Meet Our Candidates: Champions of Change, Architects of Action
This coalition unites leaders who refuse to accept politics as usual. From battlefields to boardrooms, grassroots movements to small businesses, our candidates—Mark Leonard, Julian Arellano, and Todd Lombardo—embody the grit and innovation needed to dismantle stagnation and rebuild trust in democracy. Though their backgrounds span military service, community advocacy, and entrepreneurial grit, they share a common mission: to challenge entrenched power, amplify silenced voices, and deliver governance that works for the people, not the powerful. Whether fighting for fiscal responsibility, racial equity, or LGBTQ+ rights, each brings lived experience, unyielding integrity, and a disruptive vision to Congress. Together, they represent a mosaic of reform—proving that progress isn’t about party lines, but about people ready to roll up their sleeves and fight.
Mark Leonard
Republican, CA-45
Veteran, Leader, Reformer
Mark Leonard, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and seasoned business leader, is a Liberal Conservative insurgent running to bridge partisan divides and restore pragmatic governance. A proud Californian, Leonard combines military discipline, private-sector acumen, and a commitment to traditional values to tackle systemic stagnation in Washington.
Reform Over Stagnation
Leonard’s campaign targets bureaucratic inefficiency, economic instability, and eroded public trust. He advocates for a “government that delivers,” prioritizing fiscal responsibility, national security, and bipartisan collaboration. A self-described “Liberal Conservative,” he merges respect for foundational American values with modern solutions, pledging to cut red tape, empower small businesses, and reform politics to serve people—not special interests.
A Fighter for Accountability and Resilience
A veteran of Afghanistan and California National Guard COVID-19 relief efforts, Leonard brings frontline leadership to policymaking. He condemens career politicians for failing to address crises like inflation, healthcare access, and defense readiness. His private-sector experience—from senior care finance to defense contracting at Northrop Grumman—fuels his drive for data-driven, accountable governance. “I’ve seen what works,” he argues. “It’s time to replace talk with action.”
Key Pillars:
Traditional Values: Upholding civic duty, patriotism, and community-driven leadership.
Economic Resilience: Slashing regulations, supporting small businesses, and curbing reckless spending.
Government Accountability: Demanding transparency in contracts and public funds.
National Security: Strengthening defense infrastructure and veteran support systems.
Why Leonard?
In a polarized political climate, Leonard offers a hybrid vision: conservative principles tempered by pragmatic liberalism. He contrasts his military and private-sector track record with what he calls “entrenched incompetence” in both parties, vowing to be a “bridge builder, not a partisan warrior.” His campaign targets disillusioned centrists, veterans, and business leaders tired of ideological gridlock.
Quote:
“Service isn’t a slogan—it’s sacrifice. I’ll fight to ensure your government earns your trust, every single day.”
Campaign Trail Focus: Mobilizing veterans, fiscal conservatives, and reform-minded liberals to dismantle bureaucratic inertia and deliver results over rhetoric.
Julien Arellano
Independent, CA-49
Advocate, Changemaker, Community Leader
Julian Arellano, a San Diego native and proud North County Oceanside product, is a grassroots insurgent running to dismantle systemic underrepresentation in Congress. A first-generation candidate and champion for Latino and youth voices, Arellano rejects political complacency, demanding a democracy that reflects America’s diversity and prioritizes generational equity.
Representation Over Exclusion
Arellano’s campaign targets the stark disparity in political power: Latinos make up 20% of the U.S. population but hold just 2% of elected offices. He vows to fight for policies that uplift working-class families, expand access to education, and ensure economic dignity in the “land of opportunity.” His platform centers on mobilizing young voters and marginalized communities, declaring, “If we want change, we must stand up, vote, and demand a seat at the table.”
A Fighter for Equity and Representation
Raised in humble beginnings, Arellano understands the struggles of paycheck-to-paycheck living and systemic inequity. He condemns career politicians for failing to address urgent crises—from economic instability to democratic erosion—and positions himself as a bridge between generations. “Our future is on the ballot,” he argues, urging young Americans to reject apathy and reclaim their political agency.
Key Pillars:
Racial & Generational Equity: Amplifying Latino and youth voices in policymaking.
Economic Justice: Fighting wage stagnation, affordable housing shortages, and corporate greed.
Grassroots Democracy: Rejecting top-down party control; empowering voter-driven leadership.
Youth Mobilization: Building coalitions to turn Gen Z’s frustration into electoral power.
Why Arellano?
In a political landscape dominated by entrenched incumbents, Arellano offers authenticity and urgency. He contrasts his lived experience with the disconnect of career politicians, pledging to prioritize everyday Americans over special interests. His campaign is a direct challenge to systems that silence marginalized communities, framing voter turnout as a tool for revolutionary change.
Quote:
“We are the change we’ve been waiting for. If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Campaign Trail Focus: Mobilizing Latino voters, Gen Z activists, and working-class families to upend political gatekeeping and rewrite the rules of representation.