EL MONTE, California (US): Christine Sarmiento, a Filipino American public health nurse and operations manager, has entered the race for governor of California, positioning herself as an independent candidate focused on affordability, accountability and community health.
Running with no party affiliation, the El Monte-based nurse argues that California’s most urgent challenges are “too important to be filtered through party politics.”
Born and raised in Cavite, Philippines
Her candidacy draws heavily on personal experience. Born and raised in poverty in Cavite, a province in the Philippines known as the “Land of the Brave,” Sarmiento was 12 when her mother died.
With no adults in the home, she and her siblings—then 13 and 14—raised themselves. She assumed responsibility for managing the household budget, a role she said shaped her discipline and resilience.
At 18, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles, where she has lived for 25 years. A single mother of two young sons, she earned her registered nurse licence in 2010 through Pasadena City College while working full time. She joined her current employer in 2007 and advanced to operations manager, overseeing teams of up to 400 people.
Covid-19 pandemic
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sarmiento joined the Emergency Medical Services Authority and deployed to high-risk areas across the state, caring for critically ill patients in full protective equipment.
At the same time, she maintained her private-sector leadership role, completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked 17-hour days, five to six days a week.
As vaccine distribution began, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health enlisted her to support rollout efforts. Within two weeks, she was promoted to Point of Dispensing (POD) director, overseeing large-scale vaccination operations in partnership with county firefighters and lifeguards.
Her teams administered more than 3,000 vaccinations daily. Colleagues nicknamed her “Eagle Eyes,” citing her attention to detail.
Public health nurse
After three and a half years, Sarmiento accepted a permanent position as a public health nurse with the department, serving downtown Los Angeles, where she continues to work.
A first-time candidate, Sarmiento said she is running because she believes California “deserves leadership that has actually lived what everyday Californians are going through.”
“For too long, politicians have promised to speak for the working class—but their words have never matched their actions,” she said. “I have held the hands of scared patients. I have served meals in Skid Row. I have vaccinated children who crossed the border alone. I have sat with families who cannot make ends meet in one of the wealthiest states in the country. California does not need more politicians. It needs leadership that has actually been there.”
Affordability
On affordability, Sarmiento framed the issue as one of governance rather than revenue.
“California has the resources to take care of its people,” she said. “What it lacks is disciplined, accountable management of those resources. No new taxes. No more excuses. Just honest, practical leadership that delivers results everyday Californians can actually feel.”
‘Accountability is not negotiable’
She emphasized accountability as a core principle of her campaign.
“Every dollar spent, every policy passed, and every promise made will be held to a clear and honest standard,” she said. “Transparency is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable.”
On health care, she said access to quality services should not be treated as a political talking point but as a foundation for strong communities.
“Healthy people build strong communities, and strong communities build a great state,” she said.
Homelessness
Sarmiento also identified homelessness as a priority, pointing to her direct experience working in Skid Row, with unhoused veterans, and with young adults aging out of the system.
“Behind every statistic is a person with a name, a story, and a path forward,” she said. “I know what is needed, and I know how to deliver it.”
Central to her campaign, she added, is a call for unity across political and community lines.
“California is not broken,” Sarmiento said. “Californians are innovative, bold, generous, and resilient. My vision is a state where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every person has the opportunity to thrive—not because of their party, but because of their humanity.” - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
