Danny Zelaya

 

Danny Zelaya, April 13, 1981 -

VP candidate for Independent (2016, 2020)

Running mate with nominee (2016, 2020): Jesus (Spirit) (ca. 4 BC–ca. AD 30/33 / spirit form: ca. AD 30/33- present)
Popular vote (2016, 2020): 0 (0.00%)
Electoral vote (2016, 2020): 0/538

The campaign (2016):

The Spirit of Jesus has appeared in Presidential campaigns before. He ran for President in 2008 with VP Christopher Michael Padgett as an Independent. He was also a third party VP at least three times: 1972 with Billy Joe Clegg (Loyal USA Party), 1988 with Basil Tellou (Independent) and 2008 with Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian (Independent). In 2016 and 2020 he ran again as a Presidential candidate with VP Danny Zelaya.

On Nov. 25, 2015 Zelaya of Miami, Fla. made the following statement on Facebook regarding his Presidential campaign--

So my dad told me I should explain on facebook what my plans are should I become President The Politically Correct thing to say is strengthen our economy reduce crime balance our budget and expand our global war on terrorism But The Real Plan cannot be discussed because the opposition will win based on the fact that most Americans believe what they are told in the media and the media is run by individuals who don't want to advance America because they thrive on bad news They would have nothing to talk about if everything was going well but that's what we all want If we are going to do this we are going to get organized and realize we are fighting an enemy here at home and it is called fame and greed Let me expand everything you hear is true the plan it to keep it just that people giving there opinions on social media and nothing more they don't want you to know the truth I am here to liberate this country from the oppressive machine that has been holding it hostage since it's inception wether I achieve that or not I will at least be able to open the mind of a few individuals to get the ball rolling in the right direction Nobody wanted me to run for President I am everyone's nightmare and there only hope is that my opinions never get the light of day and the truth is never exposed this puts my life at risk so be it for the good of the people My only hope is to advance the Kingdom of God That is the Only Thing That will last All These Other Kingdom's Will Be Crushed By This One With Good Reason

He filed with the FEC as an Independent on Jan. 28, 2016.

Zelaya later shifted his focus to running for Vice President, with Jesus as the standard bearer--

Aug. 6, 2016
Only one guy worthy of being the president it's me and if Jesus were here vice president

Oct. 17, 2016
vice-president is enough for me I'm following Jesus' lead to the glory of god

No votes were reported for the ticket.

The campaign (2020):

On July 3, 2020 Danny Zelaya of announced on Facebook he was running for President again.

However, he had also started a Danny Zelaya for Vice President Facebook page in Apr. 2020. Perhaps I am in error but it seems a safe assumption that Jesus is once again the Presidential half of that ticket.

Zelaya's 2020 campaign was almost invisible compared to his 2016 effort.

Election history:
2016 - US President (Independent) - defeated
2020 - US President (Independent) - defeated

Other occupations: athlete

Notes:
Zelaya's father immigrated from Honduras.

Christopher Michael Padgett

 

Christopher Michael Padgett, January 27, 1970 -

VP candidate for Independent (2008)

Running mate with nominee: Jesus (Spirit) (ca. 4 BC–ca. AD 30/33 / spirit form: ca. AD 30/33- present)
Popular vote: ? (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538

The campaign:

In 2008 Chris Padgett offered himself as the ideal Vice-Presidential candidate on a ticket with Jesus as a method of light-hearted evangelism. Some samples from Padgett's campaign video--

-What are my credentials? What is my experience? I'll give you experience. Eight kids! If that doesn't give me experience to run a country I don't know what will.
-With my good looks and His divinity, and humanity, and perfection, I think we have a lot to offer. Don't you?
-I want to say that the time is now. Now! For you to make a difference. Get off your feet. Get on your feet, I mean.
-Jesus, dynamically delicious.

Actually, in 2008 a book entitled Jesus for President was a best seller (by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw) and the authors' tour resembled a political campaign. The authors renewed the idea in 2012 as well. Also in 2008 Jesus was the running-mate in the Presidential campaign of Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian.

