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<h1>Standing Up for People,<br>NOT Special Interests</h1>

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<p><span style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)"><strong style="color: var(--color-text); text-decoration-color: var(--color-text)">Chris' campaign centers on solutions critical to protecting and growing the California Dream for every resident, including:</strong></span><br></p>

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Chris Kluwe for Assembly

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<p>Join us for a Sunday meet and greet with Chris Kluwe! Hosted by a supporter</p>

<h4>Meet and Greet</h4>

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<p>Too many working families are doing everything right but still can't afford to buy a home, pay the bills, or get ahead. Chris Kluwe will take on the corporate special interests driving up costs, especially insurance companies and private utilities driving up rates and fees, and he will ensure responsible AI that stops surveillance pricing. He will work to expand affordable housing access, reduce the cost of gas and other goods made more expensive as a result of state and federal policies, and fight for an economy where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead.</p>

<h2>Lower costs</h2>

<p>"<a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2026/05/06/chris-kluwe-ad-72-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Kluwe</a> sprang to the lead on Tuesday night, with Gracey Van Der Mark in second and Matthew Harper and Frank Wagoner trailing behind in early primary returns for California’s 72nd Assembly District.</p><p>Kluwe, a community activist and former NFL player, acknowledged Tuesday evening that results could change as more votes are tallied, but said he believes voters responded to the themes of his campaign."</p><p>-<a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2026/06/02/2026-election-results-california-ad-72-4-vying-for-open-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Erika I. Ritchie</a></p>

<h4>In California’s AD-72 race, Chris Kluwe takes lead in field of 4 vying for the open seat</h4>

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<h4>Campaign Fundraiser</h4>

<p>Join us in Huntington Beach for a campaign fundraiser in support of Chris!</p>

<p>"Lazlo and SlimFast talk with former NFL punter Chris Kluwe about his journey from the NFL to becoming a full-blown social activist. They get into football, social media, and how Kluwe got into California politics." -<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-and-problematic-with-chris-kluwe/id1107494583?i=1000774477960" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Church of Lazlo Podcasts</a></p><p>Check out the full podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toxic-and-problematic-with-chris-kluwe/id1107494583?i=1000774477960" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>!</p>

<h4>Toxic and Problematic with Chris Kluwe</h4>

<p>"Chris Kluwe, the former NFL punter who seized national attention when he was arrested during a Huntington Beach City Council meeting, will run for the 72nd Assembly District seat.</p><p>Although there have been consistent pleas from people he’s met over the last several months since that City Council meeting to run for public office, Kluwe said he’s been reluctant to become a politician." -<a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2025/06/20/ex-nfl-player-chris-kluwe-once-arrested-at-a-huntington-beach-council-meeting-will-run-for-california-assembly-seat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>OC REGISTER</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe, once arrested at a Huntington Beach Council meeting, will run for Assembly</h4>

<p>"President Donald Trump declared on Friday that NFL team owners should fire any 'son of a bitch' who doesn't stand for the national anthem — an apparent reference to Colin Kaepernick, who kneeled to the flag in a political protest last year.</p><p>Former player Chris Kluwe didn't hide his criticism." -<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/amberjamieson/nfl-players-react-to-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>BUZZFEED NEWS</em></a></p>

<h4>Here's How NFL Players Are Reacting To Trump's "Son Of A Bitch" Comment</h4>

<p>Chris Kluwe believes California can grow our economy while protecting the places that make Orange County special. After the recent oil spills that taxpayers were forced to pay for, he will take on Big Oil companies and support clean energy that creates good-paying jobs, lowers energy costs for working families, and reduces our dependence on expensive fossil fuels that pollute our air, land and water. Kluwe will work hard to protect our water, beaches and parks so future generations can enjoy the same quality of life we do today.</p>

<h2>Ensure clean and safe beaches, parks, and neighborhoods</h2>

<p>Chris Kluwe, long-time Orange County resident, former Minnesota Vikings player, author, father, and longtime advocate for civil rights, officially launched his campaign today to become the next Assemblymember for California’s 72nd Assembly District, encompassing the communities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo.</p>

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<h4>Former NFL Player &amp; OC Community Leader Chris Kluwe Launches Campaign for State Assembly District 72</h4>

<p>"At the most recent Huntington Beach City Council meeting, he showed what leadership is." -<a href="https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/chris-kluwe-is-the-guy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jeff Pearlman</a></p><p>Watch the full video <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffpearlmanauthor/video/7647558749116206350?_r=1&amp;_t=ZT-98zs6hh6oRR" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>!</p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe is The Guy</h4>

