Tony Fitzpatrick

Tony Fitzpatrick was born in Newark, New Jersey. His career experience includes working as an activist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a working-class, Gen-Z, openly gay Californian who’s tired of what we have seen under Newsom and is seeking a return to prosperity and normalcy for all of California, including the restoration of actual crime enforcement, ending the flow of lethal and laced medications/drugs, repealing Proposition 47, and fighting to end the homelessness, housing, and economic crises that California is in today. I am a newcomer to running for office - only being 19, but I’ve seen and heard enough from the duopoly and establishment - they fight against us, not for us. I will bring true and immediate change starting from day one, minute one - down to the last second that I am in office.

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?

Repealing Prop 47 & properly enforcing the law in CAPutting an end to the spread of fentanyl and other lethal drugs.Putting an end to ridiculously high taxes and the massive inflation in California.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mainly in-state policies, I will put California first and other states last. We have far too many issues in our state to be focusing solely on external issues we aren’t even involved in.

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

I look up to people like Nina Turner, Jill Stein, and Kid Cudi.

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

Not really.

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

Dedication, knowledge, commitment, fresh ideas, innovation, and bravery to stand up to the establishment.

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

I have a fighter personality, not literally fighting though - I mean it in a metaphorical sense. I will never back down early from a fight if I know that it is in the best interest of the working class people.

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

Governance, management, accountability, transparency, and the ability to introduce new ideas.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of helping contribute back into the working class communities of California.

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

I can’t recall the very first, but one that I remember vividly was Election Night 2016 and how devastating that was for myself and many others.

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

I worked at Target for a summer once.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I loved reading A Politics of Love by Marianne Williamson because of her bright insights on the political landscape over the past few years.

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

I would want to be Stewie Griffin from Family Guy, not because of the evil part - but because of the spot-on British accent and comedy aspects.

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

One of Your Girls - Troye Sivan.

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

I grew up in a lower middle class family in a not-so-great area. Facing adversity for being gay was also a major struggle as well.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

It means being able to make the big changes necessary to get California back on track.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

I personally think that executive orders and the ability to introduce legislation to the legislature will be the two key components to my administration - as well as constant 1-on-1 outreach to citizens.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

I believe that the Governor is responsible for the contents of state budgets, as the Legislature is responsible for the passing or rejection of those policies.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

I believe that whenever a bill isn’t in the best interest of the people, I will not hesitate to use line-item vetoes.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

As close as possible while still being able to create their own separate & new ideas.

What do you love most about your state?

The nature and the many different things to do throughout our state.

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

Homelessness, lack of housing, high prices, crime rates, fentanyl spread, and environmental damage.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I’ll be honest - I’m a terrible comedian.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Whenever there is a situation that can potentially endanger citizens.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Jaha Hughes - Independent for President

Josh Bocanegra - Independent for Congress (CA-30)

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I am a firm believer in government transparency as a whole as well as accountability. I seek to make my administration the most effective and transparent that California has ever seen. It is important that all elected officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions.