I jumped into a congressional race, because the time we live required it. I’ve already served my country, seeing things, doing things that will both haunt me forever and give me strength; I never wanted to be a politician, and I have no desire in being a career politician. If I stay in politics we are talking 10 years max. So if I was going to get into politics, I was going to go big… as big as I can. Trump’s extremists neo Nazi bred the need for us to step up when we wouldn’t have normally stepped up.

Often times it’s during the hardest times, when we must show the largest amount of courage, unequivocally and unapologetically. How could I, in good faith, ask others to show courage, face the odds, to fight literal fascism, when I couldn’t show the same courage? We either stand together and succeed together or, together, we fall.

Honestly… it does hurt… a lot, but it also gives me strength. I love living rent free in the minds of bigoted people. I’ve almost died a number of times in combat. I’ve seen my life pass before me. I’m not worried about domestic people; I have bigger things I’m living for and fighting for. If that ends early, then it ends early. I won’t stop because of threats.

Because I had to. I never wanted politics; politics forced me to join. Even if I don’t win the election in 2026, which is going to be very competitive, this is a movement, one where I have a part to play.

I don’t think any of my policies are actually extreme. Some people think they are extreme because it is different. I’ve been different my whole life. Even in the military, I was seen as a different senior leader than others. All of my policies are based on every one having a happy, healthy life… I don’t think that’s extreme.

Short answer… I don’t know. The word “Socialism” and “Socialist” are some of the most overused and misunderstood words in the political sphere. Do I think the vast majority of Democratic Socialist policies fit me? Absolutely, without a doubt. Instead I’d rather focus on my policies. I don’t care what subtitle people want to give me.