This is absolutely insane.
Many California voters are doing a double take after discovering that “Barack Obama” will appear on the ballot in the state’s race for governor.
Before anyone gets too excited—or alarmed—it is not the former president.
Instead, the candidate is Barack Denzel Obama Shaw, a California resident who legally changed his name years ago and is now seeking the state’s highest office in one of the most closely watched elections in the country.
Why Is There Another Barack Obama On The Ballot?
Born as Cecil Shaw III, Obama Shaw officially changed his name in 2013 during his time serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.
According to Shaw, the decision reflected a personal transformation and his desire to create a new identity centered on leadership, service, and hope.
He has said that people often compared him to actor Denzel Washington when he was younger, while others later compared him to former President Barack Obama. Eventually, he combined both influences into the name he uses today.
The unusual name has already generated attention as California voters prepare to choose a successor who could help shape the future of the nation’s most populous state.
Military Service Helped Shape His Future
Shaw served for years in the Army Reserve and says that experience helped form his views on leadership, discipline, and public service.
After leaving the military, he became increasingly interested in politics and public policy. Rather than simply criticizing government decisions, he decided to get involved directly.
That decision led him into local politics before eventually launching a campaign for governor.
His First Political Campaign
In 2022, Shaw ran for mayor of Alameda, California.
Although he did not win, he believes the campaign proved that he could compete in the political arena and connect with voters.
The experience also gave him confidence to pursue larger goals and tackle issues affecting millions of Californians.
Now he is aiming much higher.
The Issues Driving His Campaign
Like many candidates running in California’s governor race, Shaw says he is focused on several major challenges facing the state.
His campaign priorities include:
- Addressing California’s homelessness crisis.
- Increasing housing availability across the state.
- Expanding economic opportunities.
- Improving government transparency.
- Strengthening communication between elected officials and voters.
Housing affordability and homelessness remain among the biggest concerns for many California residents, making these issues central to the campaign debate.
Where He Stands On President Trump
Despite his admiration for former President Barack Obama, Shaw says he believes elected leaders must be willing to work with people who hold different political views.
He has indicated that he would work with President Donald Trump when necessary if it helped California residents and advanced state priorities.
Drawing from his military background, Shaw says respecting the office of the presidency remains important regardless of political disagreements.
A Crowded California Governor Race
Obama Shaw is one of dozens of candidates seeking the governorship.
The field includes several well-known political figures from both parties, creating a highly competitive race.
Among the candidates attracting significant attention are Republican Steve Hilton, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.
Under California’s election system, the top two finishers in the primary advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
Who Is Leading?
Recent polling has shown Xavier Becerra among the leading contenders in the race, while Republican Steve Hilton has gained momentum with voters looking for a different direction for California.
Several political observers believe the race could tighten further as voters become more engaged ahead of Election Day.
For now, however, one thing is certain: seeing the name “Barack Obama” on the ballot has created plenty of confusion and curiosity across California.
Whether that attention translates into votes remains to be seen, but Obama Shaw has already succeeded in becoming one of the most talked-about candidates in the race.