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Alexander Ziwahatan
From Ballotpedia
Alexander Ziwahatan (Independent Party) is running for election for Governor of Oregon. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Ziwahatan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Alexander Ziwahatan was born in Eugene, Oregon. He earned a high school diploma from Willamette High School. His career experience includes working as a entrepreneur and in healthcare. He has been affiliated with Service Employees International Union 503.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Oregon gubernatorial election, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Governor of Oregon
The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Oregon on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | James Atkinson (D)  | |
 | Brittany Jones (D) | |
| Danielle Bethell (R) | ||
 | David Burch (R) | |
| Kyle Duyck (R) | ||
 | Patrick Kopke-Hales (R) | |
| Robert Neuman (R) | ||
 | Alexander Ziwahatan (Independent Party) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Alexander Ziwahatan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ziwahatan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Alexander Ziwahatan, an independent candidate for Governor of Oregon. I’m a 7th-generation Oregonian with deep roots in this state, and I’m running not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as an Oregonian—someone who puts people over party. I’m also the owner of two Oregon-based companies: Omnithion, an AI-driven biotech think tank, and STYLITHIC, a luxury women’s fashion brand focused on empowerment and innovation. Additionally, I serve as the Chief of the Sakochee Tribe, working to preserve cultural heritage and promote Indigenous leadership.
My background combines entrepreneurial vision, social responsibility, and a passion for bold solutions. I’m not beholden to corporate donors or partisan agendas. I believe in eliminating income and property taxes by unlocking new revenue streams like renewable energy, AI licensing, wellness tourism, and carbon credits. I’m committed to solving homelessness, restoring safety, revitalizing our economy, and bringing common sense and compassion back to Oregon’s government. My campaign is about one thing: fighting for all Oregonians.
- I am an independent leader who will always put Oregonians first—not political parties, lobbyists, or special interests.
- I have a bold plan to eliminate income and property taxes by unlocking over $100 billion in new annual revenue through innovation, clean energy, and economic transformation.
- I will end chronic homelessness in Oregon through self-sustaining recovery communities that offer housing, treatment, purpose, and dignity—not just tents and temporary fixes.
I’m passionate about bold, people-first policies that create real change. I want to eliminate income and property taxes by unlocking over $100 billion in new revenue through clean energy, AI, wellness tourism, and carbon credits. I will end chronic homelessness by building self-sustaining recovery communities that offer housing, treatment, and purpose. I support universal healthcare with no premiums or deductibles, and I’ll ensure Oregon’s seniors thrive. I’m committed to making Oregon a leader in innovation while restoring safety, dignity, and economic opportunity for all. As an independent, I don’t answer to parties—I answer to Oregonians.
I look up to leaders who had the courage to defy the establishment and fight for the people—like Bernie Sanders, who inspired me to run as an independent, and my distant cousin, Barack Obama, who reminded us of hope, unity, and purpose. I also admire Theodore Roosevelt, who challenged corruption, protected natural lands, and wasn’t afraid to take on powerful interests. But most of all, I look up to everyday Oregonians—farmers, workers, healers, and innovators—who show up, speak truth, and keep this state alive. I don’t want to follow anyone’s exact path. I want to carve a new one that reflects Oregon’s spirit: independent, bold, and unstoppable.
I’d recommend “Independents Rising” by Jacqueline Salit, which explores how independent leaders can break the partisan gridlock and bring real change. I’d also suggest watching the documentary “The Social Dilemma”, which reveals how technology and media manipulation are shaping our democracy. Both reflect my belief that we need leaders who think critically, act boldly, and put people above politics. I believe in solutions rooted in innovation, compassion, and sovereignty—not party loyalty. My philosophy is about empowering communities, not controlling them.
Integrity, courage, and independence are the most important traits in an elected official. Oregonians deserve leaders who tell the truth, even when it’s unpopular, and who refuse to sell out to party politics or corporate interests. An elected official should be a servant of the people, not a puppet of a party. They must have the courage to challenge the status quo, the wisdom to listen, and the vision to lead. Real leadership means doing what’s right—not what’s politically convenient.
