Candidates As Cars

Obviously, this is a somewhat strange question to ask candidates running for the position of California's governor - a really important job. However, with all the other media outlets asking the (sometimes) more important questions, we figured we'd go with one car-related question instead.

Our Email To The Candidates

Here's a copy of the e-mail that we sent to all recall candidates (except the three where we could not find an email address):

Hey there!
We’re putting together a fun list of California gubernatorial recall election candidates for our car-enthusiast readers. Other outlets are doing the job of asking you important questions, we have only one:
If you were a car, which car would you be?
We’d love to include you on our list! :)
Thanks!

The Recall Candidates’s Responses

These are the answers we got back - in no real order other than roughly as we received them. Some responses consisted of only one sentence whereas others included a story behind their choice of vehicle... we'll discuss these stories below.

We're waiting to hear back from some candidates, and will add them to the list as they respond. It would, of course, be intersting to hear what car Elder, Cox, Faulconer, and Jenner "are"... We've also reached out to Gov. Newsom - even if he technically isn't a recall candidate ... we'll add him to the list once we hear back.

We're hiding the names of the candidates so that you can choose your favorite among the list of "cardidates" and then reveal what candidate you should be voting for - that is, if you happen to vote for a recall in the first place.

If You Were A Car, Which Car Would You Be?

Kevin Kaul	"I had a Dodge"
Daniel Kapelovitz	"The Monkeemobile"
Armando "Mando" Perez-Serrato	"I would be a 1930 Ford Model A Pickup"
Patrick Kilpatrick	"A sleek, ultra quiet hydrogen Toyota Mirai"
Diego Martinez	"I would be a Chevy"
Brandon Ross	"I’d prob be a red model S Tesla"
David Hillberg	"...a one time Ascot Park dirt track CRA Sprint Car"
Major Singh	"Mustang V6 Manual"
Nickolas Wildstar	"...the Ford Hemp Car"
Joel Ventresca	"Honda Civic"
Denis Lucey	"a white 1956 T 'Bird convertible with the continental kit"
Daniel Watts	"DMC DeLorean. Specifically the DeLorean from Back to the Future"
James Hanink	"a VW bus"
John Drake	"sports because vroom vroom - I don’t know cars 😂😂😂"
Holly Baade	"Likely, a sassy, red and dependable VW Beetle Biodiesel Convertible!"
Angelyne	"the Hot Pink Angelyne Mobile (customized and designed especially for her, of course.)"
Joe Symmon	"Escalade"
Adam Papagan	"Nash Metropolitan"
Denver Stoner	"Ford F-150"
Michael Loebs	"1969 Volkswagen Squareback"
Heather Collins	"VW camper van from 1972" and "2021 Ford Hybrid Explorer"
Robert Newman	"A '54 Chevy 6 cylinder half ton pickup 3 speed column shift transmission, completely stock."
Sen. Ted Gaines	"Ford Mustang"

The Background Stories

Since some of the responses included great backstories, we figured we had to share these too. Below are some of our favorites - the ones that didn't include much politicalness.

Armando "Mando" Perez-Serrato

I would be a 1930 Ford Model A Pickup... In honor of my neighbor that was a second Dad to me growing up. I watched him build one of these out of parts and put a 350 HP engine on it and would take me for drives... peel out on the street. He passed away from pancreatic cancer. Personally, I rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford and at the same time I value people with a connection to the past.

David Hillberg

I think this one, a one time Ascot Park dirt track CRA Sprint Car.. This one was made street legal - it is a Robertson built chassis,  Barns Heads team car (one of four) that ran Ascot in the late 70's and early 80's , My brother Dan Hillberg ran USRC USAC CRA about that time  He was founder and president   president of the California lightening Sprints. 350 Chevy Hilborn dialajet  with an early sprint car power steering a widened Edmonds hood and lengthened midget tail. it has a Chrysler trans axle installed with a modified Skellinger "Seco" drive line through the cockpit.

Nickolas Wildstar

I'd have to say the Ford Hemp Car. A revolutionary idea that could've changed history but got passed on. This is my 3rd time running for Governor so had I been elected when I first ran, California would look much differently does now and for the better. Just my opinion which I'm hoping voters allow me to follow through on this time around.

Denis Lucey

Easy answer, a white 1956 T 'Bird convertible with the continental kit... Too old for a 5 window '32 Duece Coupe... In my younger years I was the "Gopher/Brasso Boy" for Mike Roberts the inventor of the penny post card and at one time he had the world largest postcard company.  Mike preferred the brass era cars, was the inspiration for Bill Harrah to start his casino funded car collection and the naturally the lead photographer for the covers of the Horseless Carriage Club's mags.

Denver Stoner

I would be a Ford F-150. I may not be the best looking car, the fastest, or the fanciest, but I am strong, reliable, and will get the job done.

Heather Collins

Sure! Your question made me think. I may not be one car but 2. First would probably be a classic VW camper van from 1972. Two-tone blue and white with the pop top.  Something I would be traveling to beaches and state parks and have the capacity to bring friends... The second, because I am the Green Party,  a 2021 Ford Hybrid Explorer with all the safety features and amenities.

Our Final Thoughts

So there you have it. If you decide that a recall is a good idea in the first place, then choose your candidate wisely. May we suggest comparing your potential candidates as thouroghly as you compare cars when shopping for a new ride... Because, well, you kinda are.