More than 3000 people have signed up to run for office
These are their stories. (Cue Law & Order chimes here.)
These are their stories. (Cue Law & Order chimes here.)
A woman in Arizona inspired by Trump:
Since Trump was elected in November, I’ve realized that it’s not enough to just say that I’m for or against certain political platforms. As a queer woman in a multiracial relationship, it’s becoming increasingly evident to me that I have to work hard to enact change; harder than just sharing Occupy Democrat articles on my Facebook wall and clicking “like” on others’ posts. I have a voice and I want to make sure that it is heard, and that people who may be otherwise disenfranchised can be heard as well.
A Floridian who was inspired by National Parks:
Honestly, I was largely inspired by the National Park Service social media rebellion; I am a wildlife biology graduate student that had hoped to work for the federal government. The current administration’s actions to silence scientists and prevent science driven policy made me realize that simply doing science, was not enough. We need representatives that understand and listen to science.
A Tennessean who’s got so much to offer her home:
I’m an academic and a scientist, but beyond that, I am a queer, disabled woman who has been studying anthropology and archaeology for nearly a decade. I have to have faith that if I contribute in this way, I’ll make a difference on some level of government.
A young man in Indiana who’s ready to give his community someone to vote for:
I live in a small, working-class Indiana town with very little progressive presence. I want to provide an alternative option in a district where Democrats don’t even bother to field candidates. I want a chance to talk to blue-collar workers about progressive policies that will do more to elevate them to the middle class, protect their freedoms, and strengthen our community.
A New Jersey woman who wants to be the role model her younger self needed:
I remember my white teacher in middle school telling her classroom of black students they couldn’t be president because of the color of their skin. We never know we can do something until someone comes along and shows us we have every right to.
That day in middle school was the starting point, and every day afterwards I’ve kept my end goal in mind of one day holding office.
A New Yorker who gets right to the point:
Sitting at my day job and doing nothing while this big Cheeto sets the world on fire is not my cup of Boston tea.
A young man from Michigan who knows what he believes:
I grew up in a poor family in a small, mostly white conservative, southeastern Michigan town. My family was part of the working poor and blue collar/unionized work force. I’m a first generation college student, member of the LGBTQ+ community, with an extensive background in community service. I’m interested in non-discrimination policy both in housing and the workplace, college affordability and access, and am pro organized labor.
A Minnesotan who will not let the Tea Party decide what happens in his hometown:
My state rep is a Tea Partier who doesn’t believe in climate science or LGBTQ rights and wants to take cut taxes for the rich at the expense of education. I want to fight for progressive ideals and feel like I have the skills and energy to flip a district that leans republican. I know that I can talk to white republicans in a way that is respectful and can help them be empathetic towards minorities and better understand systemic racism. Finally, Minnesota has given my family, who immigrated from Korea, so much love and warmth, and I want to make sure Minnesota stays that way for all folks, regardless of who they are, who they love, or where they’re from.
A Connecticut woman who survived a brain tumor — bring it on, patriarchy:
This past July at the age of 31, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In August, I underwent an awake brain surgery to remove the tumor. I’ve always been a political junkie, but my recent personal experience as well as the chaos that has ensued in our government since January 20 has compelled me to do something that will make an impact in our society. I survived a brain tumor, so I’m not scared of challenging patriarchy!
These are the future leaders of our party, our country, and the world. These are the people who should be in charge!
They understand that democracy means showing up — not just at a protest or on Facebook but at the polls and on the ballot. They want to put themselves out there and lead.
We’re going to help them however we can.
Help us provide every possible resource to these incredible potential candidates— head over to runforsomething.net/donate and chip in.
Looking to do your part? One way to get involved is to read the Indivisible Guide, which is written by former congressional staffers and is loaded with best practices for making Congress listen. Or follow this publication, connect with us on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.