Tim Myers, the co-founder and former bassist of OneRepublic, kicked off his campaign for lieutenant governor in California on Monday. He pointed to what he describes as a “broken political system” and the perceived attacks on California by the Trump administration as motivating factors for his decision to run.
Myers stated that he aims to provide a fresh perspective and effective solutions, emphasizing the need for every Californian to feel safe and empowered to chase their dreams. He condemned the chaos he believes was stirred up by Trump, even linking the Los Angeles riots to the former president.
Notably, this isn’t his first foray into politics; he previously announced plans to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. Through a recent Instagram post, he explained the pivot to his current campaign, expressing concern over rising homelessness and the struggles of neighbors affected by the political climate. He mentioned observing people losing their homes and small businesses, fueling his desire for change.
On another occasion, Myers criticized fellow candidates for lieutenant governor, accusing them of using their positions to climb the political ladder rather than genuinely addressing the issues facing Californians. He remarked, “The only ladder I care about is the one workers in California are trying to climb—yet they can barely afford housing or even basic necessities.”
The election for lieutenant governor is set for November. This political landscape becomes even more complex as OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder found himself in the spotlight last month for a controversial Instagram story defending President Trump’s military celebration, further illustrating the band’s entanglement in the political discourse.
In a now-deleted post, Tedder seemed to side with those urging a focus on honoring military service rather than engaging in political protests around such events. He expressed gratitude for both active and retired military members, asserting that politics shouldn’t overshadow the sacrifices made for freedom.
