Posted on Nov 23, 2020
Can service members in the National Guard run for Governor?
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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?
Posted in these groups: 
Government
New Politics
Government New Politics
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
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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.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see) If you intend to run for governor, please do it in California. We need a change and the recall petition hasn’t been effective!
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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.
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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.
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You can start with this DoD Directive. https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Policies/doddirective134410.pdf
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SSG Robert Webster
Here is a National Guard Bureau article on the subject.
https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/576183/the-dos-and-donts-of-the-political-season/
https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article-View/Article/576183/the-dos-and-donts-of-the-political-season/
The dos and don'ts of the political season
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - With the presidential primarieslurking around the corner, there are a few things service members mustremember during this upcoming political season.When you joined the
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