Camilo deSonido - (I/D - CA)

[Camilo deSonido]

Name: Camilo Jabari deSonido

Seat: California (Class I)

Party: Independent (Democrat)

Avatar: Jabari Brisport

Caucus: Progressive Democrats

 

Gender: Male (0)

Date of Birth: January 15, 1982 (Age 34) (20)

Sexuality: Gay (25)

Partner: Kyle Daniel

Race: Afro-Latino (5)

Religion: United Church of Christ (0)

Education: Bachelor's - Music Industry, UCLA (0)

Socio-Economic History: Working Class (10)

Career History:

• VP of A&R, Atlantics Records (2007-2010) (20)
• Worship Arts Pastor at The ROC (2008-Present) (20)

Political Experience: US Senate (2013-) (0)

 

(100/100 points)

 

Key Votes:

113th Congress 2013-2015

• Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization - AYE
• Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 - AYE

114th Congress 2015-2017

• Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 - AYE

 

Camilo Jabari deSonido (born January 15, 1982) is an American politician, musician, and pastor, currently serving as the junior United States Senator from California. deSonido, who identifies as a political independent while maintaining close ties with the Democratic Party, embarked on his political journey through active engagement within various chapters of the Young Democrats of America. His leadership culminated in his presidency of the California Young Democrats from 2010 to 2012, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing progressive agendas. Presently, he caucuses with Senate Democrats in the US Senate.

 

Before entering politics, deSonido garnered acclaim in the music industry, notably becoming one of the youngest Vice Presidents of A&R at a major label by the age of 25, serving at Atlantic Records. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest individual elected to and serving in the United States Senate. Furthermore, deSonido shattered barriers by becoming the first openly gay member of the Senate, representing California. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first black Senator from California and the first Independent elected from the state to the Senate.

 

Early Life:
Born in Santa Ana, California, to Giancarlo deSonido and Deaneth Taylor, deSonido was raised in a dynamic environment shaped by his family's diverse heritage and his mother's role as a dedicated educator. Growing up, he resided in Compton before relocating to Sumter, South Carolina, where he developed a passion for music while being in the choir at his grandmother's church. After graduating from Blythewood High School in 2000, deSonido pursued his academic endeavors at UCLA, earning a Bachelor's degree in Music Business. During his time at UCLA, deSonido became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., organizations to which his father also belongs.

 

deSonido's activism ignited during his tenure with the Young Democrats of South Carolina, where he emerged as a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. Transitioning to Los Angeles for his education, he continued his advocacy through the California Young Democrats, eventually assuming leadership roles that propelled his influence within the progressive movement.

 

Music Career & Pastoral Service:

Following his graduation from UCLA with a Bachelor's degree in Music Business, deSonido's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish "Dominican Wonder Management," a talent development label aimed at nurturing emerging artists. Through his innovative approach and strategic networking, deSonido garnered attention from industry giants such as Atlantic Records. The label signed four artists from DWM's roster. His exceptional track record in identifying and cultivating talent propelled him into a prominent position within Atlantic Records in 2006, where he ascended to the role of Vice President of A&R at the age of 27 in 2009. deSonido left the label in 2010 to focus more on ministry.

 

Concurrently, driven by a profound sense of purpose and inspired by his maternal grandmother, The Rev. Dorothy Brown-Taylor, (who serves on the College of Bishops for the United Methodist Church), deSonido embarked on a spiritual journey that ultimately led him to pursue ministry. Inspired by his experiences and guided by his faith, he underwent a rigorous discernment process with the United Church of Christ, culminating in his ordination as a minister in 2008. Embracing his dual passions for music and spirituality, deSonido assumed the role of worship arts pastor at Radical Outreach Church in Los Angeles. Leveraging his platform, he championed civic engagement and advocated for social causes, embodying his unwavering commitment to community empowerment. His faith, rooted in Christian socialism, gave way to his involvement in community service projects and becoming a voice for the homeless and low-income workers.

 

Political Career:

deSonido's journey into politics was preceded by his active involvement in community activism, which he seamlessly integrated with his pastoral duties. As the worship arts pastor at Radical Outreach Church in Los Angeles, deSonido utilized his pulpit as a platform for social justice advocacy. He organized rallies, delivered impassioned speeches, and mobilized congregants to participate in grassroots movements addressing systemic inequalities.

 

His tenure as a pastor served as a springboard for his entry into formal politics. Recognizing the need for systemic change and inspired by the principles of justice and equality inherent in his faith, deSonido assumed leadership roles within the California Young Democrats. During his presidency, he harnessed his experience in grassroots organizing to galvanize young and minority voters, rallying them around progressive causes. He became a well-known speaker and activist across the state and throughout the nation, keynoting multiple conventions for Young Democrat organizations and also becoming popular on social media for his roaring oratory and passionate encounters with politicians.

 

In January 2011, deSonido announced he would run for the US Senate, challenging incumbent Dianne Feinstein. deSonido's decision to challenge incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein was a natural extension of his commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. He framed his candidacy as a continuation of his activism, emphasizing the need for bold, transformative leadership to address pressing societal issues. He also sent waves through the Democratic Party when he announced he would be changing his political affiliation to Independent if elected, quoted saying "Some have stated their disappointment in me running against Sen. Feinstein, saying we should be blue no matter who. Today, I strongly rebuke the insanity of electing people off on their affiliation and not their merit. Furthermore, I believe that my call is above partisanship. It's for you [California]. Not the party, not the money, not the lobbyist. It's for you. And as an independent, I'll be in good company. Martin Luther King, Bernie Sanders, the list goes on." Throughout his campaign, deSonido continued to leverage his background in community organizing and pastoral leadership. He crisscrossed the state, delivering stirring speeches and connecting with voters on a personal level. His grassroots approach resonated deeply with Californians, leading to a historic upset victory in the general election, defeating Feinstein 52% to 48%.

 

Upon assuming office, deSonido remained steadfast in his dedication to serving the people of California above partisan interests. His swearing-in ceremony, infused with personal symbolism and solemn commitment, underscored his pledge to champion progressive policies aimed at achieving universal healthcare, equitable education, housing reform, and criminal justice reform. Through his journey from the pulpit to the political arena, deSonido has exemplified a steadfast commitment to activism and community empowerment, laying the foundation for a transformative tenure in the United States Senate.

 

Personal Life:
In 2012, deSonido met Kyle Daniel, a tech entrepreneur. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in December 2014. Daniel owns DanTech, a data analysis firm based in LA and Washington, DC. The couple live primarily in Los Angeles and own a condo in New York City.

Edited March 9 by Camilo deSonido

[Jack]

You’ll need to flesh out your career more to be an Indie from CA. Actually, just flesh that out more. @Camilo deSonido

[Camilo deSonido]

17 hours ago, Jack said:

You’ll need to flesh out your career more to be an Indie from CA. Actually, just flesh that out more. @Camilo deSonido

Done.

[Jack]

*sigh*

APPROVED

[Camilo deSonido]

1 minute ago, Jack said:

*sigh*

APPROVED

ye of little faith lol