about James
From the battlefield to the frontlines of service, my life has been about showing up for people when they need it most
At 19, I took an oath to serve this country by joining the United States Army in October 2005. That decision shaped the foundation of my life: courage, sacrifice, and commitment to a greater purpose.
After leaving the military, I didn’t stop serving. I drove public buses through Washington DC, connected neighborhoods as a Pepsi driver in Maryland, and carried with me a growing desire to do more for those who often go unseen.
That mission brought me to New York City, where I helped homeless veterans find housing through the Jericho Project. In Miami, I became a case manager at the Miami Rescue Mission, guiding those without homes toward stability, employment, and hope.
When COVID-19 shut the world down, I returned to Washington DC to support our most vulnerable—working in the streets with unhoused individuals, helping them secure housing and life-saving services during the darkest days of the pandemic.
In San Diego, I’ve continued this work—connecting veterans and youth with shelter, opportunity, and care. Whether as a case manager at Veterans Village, a youth advocate with San Diego Youth Services, a substitute teacher, or a psychiatric technician at the VA Hospital—I’ve always stood with people in their hardest moments.
Today, I work downtown with PATH, helping our homeless neighbors take their first steps toward a better future.
This journey—from soldier to public servant—has led me here. I’m running for Mayor of San Diego because I believe leadership means service. It means listening. It means doing the hard, human work—every single day.
San Diego doesn’t need another politician. It needs someone who’s been in the trenches—who understands struggle, who’s walked the streets, and who’s ready to lead with heart.
Let’s build a city that works for all of us. Together.