<p>"And while I am thrilled for Chris, I think it’s important for Democrats (and other reasonable people) to <em>really</em> get involved here. Chris is, truly, a great dude. Smart, intellectual, overflowing with decency, integrity. He’s the rare NFL vet who doesn’t like talking about the NFL. He’s much more into issues, solutions.</p><p>But, to win the general, he’s going to need three things:</p><p>A huge turnout.</p><p>To take some of Harper’s 17 percent.</p><p>To make people aware of Gracey’s awfulness." -<a href="https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/chris-kluwe-has-a-real-shot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jeff Pearlman</a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe has a real shot</h4>

<p>"Kluwe, who has been critical of Republicans' 'fascism' as well as Democrats' inaction, says that it's 'a very welcome sign' to see the recent push back against the Trump Administration, particularly from elected officials. As a 'peaceful, law abiding citizen,' Kluwe says 'I don't really want to be doing these things — I want you to do your job.'" -<a href="https://www.advocate.com/news/chris-kluwe-pride-flag-arrest-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>THE ADVOCATE</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe got arrested protesting MAGA. He's still protesting because 'it's the right thing to do'</h4>

<p>"A former punter for the Minnesota Vikings, Kluwe found himself in the middle of a media firestorm as the debate over same-sex marriage raged in 2013. A staunch supporter of equality, the athlete penned a letter admonishing Maryland delegate Emmett C. Burns Jr. for his chastising of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, himself an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights." <em>-</em><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/taking-a-stand-10-of-the-nfls-most-notable-activists-and-advocates-199042/chris-kluwe-2-199264/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>ROLLING STONE</em></a></p>

<h4>Taking a Stand: 10 of the NFL's Most Notable Advocates and Activists</h4>

<p>"Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2026/05/06/chris-kluwe-ad-72-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">below</a>." - <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2026/05/06/chris-kluwe-ad-72-candidate-2026-primary-election-questionnaire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Erika I. Ritchie</a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe, AD-72 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire</h4>

<p>"Kluwe is not a one-trick pony. He’s taken on various issues, from the football-centric (punter Ray Guy’s omission from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the last NFL lockout and concussions, to name a few) to personal freedoms in American society.</p><p>The topic of gay rights has been on the forefront, however, because it’s an issue not only in professional sports locker rooms, but for the nation." <em>-</em><a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2014/01/10/chris-kluwe-the-candid-crusader/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>OC REGISTER</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe, the candid crusader</h4>

<p>Since launching his campaign in the fall of 2025, Kluwe has consolidated support from Democratic leaders and labor unions across Orange County and California, earning endorsements from a broad coalition of workers, educators, and elected leaders who recognize both the urgency of this race and Kluwe’s ability to win.</p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe Emerges as the Strongest Democrat Poised to Flip Assembly District 72</h4>

<p>"<strong>HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. </strong>— For eight years, Chris Kluwe plied his trade by trotting onto the field on fourth downs and booting a football back to the opposing team.</p><p>Yet when Kluwe saw an opportunity last year to help his community — and fight for what he believes in — the former Minnesota Vikings punter couldn’t resist the compulsion to go for it." -<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7149196/2026/04/06/chris-kluwe-nfl-punter-vikings-california-assembly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Silver</a></p>

<h4>Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe is ready to turn his activism into a political career</h4>

<p>Showing the importance of recognizing opposing views while also keeping accounts factual and based in reality, Chris Kluwe and Chris Epting have agreed to a settlement supporting local journalism in Kluwe’s defamation case against Epting.</p>

<h4>Kluwe settles with Epting in defamation case, pair call for civility in Huntington Beach</h4>

<p>"Yesterday, Chris Kluwe came to my class to chat about his days as a punter at UCLA, then for the Minnesota Vikings. Chris is just a really good dude. Honest. Earnest. Refreshingly nerdy and down to earth. There are no airs, no sense of entitlement. Again—a good dude.</p><p>Before class, we sat down for pizza, and chatted about his run against the out-of-her-mind Gracey Van Der Mark, who puts the Q in QAnon and the cashews in nuts.</p><p><a href="https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/chris-kluwe-has-some-stuff-to-say" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Here’s our conversation.</a>" -<a href="https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/chris-kluwe-has-some-stuff-to-say" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>THE TRUTH OC</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe has some stuff to say</h4>

<p>"Pro football player, civil rights advocate and Internet gladiator Chris Kluwe is a high achiever, even when only considering his day job as a punter for the Minnesota Vikings. However, in the past year, Kluwe — for years a strong presence online — has used his notoriety, writing ability and often profane wit to dramatically shape social policy by waging a personal campaign against the proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage." -<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/print-edition/2013/03/15/chris-klue-following-40-under-40-2013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>MINNESOTA BUSINESS JOURNAL</em></a></p>

