Sacramento, CA — Tim Myers, a founding member and former bassist of the pop-rock band OneRepublic, has officially entered the race for California Lieutenant Governor, bringing a mix of musical stardom, grassroots messaging, and progressive ambition to the state’s 2026 election cycle.
In a polished campaign launch video released Monday, Myers introduced himself not as a politician, but as a “father, husband, businessman, activist, and the son of a pastor.” His message struck a personal, populist chord — invoking his Orange County roots, his creative career, and a desire to champion ordinary Californians left behind by both federal and state politics.
“I’m not a career politician,” Myers says in the video, set to a reflective cover of “California Dreamin’.” “I’m someone who has lived through the same crises as many of you — rising costs, devastating wildfires, broken systems. We need a fresh start.”
The 40-year-old musician-turned-entrepreneur made his name in the early 2000s as a core member of OneRepublic, before transitioning to a successful solo career as a songwriter and founder of Palladium Records. His songwriting credits include hits for artists such as Kesha and Hailee Steinfeld. But in recent years, Myers has shifted focus toward activism, community engagement, and now public office.
Originally a candidate in the race for California’s 41st congressional district, Myers pivoted to the statewide lieutenant governor contest on July 7, after what he described as “overwhelming encouragement from supporters.” His entry adds momentum — and celebrity spotlight — to what is shaping up to be a crowded Democratic primary.
Among the prominent contenders are California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, and Josh Fryday, a top aide to Governor Gavin Newsom. The current lieutenant governor, Eleni Kounalakis, is term-limited and pursuing a bid for governor.
While the lieutenant governor role is largely ceremonial — with duties ranging from presiding over the State Senate to serving on various boards and commissions — it has long been seen as a stepping-stone to higher office. Myers, however, says he’s not using it as a launchpad but as a platform to “amplify the voices of working Californians.”
In his campaign announcement, Myers took direct aim at former President Donald Trump and what he called a “cynical, chaotic” legacy that he says continues to harm California. He also criticized state leadership for not doing enough to address issues like homelessness, healthcare access, and the affordability crisis.
“My opponents have had decades to solve these problems,” Myers said. “I don’t have the baggage. I have the drive — and the heart.”
Political analysts note that while Myers lacks governing experience, he brings name recognition, media fluency, and an outsider’s appeal. His crossover from pop culture to politics follows a familiar, if risky, path — echoing figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cynthia Nixon, and Matthew McConaughey, all of whom leveraged celebrity in bids for public office with varying results.
Still, early reaction to Myers’ campaign has been largely positive, especially among younger voters and progressives looking for fresh faces in Sacramento. His campaign is expected to focus on expanding mental health services, modernizing education, protecting reproductive rights, and addressing climate resilience.
The California primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election to follow on November 3. Myers will need to distinguish himself from more seasoned candidates — but if his musical career is any indication, he’s no stranger to capturing public attention.
“We wrote songs that reached people all over the world,” he said in his launch. “Now, I want to write a new one — for California.”
