DJ Daniel’s Father Announces Run For Office

The father of DJ Daniel, the young cancer survivor honored by President Donald Trump during his address before Congress earlier this year, is jumping into the crowded field to become Texas’ next Republican congressman.

Devarjay “DJ” Daniel has been dealt a brutal hand in the form of a rare and aggressive cancer that his father, Theodis Daniel, said has given him the courage to fight for his family.

Now Theodis Daniel says he’s ready to fight for the people of Texas’ 18th Congressional District as well.

“I’m a regular guy. I am not a politician,” Daniel said. “I don’t have six-figure deals. I’m just a regular dude trying to make it. Single dad. I got three kids to myself. I’m a disabled veteran just trying to make a difference regardless of what I’m going through.”

Serving in office, Daniel observed, requires politicians to “get up every day and get out there and make it happen,” something America is lacking right now.

“I don’t call myself a politician,” Daniel said. “I’m a public servant first, because my duty is to the people.”

Daniel, a registered Republican, said he is running “for those who struggle” and explained his campaign priorities as standing up for law enforcement, safe communities, affordable healthcare, and a great education for all children.

Those issues are “battles my family and I face every day,” he said.

DJ, his 13-year-old son, was named an honorary U.S. Secret Service agent by President Trump during his speech. Standing beside him, Daniel proudly lifted his son up over his head, earning a standing ovation from Republicans in the House chamber.

The following day, DJ and his father were invited to visit the White House and meet Trump.

“Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police. His name is DJ Daniel, he is 13 years old, and he has always dreamed of becoming a police officer,” Trump said.

“Tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service,” Trump continued.

Daniel, a veteran, said he and his family have learned how to overcome struggles in the face of adversity.

“I want to run because I feel like everything that my son and I have been doing for the last six years or so, we have brought joy to people’s lives and gave them hope, which I didn’t think it was going to turn into nothing like this, but it feels good,” Daniel told Fox News.