<h4>40 Under 40: Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings</h4>

<h4>Canvassing Training and Launch</h4>

Canvassing Training and Launch

<p>"Outspoken Oakland Raiders punter and social activist Chris Kluwe has a much different outlook than the stereotypical NFL player. His philosophy, in part, is to 'try not to be like everybody else.'" -<a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2013/08/20/chris-kluwe-has-a-commitment-to-excellence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>OC REGISTER</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe has a commitment to excellence</h4>

<p>"On Tuesday's episode of her daytime talk show, Ellen DeGeneres says she's become a Minnesota Vikings fan, even though she also says the Green Bay Packers are one of her favorite teams.</p><p>The new fandom comes in response to punter Chris Kluwe's controversial recent letter detailing his stance on defending gay marriage." <em>-</em><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/ellen-degeneres-praises-vikings-chris-kluwe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>CBS NEWS</em></a></p>

<h4>Ellen DeGeneres Praises Vikings' Chris Kluwe</h4>

<p>"Last week, Kluwe spoke out against a nod to the MAGA slogan popularized by President Donald Trump being featured on a commemorative plaque outside Huntington Beach Central Library.</p><p>After the speech, which was widely shared on social media, Kluwe engaged in what he called the “time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience” – approaching the council members sitting in front of him before being restrained by police." -<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/28/sport/chris-kluwe-maga-protest-spt-intl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>CNN</em></a></p>

<h4>Ex-NFL punter Chris Kluwe says he was fired as a high school coach over MAGA plaque protest</h4>

<p>"Former NFL punter and author Chris Kluwe joins Lisa Guerrero Unleashed for a candid discussion on fighting for marriage equality, standing against extremism, and stepping into the political arena. Kluwe reflects on risking his professional sports career to support marriage equality, his arrest during a peaceful protest at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting over library censorship, and why he is now running for the California State Assembly." -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzQmIdebwbo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lisa Guerrero</a></p><p>Watch the conversation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzQmIdebwbo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>!</p>

<h4>He was fired twice for doing the right thing</h4>

<p>"Huntington Beach, a community often characterized as a stronghold of MAGA ideology in Southern California. It was here, during a heated City Council meeting, that Kluwe was arrested for doing what many would consider the most fundamental act in a democracy: speaking out.</p><p>'I went to the microphone to share concerns about the direction of the city and the silencing of dissent,' Kluwe told LA Progressive. 'Apparently, that was enough to get me arrested.'” -<a href="https://www.laprogressive.com/civil-liberties-and-civil-rights/chris-kluwe-speaking-truth-to-maga" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>LA PROGRESSIVE</em></a></p>

<h4>Speaking Truth in MAGA Country: Chris Kluwe on Free Speech</h4>

<h4>Canvass Launch 8/15</h4>

Canvass Launch 8/15

<p>Chris Kluwe believes every Californian deserves the freedom to live their life without politicians interfering in deeply personal decisions. He used his platform as an NFL player to call out injustice and spent his life standing up for civil rights and speaking out against political extremism because he believes everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. In the Assembly, Kluwe will defend our freedoms from politicians and government overreach, protect our democracy, and stand up for the rights of every Californian.</p>

<h2>Protect our freedoms</h2>

<p>Every child deserves a great education, no matter their ZIP code or family's income. As a youth football coach and father of two children attending local public schools, Chris Kluwe knows strong schools create stronger communities. He'll fight to fully fund public education, give every student the opportunity to succeed, and prepare the next generation for good-paying careers and a brighter future.</p>

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<h2>Strengthen Public Education</h2>

<p>"Chris Kluwe exemplifies the engaged civil disobedience we desperately need in this time." -<a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/199781/former-nfl-player-embodies-rage-trump-resistance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>THE NEW REPUBLIC</em></a></p>

<h4>The Former NFL Player Who Embodies the Rage of the Trump Resistance</h4>

<p>"Kluwe, a straight man, says his outspoken support of same-sex marriage cost him his job.</p><p>'In my mind, there's no logical conclusion that can be drawn, other than that I was fired for my activism,' Kluwe tells Michel Martin, host of NPR's <em>Tell Me More</em>." -<a href="https://www.npr.org/2014/01/07/260455843/former-vikings-player-chris-kluwe-shares-his-definition-of-bigotry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>NPR</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe On What Cost Him His Job With The Minnesota Vikings</h4>

