Meet Thom Bogue
Candidate for California STate Senate – District 3
I strongly believe in the importance of providing voters with transparent, honest information about candidates and enabling them to make well-informed decisions. I was born in Sacramento, California, in 1961, and my life took a significant turn when my family joined the Peoples Temple Cult, when I was just five years old. This decision had a profound impact on the course of my life.
When I turned fifteen, I was sent to live in Jonestown, an isolated community in Guyana. Life in Jonestown was characterized by strict discipline and abusive practices. However, these challenging experiences helped me develop resilience against manipulation and indoctrination. At the age of seventeen, Congressman Leo Ryan attempted to rescue us from Jonestown, but tragically lost his life along with others. During this rescue mission, I was shot, but fortunately survived. For a more detailed account of this event, I recommend reading the book "A Thousand Lives" by Julia Sheeres.
After surviving the horrors of Jonestown, I returned to California. However, my life spiraled downwards as I fell into drug addiction. At that time, understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was limited, and counseling for survivors like me was lacking. Although I eventually recovered, my journey was not without difficulties, as drug addiction left me homeless for three years. It was during this challenging period that I began my transformation and worked towards becoming a productive member of society, leaving my past in Jonestown behind.
In 2000, I married my wife and we have been blessed with nine children. Five years later, I established a successful business in the automotive repair industry. Through this venture, I have been able to provide assistance to numerous young individuals struggling with drug addiction, similar to the challenges I faced during my youth. By supporting and providing guidance helped these young individuals transform their lives and reintegrate into society.
In 2010, I was elected to serve on the Dixon City Council, where I discovered the potential to make a greater impact on people's lives within the community. This experience exposed me to the complexities of politics and set me on a transformative path. In 2016, I was honored to be elected as the Dixon City Mayor, allowing me to serve on various regional boards and expand my knowledge of regional planning, budget constraints, and the profound benefits of decision-making on people's lives. In 2022, I was reelected to the Dixon City Council, and I continue to fulfill this role today. The most satisfying role I enjoy as an elected is the ability to assist individuals who either do not have the finances, nor the influence to help themselves.
Now, in 2023, I have decided to run as a candidate for the California State Senate District 3. While initially hesitant, I eventually accepted this challenge after persistent requests from the people from across this district. This decision was not made lightly, and I am committed to bringing my experiences and dedication to serve individuals and our communities to the state level, regardless of party affiliation. It’s very simple, I represent everyone in being a people’s person.
