Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.
Javen Allen
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Javen Allen (No party preference) ran for election for Governor of California. He will not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2026.
Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Javen Allen was born in San Bernardino, California. His career experience includes working as an activist, author, and actor.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: California 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 California
The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of California on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Ethan Agarwal (D) | ||
 | Toni Atkins (D) | |
 | Xavier Becerra (D) | |
 | Ian Charles Calderon (D) | |
 | Katie Porter (D) | |
 | Raji Rab (D) | |
 | Tony Thurmond (D) | |
 | Antonio Villaraigosa (D) | |
 | Betty Yee (D) | |
 | Michael Younger (D) | |
 | Chad Bianco (R) | |
 | Sharifah Hardie (R)  | |
 | Steve Hilton (R) | |
 | Brandon Jones (R) | |
 | Kyle Langford (R) | |
 | Daniel Mercuri (R) | |
 | Leo Zacky (R) | |
 | Nicholas Thompson (L) | |
 | Jesse Alberti (No party preference) | |
| Tony Fitzpatrick (No party preference) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Eleni Kounalakis (D)
- Javen Allen (No party preference)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Javen Allen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Allen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
Published Author, Actor, and California-born-native of 30 years with modern, relevant life experience with business, entertainment, and culture in the state. The youngest bi-racial candidate in California History--dedicated to returning the shine to the Golden State. A sharp and highly skilled professional with grit and unwavering determination to succeed. I serve as the concrete bridge between generations and morals of society. A level-headed activist capable of blending together the different ages and beliefs of multiple groups-- for a productive and beneficial outcome. I am entirely focused on a better way forward and les worried how much you're paying me to do it. The ONLY candidate in California to willingly pledge $100,000 from the Governor salary in the first year, to the first state project initiated at the start of the new term. The only Governor Candidate personally interviewing homeless Citizens on skid row; discussing The Plan of Action with them and hearing their views on improvements. The difference between me and the others is like the Sun compared to the Planets. We must keep shining while they stay spinning in circles.
- Goal 1: Lowering the State Income Tax by 2% across the board for all Citizens and Businesses. Having the highest income tax in the country, it is time to relieve some pressure from our people. This will save millions from economic crisis. The additional funds will go towards family vacations, automobiles, repairs, healthcare, retirement, mortgages, new business ventures, added jobs and more. I'm hurt to see so many Businesses close. I hate how empty it feels downtown. There's no excuse for the current state of affairs in California. When something isn't working you fix it. Stop reelecting the problem and choose the solution. As someone fresh on the scene with no corporations to serve, it's crystal clear what the problem is.
- Goal 2: Ending Homelessness with a quickness! As an honest self-made individual with relevant experience to being low income, I know better than anyone how close you can come to being homeless. One car accident, one broken bone, one unplanned sickness could be the end of your entire reality in a warm bed. I have personally written a legislative program, entitled The Covello Pathway Project, which is a state funded program that rehabilitates homeless individuals while utilizing them as employees to help clean and rebuild the cities they once destroyed in California. I have personally interviewed displaced citizens and confirmed that people are looking for opportunities to better their situation. I will give them this chance to rebuild.
- Goal 3: Re-establishing healthy law & order with an appreciation for consequences and human life. Video games based off of real locations in California, like GTA6, glorify chaos and violence. The youth have become encouraged to commit crimes. Instead of supporting their friends and neighbors, they now follow them home to rob them. I will change this. I serve as a perfect example of a young, talented, and capable law- abiding citizen with character and social respect. The urge to follow peers can be resisted with the right role models. I will revolutionize law enforcement in California by reinforcing the publics' trust in the badge. I support a new era of police, with a 15% salary increase & improved methods of force.
Parents deserve the right to be Parents. We all need a little direction and critique in life to stay on the best path. Parents who took the time, money, and effort to bring a child into this world, deserve the right to properly raise that child for success.
