Where I Stand on DEI — and Why I Lead Differently

Author’s Note:

A supporter recently asked me where I stand on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Since political rumors and labels can quickly spread, I want to address this directly, so there’s no confusion now or later.

Why I’m Talking About This Now

In campaigns, perception often matters as much as reality. I know that all it takes is one comparison, one seed of an idea, for people to start connecting dots that aren’t actually there. Before that happens, I’d rather put my position in plain view.

What DEI Is — and Isn’t for My Campaign

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is, at its core, a framework aimed at addressing disparities and promoting representation. While some people see it as a necessary step toward fairness, others view it as a divisive or overly bureaucratic approach.

I’m not here to fight over the term “DEI” or to adopt it as my political identity. My work is rooted in a different foundation:

• Diversity: I value it as a reflection of the real America, not as a quota to be met.

  
  

• Equity: I believe in fairness that considers context, but without compromising individual responsibility or merit.

  
  

• Inclusion: I want a society where no one feels locked out of opportunity, and where solutions don’t create new walls while tearing down old ones.

  
  

If someone tries to stick a DEI label on me, they’re skipping the most important part of my platform: I start from the ground up, not from corporate frameworks or political playbooks.

My Approach: Unity Without Labels

Where DEI often focuses on policy language and institutional checklists, my approach is rooted in open dialogue, local problem-solving, and personal accountability.

I believe we get farther when we:

• Talk openly about challenges without fear of being canceled or silenced

  
  

• Look for solutions that unite communities instead of pitting groups against each other

  
  

• Focus on shared values and measurable results rather than symbolic compliance

  
  

Why This Matters for My Campaign

If someone later accuses me of pushing a DEI agenda, this post will already be here, timestamped, for anyone to read. I’ve put my stance on record, clearly, directly, and without political hedging.

I’m not building my movement on a borrowed framework. I’m building it on the lived realities of people across this country, and the belief that we can solve problems together without weaponizing identity.

Closing Thought:

Labels might win arguments in the short term, but they don’t solve problems in the long term. My focus is on real solutions, built with and for all Americans.