[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Joe Edward Collins III — Official Biography

Joe Edward Collins III is a decorated 13½-year U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, political leader, and community advocate whose life story is a testament to service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the American dream.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Joe’s childhood was marked by the harsh realities that plague so many inner-city communities. One Sunday, upon returning home from his grandfather’s church, the family discovered that bullets from a drive-by shooting had torn through their windows and lodged in the cushions of the family sofa. That moment became a turning point. Joe’s mother — a woman of fierce resolve — made the decision to move her family to a rural town outside of Dallas, Texas, where she went on to build a life as a dedicated local schoolteacher, a role she holds to this day.

After completing high school in Texas, Joe made the most consequential decision of his life: he enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of 13 distinguished years of service, Joe rose to the rank of First Class Petty Officer (E-6) and became an expert in aviation maintenance across some of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft platforms, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-6B Mercury, and MH-60 Seahawk. He provided expert instruction to over 1,000 officers and enlisted personnel in Enlisted Aviation Warfare evaluator courses, significantly enhancing fleet EAWS readiness, and trained over 250 officers and enlisted students across nine tactical courses of instruction — ensuring forward-deployed naval forces maintained peak operational readiness.
Joe served boots on the ground during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, contributing directly to the success of that campaign. He was also a decorated Navy Recruiter, leading Dallas’ only Naval recruiting station out of South Fort Worth, Texas. Under his leadership, the station rose to become the district’s #1 and the nation’s #2 recruiting station from 2013 to 2015 — a record-breaking achievement reflecting his extraordinary leadership and vision.

His military accomplishments are recognized through numerous honors and awards, including:

  • Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  • Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • Naval Excellence Award (×3)
  • Naval Expeditionary Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Enlisted Aviation Warfare Medal
  • U.S. Naval War College
With the support of the U.S. Navy, Joe also became a licensed financial professional — advising on investment strategy, retirement planning, life insurance, and comprehensive financial planning — and earned certification as a Counselor for Rape and Sexual Assault Victims, demonstrating his commitment to service far beyond the battlefield.

Joe departed the Navy in September 2017 not to step away from duty, but to pursue a new form of service — representing his neighbors, defending their values, and giving voice to the voiceless.

Professional Leadership

Joe is the CEO of Black Development Company, a contracting and development firm where he oversees all aspects of strategic operations, financial management, and business development. He brings to the role the same precision and accountability that defined his military career, with a deep foundation in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
He currently serves as President of the Young Political Foundation (YPF), a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of conservative leaders, expanding civic participation, and building sustainable pathways for political engagement among young Americans.
Joe also serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Knock AI, where he applies his extensive leadership background and strategic acumen to the rapidly evolving technology sector, driving operational excellence and organizational growth.
Previously, Joe served as an Insurance Broker with World Financial Group (2015–2018), where he developed comprehensive financial plans tailored to clients’ individual goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances. He led cross-functional collaboration with risk management and compliance teams, advised clients on a broad portfolio of financial products — including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance — and played a key role in business development through proactive client prospecting and relationship management.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, a Life & Health Insurance License, and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, among numerous other professional certifications and technical training credentials.

Political Career & Public Service

Joe Collins is a two-time California Congressional Republican Nominee and one of the most compelling political figures to emerge from the conservative movement in recent years. He served as the former host of KABC’s New Black Republican radio show and has emerged as a nationally recognized voice for principled conservatism, veterans’ rights, and community empowerment.
In 2020, Joe ran against entrenched 30-year incumbent Congresswoman Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd Congressional District — and made history. He received nearly 80,000 votes, more than three times the total of any previous challenger — Democrat or Republican — to ever face Waters in a general election. He returned in 2022 as the Republican Nominee for California’s 36th Congressional District, challenging Congressman Ted Lieu.
Across both election cycles, Joe raised and managed over $14 million for his own campaigns and an additional $7 million for other Republican candidates and conservative organizations — a fundraising record that reflects both his grassroots appeal and the trust of donors nationwide. He also organized teams that registered more than 50,000 new Republican voters, directly expanding the party’s base in California.
Joe’s commitment to community never paused during his political campaigns. During the COVID-19 shutdown, he distributed over 300,000 pounds of food and more than 60,000 backpacks and school supplies to families in need. He has hosted over 20 job fairs that resulted in the hiring of more than 250 individuals, and has traveled the country conducting voter engagement and voter targeting classes to strengthen civic participation at the grassroots level.

