2014 California gubernatorial candidate sentenced to 25 years to life

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man who ran for Governor of California in 2014 was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison.

Tye Champ, better known as Glenn Champ, was in trial for the attempted murder of his neighbor in Prather. Forty-nine-year-old Champ spoke kindly to a judge before he was sentenced to a felony charge of being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of vandalism.

"I appreciate your help and guidance in this case," Champ said. "And I think you have the foresight to see what is the best for this community and for me as well."

After the judge sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison, with the judge noting his violent past and that this latest felony is his third strike, Champ seemed to express frustration with the judge. "No, your honor," Champ said. "But I do have a question. When you do call 911 to show up and they don't show up, why is it my fault?"

"Based on the court's ruling, the court concluded that the defendant's strikes were valid and used those strikes to sentence the defendant today," prosecutor Dennis Verzosa said.

The judge said he wasn't going to respond to Champ's comment, the 2014 gubernatorial candidate was accused last year of shooting his neighbor in the stomach. The two reportedly did not get along with prosecutors arguing Champ had enough and shot John Price.

Champ admitted to the shooting but said it was self-defense, a claim that was enough for a hung jury that ultimately got the second-degree murder charge dropped against him. Price's family members urged the judge to go hard on Champ. "I would just like to say that this man is a habitual repeat offender," the victim's mother Kim Tedford said. "And I think he deserves the maximum sentence possible."

Champ had roughly a dozen of his own friends in court to support him though their words did little to sway the judge. "I have known Glenn to abide by all rules and laws," Champ's friend Robert Arreazola said. "And he's an upstanding citizen, and I would love to see him come home."

Champ will likely appeal the sentencing. Prosecutors say John Price's family is relieved by the decision and are looking forward to having closure from this ordeal.