Campaign: An Open Letter to the Citizens of Lake Elsinore (and California Assembly District 63 Residents)

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A Response to Councilman Steve Manos, Lake Elsinore, District 2:

I am Vincent Romo, running for Assembly in District 63 as a Republican, fully funding my campaign with my own money, free from endorsements or lobbyist influence. Learn more about me. I am here to disrupt the grip of both political parties—see my qualifications to do so.

I planned to stay silent on Mayor Steve Manos’ recent attempt to slander my name, honoring Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment: “Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.” But by violating this principle, Mayor Manos has abandoned the values of our party, freeing me to respond.

Your outpouring of support—heartfelt messages from Lake Elsinore’s seniors, working-class families, and citizens burdened by poor leadership—has moved me deeply. Thank you for sharing your stories and evidence of Mayor Manos’ failures. Your voices compel me to stand up and fight for you.

Let’s ask the tough questions: Why is Mayor Manos, a realtor, so threatened by a self-funded Republican who opposes unchecked warehouse development? Why does Lake Elsinore’s leadership fear a candidate who champions transparency, accountability, and true Republican principles?

For 22 years, I’ve served the Republican cause—volunteering for a U.S. Senator, supporting a Burbank city council campaign, working with the Los Angeles GOP, and speaking at the Lincoln Club in Orange County. My record is unwavering, even though political gatekeepers in academia, unable to counter my logic, data, or ideas, forced me to cloak myself as "No Party Preference" to navigate their tactics.

This campaign isn’t about party labels—it’s about you, the people of Lake Elsinore. If Mayor Manos and his allies dismiss a principled Republican like me, how do they regard you? Are they prioritizing your needs or protecting their own interests? Their fear of my campaign exposes their true agenda: they dread a leader who rejects special-interest money, challenges the status quo, and puts our community above corporate profits.

I pledge transparency and accountability. I’m not chasing fame—I’ve already experienced it as an NCAA Division I football player featured on posters, billboards, and in media interviews. My mission is to dismantle a broken system, restore principled leadership, and uphold Republican values of limited government, individual freedom, and community strength.

To the many Lake Elsinore residents who have reached out, I hear you loud and clear. On Friday, I emailed a letter to 9,000 Lake Elsinore Republicans. On Saturday, I shared my vision with 25,000 residents of all parties. The establishment is rattled because they know we can win—and with your support, we will.

Do your research, compare the candidates, and vote for the leader who will put Lake Elsinore first. Together, we’ll build a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous future for our community.

We should all have the right to question and receive a prompt response from our elected officials. I am not exempt from this, either.

I will debate any of the candidates for Assembly District 63 live on social media. Please feel free to set this up, I'm sure the citizens would appreciate the transparency.

Sincerely,

Vincent Romo

Candidate for California Assembly, District 63