I value the input and battles of great philosophers from the past. Thinkers like Socrates and Plato had the ultimate punishment of questioning everything while being surrounded by people who yearned to know nothing. As long as the public had their games and wine, everything was fine. I value their authenticity to themselves. I appreciate their willingness to disappoint expectations in order to remain true to knowledge and curiosity. I often think of Socrates being denied the right of self-defense at his own trial. The people were so afraid of him convincing the jury of his innocence that he was silenced. Justice for them or injustice for him? Majority rules again.
I would recommend my personal, published novel of poetry entitled 'Band-Aids for bullet holes'. This is a raw, coming -of-age work of mine that tastefully addresses cause-and-effect, life & death, and truth & lies. It is a guide, serving as a reminder to stay hungry for your own life. It helps one confront the emptiness that can develop from over-achieving and people pleasing. It brings the reader full circle back onto themselves; allowing the improved version of one's self to shed the damaged skin. The title is fairly direct and explicit of the meaning. People sustain lethal damage and then are rewarded with insignificant band-aids to cover their wounds. This is symbolic of California and its' people. We once were so great. But politicians took our shine for granted. Their greed robbed us of our dignity. Now you cannot go to see the Hollywood sign without stepping over bodies on the sidewalk. The smell of ammonia and urine hit you in the morning. We keep skipping over the fact that Gavin Newson misplaced $24 billion from the homeless budget. He offers you a Band-Aid for your bullet hole.
Politics is simple. It is the thoughts and beliefs of the people in constant motion. Sometimes things work and other times they fail completely. This is normal, however, it is imperative to have honest politicians in the driver seat in order to properly and fairly readjust as needed. When you have corrupted politicians hiding their true intentions of fraud and personal gain ( like convicted LA Councilman Jose Huizar, sentenced to 13 long years in prison) the system is tainted and the people lose faith in their government. In these times of economic troubles, people seek out individuals who will build them up, not people that are looking to steal from them and their taxes. Unacceptable and embarrassing. I support politicians refusing favors and gifts from corporations in addition to limited stock trading and trades. They must be reminded that their duty is to the public and not to themselves.
The core responsibilities of an elected official are to represent the beliefs of the people that put them in a position of power to make the decisions. I find it puzzling that people are aware that politicians lie directly to them, and yet they still line up for hours to vote for the same corrupt options. It is crucial for a politician to let his word be his bond and mean what he says. An administration based off of broken promises and unfinished works becomes a burden to all living in that environment. It's a responsibility of an elected official to be approachable and well read with the day-to-day activities of the people. When you're elected, you do not disassociate and become big headed with status. It is the burden of a leader to influence others and promote a metamorphosis of consciousness. When a politician leaves office, the people should be better off. They should feel compelled to vote again for a similar and productive lawmaker.
I'm so confident in my abilities to deliver as governor for the state of California that I only intend to run for one term. After living in the state with people like Newsom, going from Mayor to Lieutenant Governor to 2 term Governor, living underneath the rule of someone for 20 years really does feel like a monarchy. In America, we believe in democracy, and democracies have term limits. I would like my legacy to be 'the man that came to get things done.' Always leave them wanting more, never give them their fill of you.
My first sentient memory was seeing the California aqueduct for the first time. Being born in the high desert, one of the few ways of getting out of the house was to go for a nature walk. I recall watching the roaring water from the side walls. The murky green color of the waves was frightening to me. But then again at five years old kids are scared of everything. I remember the family husky jumping into the stream and happily climbing back out. The sound of her nails scratching on the concrete walls. Nostalgia
My first job was a skate-server at Sonic Drive Thru in San Bernardino! I really enjoyed this job because I was able to exercise while making money. I felt like I was in the 70s riding around on skates, dropping off milkshakes and burgers to peoples cars. lol I'll never forget the day my manager tripped on a quarter and dropped an oreo shake on the hood a dodge charger.
lmao dare I say my own?? Band-Aids for Bullet Holes- Too little too late. No seriously though, I don't know any published poets today. ESPECIALLY men under 35.
