BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) In December, tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet announced his candidacy for governor of California as a Republican.
Slavet, who is making his first run for public office, believes his business experience sets him apart in the crowded race.
“I’m running to unite Californians around a very simple plan,” Slavet said.
Tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet enters California governor race with bold plans (KRCR)
“I call it the pledge for California to restore our middle and working classes, lower costs for them. Energize our business sector. We got to grow and have jobs; we’re stagnant right now. And reinvigorate the California dream.”
Slavet highlighted his background as a business builder, having started his first company, Guru, in his San Francisco apartment, which he said helped start the gig economy.
He also mentioned his success in building a real estate company offering flexible, affordable housing in California and nationwide.
In Kern County, Slavet aims to improve the energy sector.
“We’re suffering from an energy deficit in California right now. We’re scaring our energy sector out of the state. I would end that,” he said. Slavet supports an “all of the above” strategy, including oil, gas, base load energy, and renewables.
Tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet enters California governor race with bold plans (KBAK)
Slavet also advocates for more transparency in health care.
“We should have transparency in health care,” he said. “You should know what it costs for the X-ray, the MRI, the ER visit. It should be transparent and competitive and bring costs down.”
On immigration, Slavet emphasized dignity and respect for immigrants, stating they are a significant part of the economy and society.
He proposed ending California’s sanctuary state status, calling it a “moral hazard.”
Tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet enters California governor race with bold plans (File)
Slavet said, “We’ll work with the feds to get criminals out. We all want that. But in return, I want to restore California sovereignty.”
Regarding his potential relationship with the Trump administration, Slavet said, “We’ve got to work positively with the president and positively with his administration. California needs things from the president.” He added, “A strong California means a strong country. As goes California, so goes the country.”