Barack Obama Has re-entered the political scene, but not in the way you might think. The former US President’s namesake, Barack D. Obama Shaw, has filed to run for governor in California and will face the likes of Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton for the governorship.
Another Barack Obama is running for governor of California
Hailing from the sunny streets of Alameda, Barack D. Obama Shaw has entered his unique name against 61 other candidates in California’s upcoming gubernatorial election.
Born Cecil Shaw III, the gubernatorial candidate legally changed his name to Barack D. Obama Shaw in 2013 while he was serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. In a recent interview with spectrum newsShaw credited the Democratic Party leader for opening up political possibilities for people like him.
He said, “When I used to stand at attention… and his picture was on the wall, and I was proud. He made it so that a guy like me could become president. And the word on the street was that it’s not going to happen in our lifetime,” he said, adding, “Barack Obama is the superhero. I’m the guy wearing his suit, that’s who I am. I’m the guy who has the privilege of carrying that banner.”
An active member of his community, Shaw frequently hosts Alameda’s Got Talent and also imparts his musical knowledge to local children. In fact, his charitable work in Alameda is what inspired Barack D. Obama Shaw to run for governor in California, where he now aims to solve the homelessness crisis, build housing infrastructure and curb unnecessary spending.
Shaw further praised Barack Obama campaign websiteSaying that the former president “brought a hope to the world that I had never seen or experienced before.” She said Obama “was the catalyst that led me to legally change my name because I believe people need that same type of hope today.”
Despite the odds stacked against him, Barack D. Obama Shaw will run for governor of California in the June 2 primary election.
Originally reported by Apoorva Rastogi Mandatory