DR. NANCY YOUNG LAUNCHES INDEPENDENT CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR,

Dr. Nancy D. Young today formally announced her candidacy for Governor of the State of California, launching an independent campaign grounded in a bold mission: to restore trust in government, restore opportunity for families, and restore balance to a state that has lost its way.

Running as a No Party Preference (NPP) Independent, Dr. Young enters the race as a unifying leader, free from party constraints and committed to bringing together the best ideas, the best people, and real solutions to serve all Californians.

“California doesn’t need more politics, it needs leadership,” said Dr. Young. “People don’t trust government anymore, and they can’t afford to live here. I’m running to restore that trust, lower the burden on families, and bring real opportunity back to this state.”

A proven leader, Dr. Young served as Mayor of Tracy during one of the most challenging periods in modern history, guiding her community through COVID with a focus on education over punishment, community-first decision making, and steady, truthful leadership. During her tenure, she championed Measure V, securing over $300 million in community investment, a transformative initiative that funded major projects including Legacy Fields and a new Recreation Center.

“I don’t just talk about solutions, I’ve delivered them and I’ve done it by bringing people together, being honest with them, and making decisions based on impact, not politics,” continued Dr. Young.

Dr. Young’s campaign marks a departure from traditional political playbooks. Having spent her career prioritizing people over party, she is running on a simple but powerful principle: lead with truth, even when it’s hard.

“Why would we start with a lie when people already don’t trust their leaders?” added Dr. Young. “Californians deserve honesty, transparency, and a government that educates and involves them, not one that talks at them.”

Rejecting partisan extremes, Dr. Young’s campaign embraces a “Vote Purple” philosophy, a unifying approach that prioritizes collaboration over division.

“The answer for California isn’t more left or more right. It’s forward. I will govern as an independent, bringing together the best thinking from both sides to deliver real results,” continued Dr. Young.

Rather than offering empty promises, Dr. Young is focused on addressing the real issues Californians are facing every day:

• Affordability & Cost of Living: Californians are being priced out of their own state. From housing to gas to everyday goods, costs have reached a breaking point, and it’s time to address the root causes.
• Safer & Stronger Neighborhoods: Safety and prevention must work together. Enforcement matters, but so does addressing root causes like mental health and community support.
• Supporting Small Businesses: Businesses are struggling and leaving. California must restore its position as a place where innovation thrives and families can build a future.
• Connected Transportation: Expanding and implementing practical transportation solutions to better connect urban, suburban, and rural communities.
• Strengthening Local Communities: Providing more resources and community-centered leadership with transparency. Californians deserve to understand how decisions are made and have a real voice in them.

Dr. Young’s journey to this moment has been guided by faith, service, and a lifelong commitment to standing up for others. From her early years advocating for her community to her time in elected office, she has built a reputation as a fearless, compassionate leader who speaks the truth and follows through.

“This isn’t about politics for me, it’s about purpose,” concluded Dr. Young. “I’m answering a call to serve, and I’m ready to get to work for the people of California.”

ABOUT DR. NANCY YOUNG

Dr. Nancy D. Young is a 12-year elected leader in the City of Tracy, California, having served as Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmember, including making history as the first woman and first African American Mayor in the city’s history. She is now an independent candidate for Governor committed to restoring trust in leadership and delivering real solutions for Californians. She has more than 30 years in community leadership positions, doing nonprofit and civic engagement work. During her time in service, she has built a track record of results-driven leadership, including championing a voter-approved initiative that generated more than $300 million in funding for critical community investments, youth programs, and infrastructure.

A respected leader, educator, and ordained pastor, Dr. Young has dedicated her career to advocating for working families, expanding access to opportunity, and building bridges across communities. She is the founder of Young Connects, a nonprofit initiative focused on strengthening community connections and investing in future leaders, and the author of Unapologetic Leadership: Unleashing Your Inner Warrior. Running as an independent, Dr. Young is not beholden to political parties or special interests, only to the people of California. Her campaign is grounded in a simple belief: the path forward isn’t left or right, but forward. To learn more visit www.nancyyoungforgovernor.com

Press Contact

Nicole Rodrigues
NRPR Group Inc. – For Dr. Nancy Young for California Governor
nicole@nrprgroup.com

“I’m not running to represent a party; I’m running to represent the people. It’s time to restore California, together.” – Dr. Nancy D. Young