Hello, I’m Franklin Carvajal, and I am running for Culver City Council to bring real change to our community. My journey began in Caracas, Venezuela, where I was born and raised in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. At just 16 years old, I came to the United States alone, determined to pursue a better life.

Despite the challenges of arriving in a new country without family or resources, I worked tirelessly to achieve the American Dream. I earned two PhDs from prestigious institutions—UMass Amherst and Virginia Tech. My path was not easy. I have experienced homelessness, poverty, and exhaustion firsthand. Throughout my life, I have relied on public transportation, school programs like free lunch to avoid hunger, and affordable housing as a renter for over two decades.

It took me nearly 20 years of hard work to become a homeowner. I have faced and overcome racial discrimination, and today, I am a proud business owner in our city. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community.

I know what it means to struggle, to persevere, and to succeed. That’s why I’m running for Culver City Council. I am committed to ensuring that everyone in our city has the opportunity to thrive, just as I have. Together, we can build a better future for all.