OneRepublic's Tim Myers announces candidacy for California Lieutenant Governor

TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 11, 2025, 23:02 IST

OneRepublic Co-Founder Tim Myers Launches Campaign for California Lieutenant Governor

OneRepublic co-founder Tim Myers has launched a campaign for California lieutenant governor, promising a fresh perspective and solutions for the state's challenges. Myers, a musician-turned-producer, aims to address climate action, crime reduction, and homelessness. While his celebrity status offers initial recognition, analysts note the importance of detailed policy proposals and experience in governance for his campaign.

Tim Myers, founding member of the Grammy-nominated pop-rock band OneRepublic, has officially entered the race for California lieutenant governor, pledging to bring a fresh, outsider perspective to Sacramento politics. Myers announced his candidacy on social media earlier this week, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and a desire to "write a new song for California."

Myers, who was part of OneRepublic from its inception in 2002 until 2007, shared campaign coverage from major outlets including The Hill, Sacramento Bee, Orange County Register, and Fox News. In a series of Instagram posts, he called for sweeping changes to the state’s leadership, declaring, “The status quo in our politics isn’t working. Let’s write a new song for California — together!”

The musician-turned-producer, who has since launched Palladium Records and worked with artists such as Kesha, Michelle Branch, and Hailee Steinfeld, initially sought to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert in California’s 41st Congressional District as a Democrat. However, he suspended that campaign in favor of a statewide bid for lieutenant governor.

“California is under attack — and our leaders are silent,” Myers wrote in a statement posted last week. “So I’m stepping up. I’m running for lieutenant governor. Let’s fight back, together.”

According to his campaign messaging, Myers' platform focuses on climate action, reducing crime, and addressing the state’s homelessness crisis — three issues that continue to dominate public discourse across California. Specific policy details have yet to be released.

The lieutenant governor serves as the second-highest executive official in the state and presides over the California State Senate. The office also plays a role in economic development, higher education governance, and international trade.

Political analysts say Myers’ celebrity background could help him gain early name recognition, particularly among younger voters, but caution that a lack of public service experience may pose challenges in a crowded Democratic primary field.

“His music industry background gives him a platform, but voters will want to hear clear policy proposals and see a commitment to the complexities of statewide governance,” said Dr. Jessica Levinson, a political analyst and professor at Loyola Law School.

The California primary for statewide offices is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Myers has not yet announced a formal campaign team or filed financial disclosures with the California Secretary of State’s office as of Tuesday.