Today, I officially filed my papers to run for the 10th Congressional District as an Independent candidate. By throwing my hat in the race, I give voters a meaningful alternative to partisan politicians.

Congress was not always this partisan. It was not that many years ago when Independent Democrats and Independent Republicans worked together to resolve problems.

I grew up in Ceres, watching leaders like John Thurman, Ken Maddy, and Gary Condit, lead our valley in an independent bipartisan way, always putting people ahead of their party.