California is facing unprecedented challenges—rising crime rates, political division, staffing shortages in public safety, and policies that many feel have failed the state. Former police officer and community leader Ryan Tillman believes he’s the person to help turn the tide. In a recent interview on Inside California Politics, Tillman outlined his vision for the future as he launches a bold campaign for California Governor. His platform emphasizes unity, empathy, and common-sense leadership aimed at protecting citizens’ rights while improving safety and accountability across the state.

Protecting the Right to Protest Without Tolerating Lawlessness

Tillman shared his perspective on civil unrest and how to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need for public safety. “As governor, we need to make sure to allow people to peacefully protest all they want,” he explained. “But we can’t allow chaos and mass hysteria to take over.”

He noted that many violent incidents at protests are often sparked by individuals who attend events not to protest an issue, but to incite violence or create destruction. “They’re not there for the purpose of the protest,” Tillman said. “But the people who are there for the protest get riled up because they’re fighting for a cause. That’s where things can spiral out of control.”

Rather than calling in the National Guard when protests escalate, Tillman wants to ensure that local law enforcement agencies have the resources, training, and leadership needed to maintain order. “We’re facing a recruiting and retention crisis in law enforcement right now,” he explained. “We can’t afford to keep tying the hands of our local police and expecting them to do more with less.”

Revisiting California’s Laws with Fresh Perspective

Tillman is a strong believer in revisiting outdated laws and policies. “One of the biggest things I hated in law enforcement was the mentality of, ‘this is how we’ve always done it, so this is how we’ll keep doing it,’” he said. “Laws should be the same way—if there’s a way to do things better, let’s do it. But we can’t go lawless and start committing crazy acts just because we disagree with a policy.”

He’s particularly passionate about reevaluating immigration policies and gun laws with a focus on balance. While he supports the Second Amendment, he wants to address the root causes of crime rather than simply adding more gun laws. “Criminals will always find ways to get guns illegally,” Tillman said. “We need to look at the person pulling the trigger, not just the weapon.”

Defending Good Officers While Holding Bad Actors Accountable

Tillman’s law enforcement background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing public safety professionals. He’s committed to holding officers accountable for misconduct, but he also wants to defend those who do their jobs appropriately—even when public perception may be negative.

“My track record is that I call balls and strikes,” Tillman said. “If I see misconduct, I’ll call it out. But I’ll also stand firm in defending good officers who did the right thing, even if it looks bad perceptually. There’s always more than meets the eye in critical incidents.”

He believes that political pressures and trial-by-media culture have eroded morale in law enforcement, making it difficult to attract and retain quality officers. “You couldn’t pay me enough to be a cop in certain California cities right now,” he said. “At a city and state level, they don’t have your back. That needs to change.”

Leading with Empathy and Uniting Californians

One of the qualities Tillman values most is empathy. Through his YouTube series Switch, he’s given civilians and even celebrities like Terry Crews a chance to step into the shoes of law enforcement officers. The goal is to build understanding and shift perspectives.

“Empathy is one of the most valuable traits for law enforcement—or anyone, really,” Tillman explained. “It allows people to be human with the people they serve. That’s what I would carry into the governor’s office.”

Tillman wants to lead California with the same approach—one rooted in empathy, values, and a commitment to uniting people regardless of political beliefs. “We shouldn’t isolate people just because we disagree with them,” he said. “God wants to love everyone, regardless of side or belief. But He also doesn’t change His standards just to appease people. We should take that same approach: lead with empathy and understanding, but stand firm on values and standards.”

A Call for New Leadership in California

California has long been considered one of the most influential states in the nation, but Tillman believes its policies have fallen short for too long. “There was a study that said 52% of Californians believe our best days are behind us,” he shared. “I’m crazy enough to believe our best days are still ahead, but it’s up to us to make that happen.”

He argues that California needs leaders who can break free from the political gridlock and entrenched partisanship that have plagued the state. “I’m not saying this is purely partisan, but clearly, something new needs to be tried,” Tillman said. “We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results.”

How You Can Support Ryan Tillman’s Campaign

Win or lose, Tillman wants to be able to say he left it all on the field. “God put this on my heart, and I’m going after it,” he said. “If you believe in me, the best thing you can do is support the campaign—volunteer, donate, and help us fight for a better California.”

Tillman’s campaign for California Governor is about more than politics. It’s about restoring trust, improving public safety, and uniting Californians around common goals. “I truly believe we can coexist with one another without hostility,” he said. “The sooner we can do that, the sooner we’ll find success as a state.”

To learn more about Ryan Tillman’s platform and how to get involved, visit his official campaign website or watch the full interview on Inside California Politics.