The Defamation Case: Truth in the Public Square

During the 2020 Congressional race, Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ campaign launched a coordinated and deliberate attack against Joe Collins, falsely claiming he had been dishonorably discharged from the United States Navy. The allegation was demonstrably false. Joe provided Waters’ office with his DD-214 — official federal documentation of his Honorable Discharge — along with a formal cease-and-desist letter. The campaign ignored both and continued spreading the lie.
In response, Joe filed a defamation lawsuit against Congresswoman Waters. After an initial setback, the District Court of California sided with Joe Collins on appeal, with a pre-trial date set for February 2025 and a full trial in April 2025. Bloomberg Law confirmed the case’s advancement through the courts.

In its ruling, the court made clear that free speech has limits when facts are recklessly disregarded. Justice John Shepard Wiley wrote:

“Free speech is vital in America, but truth has a place in the public square as well. Reckless disregard for the truth can create liability for defamation. When you face powerful documentary evidence your accusation is false, when checking is easy, and when you skip the checking but keep accusing, a jury could conclude you have crossed the line.”
Joe’s response was characteristically direct: “As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, my service and character mean everything to me. Congresswoman Waters’ actions not only undermined my candidacy but also disrespected the sacrifices made by every veteran who has honorably served this country.”

A Mission That Never Ends

From the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the flight decks of aircraft carriers, from the campaign trail to the boardroom, Joe Edward Collins III has lived a life of discipline, sacrifice, and purpose. His decision to settle in Texas was driven by his desire to raise his children in an environment defined by parental rights, public safety, economic opportunity, and traditional values — the same values he fought to defend in uniform.

Today, Joe continues to serve — as a business leader, a political force, an advocate for veterans, and a voice for communities too often left behind.

God Bless You. God Bless America.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Joe Edward Collins III — Official Biography

Joe Edward Collins III is a decorated 13½-year U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, political leader, and community advocate whose life story is a testament to service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the American dream.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Joe’s childhood was marked by the harsh realities that plague so many inner-city communities. One Sunday, upon returning home from his grandfather’s church, the family discovered that bullets from a drive-by shooting had torn through their windows and lodged in the cushions of the family sofa. That moment became a turning point. Joe’s mother — a woman of fierce resolve — made the decision to move her family to a rural town outside of Dallas, Texas, where she went on to build a life as a dedicated local schoolteacher, a role she holds to this day.

After completing high school in Texas, Joe made the most consequential decision of his life: he enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of 13 distinguished years of service, Joe rose to the rank of First Class Petty Officer (E-6) and became an expert in aviation maintenance across some of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft platforms, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-6B Mercury, and MH-60 Seahawk. He provided expert instruction to over 1,000 officers and enlisted personnel in Enlisted Aviation Warfare evaluator courses, significantly enhancing fleet EAWS readiness, and trained over 250 officers and enlisted students across nine tactical courses of instruction — ensuring forward-deployed naval forces maintained peak operational readiness.
Joe served boots on the ground during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, contributing directly to the success of that campaign. He was also a decorated Navy Recruiter, leading Dallas’ only Naval recruiting station out of South Fort Worth, Texas. Under his leadership, the station rose to become the district’s #1 and the nation’s #2 recruiting station from 2013 to 2015 — a record-breaking achievement reflecting his extraordinary leadership and vision.

His military accomplishments are recognized through numerous honors and awards, including:

  • Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  • Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • Naval Excellence Award (×3)
  • Naval Expeditionary Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Enlisted Aviation Warfare Medal
  • U.S. Naval War College
With the support of the U.S. Navy, Joe also became a licensed financial professional — advising on investment strategy, retirement planning, life insurance, and comprehensive financial planning — and earned certification as a Counselor for Rape and Sexual Assault Victims, demonstrating his commitment to service far beyond the battlefield.

Joe departed the Navy in September 2017 not to step away from duty, but to pursue a new form of service — representing his neighbors, defending their values, and giving voice to the voiceless.

Professional Leadership

Joe is the CEO of Black Development Company, a contracting and development firm where he oversees all aspects of strategic operations, financial management, and business development. He brings to the role the same precision and accountability that defined his military career, with a deep foundation in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
He currently serves as President of the Young Political Foundation (YPF), a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of conservative leaders, expanding civic participation, and building sustainable pathways for political engagement among young Americans.
Joe also serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Knock AI, where he applies his extensive leadership background and strategic acumen to the rapidly evolving technology sector, driving operational excellence and organizational growth.
Previously, Joe served as an Insurance Broker with World Financial Group (2015–2018), where he developed comprehensive financial plans tailored to clients’ individual goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances. He led cross-functional collaboration with risk management and compliance teams, advised clients on a broad portfolio of financial products — including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance — and played a key role in business development through proactive client prospecting and relationship management.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, a Life & Health Insurance License, and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, among numerous other professional certifications and technical training credentials.

