Two years ago, I shook Tulsi Gabbard‘s hand in Washington, D.C., at the 2024 Moms for Liberty National Summit. Little did I know then that both of us would soon be watching the men we love fight for their lives.
This spring, my husband, Joe, was diagnosed with an incurable but treatable form of bone-marrow cancer. He was hospitalized. The illness severely damaged his kidneys. Our life got very challenging, very fast.
If you have wondered why you have not seen much of me on the campaign trail these past three months, this is why. I was home. I was keeping a promise I made a long time ago: in sickness and in health. I have been at Joe’s side, caring for him and doing everything I can to be with him and to help him heal.
When someone you love becomes seriously ill, your priorities become crystal clear. There are moments of fear and anxiety. There are also waves of hope, faith, gratitude, and of a deeper appreciation for an ordinary morning: a cup of coffee, a call from a grandchild, a drive through the town where we grew up together.
Joe is getting stronger, little by little. Soon I will be with him at Stanford for about four to five weeks, where he will undergo a bone-marrow transplant. We are hopeful this treatment will eliminate his cancer and bring him into remission.
To everyone who knew what our family was walking through and kept us in your prayers: thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement meant more than you may know.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Challenge
Tulsi’s story touched me because I understand the tsunami of fear, uncertainty, frustration, and hope, that come with watching someone you love deeply face a life-threatening illness. When I learned that her husband, Abraham, had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, my heart went out to their family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. At the end of a video she shared, Tulsi spoke of God’s unconditional love — of God as shelter and as strength. Those words have stayed with me. They have helped sustain us through these difficult days.
Still in the Race
Joe and I met at Santa Maria High School. I was a sophomore. He was a junior. How we found each other is a love story that is still unfolding. After long careers, we came home to raise our family and enjoy our grandchildren. And to do what we could for California and our country.
I also made a promise to the people of District 37.
My name will be on the ballot on November 3, 2026, as the Republican candidate for California State Assembly. I am not stepping off this race. The same character that sits at a hospital bedside is the same character I will take to Sacramento: show up, tell the truth, and not quit when the days get hard, no matter how hard they get.
Of course, I cannot be in two places at once. For four to five weeks, I will be at Stanford with Joe. Sacramento will not pause. The election will not pause. I will need your help while I am in that hospital holding the love of my life by his hand.
Pray for Joe. Walk a precinct (as I cannot be there to walk this month). Put a sign in your yard. Take a bundle of literature to your church, your neighbors, and your street. Help with banners and mail. Host a small gathering. Chip in what you can. Recruit one person who has never voted for me before. Such action is how an underdog takes back a seat.
Joe’s fight is ours at home. Winning District 37 is our fight in public. I will not quit either one.
I will be by Joe’s side, that was my promise before God. During these trying times, I ask you to stay with me and the campaign as well.
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Sari Domingues, Candidate, California State Assembly, District 37, can be reached at: sari4assembly.com or directly at (805) 714-7936.
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As a full time care giver I want you to know you are an inspiration.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. The photos made my heart melt.