Barack Obama has re-entered the political scene, but not in the way you might think. A namesake of the former US president, carrying the moniker Barack D. Obama Shaw, has signed up for the gubernatorial race in California and will contest against the likes of Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, and Steve Hilton for the post of Governor.
Another Barack Obama is running for California governor
Hailing from the sunny streets of Alameda, Barack D. Obama Shaw has entered his not-so-unique name in California’s upcoming gubernatorial election against 61 other candidates.
Born as Cecil Shaw III, the governor nominee legally changed his name to Barack D. Obama Shaw in 2013, while he was serving in the US Army Reserve. In a recent interview with Spectrum News, Shaw credited the Democratic Party leader with opening up political possibilities for the likes of him.
He noted, “When I would stand to attention…and his picture was on the wall, and I was proud. He made it happen that a person like me could become president. And the word on the street was it’s not going to happen in our lifetime,” adding, “Barack Obama is the superhero. I’m the guy wearing his suit, that’s me. I’m the one that has the privilege that carries that banner around.”
An active member of his community, Shaw often hosts Alameda’s Got Talent and also imparts his musical knowledge to local children. In fact, his charitable deeds in Alameda are what inspired Barack D. Obama Shaw to run for governor in California, where he now seeks to solve the homelessness crisis, build housing infrastructure, and curb unnecessary spending.
Shaw levied further praise on Barack Obama on his campaign website, stating that the former president “brought a hope into the world that I had never seen or experienced before.” He added that Obama “was the catalyst that had me legally change my name because I believe that people today need that same type of hope.”
Despite having the odds stacked against him, Barack D. Obama Shaw will fight for California’s Governor position in the primary election, which takes place on June 2.
Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on Mandatory
