Opinion | Why I Am Voting for Change

California is the greatest state in the greatest nation on Earth.

We have the richest farmland in America, some of the most innovative businesses in the world, breathtaking natural beauty, and hardworking people who simply want the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Merced County finds itself at the center of some of the most important elections in California. While several legislative districts extend beyond our county, Merced County will play a pivotal role in determining who wins Congressional District 13 and Assembly District 27. I believe Congressional District 13 will be one of the most closely watched congressional races in the nation, and Assembly District 27 will be one of the most competitive legislative races in California. Democrats are also expected to heavily target Senate District 4.

In Senate District 14, Democrats have rallied behind Esmeralda Soria. In my opinion, she has become one of the California Democratic Party's rising stars and one of its most favored candidates. I believe party leaders see her as a future statewide leader and an emerging superstar within the Democratic Party.

That is precisely why this race matters.

This election is about more than one legislative seat. It is about the future direction of California. I believe Darin DuPont offers a very different vision, one rooted in public safety, economic opportunity, support for agriculture, reliable water, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense leadership. That is the vision I support, and that is why I urge voters to elect Darin DuPont to the California State Senate.

Yet I believe California has lost its way.

For more than two decades, Democrats have controlled the Governor's Office, the State Assembly, the State Senate, and nearly every statewide constitutional office. In my opinion, the policies enacted during that time have contributed to many of the challenges Californians face today.

Too many families are struggling under the weight of an ever-increasing cost of living. Homeownership has become out of reach for countless young families. Homelessness continues to grow in many communities. Public safety remains a major concern for many Californians. Businesses have relocated to other states, taking jobs and investment with them. Farmers are fighting for the water they need to feed our nation. More and more Californians are choosing to leave the state they once proudly called home.

California can do better.

But if we expect different results, we must elect leaders who are willing to chart a different course.

That is why I am proudly supporting these Republican candidates:

·     Steve Hilton for Governor of California

·     Kevin Lincoln for California Congressional District 13

·     Mike Murphy for California Assembly District 27

·     Juan Alanis for California Assembly District 22

·     Alexandra Duarte for California Senate District 4

·     Darin DuPont for California Senate District 14

·     John Bliss for Merced City Council District 6

These are not simply votes for candidates.

They are votes to change the direction of California.

Why Merced County Matters

Merced County is one of California's great agricultural communities.

Our farmers and ranchers produce food that feeds California, America, and much of the world. Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, creating thousands of jobs and supporting families throughout the Central Valley.

Yet for too long, I believe the Central Valley has been overlooked by politicians in Sacramento.

Our community deserves leaders who understand our priorities:

·     Reliable and affordable water.

·     Strong support for agriculture and family farms.

·     Safe communities.

·     Better roads and infrastructure.

·     Good-paying private-sector jobs.

·     Affordable housing.

·     Educational excellence.

·     Economic growth that benefits working families.

The future of Merced County should be shaped by the people who live and work here, not by political insiders in Sacramento or career politicians 3,000 miles away in Washington, D.C.

Water Is Life

Nothing is more important to the Central Valley than water.

Water means food on America's tables.

Water means jobs for thousands of local families.

Water means thriving communities.

Water means a strong California economy.

Without reliable water, farms disappear, jobs disappear, and communities suffer.

California has the ability to build additional water storage, improve water infrastructure, and better manage one of our most precious natural resources. We should be investing in projects that secure our water future while supporting both agriculture and responsible environmental stewardship.

Our farmers should never have to wonder whether there will be enough water to plant next year's crops.

It Is Time for Republican Leadership

I believe California's challenges are not the result of chance, they are the result of public policy. For more than twenty years, Democrats have held overwhelming majorities in the Legislature and have occupied nearly every statewide constitutional office. In my view, the direction of our state reflects the decisions made by those in power.

If we want different results, we must elect leaders who will pursue different policies.

That is why I believe California needs stronger Republican representation at every level of government; from Governor to Congress, from the State Legislature to county and city offices.

I support leaders who will:

·     Restore public safety by supporting law enforcement.

·     Reduce the cost of living for California families.

·     Protect taxpayers through responsible budgeting.

·     Support our farmers and strengthen agriculture.

·     Secure California's water future through better storage and management.

·     Promote economic growth by reducing unnecessary regulations.

·     Require voter identification to strengthen confidence in our elections.

·     Support legal immigration while securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws.

·     Defend our constitutional rights and individual freedoms.

·     Protecting Women and Girls

I also believe we must protect the opportunities, privacy, and safety of women and girls.

Women's sports should be reserved for biological females so that female athletes can compete on a level playing field and receive the opportunities they have worked so hard to earn.

Likewise, I believe bathrooms, locker rooms, and other private spaces designated for women and girls should remain reserved for biological females. These policies, in my view, protect privacy, fairness, and the dignity of everyone involved.

We can treat every person with respect while also recognizing that fairness in women's athletics and privacy in intimate spaces are legitimate public policy concerns that deserve thoughtful and common-sense solutions.

California does not need more of the same. It needs a new direction, new leadership, and policies that put hardworking Californians first.

Vote Republican from Top to Bottom

This November, I will proudly cast my vote for:

·     Steve Hilton for Governor

·     Kevin Lincoln for Congress

·     Mike Murphy for Assembly District 27

·     Juan Alanis for Assembly District 22

·     Alexandra Duarte for Senate District 4

·     Darin DuPont for Senate District 14

·     John Bliss for Merced City Council District 6

I encourage every voter to support Republican candidates in every federal, state, county, city, school board, and special district election.

Every office matters.

Every election matters.

Every vote matters.

Real change will not happen by electing one Republican. It will happen when we elect Republicans up and down the ballot who are committed to restoring fiscal responsibility, strengthening public safety, supporting agriculture, protecting our water, defending our constitutional freedoms, and bringing common-sense leadership back to California.

The future of our county, our state, and our nation depends on the choices we make today.

I believe California's best days are still ahead of us but only if we have the courage to change course.

Join me.

Vote Republican—from the top of the ballot to the bottom.

Together, we can restore the promise of the Golden State for our children, our grandchildren, and generations yet to come.

May God continue to bless Merced County, the State of California, and the United States of America.

"The future isn't written by those who complain. It's written by those who vote."

“Vote Republican. Vote for Common Sense. Vote for California!”

Respectfully,

Gene D. Johnson Jr.

Chairman

Republican Party of Merced County

www.mercedgop.com

"Building Relationships. Expanding Our Reach. Growing the Republican Party."