Is California prepared for its first alt-rock politician?
Tim Myers, a founding member of OneRepublic and music-label proprietor, positive hopes so. The 40-year-old jumped into the race for lieutenant governor earlier this summer season, saying that California wants leaders who’re keen to face as much as President Donald Trump’s assaults.
“I was sick and tired of sitting on the sidelines and seeing good people getting hurt. I’ve heard story after story of young people not being able to afford homes in California because the cost of living here is so crippling. Then there’s Trump coming here with the National Guard, trying to enforce his immigration policies,” Myers advised Every day Kos. “Now is the time to step up.”
Tim Myers is seen acting at a protest towards President Donald Trump’s undemocratic insurance policies and actions.
Myers was initially working for Congress—hoping to unseat GOP Rep. Ken Calvert—however dropped out of the crowded main to pursue a statewide run. He mentioned the lieutenant governor’s submit is a greater perch to oppose Trump’s agenda.
“Congress is a circus right now. As lieutenant governor, I could effectively stand up to Trump and use it as a bully pulpit to drive significant change in the state,” he mentioned. “My candidacy seems to be connecting and resonating with folks, so I’m happy with my decision.”
The job itself isn’t significantly highly effective, nevertheless it has served as a launchpad for a number of governors. Myers is coming into a crowded subject that features California Treasurer Fiona Ma, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Sausalito Council member Janelle Kellman, Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, State Board of Equalization member Mike Schaefer, and former state Sen. Steven Bradford.
Myers, who now lives in Los Angeles, grew up in Corona, the place his dad was a pastor, and had stints as each a janitor and barista earlier than his music profession took off—expertise that he says formed his views on work and alternative in immediately’s California.
Every day Kos, which isn’t endorsing anybody on this race, had the chance to interview Myers about his marketing campaign.
This interview has been frivolously edited for size and readability.
Every day Kos: You’re a political outsider. So why run for workplace?
Tim Myers: The way in which politics are is between the haves and the have-nots—the institution and corrupt politicians and the billionaire class versus the individuals and the working class.
I acknowledge the urgency to step up and assist my state. That is essentially the most heated interval in my lifetime in politics, and we’d like leaders who’re exterior of the system. The system is totally dysfunctional, and it must be fastened. We’d like outsiders—a complete bunch of them—to rise towards the institution and restore the system.
DK: And why now?
Myers: So much has been constructing as much as this. I needed to dedicate vital time to getting concerned and diving into politics. Then, as issues began escalating and with the whole lot Trump has executed concentrating on California—bringing within the Nationwide Guard and invading our state—I appeared round and noticed our leaders not standing up, protesting, or being lively.
Tim Myers performs at a protest, the place an attendee holds an indication that reads, “Remove the creep & the veep.”
DK: It’s a crowded subject of Democratic contenders. What makes your candidacy stand out?
Myers: The opposite candidates are profession politicians, they usually’ve all made it clear that they’re utilizing this seat as a stepping stone to grow to be governor and climb the ladder. I additionally felt that not one of the different candidates have been attending protests to ship a transparent message in regards to the route they needed the occasion to take, which was disheartening.
Then, as I researched the candidates additional, I found that a few of them have been embroiled in scandal. That’s mind-blowing to me. I’m a true-blue Democrat, however we have to weed these individuals out. If we elect the identical outdated politicians, nothing will change.
DK: Are you leaning in your music profession that will help you on this marketing campaign? You realize, individuals love a star endorsement.
Myers: We’re internet hosting a non-public fundraiser live performance in Los Angeles quickly, that includes a lineup of musical artists, and plan to supply numerous superstar objects as a part of choose ticket tiers out there to attendees.
With regards to securing superstar endorsements, I’ve had celebrities textual content me saying they’d like to endorse or help. Nonetheless, the endorsements I worth most come from on a regular basis individuals. I’m unsure I essentially need a Kardashian’s endorsement.
DK: For those who have been to determine California’s three most vital points that you simply assume you may assist repair, what would they be?
Whereas attending a rally, Tim Myers holds an indication that reads, “Wages up, rents down.”
Myers: Crime is a severe situation. Final 12 months, through the holidays, my spouse and youngsters have been on the mall when a person in a ski masks approached them and chased them again to their automotive—it was terrifying, and a major problem.
Homelessness ranks second. Downtown Los Angeles and San Francisco are flooded with homeless individuals, which is upsetting as a result of we’re so rich. The state and the nation are extremely wealthy, and I genuinely consider there shouldn’t be anybody with no residence amongst us. Rising up as a pastor’s child, I used to be taught to care for individuals who are essentially the most susceptible and the least lucky. It amazes me that we haven’t totally addressed this.
Third is housing affordability. In California, it’s practically inconceivable for a lot of to purchase a house. I wish to lower by way of the crimson tape and be sure that younger individuals can afford houses right here in California, with ample incentives to help them.
DK: You talked about that your father was a pastor, and I’ve learn that you simply grew up in a conservative Christian family. Has that influenced any of your politics or coverage positions?
Myers: My dad’s a Republican; my mother’s a Republican; my sister is a Democrat and a lesbian, and she or he’s my finest pal and my favourite particular person on the planet. Our family was thrilling rising up as a result of my mother and father genuinely inspired us to have our personal beliefs and uncover our personal truths. They repeatedly advised us to query the whole lot and kind our personal conclusions—one thing that feels fairly the other of what somebody would possibly count on from a pastor. However these teachings actually caught with me.
In 2006, [former Vice President] Al Gore’s local weather film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” was launched, and I keep in mind that movie had a profound affect on my sister and me. I don’t assume I used to be sufficiently old to vote but, however seeing that film made me wish to vote for the Democratic Get together.
Most children undertake their very own household’s beliefs, and I’m so proud that my mother and father inspired me to assume for myself and develop my very own opinions and truths. Due to their teachings, I’ve grow to be extremely open-minded.
Tim Myers poses with a fellow protester who holds an indication that reads, “Stop Trump! Stop Musk! Before it is too late!”
I admire that he’s making an effort now. He’s standing as much as Trump, which I love, regardless that a few of his more moderen social media posts appear a bit lame for my part.
That mentioned, I’d be mendacity if I didn’t admit that part of me is considerably involved about his intentions: Is he fearful about working for president in 2028, or is he genuinely targeted on our state and our well-being? Typically it’s exhausting to inform.
DK: Do you help California Democrats briefly suspending the state’s unbiased redistricting fee by way of a poll measure and handing management again to the legislature and doubtlessly altering California’s districting strains?
DK: This specific seat is extensively seen as a springboard to increased workplace. Can this result in one thing greater politically—or are you hoping it’ll for you?
Myers: I’m actually proud that I’m the one candidate working for lieutenant governor who hasn’t mentioned that I wish to sometime run for governor when requested that query. My ladder and private political ambitions don’t matter. What does matter is the working individuals who energy this marketing campaign—that’s whose trajectory I’m most involved about.
