Kyle Wilson

Kyle Wilson was born in Santa Rosa, California. He earned a high school diploma from Analy High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2014, and a law degree from Columbia Law School in 2018.

Wilson's career experience includes working as an attorney and professor. As of 2025, he was affiliated with the Sonoma County Bar Association.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Kyle Wilson, a workers’ rights attorney, first-generation college graduate, and independent candidate for Congress in California’s 2nd District. I grew up in a working-class family in Santa Rosa and earned my law degree from Columbia University. I’ve spent my career standing up for people who’ve been mistreated on the job, fighting against corporate power, and teaching legal writing to the next generation of advocates.I’m running because I believe the political system is broken, captured by wealthy donors, career politicians, and corporate lobbyists. I’m not here to climb the ladder or play party games. I’m here to fight for the working class and restore integrity, accountability, and economic fairness to our government.

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?

1. Building an Economy That Works for the Working ClassToo many Americans are working harder than ever and still falling behind. I’m fighting for tax relief for working families, fair wages, stronger union rights, and an end to corporate tax loopholes. We need an economy that rewards hard work, not just wealth and connections. Whether you’re a conservative small business owner or a progressive union worker, we all want a fair shot. I’m running as an independent because building a strong middle class isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a priority all Americans can get behind.2. Fixing a Broken Political SystemThe system is rigged, and both parties helped rig it. It’s time for term limits, a ban on dark money, and real accountability in Congress. I’m not taking corporate PAC money, and I’m not beholden to party bosses. I’m running to serve the people, not a political machine. Whether you're a Republican frustrated by career politicians or a Democrat tired of performative politics, we have common ground: we want a government that works for us. Reform isn't left or right, it's long overdue.3. Making Housing and Healthcare AffordableThe cost of living is out of control. We need to take on corporate landlords, expand first-time homebuyer support, and offer a public option for healthcare so families aren’t one medical bill away from disaster. These aren’t partisan ideas, they’re practical solutions to everyday struggles. I’ve talked with voters from across the political spectrum, and the message is clear: people want stability, dignity, and a fair shot at building a life. Let’s come together to make it happen.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about public policy that puts working people first and restores integrity to our democracy. That means fighting for economic justice , including tax reform, stronger labor protections, and affordable housing. I care deeply about breaking the grip of money in politics through term limits, campaign finance reform, and ending corporate PAC influence. I'm also committed to ensuring univeral healthcare access and ensurign that no one goes bankrupt because of medical bills. Ultimately, I’m driven by a belief that government should work for all of us, not just the wealthy and well-connected, and that real progress requires bringing people together across party lines to focus on shared values and practical solutions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my grandfather, who served as a battalion chief with the Santa Rosa Fire Department. He grew up in a poor farming family in the aftermath of the Great Depression and spent his early years working the land before dedicating his life to public service. He was the kind of leader who always put others before himself. Calm in crisis, steady under pressure, and deeply committed to his community.

He never sought the spotlight, but he earned respect through his actions. His life taught me that leadership isn’t about ego or titles, it’s about service, sacrifice, and showing up for others when it matters most. That’s the example I try to follow: to lead with humility, to work hard, and to always remember who I’m here to serve.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

One book that deeply influences my political philosophy is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It’s not a political manifesto, it’s a personal journal of a leader striving to act with integrity, humility, and discipline in a chaotic world. Aurelius reminds us that power should be exercised with restraint and purpose, and that true leadership means putting service above ego. In today’s political climate, that kind of inner strength and moral clarity is sorely lacking. I believe elected officials should lead with the same mindset: stay grounded, speak the truth, resist corruption, and fight for justice not for power’s sake, but for the people they represent.

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

The most important qualities in an elected official are rooted in integrity, justice, unity, liberty, and empowerment.

Integrity means being honest, accountable, and doing the right thing, even when it's not politically convenient.

Justice means fighting for a system that treats all people fairly, especially the working class and those historically left behind.

Unity is about bridging divides and focusing on shared goals instead of partisan labels. Liberty means defending individual rights and ensuring everyone has the freedom to thrive.

And empowerment means giving people the tools, voice, and opportunity to shape their own future.

These values guide every decision I make, and they’re the foundation of the kind of leadership I believe we need.

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

I bring a combination of real-world experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice. As a workers’ rights attorney, I’ve fought for people who were mistreated by powerful employers — and I’ve seen how the system too often fails ordinary Americans. I’m also a first-generation college graduate from a working-class family, so I understand the struggles people face not as talking points, but as lived reality.

I’m independent, principled, and not afraid to speak hard truths , even when it’s uncomfortable. I listen more than I speak, and I believe leadership means serving the public, not protecting a party or chasing political ambition. I’m running not for personal glory, but to fight for the people who are too often ignored or overlooked.

