James Bradley joins Eyewitness News, talks run for U.S. Senate

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/KBFX) — Former healthcare executive James Bradley is no stranger to running for statewide office but hopes this third run for U.S. Senate is the one that will ultimately end with him on top.

"I'm not an establishment candidate, nor do I want to be one. That's the issue I see not just in the state of California, but also in D.C.," Bradley said.

The Coast Guard veteran describes himself as a "real-deal" candidate who can get the work done.

"Why am I better suited? Because I'm engaged," Bradley said. "I don't tour the state doing interviews or talks simply because where I'm best suited is doing the actual work."

If his name sounds familiar, it's because you've likely seen his name on the ballot before. Bradley has been running for statewide office since 2018.

Most notably finishing third place and being the highest republican vote-getter in the 2018 senatorial primary. Dianne Feinstein ultimately defeated Kevin de Leon in the midterm election.

"I've run businesses. I've saved citizens out of warzones," Bradley said. "With that richness and engagement, I bring something unique to this office. It's the real, as opposed to projections and promises that we have witnessed from career politicians they never keep."

When it comes to the issues, Bradley emphasized his Christian faith as having shaped his views; referring to his run as a 'mustard seed' campaign.

On his campaign website, Bradley lists positions for nearly 25 issues including a two-term limit for members of Congress and increasing water storage for the agricultural community.

But his top issue is homeland security both at home and abroad.

"We have to shut the border down. We have to find out those that have come over that are not only illegal but also have a criminal record," Bradley said "Once we find them, we have to be fierce. It's the Reagan line 'peace through strength'. We have to show strength. We lost that in this last election."

Bradley also views the economy as a central point of his candidacy.

"I believe we empower small business. I believe we've lost sight of that. The overregulation in the state of California makes it cost prohibitive for small businesses to sustain and many are leaving to this day," Bradley said.

A recent poll conducted by Southern California universities shows Bradley is trailing at this point in the race, but he says this is a cause is not worth giving up.

Bradley is known for his fiery social media posts and has no shortage of criticisms of his opponents or the way debates are held in the state.

"These last two debates were very selective on who they wanted there. I believe, and you can call me a conspiracy theorist if you want to, but they really wanted Steve Garvey to be up there. They know he's weak," Bradley said.

Bradley went on to say that the three leading democrats in the race are the ones who want Steve Garvey on the debate stage because they don't want to debate him.

Despite feeling like the deck is stacked against him, Bradley is remaining optimistic and encouraging voters to consider the other options out there this Super Tuesday.

"Why waste any more time playing party politics? The party line that has turned their backs on you. The only time you hear them is during an election. You're going to hear from me all the time," Bradley said. "You can't get rid of me."

To learn more about Bradley and his campaign platform, click here.