Feel-good update: This is not an off-year!
Get this: In the first three months of 2019, we’ve already elected nearly a dozen people to local office across the country.
Get this: In the first three months of 2019, we’ve already elected nearly a dozen people to local office across the country — in addition to our 208 winners in 2017–2018.
Some of the highlights from last Tuesday’s elections:
Jenn Carrillo beat a longtime incumbent by only 44 votes — watch the video of folks cheering as she prepares to give her victory speech and try not to cry.
Jonathan Reinoso was part of a wave of young folks who won in suburban races — he told the Daily Herald:
Reinoso used resources provided by Run For Something, a political network that recruits and supports young progressive candidates. Through the group, which began in the run-up to the 2016 election, he said he was able to connect with a graphic designer who helped him create a visual brand he used on campaign buttons, signs and his social media pages.
“I sought out their advice and it was really nice to have access to a mentor,” Reinoso said. “It was nice to be able to ask my dumb questions to veterans.”
Reinoso said he received help with basic campaign challenges, such as opening a bank account for his campaign and advice on collecting signatures. Now that he’s won, he’s a member of the Run For Something alumni.
Avra Reddy, a 19 year old freshman at the University of Wisconsin, became the first women in 20+ years and the first woman of color ever to hold her seat on the Madison City Council.
Marianne LaLonde’s race against a Chicago alderman incumbent is too close to call — it’s still in recounts!
It’s worth reading The Nation’s debrief on how a group of unapologetic progressives won seats on the Chicago City Council — including our very own Maria Haddon, Daniel La Spata, and Matt Martin.
Meanwhile, our alumni continue to get shit done…
In West Virginia, Delegate Sammi Brown — who in 2018, flipped a seat red to blue — introduced a bill to implement a sexual assault victims bill of rights. Last week, the governor signed it into law.
The Texas Observer on Lina Hidalgo: “She’s 28. She’s an immigrant. She’s in charge of Texas’ most populous county. Get used to it.”
We joined the Texas Democratic Party to cosponsor a great meet-up with 60+ folks in Austin — including alumni Aurora Martinez Jones and state Rep. Erin Zweiner (plus her baby girl, Lark!)
A wave of young people are running (and winning!) in Pittsburgh by taking their cues from folks like RFS alum Sara Innamorato and doing it the only way we know how: Knocking doors and actually talking to voters.
Two events to circle on your calendar: On Tuesday, April 16th, join us in NYC for a free event — we’ll be joined by NY state senator Andrew Gounardes. On May 21st in D.C., we’ll be joined by the iconic Stacey Abrams for Party for Something. It’s going to knock your socks off. (And keep an eye on your inbox/twitter feed for details on voting for our alumni awards!!)
This is not an off-year. Thanks for working with us accordingly!