Political Career & Public Service

Joe Collins is a two-time California Congressional Republican Nominee and one of the most compelling political figures to emerge from the conservative movement in recent years. He served as the former host of KABC’s New Black Republican radio show and has emerged as a nationally recognized voice for principled conservatism, veterans’ rights, and community empowerment.
In 2020, Joe ran against entrenched 30-year incumbent Congresswoman Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd Congressional District — and made history. He received nearly 80,000 votes, more than three times the total of any previous challenger — Democrat or Republican — to ever face Waters in a general election. He returned in 2022 as the Republican Nominee for California’s 36th Congressional District, challenging Congressman Ted Lieu.
Across both election cycles, Joe raised and managed over $14 million for his own campaigns and an additional $7 million for other Republican candidates and conservative organizations — a fundraising record that reflects both his grassroots appeal and the trust of donors nationwide. He also organized teams that registered more than 50,000 new Republican voters, directly expanding the party’s base in California.
Joe’s commitment to community never paused during his political campaigns. During the COVID-19 shutdown, he distributed over 300,000 pounds of food and more than 60,000 backpacks and school supplies to families in need. He has hosted over 20 job fairs that resulted in the hiring of more than 250 individuals, and has traveled the country conducting voter engagement and voter targeting classes to strengthen civic participation at the grassroots level.

The Defamation Case: Truth in the Public Square

During the 2020 Congressional race, Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ campaign launched a coordinated and deliberate attack against Joe Collins, falsely claiming he had been dishonorably discharged from the United States Navy. The allegation was demonstrably false. Joe provided Waters’ office with his DD-214 — official federal documentation of his Honorable Discharge — along with a formal cease-and-desist letter. The campaign ignored both and continued spreading the lie.
In response, Joe filed a defamation lawsuit against Congresswoman Waters. After an initial setback, the District Court of California sided with Joe Collins on appeal, with a pre-trial date set for February 2025 and a full trial in April 2025. Bloomberg Law confirmed the case’s advancement through the courts.

In its ruling, the court made clear that free speech has limits when facts are recklessly disregarded. Justice John Shepard Wiley wrote:

“Free speech is vital in America, but truth has a place in the public square as well. Reckless disregard for the truth can create liability for defamation. When you face powerful documentary evidence your accusation is false, when checking is easy, and when you skip the checking but keep accusing, a jury could conclude you have crossed the line.”
Joe’s response was characteristically direct: “As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, my service and character mean everything to me. Congresswoman Waters’ actions not only undermined my candidacy but also disrespected the sacrifices made by every veteran who has honorably served this country.”

A Mission That Never Ends

From the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the flight decks of aircraft carriers, from the campaign trail to the boardroom, Joe Edward Collins III has lived a life of discipline, sacrifice, and purpose. His decision to settle in Texas was driven by his desire to raise his children in an environment defined by parental rights, public safety, economic opportunity, and traditional values — the same values he fought to defend in uniform.

Today, Joe continues to serve — as a business leader, a political force, an advocate for veterans, and a voice for communities too often left behind.

God Bless You. God Bless America.

Joe Edward Collins III — Official Biography

Joe Edward Collins III is a decorated 13½-year U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, political leader, and community advocate whose life story is a testament to service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the American dream.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Joe’s childhood was marked by the harsh realities that plague so many inner-city communities. One Sunday, upon returning home from his grandfather’s church, the family discovered that bullets from a drive-by shooting had torn through their windows and lodged in the cushions of the family sofa. That moment became a turning point. Joe’s mother — a woman of fierce resolve — made the decision to move her family to a rural town outside of Dallas, Texas, where she went on to build a life as a dedicated local schoolteacher, a role she holds to this day.

After completing high school in Texas, Joe made the most consequential decision of his life: he enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of 13 distinguished years of service, Joe rose to the rank of First Class Petty Officer (E-6) and became an expert in aviation maintenance across some of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft platforms, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-6B Mercury, and MH-60 Seahawk. He provided expert instruction to over 1,000 officers and enlisted personnel in Enlisted Aviation Warfare evaluator courses, significantly enhancing fleet EAWS readiness, and trained over 250 officers and enlisted students across nine tactical courses of instruction — ensuring forward-deployed naval forces maintained peak operational readiness.
Joe served boots on the ground during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008, contributing directly to the success of that campaign. He was also a decorated Navy Recruiter, leading Dallas’ only Naval recruiting station out of South Fort Worth, Texas. Under his leadership, the station rose to become the district’s #1 and the nation’s #2 recruiting station from 2013 to 2015 — a record-breaking achievement reflecting his extraordinary leadership and vision.