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

A member of Congress must do more than vote . They must lead. That means listening to the people they represent, but also having the courage to speak up, challenge the status quo, and fight for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. The core responsibility of this office is to serve with integrity, uphold justice, and protect the liberty and dignity of every constituent. It also means working across divides to build unity, without compromising on principle. Too many elected officials go along to get along. I believe representatives should stand firm, tell the truth, and take action, not just follow party lines or protect their careers. Real leadership means being willing to fight for the people, not just fit in with the system.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of kindness and integrity, a legacy of someone who led with heart, stood by their values, and never forgot who they were fighting for. In a system that often rewards cynicism and self-interest, I hope to be remembered as someone who chose service over ego, truth over convenience, and people over power.

If I can inspire others to believe that politics can still be decent, that public service can still be honest, and that real change is possible when we work together, I will have accomplished my goal.

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

The first historical event I remember clearly is September 11, 2001. I was 8 years old, and even at that young age, I could sense that something enormous had happened. I remember the fear in the adults around me, the nonstop news coverage, and the feeling that the world had suddenly become less safe.

As I grew older, I began to understand how 9/11 reshaped our country, not just in terms of foreign policy, but in how much power we gave the government, how we treated civil liberties, and how fear was used to justify endless war. That early experience helped shape my belief that we must hold power accountable, protect constitutional rights, and never let fear override justice or integrity.

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

My very first job was as a dishwasher at the Bohemian Grove during the summer when I was a teenager. It was hot, messy, and humbling. But it taught me the value of hard work and the reality of how different the lives of the powerful can be from the people who clean up after them. I worked that job for a summer, and the experience has stuck with me ever since. It’s part of what drives my commitment to stand up for working people and challenge concentrated power because I’ve seen both sides of the kitchen door.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It’s a deeply Californian story rooted in the soil, spirit, and complexity of this state. Set in the Salinas Valley, it wrestles with big themes: family, morality, and the struggle to choose between good and evil. What’s always stayed with me is the word “Timshel,” meaning “thou mayest.” It’s the idea that we are not bound by our past. We have the power to choose our path.

That message has shaped my life and my politics. I even have “Timshel” tattooed over my heart as a reminder that no matter how broken the system may seem, we still have the power, and the responsibility, to choose justice, compassion, and change. That’s what this campaign is about. And to me, that’s what California is about too.

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

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. He’s not flashy, not hungry for power, but he leads with integrity, loyalty, and a deep sense of duty. He speaks up when it matters, even when it puts him at odds with the establishment, and he’s willing to make hard choices for the good of uniting the people. Plus, let’s be honest, the guy rocks a cape, commands a wolf, and still manages to stay humble.

I relate to that tension between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy. And like Jon, I’d rather lead with purpose than chase a throne.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song that got stuck in my head was “Moonbeam” by Benson Boone — I’ve had it looping in my brain for days. I got the chance to see him live at BottleRock, and his energy was just infectious. Plus, I’m low-key inspired by his on-stage flips. I’ve been telling myself I’ll learn how to do one someday… maybe after the campaign, when I’m not at risk of flipping into a podium.

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

One of the biggest struggles in my life came during the 2008 financial crisis. My dad was laid off from his construction job, and we lost our home. During my junior year of high school, my family was homeless, living in a single hotel room while I studied for AP exams and tried to hold onto hope for the future. It was a painful and defining time.

What made it even harder was watching the government bail out Wall Street while families like mine were left to fend for ourselves. The banks got rescued while we got evicted. That experience shaped how I see the world and why I’m running: to build an economy that works for the working class, not just the wealthy and well-connected. I’ve lived the consequences of a system that protects power instead of people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

A basic understanding of how government works is definitely helpful, especially knowledge of lawmaking, systems of power, and how to navigate bureaucracy. But I don’t believe career experience in politics should be a requirement. In fact, too much time in government can become a liability. It often leads to complacency, loyalty to party machinery, and disconnect from the realities everyday people face.

What we need are leaders who combine a working knowledge of the system with the courage to challenge it. People with real-world experience, strong values, and the independence to put constituents first. That’s why I’m running as an outsider with a deep respect for how government should work, and a strong desire to fix where it’s gone wrong.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges facing the United States over the next decade is the fraying of our social fabric. Economic inequality, political polarization, and institutional distrust are pulling us apart. As wealth continues to concentrate in the hands of a few, too many Americans are being left behind struggling to afford housing, healthcare, and basic stability.

But the deeper issue is a sense of disconnection: from each other, from our leaders, and from the belief that government can still work for us. If we don’t address wealth disparity and rebuild social trust and national unity, we risk not just economic decline but democratic decay. Meeting this challenge will require bold policy and the courage to bring people together across divides to fight for a common future.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I wouldn’t claim to model myself directly after any one politician, but I draw inspiration from leaders who had the courage to stand on principle even when it was unpopular. Abraham Lincoln believed in holding the nation together through dialogue, conviction, and a deep sense of justice. That spirit of leading with integrity in times of division is something I deeply admire.

