost of healthcare.

Because as a common-sense, majority-party member who isn’t interested in grandstanding, I can actually get things done—like building diplomatic, productive relationships and retaining important legislative committee appointments that deliver results.

Because I believe everyone is a person above all else and deserves dignity and respect--and that individuals’ choices are exactly that: none of my business.

Because my background allows me to equally understand and respect blue-collar and white-collar life and the challenges of each.

Because I have respect for local control and want to support localities in forging a better quality of life for all by identifying and delivering state-level resources.

Because I am a parent, who still has a child in the UC system, and who can speak to parents’ rights and responsibilities.

Because I know education, having been immersed in it as a professional for the past twenty-five years and having gained the insight to craft innovative education policy and to solve real issues.

Because every time I fill out a ballot, or run for office, I am reminded I have the privilege of doing so because of this country’s armed service members--past, present, and future.

Because I understand every day first responders see to our safety by risking their own.

Because I have a vested interest in economic development diversity that leaves our communities livable for us and for future generations.

Because I’m tired of the division and rhetoric characterizing our political landscape and displacing solutions for our real, day-to-day struggles.

And because, quite simply (and in so many ways), we can do better.