Lighting Our Path: Bringing Hope to Our Democracy

By: Tomás Evangelista

Auburn, CA, is my home, even though I currently reside in nearby Lincoln. I’ve shared my personal journey as a young undocumented immigrant growing up in this area not only to educate leaders but also to express my gratitude to the community that raised me and supported me when I needed it most.

In case you haven’t heard the great news—I became a permanent resident (green card holder) in 2023! I’ve always tried to use any privilege I attain to help others, and now that I’m a permanent resident, I can be more involved in shaping local politics. I still can’t vote or run for office, but I now have a path that will get me there in the future. While I continue working toward that goal, I want to do everything I can to support leaders who share our values and are ready to fight for our communities.

On February 6th, during the Auburn Area Democratic Club’s Immigration Panel Discussion, I shared about a political action committee that would uplift candidates who are committed to inclusion, equity, and accountability in government. Today, I’m thrilled to announce that Lighting Our Path is now official! Starting this PAC has been a long journey, but it began with a simple truth: our communities deserve leaders who reflect their values and experiences. As someone who has worked on campaigns and immigrant advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for new candidates, especially those who are new campaigning or from underrepresented backgrounds, to gain traction in the political arena. Lighting Our Path is here to change that.

This wasn’t an overnight decision. Ever since Election Night in 2024, I have seen the need for a PAC that isn’t necessarily tied to a political party but is instead driven by a mission that brings together people who care about more than just themselves and their families. Since I began my involvement in local politics in 2017, I’ve recognized the urgent need for more support at the local level. We’ve seen candidate after candidate run for Congress, only to leave us after a heartbreaking loss. The path to Congress must start at the local level, through positions like school board, city council, or county board of supervisors.

Over the past few election cycles, many people have stepped up and put themselves on the line for our communities, but they have struggled to fundraise, lacked experience, and needed more volunteers. We must fill these gaps and ensure that candidates aligned with our mission are funded and supported. The ultimate goal is to cultivate leaders who have built their roots locally and, in turn, have a stronger foundation to win a congressional race.

Our PAC is committed to supporting candidates who will stand up for working families, immigrant communities, and the fundamental principles of democracy. Beyond funding, we aim to train and support campaign staff, cultivate strong campaign leadership, and ensure that the next generation of leaders has the tools to win.

This is just the beginning, and we need your support to make an impact. If you believe in building a future where everyone has a voice at the table, I invite you to join us. You can contribute online at Lighting Our Path ActBlue Page or by mailing a check made out to Lighting Our Path to 807 Dove Court, Lincoln, CA 95648.

Let’s move forward together and brighten the future.