“Standing Up For California Since 1849 thru 2026” A family rooted in California leadership.
Gary Howard Kidgell is a creative, 13th‑generation American and a seasoned building consultant from San Jose, California, stepping forward to serve the state he and his family have called home for generations. His life blends the practical expertise of someone who has spent years solving real‑world community and infrastructure challenges with the perspective of an advocate who has engaged on policy issues at both the state and national levels. He understands how history, legacy, and community shape the future—and why California needs leaders grounded in all three.
“Standing Up When California Needs It Most — and as I stand before you, seeking the Governor’s office, I want you to know: this is a responsibility I take very seriously。”
Big Ideas, Real Impact.
“California is facing real challenges, and we need real solutions — but a wealth tax is not the way to go. Our state’s long‑term strength depends on stability, predictability, and responsible stewardship of the resources we already have. Instead of creating new and uncertain tax structures, we should focus on managing our budget wisely, monitoring spending carefully, and ensuring every dollar is used effectively.
California thrives when government, communities, philanthropy, and the private sector work together. By strengthening public–private partnerships and encouraging civic investment, we can rebuild our state without relying on policies that risk driving away innovation, jobs, and opportunity.
Our path forward should be grounded in fiscal discipline, transparency, and collaboration — not in measures that could undermine the very economic engine we depend on. California deserves solutions that strengthen our future, not strategies that create new vulnerabilities.”
GHK Day One Plan available for purchase or with any donation over $1000.00
The Forefathers’ Son is a powerful, multi‑generational memoir about a man who discovers his place in a 400‑year American legacy. From ancestral pioneers and builders to modern struggle and renewal, the book follows one heir’s journey from hardship to purpose as he steps into the role his family history has been preparing him for. It’s a story of lineage, identity, resilience, and the moment a man realizes he is called to lead.
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Photo: “Taken in 2012 in Washington D.C. As I was preparing for the leadership role. Now that the moment has arrived I look forward to serving the people of California.”
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Why Legacy Leadership is the Foundation California Needs
In a political landscape often dominated by short-term fixes and four-year cycles, California stands at a crossroads. The challenges we face—from aging infrastructure to an educational system out of sync with the digital age—require more than just a policy expert. They require a leader who views the state not as a stepping stone, but as a sacred trust.
This is the essence of Legacy Leadership, and for Gary Howard Kidgell, it is the only way forward.
The Weight of History: Beyond the Ballot Box
Legacy Leadership is the belief that a leader’s primary duty is to honor the sacrifices of those who came before while securing the prosperity of those yet to be born. For Mr. Kidgell, this isn't a campaign slogan; it is a biological and moral mandate. As a 13th-generation American, the "weight of history" is a literal presence in his life.
When he speaks of Land Patents in Merced or the military service of George Evans, he isn't just citing archives—he is describing the DNA of California. A leader who feels the eyes of their ancestors upon them is a leader who cannot be bought, because their "shareholders" are the generations, not the donors.
Why California Benefits from a "Sense of Destiny"
Why is this "weight of history" good for the Golden State?
Stewardship Over Ambition: A legacy leader doesn't make decisions based on the next election’s polling. They ask: "Will this bridge stand for my grandchildren? Will this school prepare a century of innovators?" This long-term "Civilian-Consultant" mindset is exactly what California needs to move past its "Rail to Nowhere" projects.
The Blueprint of Integrity: Having participated in the building of Silicon Valley, Mr. Kidgell understands that California’s true legacy is its role as the world’s "Whale of Innovation." Legacy leadership means preserving that engine of growth while ensuring it benefits the small landowner and the average citizen—the very people whose rights are enshrined in our historical patents.
A Unified Identity: Mr. Kidgell’s travels across the nation to understand our differences have taught him that unity is found in our shared heritage. By rooting his leadership in the values of the Founders and the resilience of his family line, he offers a path to unite the California—moving beyond partisan bickering to focus on our collective destiny.
The Architect’s Resolve
Gary Howard Kidgell feels the "sence of the weight of history" because he understands that he is the culmination of a story that began long before California was a state. He isn't running to change his own life; he is running to fulfill the destiny of those who cleared the land, fought the wars, and built the foundations of the West.
California was built by architects, dreamers, and veterans. It is only fitting that it be led by a son who remembers their names and is ready to finish the work they started.
