OneRepublic Founding Member Is Running for Lieutenant Governor of California

OneRepublic’s Tim Myers is making a career change. Eighteen years after the band’s founding bassist left the group, he announced that he’s running to be the next lieutenant governor of California.

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In a statement to his website, Myers listed faith, family, and service as his main values, which are “all connected by his love for music and using it to help people’s lives.”

A third generation Californian, Myers was born to a pastor for a father, who taught him “the importance of hard work and giving back.” The statement noted that Myers got his first job at 14 “because he knew if he wanted something then he’d have to work to get it.”

In addition to a work ethic and focus on giving back, Myers’ dad started his love of music. That all culminated in 2002 when Myers met Ryan Tedder and formed OneRepublic.

Myers departed the group in 2007. Afterwards, Brent Kutzle stepped in to play bass for the band.

Tim Myers’ Life After OneRepublic

It’s Myers’ post-OneRepublic career that has allowed him to “put his mark on the music industry” as a writer and producer. He also founded Palladium Records “to build an innovative business model where the people actually doing the work got a better deal.”

As for his personal life, Myers is married to his wife, Lauren, and they share two daughters. Myers, a democrat, is throwing his hat into the political ring in order to “fix a broken political system dominated by career politicians and special interests and rigged against the working class.”

“He’ll bring a fresh, strong voice to the Lt. Governor’s office to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks and ensure every Californian has the opportunity to chase their dreams, can afford to make a living here, and feels safe,” the statement read. “It’s time for change.”

Another page of Myers’ cite notes, “The Lt. Governor’s office has influence on the economy, the environment, education, and even the legislature. I plan to use this office to fight back against Trump in non-traditional ways and to make California affordable and safe.”

Eleni Kounalakis, California’s current lieutenant governor, is running to succeed the incumbent governor, Gavin Newsom.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images