Chris and Linda Padgett converted as a couple to Catholicism in 1999 and the faith became the central core of their lives. They developed their own nonprofit ministry called Catholic Family and Marriage, Inc.

The husband and wife team of Chris and Linda Padgett ran on an Independent ticket in 2012, producing a video with the Presidential candidate advocating with mock seriousness such promises as--

--Increase things,
--Fight pirates.
--Free cheese (for the poor)
--Free health care (including pets)
--P90X required.
--Golf must be a sport in (in China)
--No plastic dolls.

In 2012 Padgett explained his electoral history with deadpan humor and a straight face--

"Here's the thing. Four years ago I ran as Jesus' running-mate and I meant it. And Jesus and I, we've have many conversations since then, but apparently the United States of America was not so interested in having Jesus as President. We had somebody else as President. Things have not been going so great. There have been jobs that are lacking and gas prices are way too high, milk costs a lot of money and people don't get to go on vacations and stuff. And so I thought I would ask Jesus if it was OK if I ran for President this year and he said that I could. And so I am."

Shortly after the 2012 election the Padgetts began a homesteading lifestyle near Syracuse, NY.

Chris Padgett also launched a Youtube campaign for President in 2016, but without mention of a running-mate.

Election history:
2012 - US President (Independent) - defeated
2016 - US President (Independent) - defeated

Other occupations: Catholic Family and Marriage Inc., homesteader, speaker, musician, author

Notes:
Since 2008 the Padgetts had another child.

Linda Aileen Padgett

 

Linda Aileen Padgett, March 22, 1970 -

VP candidate for Independent (2012)

Running mate with nominee: Christopher Michael Padgett (b. 1970)
Popular vote: ? (0.00%)
Electoral vote: 0/538

The campaign:

The husband and wife team of Chris and Linda Padgett ran on an Independent ticket in 2012, producing a video with the Presidential candidate advocating with mock seriousness such promises as--

--Increase things,
--Fight pirates.
--Free cheese (for the poor)
--Free health care (including pets)
--P90X required.
--Golf must be a sport in (in China)
--No plastic dolls.

Padgett explained his electoral history with deadpan humor and a straight face--

"Here's the thing. Four years ago I ran as Jesus' running-mate and I meant it. And Jesus and I, we've have many conversations since then, but apparently the United States of America was not so interested in having Jesus as President. We had somebody else as President. Things have not been going so great. There have been jobs that are lacking and gas prices are way too high, milk costs a lot of money and people don't get to go on vacations and stuff. And so I thought I would ask Jesus if it was OK if I ran for President this year and he said that I could. And so I am."

Actually, in 2008 a book entitled Jesus for President was a best seller (by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw) and the authors' tour resembled a political campaign. The authors renewed the idea in 2012 as well. Also in 2008 Jesus was the running-mate in the Presidential campaign of Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian.

The Padgetts converted as a couple to Catholicism in 1999 and the faith became the central core of their lives. They developed their own nonprofit ministry called Catholic Family and Marriage, Inc.

Other married couples who ran as a ticket include Marvin Edward Perkins/Dorothy Louise Perkins - Independent (1980), Henry R. King/Sandra M. King - Independent (1984, 1988, 1992), David C. Byrne/Karen Byrne - Common Citizens of the United States of America (2000), Stanford Eugene Andress/Irene Altahelle Markley Deasy - Unaffiliated (2004), Debra Joyce Renderos/Oscar Renderos Castillo - Independent (2004), Oscar R. Renderos/Debra Joyce Renderos - Independent (2008), Debra Joyce Renderos/Oscar R. Renderos - Independent (2008)

In the event of their victory there would have been a problem with the Constitution since the Padgetts were residents of the same state.

Shortly after the 2012 election they began a homesteading lifestyle near Syracuse, NY.

Chris Padgett also launched a Youtube campaign for President in 2016, but without mention of a running-mate.

Election history: none.

Other occupations: author, podcaster, homesteader, speaker, blogger

Notes:
Mother of 9 children.