My name is Darren Ellis, a write-in candidate for the California Assembly District 4, a registered Republican who believes in common sense policies and constitutionality.

I am 37 years old, a family man, former law enforcement officer and legal consultant, former entrepreneur and current doctoral student with a master’s degree in education. I am on the board of directors for a successful restorative justice nonprofit organization based out of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and have firsthand experience in the successes of well-organized and data driven nonprofit organizations on crime and harm reduction.

I believe in parental rights and educational choice. Schools in this state are failing our children, evidenced by 40% to 70% plus of students scoring below average in areas of STEM education. Students deserve a quality education that prepares them academically and professionally for the future, not ideologically.

I am a proponent of social service programs for legal residents in need. It is ridiculous to cut foster care and social service programs for legal Californians while offering free healthcare, housing, food, and stipends to non-legal persons in this state, all at the expense of the taxpayer.

Further, I believe in fiscal responsibility. The Democrats in this state have built up a $1.6 trillion deficit in debt, bonds and outstanding obligations that they have no long-term plan to pay for. Instead, they are proposing further debt for programs like Prop 1 which amounts to roughly $440,000 per bed. We need to be rolling back regulations and legislation that have handcuffed agriculture and industry in this state to promote economic growth and financial stability long-term, not more deficit spending.

Lastly, I am a huge proponent of the rule of law. Legislation in this state has benefited criminals at the expense of public safety and security. Decriminalization and bail reform, along with overly restrictive and unconstitutional attempts at public disarmament have negatively impacted businesses, law enforcement morale, and the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.

It's time for a change in California. It would be a privilege to have you write-in Darren Ellis for State Assembly come March 5. Together, we can accomplish constitutional restoration for all.

Darren Ellis lives in Winters, California.