I also respect figures like Barbara Lee, who had the moral clarity to vote against war when few others would, and Justin Amash, who broke with his party to stand for the Constitution. I’m running as an independent because I believe leadership means serving the people, not the party and fighting for what’s right, even when it’s hard.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is the closest and most responsive branch of the federal government to the people. With elections every two years and smaller districts compared to the Senate, House members are directly accountable to their constituents and can reflect the evolving needs and voices of local communities.

The House also holds the power of the purse, giving it a central role in shaping the nation's budget and funding priorities. Its larger size allows for a wider range of perspectives and lived experiences, which should make it a diverse, dynamic forum for debate and reform. At its best, the House is a vehicle for grassroots democracy and a check against concentrated power. Our challenge is to make it live up to that promise.

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

The two-year term for House representatives has both strengths and drawbacks. On the positive side, it keeps members directly accountable to the people. Voters can respond quickly if their representative isn’t doing the job, and it forces elected officials to stay connected to their constituents.

But there are serious downsides too. The constant campaign cycle can be a distraction from governing, and it often pushes representatives to prioritize short-term optics or fundraising over long-term solutions. It also makes them more dependent on party infrastructure and big donors just to stay competitive.

Overall, I think the principle of accountability is good, but the system we’ve built around two-year terms isn’t serving the public as well as it could. That’s why I support broader reforms, like term limits and campaign finance reform, to make our democracy more responsive and less driven by money and partisanship.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are one of the central issues of my campaign. I believe no one should spend decades in Congress accumulating power while the needs of everyday people go ignored. Career politicians too often prioritize re-election, party loyalty, and donor interests over the public good. Term limits would help break that cycle, reduce corruption, and make space for new leaders with fresh ideas.

This isn’t about one party or ideology. Voters across the spectrum are frustrated with a system that rewards seniority over service. If we want a government that’s responsive, accountable, and focused on results, we need to start by setting limits on those who hold power.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I started to write the punchline to a dad joke…

…but I couldn’t get any father. 😅

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

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking, as long as it’s rooted in principle and aimed at delivering real results for the people. Progress doesn’t always come in one big leap. It often comes through difficult conversations, coalition-building, and finding common ground across differences.

That said, compromise should never mean surrendering core values or watering down solutions until they’re meaningless. We need leaders who know when to stand firm, especially when it comes to justice, integrity, and protecting the vulnerable, but also when to reach across the aisle to get things done. I’m running as an independent because I believe most people, regardless of party, want practical solutions, not endless gridlock or political theater.

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?

The Constitution gives the House the unique power to originate all bills related to raising revenue — and I believe that power should be used to create a fairer, more just economy. If elected, I would push for a tax system that lifts up working families, not just the wealthy and well-connected. That includes restoring corporate tax rates to reasonable levels, closing loopholes for billionaires, and expanding tax credits for people struggling to get by.

Revenue policy isn’t just about numbers. Our tax and spending policies ulimately reflect our values. I would use this power to champion policies that put the needs of everyday people first and challenge the influence of lobbyists and big donors who’ve rigged the system in their favor.

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

The House’s investigative powers are essential to a functioning democracy. They should be used not just to score political points, but to root out systemic corruption and hold powerful institutions, both public and private, accountable. That means investigating corporate abuse, government waste, and the undue influence of money in politics, regardless of which party is in power.

But investigation shouldn’t end at exposure. The House should also use its oversight role to understand complex problems and explore real, evidence-based solutions from the cost of healthcare and housing to economic inequality and environmental risk. When used responsibly, these powers can shine a light on injustice and pave the way for reform that actually improves people’s lives.

What committees interest you?

I’m especially interested in serving on committees that align with my core priorities: economic justice, government reform, and housing affordability. That includes the House Committee on Financial Services, where I can help tackle wealth inequality, corporate accountability, and consumer protection. I’d also be eager to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Committee to push for greater transparency and root out corruption in both parties.

Given the housing crisis across California and the nation, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, particularly its subcommittees on housing and public transit, also holds real potential for impact. My goal is to use any committee seat not just to participate, but to challenge the status quo and advocate for working people.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable in a healthy democracy. The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, who is influencing their representatives, and what interests are shaping policy behind the scenes. That’s why I support banning dark money in politics, requiring full disclosure of campaign contributions, and strengthening oversight of federal spending and contracting.

We need elected officials who aren’t afraid to call out corruption even in their own party, and who will fight for systems that work for the people, not the powerful. I’m not taking corporate PAC money, and I’ll always put transparency over political convenience. If we want to rebuild trust in government, it starts with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to serve, not to self-enrich.