I’m bold, independent, visionary—and unbought. I’m not afraid to challenge the status quo or push for radical solutions when Oregon needs them. As a business leader, I’ve built organizations from the ground up. I understand sovereignty, service, and community. I listen deeply, speak directly, and act decisively. I’m not guided by party agendas or corporate donors—I’m driven by a relentless commitment to the people of Oregon. I bring creativity, courage, and compassion to every challenge. I believe these are the exact qualities we need in a Governor who’s ready to rebuild trust, restore safety, and lead our state into a bold new future.
The core responsibility of a Governor is to protect and uplift the people of Oregon. That means ensuring public safety, defending civil liberties, managing the economy responsibly, and using the state’s resources to benefit all—not just the wealthy or well-connected. A Governor must provide real solutions to homelessness, healthcare, and affordability, while being a unifying force above party lines. They must lead with vision, transparency, and compassion—because this office isn’t about power, it’s about service.
I want to leave a legacy of transformation and courage—that I was the Governor who ended chronic homelessness, eliminated oppressive taxes, and built a new economy powered by innovation, clean energy, and compassion. I want people to say, “That was the moment Oregon changed forever—for the better.” I hope my legacy inspires future leaders to rise above party lines, speak truth, and serve boldly. I want to be remembered as the one who restored dignity, sovereignty, and hope to Oregon—who didn’t just manage the system, but reimagined it to serve all Oregonians, not just the privileged few.
9/11 was the first major historical event I experienced. I was 11.
I was a 15 years old when I got my first job. I worked for "Mr. Tuxedo" in Eugene as a Shoe Cleaner. I had the job for one summer.
My favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It’s a timeless reminder that we each have a unique destiny—and that when we pursue it with courage and faith, the universe rises to meet us. That message has shaped my life and my campaign: trusting my purpose, embracing the unknown, and turning struggle into strength. The book speaks to the power of listening to your heart, taking risks, and finding meaning even in failure. It’s spiritual, grounded, and empowering—just like the kind of leadership I believe Oregon needs. Every time I read it, I’m reminded that purpose is greater than fear—and destiny favors the bold.
I’d be Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He’s intelligent, principled, diplomatic, and unafraid to challenge injustice—even when it’s unpopular. Picard leads with wisdom, empathy, and moral clarity, yet still embraces science, progress, and exploration. He listens deeply, commands respect without ego, and always puts the mission—and his crew—above himself. In a time when leadership often feels performative or divisive, Picard reminds us what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and humility. That’s the kind of leader I aspire to be—for Oregon and beyond.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “Running Up That Hill” by my husband's friend, Kate Bush. It’s haunting, powerful, and strangely timely. The lyrics about trading places, understanding others’ pain, and the desire to change systems from within hit hard—especially for someone running for office. It’s more than just a song; it’s a reminder of empathy, sacrifice, and the uphill battles we all face. Plus, let’s be honest—once it’s in your head, it refuses to leave. And maybe that’s the point.
I’ve struggled with severe anxiety and complex PTSD, shaped by personal and family challenges and the weight of my sexual orientation. For years, I hid my pain behind success, trying to prove my worth by doing more, achieving more. But healing came when I stopped running and started embracing my truth—with vulnerability, not shame. That struggle taught me resilience, empathy, and how to lead with heart. It’s also why I fight so fiercely for the voiceless, the forgotten, and the hurting—because I’ve been there. My pain didn’t break me—it forged me into the kind of leader who understands that true strength begins with honesty.
In Oregon, the most important responsibility of the Governor is to solve the crises that others have ignored—homelessness, economic inequality, addiction, and broken trust in government. That means using the office to drive bold, innovative solutions: building self-sustaining recovery communities, eliminating income and property taxes through new revenue models, and ensuring universal healthcare. It also means restoring public safety, protecting civil rights, and standing up for all Oregonians—not just those with political power. The Governor must be a visionary leader who can unify, innovate, and deliver results.