With the way people look at me when I'm telling them I'm running for governor, I think I'm fictional enough. The response is electric. I feel like a super hero. You can tell how thrilled and ready people are for change. Being Javen Allen is just fine.
CUZ YOU GOT NO CONFIDENCE! NA NA NA NA NA I CAN CLEAN UP GOOD FOR YA
I've struggled with perfectionism. I tend to submerge myself so deeply in a pressing matter that I can occasionally forget to come back to it. In the moment, I feel as though nothing else matters, but solving the issue at hand. I take this as an example of my willingness to deliver. I do not pride myself on letting others down.
It's the governors job to oversee all aspects of the state. The governor must hire and fire accordingly for the best outcome of the state. The governors main focus is the health of his jurisdiction. California being the most populated state in the country requires an energetic and dedicated individual with open availability. I intend to focus on the budget and state deficit with surgical precision. I intend to enforce a safe and secure border for the state of California. I am focused on eliminating the homeless crisis and bettering healthcare benefits. I am focused on pursuing mandatory maternity leave for all mothers. I am focused on enforcing recycling programs for the state to help combat global warming and to promote renewable energy. As a millennial these issues are prevalent in my life. I am not able to reflect during my retirement on how gas used to be $.50 a gallon. As Governor, I intend to change the narrative on California. Our citizens are mistreated in different states because of their license plate. We are bullied throughout America when people discover our origins from the West Coast. Criminals are renting cars from other states and driving to Beverly Hills to rob people on Rodeo Drive. It is a responsibility of the governor to keep his people safe. As someone who took their first breath in California, I feel a sense of loyalty to the state and happily defend the inhabitants of the land. I did not move here to monopolize on high wages and fast cars. I was born here and want to see the legacy continue.
100% hands on. It's one of the main requirements as governor to approve budgets and state funding. Nothing can get done without the proper accounting and distribution of funds. This is a crucial role for me and I happily rise to the occasion. A successful governor is backed by a capable administration, and like all those before me, I do intend to create a magnificent artillery of professionals to divide and conquer. Joe Biden is a prime example of someone serving as a figurine of power while others complete the job. This will not do. As my own campaign manager and treasurer, I have succeeded at demonstrating my proficiency in budgets and spending limits for advertising, billboards, political ads, volunteers, debates, travel, charity, fundraising, and everything else polished that is observed. I am a one man army. Happy to delegate responsibilities but prepared to do it all myself if needed because it must get done and no one will do it like I can. A governor does not need to micromanage or be overbearing, it is his duty to appoint capable members to his administration to help him with the direct outcome of the project at hand.
I would not hesitate to veto any bills or items that contradict the policies of the new state I am working to build. This is to remain true to those that I represent. The power of veto is a last resource as it means back to the drawing board, which represents time and money wasted. However, the lawmakers in California are paid handsomely and can afford to start over with more appropriate clauses for the public. If elected, all will know that Javen is for the people and he would only veto something he felt undermined their trust and safety. I would not weaponize this power to spite others or wreak havoc.
The best possible relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one that does not involve a conflict of interest. A governors role is to serve as the head of the state and this comes with certain responsibilities and limitations. It's always appropriate to maintain respectful and corrigible relationships with coworkers. However, a line must be drawn to prevent collusion and bias influencing, intended to make decisions that benefit a friendship as opposed to benefiting the people as a whole. As a hands-on governor, I would keep the bill committee busy with my new proposed bills and laws, and I would want a healthy relationship with the state legislature meant to decide on these items. I'm an extroverted individual who is approachable and quick to find a solution. I would welcome all state legislatives to approach me with concerns or comments to promote an open door policy and the most cohesive product for the state.
I love our Pacific Coast. The sunsets make it all worth it in the end. This is one of the main reasons why as Governor, I intend to renovate all beaches in the state. Reinforcement of piers and bridges, proper welding and replacement of broken sewer lines that bleed into the ocean, sand filtering to remove broken glass and needles, planting 100,000 new palm trees for shade and decor, construction of sanctuaries for seasonal water animals, protection and planting of coral reefs, and finally extensive trash collection and sanitation. The Golden State deserves this renovation. This also means harsher punishments for those seeking to pollute our beaches and harm our wild life.
