Ricky Gill, candidate for Congress in California’s 9th District, which covers most of Antioch, will address the delegates at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, August 28.  He will be one of a select number of candidates to speak at the convention.

“It will be an honor to speak on behalf of our Valley and Delta communities on a national stage,” Gill said. “While we face some of the greatest challenges, our communities are among the most underrepresented in America. My remarks at the Convention will focus not only on giving our communities a voice, but also on ensuring the survival of our American Dream for this generation and those to come.”

“I hope this opportunity will prompt Washington to take note not just of our communities’ current struggles, but also of their enduring potential,” Gill added.

Ricky’s speech is scheduled for the afternoon session at 2:35pm Eastern, 11:35am Pacific and can be viewed online at the C-SPAN Convention Hub. However, the RNC schedule is subject to change and campaign supporters are encouraged to follow coverage during the 2pm and 3pm hours.

“We’re extremely pleased that Ricky Gill will be able to address the delegates, alternate delegates and other convention guests,” said convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris.

“The candidates who will be speaking, like the many others running for office across the country, represent the future of our party and a better future for our country,” said Harris. “Their participation will help inspire enthusiasm for Republicans up and down the ticket.”

Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to visit the Tampa Bay area for the Republican Convention, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests.

About Ricky Gill

Ricky Gill is a native of San Joaquin County who was born and raised in Lodi, California. The son of immigrant parents, Ricky is a small business owner, a family farmer, and a former member of the California State Board of Education whose story speaks to the power of the American dream. Ricky grew up helping manage his family’s vineyard operation and serving the community as chair of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission. He has played an integral role in his family’s small business, which employs 60 people in the San Joaquin Valley, for several years. In 2004, he was appointed by the Governor to the California State Board of Education, where he served as the sole representative of more than six million public school students. Ricky now serves as a member of the Lodi Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Princeton University, Ricky earned his Juris Doctor at the University of California, Berkeley. The National Republican Congressional Committee has named Ricky a “Young Gun” candidate. For more information visit www.RickyGill.com