Can service members in the National Guard run for Governor?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:14:09 -0500

This question arose from a conversation between myself and a Lieutenant the other day. We were wondering (and I've come here for clarification) whether or not a SM in the guard could run for public office. For something like city counselor or mayor there shouldn't be an issue, however state legislature or governor represents a potential conflict of interest, or chain of command. I could not find information on google, is this something that's allowed?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 23 at 2020 9:36 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:36:51 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member If you intend to run for governor, please do it in California. We need a change and the recall petition hasn’t been effective!

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Nov 23 at 2020 9:43 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:43:07 -0500

You can start with this DoD Directive. https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Policies/doddirective134410.pdf

doddirective134410.pdf

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Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Nov 23 at 2020 10:22 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:22:39 -0500

I don't know about governor, but I know several officers who were members of the legislature.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Nov 23 at 2020 11:16 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 23:16:30 -0500

Yes it is allowed, Senator Lindsey Graham is a National Guard, LTC and regularly votes on Military matters. Also since he is associated with JAG he might also be someone to contact with questions. You do have to follow DoD directives and guidance on the matter. There is no conflict of interest. I am sure if you were elected C-in-C as Govenor or POTUS the Pentagon would allow you to relinquish your military duties during the political term in office, so that you were only wearing one hat. I think the more difficult obstacle would be convincing the electorate you could perform in the position and know that you reported to the People vs DoD. That to me would be a larger obstacle and probably prevent it from happening at the ballot box.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Nov 24 at 2020 1:54 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 01:54:15 -0500

Here in TN, we've had several members of the state Legislature that were also members of the National Guard. There are/were several members of the US Congress that were also members. I'm not aware of any sitting Governors who were also serving but I suppose it could be possible. You might consult your local state representative to see if they could help you determine what restrictions your state has imposed.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 24 at 2020 2:35 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 02:35:00 -0500

Many Pols have been in the NG or Reserves. They are required to steer clear of any conflict of interests by law. Regulations takes it a step further in that there be no "apparent" conflict of interests either. It would be an absolute no go for a Governor, who by position, is the CNC of the State NG. You can't occupy dual positions in the CoC. That is a very direct conflict of interest. If you're a member of the NG and get elected Governor, consider it a promotion to the head desk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 5:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:31:05 -0500

They can hold seats in Congress, state legislatures, and local offices. Since the Governor is in the direct CoC, I don’t think a serving Guardsman could hold both positions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 4:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 16:32:48 -0500

State legislature - no there's no issue and there are people in the Guard or Reserve who are on state legislatures. Governor - probably not since the Governor is the CiC of the National Guard of their state.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 9:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 21:01:15 -0500

Tulsi Gabbard is a NG officer and ran for President.