SOUTH LOS ANGELES – “I’m voting for President Trump and I am Black.”
That’s a phrase many aren’t used to hearing, especially in South Los Angeles.
But they are the words of Joe Collins, a young Black Republican. He’s a 34-year-old veteran who went right into politics after leaving the Navy, and has raised almost $4 million as a GOP congressional candidate running against longtime representative Maxine Waters in District 43.
“We feel very confident about beating ‘Aunty Maxine’ Waters and her legacy,” Collins said.
“Economic development is next to none within our communities. We deserve better.”
He has been featured nationally on Fox News promoting his campaign. But even though Collins is supporting President Trump, he does not believe in some of the messaging he’s heard this week.
“My message is absolutely different from the Republican establishment message, and also the Trump Republican message,” Collins explained.
“I haven’t had much support from the establishment Republicans or the Trump Republicans.”
So how does a Black man from 104th and Normandie end up as a Republican candidate?
Collins says it’s because of watching nothing change growing up with Democratic leadership.
“If the Democrats cared about the inner-cities, if they cared about us, if they care about Black, brown or even the white communities we wouldn’t have the issues that we have right now,” he said.
“You can’t walk down the street without stepping over homeless people. You can’t apply for job unless it’s at McDonalds or some security job.”
His campaign against Maxine Waters seems like a huge mismatch. But Collins believes he will win. It’s why he is trying to make his voice heard anywhere he can.