In Ventura County, the issues of law and order have become increasingly prominent, especially in the wake of rising crime rates. As of 2023, Ventura County had witnessed a noticeable uptick in criminal activities. Notably, property crimes had surged, with reported incidents significantly higher than the previous years. This rise in property crime was accompanied by an increase in violent crimes, including assault and robbery, challenging the perception of Ventura County as a traditionally safe area. This escalation of criminal activities has mirrored rises in crime rates in neighboring L.A. County, bringing focus to the liberal experiments in Blue California about the effectiveness of lax bail rules for accused criminals.
This conversation is reflected in the many local 2024 political races, notably the race for California’s U.S. Congressional District 26 which spreads out over most of Ventura County and is currently represented by multi-term Democrat Julia Brownley. Brownley’s ideological opposition in this race is brought into sharp focus by Bruce Boyer, one of several GOP candidates, who describes his campaign for the U.S. Congress as rooted in a deep-seated commitment to civil liberties, the Second Amendment, border security and unwavering support for law and order.
A native of nearby Reseda in the San Fernando Valley, Boyer sees his life is a tapestry of diverse experiences and steadfast principles. Born to an aeronautical engineer father and a college professor mother, Bruce’s journey from a young Southern Californian to a congressional hopeful is a path that has wound through repeated unsuccessful attempts at elected office in Ventura county. After completing college, Bruce served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army, specializing in Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare. His military service, dating back to a family tradition since 1777, is a source of immense pride and shapes much of his worldview.
In his college days, Boyer’s political activism took root. He founded the college Libertarian club, demonstrating an early inclination towards issues of liberty and political engagement. Although registered as a Libertarian until 2006, Bruce later aligned with the Republican Party, recognizing the challenges third-party candidates face in the American political landscape.
Boyer’s longtime activism is not just theoretical but has seen practical applications. In 2003, Boyer was a significant figure in the San Fernando Valley’s secession movement, running for the position of mayor for the proposed new city. Though the movement did not succeed, it marked Bruce’s deepening involvement in regional politics.
In 2018, Bruce took a bold stance against California’s restrictive laws on sheriff candidacy, launching a three-year legal challenge. Although the challenge did not yield the desired result, it demonstrated his commitment to reform and justice. His political journey continued as he ran for Ventura County Clerk and Recorder in 2022.
During the Covid pandemic, Boyer emerged as a vocal opponent of mandates and restrictions he viewed as unconstitutional. His advocacy resonated with many, leading to his decision to run for California’s 26th Congressional District. Announcing his candidacy on Constitution Day, Bruce’s campaign is driven by a promise to protect rights, liberties, and uphold the Constitution against all threats.
A small business owner and entrepreneur since 1991, Boyer also lives a life true to his roots as a professional Cowboy, embracing the “Cowboy Code of Ethics.” His unique blend of traditional values and professional pursuits, including an intriguing talent in professional dancing, adds a distinct flavor to his political persona.
Boyer’s platform is heavily influenced by his support for the Second Amendment, a cornerstone of his campaign. He aligns closely with former President Donald Trump’s policies and is a vocal advocate for law and order. This stance resonates with a significant section of Ventura County’s electorate, who see in Boyer a defender of their freedoms and a promoter of conservative values.
At the heart of Bruce Boyer’s campaign is his faith. Baptized at 18 and an active member of the West Valley Christian Church, his spiritual beliefs deeply influence his views and actions. This aspect of his life appeals to the large faith-based community within this district, many of whom became politically active in the aftermath of the Covid lockdowns.
To hear Boyer describe his own candidacy, ” I’m not just a candidate; I want to be a catalyst for renewal of enduring American traditions such as military service, entrepreneurial spirit, and a steadfast commitment to civil liberties. As Ventura County gears up for the congressional race, Boyer is hoping that 2024 is the year his conservative and pro-Donald Trump aligned views break through with the Ventura county electorare. With the well-entrenched and well-funded Julia Brownley currently holding this seat, conventional wisdom would bet against Boyer but this GOP hopeful remains optimistic that his issues will resonate with the large number of veterans and Donald Trump supporters in this community. Boyer thinks that if he could convince his gun owner and border security conservative base to go to the polls, then he has a realistic shot to take his cowboy ethics from the ranches of Southern California to the halls of Congress.