The Governor should have direct and hands-on involvement in the state budgeting process. In Oregon, where we face major economic and social challenges, the budget isn’t just numbers—it’s a moral document. I believe the Governor must set clear priorities, lead with a bold vision, and ensure every dollar is spent to uplift Oregonians, not expand bureaucracy. That includes eliminating waste, ending corporate giveaways, and investing in innovation, recovery, and infrastructure. I would push for transparent, line-item accountability, with public input and oversight. The people deserve to see exactly how their money is used—and to trust it’s being used wisely.
If elected, I would use the line-item veto strategically and responsibly to protect Oregonians from waste, corruption, and special-interest giveaways. This power should never be used for political games or revenge—it should be used to uphold the public trust. If a budget item doesn’t serve the people, lacks transparency, or funnels money to the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable, I will veto it—plain and simple. I believe in honest budgets, lean government, and funding what actually works, not what looks good on paper or serves a political donor. Every veto will be publicly explained—no secrets, no spin.
The ideal relationship between the Governor and the state legislature is one of respect, accountability, and shared purpose. As Governor, I won’t play party politics—I’ll work with anyone who’s willing to put Oregonians first. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must agree that the people deserve results. I believe in open communication, transparent negotiations, and standing firm when it counts. The Governor should lead with vision, not ego—offering bold ideas, listening to lawmakers, and building coalitions that cross party lines. At the end of the day, it's not about who wins—it's about whether the people of Oregon do.
The people and our state's beautiful and diverse landscape.
Oregon’s greatest challenges over the next decade are homelessness, economic instability, addiction, public safety, and the failure to modernize. We’re stuck in outdated systems while technology, climate, and society move forward. If we don’t act boldly, we’ll fall behind. We must end chronic homelessness through recovery-based communities, eliminate income and property taxes by unlocking new revenue streams, and make Oregon a leader in clean energy, AI, and innovation. We also face a crisis of trust—people no longer believe their leaders work for them. Over the next decade, we must rebuild that trust by delivering real results—not partisan excuses.
Why did the independent politician cross the road?
To get away from the left and the right—and go straight to the people.
To get away from the left and the right—and go straight to the people.
Emergency powers should be used only in genuine, time-sensitive crises—such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, wildfires, or threats to public safety—where swift, decisive action is required to protect lives and infrastructure. These powers must be temporary, transparent, and narrowly focused, with clear oversight by the legislature and the public. I do not support blanket or indefinite emergency powers. The people of Oregon should never be ruled by executive decree—but in moments of true danger, the Governor must be ready to lead boldly and responsibly, always returning power to the people as soon as the crisis subsides.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Every taxpayer has the right to know exactly where their money is going—and why. As Governor, I will push for real-time public dashboards showing state spending, contracts, and outcomes. No more backroom deals, bloated budgets, or wasted programs. I support strict public oversight and holding officials accountable when they fail to serve the people. Trust in government starts with honesty—and I will never forget that I work for Oregonians, not for lobbyists or party insiders.
I support careful, citizen‑driven reforms to preserve the spirit of direct democracy while restoring fairness and accountability. I would back sensible adjustments, such as modestly raising signature requirements, adopting hourly wage rules for petition circulators, and mandating full disclosure of major funders before signatures are collected . I’d also champion expanding committees like the Oregon Citizens’ Initiative Review—so voters get non‑partisan, deliberative summaries, not just campaign brochures.
Being Governor means bearing the ultimate responsibility for the well-being of every person in Oregon. It’s not a title—it’s a duty. As the state’s top executive, I would be the one who sets the tone, takes the hits, and makes the hard decisions. That means acting decisively in a crisis, building a team that reflects our values, and leading with vision—not ego. It means listening more than talking, solving problems instead of blaming others, and doing what’s right even when it’s hard. To me, it means being a servant, a protector, and a voice for all Oregonians—not just the powerful few.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate Governor of Oregon |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 30, 2025
