## Eric J. Troutman’s Thanksgiving Forgiveness Message Sets tone for Unity Pitch in CA-47
Eric J. Troutman, candidate for California’s 47th Congressional District, is framing his campaign around a message of forgiveness and a call for voters to prioritize individual candidates over party affiliation. This approach was notably highlighted in a Thanksgiving message,which extends into the core philosophy presented on his political blog,americadeservestowin.com. The site, which brands Troutman as *”America’s most powerful attorney,”* positions his congressional run as a mission to rebuild trust in American institutions.
Troutman’s blog features a blend of personal reflections on gratitude and pointed critiques of both major political parties. He argues that voters are underestimated by political strategists and suggests the traditional Republican/Democrat divide has lost its meaning. He explicitly states he is running “as Eric J. Troutman,” encouraging voters to support him as an individual rather than simply aligning with a party.
the race pits Troutman against incumbent Democrat Dave Min, who represents California’s 47th district – a coastal area encompassing Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Min was first elected in 2024. A critically important point of contention in the campaign is Min’s 2023 arrest for driving under the influence. Records indicate he drove a state vehicle near Sacramento without headlights, running a red light before being stopped by law enforcement. He afterward pleaded no contest,received informal probation,and publicly acknowledged his decision as “irresponsible,” accepting full responsibility.
Troutman directly addressed this incident in his Thanksgiving message, advocating for voters to be both “vrey forgiving but also very smart.” He argued that the incident, coupled with what he described as an underestimation of alcohol consumption reported to police, demonstrated poor judgment and a lack of respect for the law. Despite this criticism, he maintained the importance of extending forgiveness.
Troutman is actively seeking support from across the political spectrum. He appeals to Democrats concerned about a potential Donald Trump presidency, urging them to support his candidacy over Min’s. conversely, he encourages Trump voters to consider backing him, arguing a Republican candidate has limited chances of success in the district and their votes would be more impactful supporting his campaign.
To connect with voters, Troutman hosts weekly ”Webinar Wednesday” events and maintains a growing YouTube channel where he details his positions on issues including the Constitution, AI regulation, crime, and election rules.
while his messaging emphasizes forgiveness and unity,critics point out that it often includes direct criticism of his opponent. Supporters contend this combination of contrast and calls for unity resonates with voters in a district known for its political independence and frustration with partisan gridlock.
As the 2026 election cycle progresses, the impact of Troutman’s Thanksgiving forgiveness message remains to be seen. it represents a unique element in the campaign, linking his reputation as a strong advocate with a promise of unity. Voters will ultimately determine whether this message, coupled with the slogan “America Deserves to Win,” proves more compelling than traditional party loyalties. The initial response to this approach may provide an early indication of its potential success.