<p>"There is not another player in the NFL quite like Chris Kluwe. " -<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/news/vikings-kluwe-marches-own-tune-165900937--nfl.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALkGmGnI5JT_wptzin2tPtdmJ0zk7p_BOzLIC8BqDlnjictZoBLnxunnsmq7vRUV7SkgpAlyCS7zaoVfFhZoftjEENHbdvl4lxYjI6coDkeCcUCnbpegcK-t99qrCpNx6JVQU394KcxuH6f_uEUB9Yb7g8Bmp_Bh_ea8iK5x_R4c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>YAHOO SPORTS</em></a></p>

<h4>Vikings' Kluwe marches to his own tune</h4>

<p>"Of his own protest and arrest, Kluwe added, 'This is something that I feel our Democratic officials should be doing and they’re not doing it. So if they’re not doing it, somebody’s got to step up. And if I’m in a position where I can step up, I’ve got to do it.’" -<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/02/20/chris-kluwe-arrest-maga-protest-city-council-meeting/79337534007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>USA TODAY</em></a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe isn't backing down after arrest for MAGA protest. 'Somebody's got to step up'</h4>

<p>Too many politicians spend more time fighting each other than solving the problems facing working families. Chris Kluwe believes government should work like a team, bringing people together to lower costs, improve public schools, tackle homelessness by expanding affordable housing and addiction services, and deliver real results instead of more political gridlock. He'll put people ahead of special interests and focus on getting things done.</p>

<h2>Make government work for people</h2>

<p>"Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe made national headlines more than a decade ago for his vocal support of same-sex marriage while playing for the Minnesota Vikings.</p><p>This week, the Orange County native garnered attention closer to home when he railed against a “MAGA” acrostic plaque that’s set to be placed outside the Huntington Beach Central Library in celebration of its 50th anniversary." -<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-20/ex-nfl-player-chris-kluwe-explains-why-he-got-arrested-over-huntington-beach-maga-library-plaque" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>LA TIMES</em></a></p>

<h4>Ex-NFL player Chris Kluwe explains why he got arrested protesting Huntington Beach MAGA library sign</h4>

<p>"Even if it makes him uncomfortable, this is one of the things Chris needs to do. Own the past. Embrace the glory. Tell stories of gridiron Sundays when hope seemed lost and the Vikings led by two and they were pinned in their own end zone and they needed a Kluwe punt and … and … and …</p><p>Yes, America is collapsing.</p><p>Yes, Donald Trump is awful.</p><p>Yes, Gracey Van Der Mark is nuts.</p><p>But, sadly, we have the attention spans of gnats.</p><p>This is the s*** one must do." -<a href="https://www.thetruthoc.com/p/chris-kluwe-nails-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jeff Pearlman</a></p>

<h4>Chris Kluwe nails it</h4>

<p>"Kluwe, who punted in Minnesota for eight seasons, took the podium during Tuesday night's public comment section of the Huntington Beach City Council meeting, expressing his opposition to the city honoring Trump." -<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-nfl-punter-chris-kluwe-arrested-anti-trump-protest-city-council-rcna192978" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>NBC NEWS</em></a></p>

<h4>Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe arrested over anti-Trump protest at city council meeting</h4>

<p>"Many people first came to know Chris during his career with the Minnesota Vikings, but in recent years he's become well known for speaking out on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights and free speech to local government and civic engagement. His activism has sparked both support and controversy, making him one of the more recognizable voices in California politics." -<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcjxeZf7Kg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Crowd Source Carrie</a></p><p>Check out the interview <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcjxeZf7Kg4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>!</p>

<h4>Can Chris Kluwe win California Assembly, District 72?</h4>

<p>“'I am fully cognizant of the registration numbers of the district, and it does lean Republican by like seven or eight points by registration,' Kluwe said. </p><p>'But the thing is, I grew up in this district. The vast majority of people who live here, particularly in this district, really just want their government to work and to leave them alone. They don’t want culture war nonsense.'” -<a href="https://nypost.com/2026/05/28/us-news/former-nfl-punter-chris-kluwe-rips-gavin-newsom-in-california-assembly-race/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Josh Koehn</a></p>

<h4>Former NFL punter — a Democrat — rips Gavin Newsom in California Assembly race</h4>

<p>"Chris Kluwe swears that, even now, he doesn’t want to be a politician. He just wishes that everyday things in his longtime hometown of&nbsp;Huntington Beach&nbsp;made sense." -<a href="https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/chris-kluwe-oc-22330399.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Farley Elliott</a></p>

<h4>Huntington Beach has been a MAGA stronghold. Chris Kluwe has other plans.</h4>

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