Kyle Kirkland

Kyle Kirkland was born in Virginia and lives in California. He earned an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1984 and an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University in 1988. Kirkland's career experience includes working as a business owner; Kirkland founded an investment banking firm in 1994. From 1993 to 2011, Kirkland was chairman of Steinway Musical Instruments. Kirkland also served as president of the California Gaming Association. As of 2024, Kirkland was the director and board chair of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proven businessman and non-profit leader who believes that the problems we face today are fixable by those with the skills, experience and motivation to do so.

I was born in Virginia (my parents were a teacher and a banker), grew up in Maine and have lived in California for almost 40 years, the last 15 of which were spent in the Central Valley. I earned an A.B. magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1984 and an MBA from Stanford University in 1988.

I started my career in the finance industry, providing capital and financial help to growing companies. In 1993, my partner and I bought a small musical instrument company and grew it into Steinway Musical Instruments – the largest manufacturer of musical instruments in the United States. We took the company public in 1996, and I served as its chairman for 17 years.

Today, I am the owner/operator of Club One Casino in Fresno, California and president of the California Gaming Association, which represents our $5.6 billion industry statewide. I also serve as a director and board chair for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo as well as the founder and president of Kirkland Foundation, a leading animal rescue foundation.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m believe in solutions, not stand-offs. I'm not a career politician. I'm a business person who has built a career solving problems, building consensus with disparate groups and delivering results for those who trust in me. I believe the voters of the 20th District deserve solutions to the border chaos, high cost of living and unanswered crime, not more political grandstanding.The economy. As a self-made businessman, I'm the only candidate that understands how our economy works and how powerful it is for our way of life. I sign the front of paychecks, have made both products and payrolls, suffered the shutdown of my industry during COVID and have dealt with frivolous litigation and ill-conceived government regulations. I believe a healthy market economy with limited regulation is the key to reducing the high cost of living of housing, food, energy, health-care and other essential services.Border security and crime. We need to secure our borders and return to the enforcement of immigration law. No other country allows the free-for-all policies at their borders, and we shouldn’t tolerate them either. Furthermore, the soft-on-crime, no consequences policies of the Biden and Newsom Administrations have resulted in rampart property crime, jeopardizing our way of life and increasing our cost of living.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The economy, border security/public safety and government regulation and taxation.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Patience, intellectual honesty, attention to detail and a relentless work ethic.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Transparency, responsiveness to constituent issues and accountability.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to think I had a hand in the restoration of the American Dream, where all Americans have an opportunity for prosperity through initiative and hard work.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Landing on the moon (1969); I was seven.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a paperboy for the Bangor Daily News for nine years. My next job was bagging groceries and the local grocery store. And my next job was working as a ramp attendant (handling baggage, fuel trucks, etc.) at the Bangor International Airport.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Count of Monte Cristo

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Count of Monte Cristo

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Work/life balance. I work a lot.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Two-year terms and diversity of membership.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe our elected officials should a have a broad range of experiences, including business, non-profit and public service with an emphasis on intellectual honesty and delivering results.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Re-establishing our tolerance and respect of opposing viewpoints and our willingness to work together to solve the issues that face us as a nation. If we can’t bridge differences and find common ground, we won’t make progress and will not be able to provide opportunity for the next generation of Americans.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. If it was the intent of the founders who crafted our government, it’s good enough for me.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

On the one hand, it takes time for elected officials to understand the workings of the office. On the other hand, terms limits root out government stagnation and corruption. We have term limits for the presidency and should as well for Congress.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Of course. Compromise is the result of listening, cooperation and a desire for progress.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Americans pay enough in taxes. The government (and Congress) need to spend more time making sure tax dollars are being used for maximum effect.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

In accordance with the law, without political grand-standing and distractions from priorities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

None

What committees interest you?

The Agriculture, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure and the Joint Economic Committee fit the priorities of my district and align with my interests and skill set.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

It would be nice to see both in government. I believe the government should be subject to the same accounting standards to which we hold businesses and the same budget standards to which our own household budgets are subject. Further, I believe the government should be accountable to the electorate in the effective and productive use of tax dollars.

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