FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Your ballot may have you doing a double take.
There are some familiar—and unique —names among the 61 people running for California governor.
Take, for instance, Barack Denzel Obama Shaw.
The Democratic gubernatorial hopeful told NBC Los Angeles that he legally changed his name in 2013, inspired by former President Barack Obama.
Then there’s Elaine Culotti.
If her name sounds familiar, the candidate — who is running unaffiliated—spent time in Fresno during season 2 of the Discovery Series, Undercover Billionaire.
It aired in 2021.
Leo Zacky’s name may not be immediately recognizable — but that last name is, to many.
His family ran turkey producer Zacky Farms.
At one time, Leo Zacky says he worked for the family business.
“For decades, the increasing state regulations and fluctuating economy were presenting new challenges for the business. It is no secret the government in Sacramento has been broken for a long time, long before the lockdowns caused by the pandemic,” Zacky’s campaign website says. “He literally rolled up his sleeves and started at the bottom to learn every facet of how to run a business.”
Zacky Farms closed in 2019.
There’s also LivingForGod AndCountry DeMott.
Yes, that’s his name.
He’s a Pest Control company owner-turned Chaplain.
On his website, he says his name is based on “Living A Life Reflecting The Good Character of Jesus Christ; it is my foundation, my operating system and compass.”
So what does it take to run for governor?
According to the California Secretary of State’s Office, you must be a U.S. Citizen and a registered voter.
Those running must also not have been convicted of a felony involving accepting or giving, or offering to give, any bribe or embezzlement of public money.
They must also pay a filing fee or submit 6,000 valid signatures in lieu of that fee.