FAQ: Why Not Start Small and Gain Experience in Local Politics First?

Editor’s Note: This blog post is an expanded response to one of the most common questions I receive: “Why don’t you start with a career in local politics?” Click here to read the full FAQ.

This is a question I’ve heard often over the past few years, and I completely understand where it’s coming from.

Traditionally, many people believe that starting in local politics, like running for city council or state legislature, is the best way to gain experience and credibility in government before moving on to higher office. However, I see the path to leadership differently, and I’d like to explain why.

1. Politics Should Not Be a Career:

First and foremost, I believe that politics should not be treated as a career ladder, where one climbs step by step toward higher positions of power. At its best, politics is a form of public service. It’s about stepping up to solve problems, serving your community, and then stepping back to allow others to bring fresh perspectives. By the time someone has spent 10, 20, or even 30 years in politics, they often lose touch with the realities of everyday Americans. The more years in politics, the more out of touch they become.

I don’t want to be a career politician. Ever! I believe in bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a genuine passion for change directly to the highest office in the land. I don’t want to spend years learning the political playbook—I want to rewrite it. My goal is to serve with integrity, achieve meaningful change, and then step aside, paving the way for others to serve.

Moreover, the office of U.S. President is the only political office that’s interested me in my adult life. Don’t get me wrong: I respect the offices of my local school board, mayor, governor, and more, and I vote for those offices! However, I have never been interested in serving in any such office. That’s not the case with the Presidency, which has always fascinated me.

2. The Presidency Requires a Diverse Skill Set, Not Just Political Experience:

The office of the President is unique. Unlike other political roles, it requires a blend of leadership, vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to unify and inspire people across diverse backgrounds. My diverse work history—from manual labor at a garage door company to serving in the U.S. Air Force to working in software engineering—as well as my experience as a parent and someone who has lived in multiple states and traveled to over ten countries, has given me a wide-ranging perspective that is crucial for this role.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that have taught me the value of resilience, empathy, and courage—qualities that are just as important in a President as political experience. My time in the military, for example, taught me about leadership under pressure, making tough decisions with limited information, and the importance of serving a cause greater than oneself. These are the experiences I want to bring to this Executive office, rather than years of being entrenched in a political system that values partisanship over problem-solving and service.

3. A Desire to Change the System from the Top Down:

Starting small in local politics might mean spending years—or even decades—working within a system that I believe needs significant change. By the time many politicians reach higher office, they are often too embedded in the system to advocate for the radical changes that are needed. Whether or not you use “corrupt,” the political system changes most well-intentioned honest first-time Americans for the worse. They become part of the establishment, and their ability to bring about transformative change is compromised.

Instead, I want to bring bold ideas and fresh thinking directly to the national stage. The changes we need—whether it’s reducing the influence of money in politics, addressing climate change, or changing Congress and the Supereme Court—require strong leadership from the top. By running for President, I am not bypassing valuable experience; I am bringing a different kind of experience, one that is grounded in real-world problem-solving and a vision for a better future.

4. The Urgency of Now:

We are at a critical juncture in American history. The challenges we face—whether it’s political polarization, environmental crises, or economic inequality—cannot wait for the slow, incremental change that often comes from working up the political ladder. We need bold, decisive action now. I believe that starting my campaign at the highest level allows me to advocate more effectively for the immediate and transformative changes that our country needs.

I want to serve as a catalyst for this change. I want to be the President who represents not just the next step in a political career but a new direction for our nation—a direction that prioritizes healing, unity, and progress over politics as usual. Moreover, I'd be honored to mark the end of the era of partisan Presidents.

5. Leading by Example and Inspiring Others:

By running for President without first holding a political office, I hope to challenge the status quo and inspire others to think differently about leadership and public service. I want to show that you don’t need to be a lifelong politician to serve your country effectively. You just need a passion for change, a willingness to listen, and the courage to act.

There are many paths to leadership, and mine might be unconventional, but I believe it is exactly what America needs right now. We need leaders who are not bound by traditional expectations but are driven by a desire to serve, to innovate, and to unite.

6. Timing and Personal Circumstances:

Finally, my personal circumstances play a role in this decision. I have young children, and I want them to grow up with a father who is present and engaged in their lives. If I were to spend years climbing the political ladder, I might not be able to provide them with the stability they need. I want to serve my country in a way that also honors my commitment to my family, and running for President allows me to aim for a period of service that aligns with these priorities.

In conclusion, my decision to run for President without starting in local politics is not about skipping steps; it’s about choosing a different path—one that I believe can bring the kind of bold, transformative change that our country needs. It’s about rejecting the idea that you have to be a career politician to lead, and instead believing that leadership comes from a genuine commitment to serve and a vision for a better America.