James Crandell's Endorsement for EJ Crandell

Robinson Rancheria, Nice, California 

March 10, 2026 

To the Editor / Fellow Lake County Voters, 

I am James E. Crandell - Uncle Jim - and I am proud to support my nephew Eddie "EJ" Crandell's reelection as Lake County District 3 Supervisor. 

My sister, Louise, wanted to name her son after our father, James Edward Crandell. Dad said, "Save that name for Jim's son." I never had a boy, but EJ has always carried that family name and legacy with honor. As his uncle, I've watched him grow into the courageous leader our Northshore communities need. 

As a young man, EJ was an excellent and passionate baseball player. When he was about 12, he visited my wife and me in Tennessee while I was stationed at Fort Campbell with the 101 st Airborne Division during the first Gulf War. We took him to a lake with high cliffs. He was scared to jump at first but said he would if I did. Even though I'm afraid of heights, I jumped. EJ followed — and then kept jumping all afternoon. That moment showed me his character: he may feel fear, but he faces it and follows through. When his vacation ended and we raced him to the airport making his flight by minutes, he almost cried - he missed his mom, my sister, so much. He has always loved his family fiercely. 

Three generations of Crandell men have proudly served our country in the 101st Airborne Division tradition. My father, El's grandfather, served in the 11th Airborne Division part of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell during the Korean War as part of that tradition. I served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell during the first Gulf War. EJ continued that family legacy, serving honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 101 st Aviation Division. Today, as a member of the local VFW, he helps support a Ginny Craven, Operation Tango Mike, who sends care packages to soldiers still in harm's way. 

EJ is also deeply rooted in our Pomo culture. He is learning our Eastern Pomo language on his own and is a talented California Pomo dancer and singer. As a proud member and former Chairman of the Robinson Rancheria, he stepped up to fix serious problems - including successfully getting several tribal members who had been unjustly disenrolled reenrolled. He remains vigilant in protecting our people from unfair practices. After serving on the District 3 Planning Commission, voters trusted EJ with the Supervisor seat. He has delivered real results for our Northshore: improving Lucerne Harbor, advancing Highway 20 

safety, protecting Lake Pillsbury, addressing abandoned vehicles, and fighting for rural priorities like fire insurance and broadband. He listens at town halls and leads with integrity. We need leaders who know our communities, honor our veterans, and cherish our tribal heritage. EJ Crandell is that leader. I hope you will join me in re-electing him on June 2, 2026. 

Sincerely, 

James E. Crandell 

Proud Uncle of EJ Crandell 

Robinson Rancheria, Nice, CA