Bob Smith, candidate for Congress in California’s 24th Congressional District, today changed his personal voter registration to No Party Preference. If elected, he will enter Congress as an independent.
His registration changes. Nothing else does: same views, same goals.
“I’ve come to believe the only way to adequately represent a district this diverse is to put the Central Coast ahead of any political party,” Smith said. “Simply put, I’m putting on the Central Coast team jersey.”
“There is too much political division in our country,” Smith said. “The Central Coast doesn’t need more of it. We need unifying problem solvers in office.”
Under California law, the party preference printed on the ballot cannot change after the primary, so voters will still see “Republican” next to Smith’s name on November 3. The change applies to how he would serve.
“This isn’t a change in my positions,” Smith said. “It reflects how I’ve approached this campaign from the beginning: as an independent thinker and problem solver focused on results, not party politics.”
The Forward Party endorsed Smith on September 3. He also said he will bring legislation with him on his first day to “finally address DACA and give Dreamers a defined legal pathway forward.”
“Unite and lead our community to a new, prosperous future, now,” the campaign said.
The district runs from southern Ventura County and Ojai through Santa Barbara County into San Luis Obispo County. Ballots mail to voters in early October.
Smith’s full statement follows.
“Today, I’m changing my personal voter registration to No Party Preference. You will still see ‘Republican’ next to my name on the November ballot. We’ve already gone through California’s open primary and the ballot is set. But this action means that, if elected, I will enter Congress on day one as an independent.
Over the course of this campaign, I’ve traveled across all three counties of this district, talking with people in communities with very different backgrounds, interests, and priorities. I’ve come to believe the only way to adequately represent a district this diverse is to put the Central Coast ahead of any political party.
Simply put, I’m putting the Central Coast first.
This isn’t a change in my positions. It reflects how I’ve approached this campaign from the beginning: as an independent thinker and problem solver focused on results, not party politics.
There is too much political division in our country. The Central Coast doesn’t need more of it. We need unifying problem solvers in office, people who will work with anyone to get results for the families who live here. That is why I’m grateful for the Forward Party’s endorsement, and it is why I’m putting the Central Coast first.
I’ve also already drafted legislation I want to bring with me on day one to finally address DACA and give Dreamers a defined legal pathway forward.
If you’re tired of the partisan divide, career politicians, and Washington failing to solve problems, I’m asking for your vote. I’m running for the Central Coast. That’s the team I’m representing.”
Cmdr. Bob Smith, USN (Ret.), is a candidate for Congress in California’s 24th Congressional District. He served 26 years in the U.S. Navy, beginning as an enlisted AEGIS technician and commissioning through the Seaman to Admiral program, and retired as a Commander. He was named U.S. Navy Engineer of the Year in 2023. He is a systems engineer and lives in
Carpinteria.
Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
Paid for by Bob Smith for Congress.