The Road to Congress

Democracy is at risk—the future of the United States is at risk. Lately, waking up to yet another breaking news story has become the norm for society. We can become so lost in these broad yet important issues that we forget about the foundational pillar of all of this “political nonsense.” At the end of the day, politics is about the People—about you and me. Our families, children, and the working people. I think career politicians forget that. And it is time one of two things happens: remind them of their purpose or replace them. 

We must foster our sense of shared purpose, connection, trust, and love of one another. We must remind our friends and neighbors that we are all Americans, that we are all in this together. And we do this through conversation and getting to know one another. So, join me and let’s get a little personal. I’ll start. 

Childhood

I was born in Tulsa, OK, and I would ultimately be the fourth of nine children born to an incredible mother. We moved often, and as a child, I lived in Tennessee, Missouri, and Oklahoma. My childhood was a magnificent journey and taught me many valuable lessons. In the summer of 2004, I decided I wanted to learn how to swim—for real. So, I joined the swimming team and sparked a passion I continue to hold to this day. I was a competitive swimmer for five years. I competed in multiple states, and I primarily competed in the breaststroke and the individual medley. In addition to swimming, I played the tuba/sousaphone for four years. This stage of my life taught me how to share—my space, my wealth, and my time—and how to get along with other people.

Early Adulthood

I returned to Oklahoma just before high school and attended Union High School. I worked in movie theater concessions and as a “Sandwich Artist” for Subway. After graduating from high school, I attended Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. But, alas, $56,000/year was a patently ridiculous choice, and I ran out of funding after three semesters. So, I dropped out of college. But I do not give up so easily. Once I make a promise, I always follow through, no matter the obstacles. Tulane refused to release my transcript for a long time, and I restarted my academic journey at Rio Salado Community College in 2013. Because of that promise, I went on to earn four college degrees. 

Like many Americans, I worked through school. I was blessed to land a job as a banker in June 2013. In 2014, I did self-study for and pass the Series 7/63 and became a Registered Representative. In summer 2015, I sold my possessions, bought a bike, and rode 1,000 miles through the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. I rode from Flagstaff, AZ, to Santa Monica, CA, and back again. I rode in August of that year, with an average daily temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit/43 degrees Celsius. I took a tent and just rode. It was a journey of self-discovery, and I learned a lot about myself!

I rode along Route 66/the I-40 on the route. I saw cool places like Oatman and the burros, Amboy, CA, and I rode up the backside of Big Bear Lake from Victorville, CA. I stopped into Big Bear Lake for a few days and met some awesome people. Along the route, I traveled with a tent and simply slept wherever I stopped for the evening.  

Where Growth Met Purpose

Three years later, in January 2017, I enlisted in the Army as a Private First Class (E-3). I served as a 35(P)—Cryptologic Linguist—and was assigned to Modern Standard Arabic. During the time that I was learning Arabic for the Army, I was enrolled in my bachelor’s program, and I graduated in November 2019. 

I deployed in 2020, and I transitioned off active-duty status on May 16, 2022, as a Sergeant (E-5), after five years and four months. I then moved my family from Tennessee to Newcastle, OK, in July 2022, and began attending OU Law in August of that year. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in May 2025. And in October 2025, I swore in as an attorney with the Great State of Oklahoma. 

In 2024, while attending law school, I ran for State House—House District 20. I lost that race but originally intended to run for HD20 again in 2026. But, in case you were not aware, my wife is a naturalized citizen of the United States, and our four oldest boys were born before she earned her citizenship. Then, on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed an Executive Order purporting to strip my boys of their birthright citizenship—their Fourteenth Amendment citizenship. As a result, I dissolved that state committee and formed this committee to run for the United States Congress. I am running to replace Tom Cole, fight for your constitutional rights, and eliminate this administration’s biggest “yes man.”

Closing Thoughts 

There is a theme that connects the many moments of my life. When I put my mind to something and make a promise, I always follow through. Many things have shaped who I am today and will translate well when I take office. Everything I have done—whether it was learning to swim, learning a new instrument, cycling in the desert, attending college, enlisting in the Army, learning Modern Standard Arabic, becoming an attorney, or running for state house—took dedication, passion, and work. When I entered this race, I was not just making a promise to myself; I made a promise to you. I am running because Oklahomans deserve a leader who represents the people, and I am one of you.

Like you, I understand big family economics. Like you, I understand the strain of skyrocketing health insurance and the headache that comes with trying to have a simple procedure. Like you, I have to budget for higher grocery prices and a rising cost of living. Like you, I require a paycheck to survive. 

I understand the power of a helping hand, a kind word, and simply being given an opportunity. I come from a hardworking family. Everything I own in this life, I have earned. And I am proud to be the man my mama raised. 

I promise to put in the work. I promise to put the People first—the good people of CD4, Oklahoma, and the United States. I promise nothing but my all. 

And I need your help too. I need your time—please come and volunteer. I need your talents—please lend us a hand doing that thing you are best at doing. And, as you have probably already guessed, I need your treasure—can you please write a check or become a monthly supporting contributor to the campaign? This District has 800,000 people in it, and I am only one of you. 

Everyone has their own story, and when we get to know one another, we better understand each other. So yes, politics is personal. This campaign is personal because it is about us. I am in this race for you—for the People. And the People deserve what was promised to them—a democracy that serves them.