I am deeply overwhelmed by the hard work and success we’ve achieved together. On Tuesday, August 5th, we saw our initial investment and dedication to this campaign begin to pay off. But let me be clear, our work is far from over.

I’m laying out a clear plan for our first 90 days, one that reflects my commitment to listen, learn, and act. Beyond the standard onboarding all elected officials receive, here’s how we’ll get to work.

Here's what I believe, and what the research confirms: diversity is not a threat. It is a proven economic driver.

Let me be clear: I stand for the liberation of all God’s children. I’ve paid the price for standing in community, and I will continue to do so. I have no self-interest in this race—only a desire to help our community turn the corner and make progress on the issues that matter. I’m not afraid to take on challenging issues, and sometimes that means working with people we don’t agree with on everything.

June holds deep meaning for me. It marks both Pride Month, celebrating LGBTQ+ lives, and Juneteenth, honoring the liberation of Black people from slavery in 1865. These observances are personal, but for much of my life, they felt like opposing truths. As a proud Black LGBGTQ+ man, I was often made to feel I could only express one identity at a time.

As a military kid, my family moved constantly. When my dad traded in his uniform for the pulpit, the moving didn’t stop. I’ve lived in shelters. I’ve crashed on couches. I’ve struggled. And I’ve been saved—by community, by grace, by a friend who gave me a roof when I needed it most.

When our campaign speaks about expanding economic prosperity, we mean exactly that: prosperity for everyone. The truth is, when our local economy thrives, we all benefit. But for prosperity to be equitable, we must rethink who we consider “talent” and how we meet people where they are.

We all have a stake in this election. For me, it’s about turning deficits into assets, embracing innovation and collaboration, and tackling challenges head-on. That’s what truly matters. The little boy who once slept in a car outside Walgreens, washed up in a McDonald’s, and later found shelter learned that with hope and help, life can change. I’m ready to bring both to District 1 and the entire city of Wichita. This is my purpose, and it’s why I’m running.