His military accomplishments are recognized through numerous honors and awards, including:

  • Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  • Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • Naval Excellence Award (×3)
  • Naval Expeditionary Service Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Enlisted Aviation Warfare Medal
  • U.S. Naval War College
With the support of the U.S. Navy, Joe also became a licensed financial professional — advising on investment strategy, retirement planning, life insurance, and comprehensive financial planning — and earned certification as a Counselor for Rape and Sexual Assault Victims, demonstrating his commitment to service far beyond the battlefield.

Joe departed the Navy in September 2017 not to step away from duty, but to pursue a new form of service — representing his neighbors, defending their values, and giving voice to the voiceless.

Professional Leadership

Joe is the CEO of Black Development Company, a contracting and development firm where he oversees all aspects of strategic operations, financial management, and business development. He brings to the role the same precision and accountability that defined his military career, with a deep foundation in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.
He currently serves as President of the Young Political Foundation (YPF), a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of conservative leaders, expanding civic participation, and building sustainable pathways for political engagement among young Americans.
Joe also serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Knock AI, where he applies his extensive leadership background and strategic acumen to the rapidly evolving technology sector, driving operational excellence and organizational growth.
Previously, Joe served as an Insurance Broker with World Financial Group (2015–2018), where he developed comprehensive financial plans tailored to clients’ individual goals, risk tolerance, and financial circumstances. He led cross-functional collaboration with risk management and compliance teams, advised clients on a broad portfolio of financial products — including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance — and played a key role in business development through proactive client prospecting and relationship management.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix, a Life & Health Insurance License, and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, among numerous other professional certifications and technical training credentials.

Political Career & Public Service

Joe Collins is a two-time California Congressional Republican Nominee and one of the most compelling political figures to emerge from the conservative movement in recent years. He served as the former host of KABC’s New Black Republican radio show and has emerged as a nationally recognized voice for principled conservatism, veterans’ rights, and community empowerment.
In 2020, Joe ran against entrenched 30-year incumbent Congresswoman Maxine Waters in California’s 43rd Congressional District — and made history. He received nearly 80,000 votes, more than three times the total of any previous challenger — Democrat or Republican — to ever face Waters in a general election. He returned in 2022 as the Republican Nominee for California’s 36th Congressional District, challenging Congressman Ted Lieu.
Across both election cycles, Joe raised and managed over $14 million for his own campaigns and an additional $7 million for other Republican candidates and conservative organizations — a fundraising record that reflects both his grassroots appeal and the trust of donors nationwide. He also organized teams that registered more than 50,000 new Republican voters, directly expanding the party’s base in California.
Joe’s commitment to community never paused during his political campaigns. During the COVID-19 shutdown, he distributed over 300,000 pounds of food and more than 60,000 backpacks and school supplies to families in need. He has hosted over 20 job fairs that resulted in the hiring of more than 250 individuals, and has traveled the country conducting voter engagement and voter targeting classes to strengthen civic participation at the grassroots level.

The Defamation Case: Truth in the Public Square

During the 2020 Congressional race, Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ campaign launched a coordinated and deliberate attack against Joe Collins, falsely claiming he had been dishonorably discharged from the United States Navy. The allegation was demonstrably false. Joe provided Waters’ office with his DD-214 — official federal documentation of his Honorable Discharge — along with a formal cease-and-desist letter. The campaign ignored both and continued spreading the lie.
In response, Joe filed a defamation lawsuit against Congresswoman Waters. After an initial setback, the District Court of California sided with Joe Collins on appeal, with a pre-trial date set for February 2025 and a full trial in April 2025. Bloomberg Law confirmed the case’s advancement through the courts.

In its ruling, the court made clear that free speech has limits when facts are recklessly disregarded. Justice John Shepard Wiley wrote:

“Free speech is vital in America, but truth has a place in the public square as well. Reckless disregard for the truth can create liability for defamation. When you face powerful documentary evidence your accusation is false, when checking is easy, and when you skip the checking but keep accusing, a jury could conclude you have crossed the line.”
Joe’s response was characteristically direct: “As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, my service and character mean everything to me. Congresswoman Waters’ actions not only undermined my candidacy but also disrespected the sacrifices made by every veteran who has honorably served this country.”

A Mission That Never Ends

From the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the flight decks of aircraft carriers, from the campaign trail to the boardroom, Joe Edward Collins III has lived a life of discipline, sacrifice, and purpose. His decision to settle in Texas was driven by his desire to raise his children in an environment defined by parental rights, public safety, economic opportunity, and traditional values — the same values he fought to defend in uniform.

Today, Joe continues to serve — as a business leader, a political force, an advocate for veterans, and a voice for communities too often left behind.

God Bless You. God Bless America.

logo-footer-image
PAID FOR BY JOEECOLLINS3 © All Rights Reserved. 2025