It is always an honor, as a J6 supporter and advocate, to share a feel-good, positive story about a J6er. David Valentine has just that kind of story.
As you may imagine, the years immediately following January 6th, 2021, were marked by many challenges and losses. However, those years were followed by rebuilding, hope, and the love of a father and son.
Like 1600 plus, people whose lives were affected by the events surrounding January 6, Valentine’s path over the last several years has been anything but ordinary. After spending nearly two years in Washington, D.C., supporting families and advocating for individuals charged in connection with January 6, he made the difficult decision in late 2023 to return to Ohio for one reason above all else: his infant son, Mathew.
Now back home and surrounded by family and supportive friends, his goal was simple: become the father his son deserved. That decision led to a lengthy custody battle, and in July 2024, David was awarded full custody of Mathew.
Only weeks later, on August 23, 2024, just four days before Mathew’s first birthday, David’s life was again turned upside down when federal agents came after David for his attendance on January 6th and executed a search warrant at his mother’s home. He was not there. According to Valentine, his mother was holding Mathew when agents arrived. Agents also searched his truck and camper at the campground where he had been living.
Among the items seized were the phones and computers David used to livestream and operate a small vinyl decal business that helped support his family. One of the items taken held deep personal value: a coat that had belonged to his late father, who had passed away unexpectedly only a few years earlier.
Like many families facing major life disruptions, the Valentines have spent the last two years rebuilding one step at a time.
Today, that rebuilding story has taken on a much brighter chapter.
Mathew Valentine, currently 2 years old, is competing in the National Toddler of the Year Competition. He will celebrate his third birthday on August 27, 2026.
The competition benefits the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation, helping support its mission of providing toys and hope to children in need during the Christmas season.
As of July 13, 2026, Mathew is in first place in the Top 10 round of his group.
The current round of voting ends Thursday, and the Top 5 round begins Friday for contestants who advance. Each round becomes increasingly competitive as contestants move one step closer to the national finals.
If Mathew ultimately earns the title of Toddler of the Year, he will receive:
– A $25,000 cash prize
– A featured appearance in a national advertising campaign
– The opportunity to serve as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade
– National recognition as the 2026 Toddler of the Year
For David, however, the competition represents far more than prizes or recognition.
After years marked by legal proceedings, uncertainty, and the work of rebuilding a stable home, watching his son grow into a happy, energetic little boy has become a reminder that difficult chapters do not have to define a family’s future.
The potential $25,000 prize would not simply be spent—it would become an investment in Mathew’s future. David plans to use the funds to help build a strong financial foundation for his son through long-term savings and investments, educational opportunities, and giving him a head start as he enters adulthood. Whether it ultimately helps pay for college or trade school, supports a future business venture, assists with the purchase of a first home, or simply provides financial security, the goal is to turn today’s opportunity into tomorrow’s blessing.
David has spent years trying to rebuild his family’s future after one of the most difficult chapters of his life. Winning this competition would not erase the past, but it would provide an opportunity to invest directly in Mathew’s future while also helping shine a light on the charitable work of Toys for Tots.
“For me, this has never been about the money,” David said. “It’s about giving my son every opportunity I can. If this competition helps build a better future for Mathew while also supporting the incredible work of Toys for Tots, then everyone wins.”
Friends, family, and supporters have rallied around Mathew throughout the competition, celebrating each round he advances. Regardless of the outcome, his journey has already become a story of perseverance, faith, family, and hope.
Those who would like to follow Mathew’s journey or cast a free daily vote can do so below.
Vote for Mathew:
https://toddleroftheyear.org/2026/mathew-8523
Watch Mathew’s Story:
or CLICK HERE TO GO TO YouTube VIDEO
For David, every milestone his son reaches is another reminder that, after years of adversity, life can still move forward and that the greatest legacy a parent can leave is not found in the past, but in the opportunities, they create for their child’s future.
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