HOMELESSNESS. Without a doubt. California has the highest homeless count in the entire country. This is exactly why I went directly to those experiencing this tragedy, to ask them what the problem is and how we can fix it. The amount of drugs brought into the state by illegal immigrants and the cartel have destroyed California citizens. Being so close to Mexico, the contraband is readily available. This in addition to low demand for American workers forces individuals into a depressive state of decline and drug use to cope. I want to bring purpose back to the lives of Californians. The people feel as though California is better for strangers, and those only passing by as opposed to individuals who have started a life and raised a family here. We must return the loyalty to our citizens.
Your Current Governor hehe.
Emergency powers of the governor include disbursement of the National Guard and statewide curfews. These are serious situations that should only be invoked on the most appropriate of times, including natural disasters or possible threats to public safety. California was crushed by the handling of the Covid pandemic. There was a better way of handling such a chaotic emergency in the state. It was complete insurrection for the highest paid sheriff in the state (Chad Bianco $590,000 annually) to challenge the governor's lockdown and encourage citizens to rebel. This made the entire state of California look disorganized and foolish. It's vital for a governor to have dedicated and obedient counterparts to enforce the rules previously decided upon. A governor uses emergency powers when he knows his people are in danger and that they will benefit from the tough love in the end.
See them on my Instagram @Javen4govenor
As a modern millennial, I understand the value of money and cryptocurrency and stocks. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a successful member of society. However ,there exist a fine line between success and using the benefits of your office in a corrupt manner. Congressmen and Senators should not be worth $300 million after taking office. It makes a mockery of the government and turns the state legislation into a lottery--Each member quietly waits their turn to hit it big. I despise insider trading. I detest cheaters who seek to mislead the public for financial gain. I stand for justice and open door policy between government officials, and the people that they represent. Money makes the world go around, which is exactly why I still don't understand why California has not pursued the matter of missing funds in the amount of $25 billion by the current governor. California has been plagued by dishonest and deceitful leaders. Schwarzenegger and Newsom step out on their wives and families like tap dancers. They keep track of their secret affairs and illegitimate children yet struggle to account for funds meant to save people from dying under park benches. Arnold couldn't even go to the gym like a regular guy he had to cheat at that too. If these politicians would betray their own love partners that they are intimate with, please understand they will betray you. Government accountability is stepping aside when someone is more fit for the job with less baggage and controversy. As a single, athletic, educated male with no children, I have nothing but time to remain financially transparent and accountable for government actions.
I do support the people being able to propose laws through the current state ballot initiative process. However, I would fight for a quicker period of results. There's a lot that needs to be done and updated in the state of California and in order to achieve this monumental goal we must be punctual and manage time in a more efficient manner. A call to action will bring faster solutions for pressing matters, thus allowing the governing body to make progress instead of being buried under the docket.
The governor serves as a symbol of the state. His policies and beliefs and actions will proceed him everywhere he goes. This is why it's crucial that we have a young honest and respectable individual representing the state of California. This is not West Virginia or Arkansas. California does not need a sheriff intimidating the general public like Texas. The state is in need of a fair individual capable of relating to all various walks of life, while remaining focused on the best outcomes for the majority. A successful governor is able to step outside himself to experience situations from the viewpoints of his voters. A successful governor stays awake and alert during important meetings and briefings. A governor is favored by the people and walks amongst them as a friend with their best interest at heart. As the head of the state, a governor is relatable in policy and supports agendas that empower the average citizen. All of these other candidates spent thousands of dollars to pay people to put ads in front of you and commercials on your phone. I rented a car and drove all the way from San Diego to Redding back down to Santa Barbara in two days to personally hand out 120,000 flyers. We are not the same.
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
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on January 3, 2025
