RFS feel-good update (10/4): A big week!
Big stuff coming tomorrow & Wednesday...
Hi all -
This is a big week for the Run for Something community.
Tomorrow, we’re launching an exciting partnership that’s been in the works for a longggg time. Tune in to the Today Show in the 9:30-10am ET block for some big news.
On Wednesday, we’re announcing our very last class of 2021 endorsements ahead of the November election. We can’t wait for you to meet these amazing all-stars.
In the meantime, good stuff below, too!
In RFS community updates:
MD Del. Emily Shetty successfully sponsored legislation now going into effect that will allow pharmacists to switch between brands of medication to allow patients to get lower-cost options.
Parents are attempting to sue the Round Rock ISD school board for implementing a mask mandate to keep kids safe - we’re proud that Tiffanie Harrison, RFS alum, is standing strong (and we obviously stand with her.)
SC Rep. Jermaine Johnson is calling on the general assembly to use federal funds for gun violence prevention efforts.
Crain’s Cleveland has endorsed Justin Bibb for mayor.
Bibb is young, at age 34, and he has never held elective office. That's not the traditional background for someone seeking a job of this magnitude. Cleveland for some time, though, has been hidebound by traditions and ways of thinking that, frankly, haven't gotten it very far — or at least as far as it could get. The energy and tenacity Bibb has shown throughout the campaign, combined with his promise of collaboration, a smart approach to addressing the city's big problems and an ability to galvanize the community to work for positive change, have convinced us he's the right man to lead City Hall.
Jen Devor lost her election last year but continues her work to build stronger citizens in Philly, block by block. This is an awesome profile of her efforts.
RFS Regional Director and NH Rep. Manny Espitia talked about the impact of a diversifying New Hampshire on the future of state politics.
MA Sen. Becca Rausch got paid time off for parents & caregivers who have to take kids to get COVID-19 shots. Love it.
India Walton beat the incumbent in her primary earlier this year. He’s not taking his loss well…
Rep. Ayanna Pressley endorsed a number of our RFS candidates in Boston, including Kendra Hicks for District 6 and Ruthzee Louijuene and David Halpert for the at-large seats.
So so so many members of the RFS community marched over the weekend to fight for abortion justice. Two speeches you can watch if you want to be inspired:
WI Rep. Francesca Hong has introduced legislation prohibiting firearm accessories that accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon & providing a criminal penalty.
FL Reps. Anna Eskamani and Andrew Learned are cosponsoring legislation to eliminate state taxes on diapers to ease the burden on parents.
In related reading:
With friend-of-the-org Dave Daley, I co-authored a piece on how ending abortion rights and ending voting rights are intimately connected as part of the right’s long term plan.
Ross and Spread the Vote founder Kat Calvin authored a piece on the need to invest state legislatures.
This is really interesting research from Priorities: Investing in local elections in “off-years” pays off in “on years” — 25% of the effect on 2019 turnout persisted into 2020.
11 states have passed laws that could subvert the results of future elections. It has never been more critical to win state legislative seats in every possible chamber. Even when we can’t flip ‘em, any kind of leverage helps.
Similarly, we’re dialing in on local election administration roles — the consequences of letting conspiracy theorists run elections could be devastating. Read what’s going on in Mesa County, CO.
Tomorrow on the Run for Something podcast: Justin Tseng grew up in Medford -- a small town outside Boston. Now as a senior at Harvard (and at only 21 years old!) he's running for city council to help lead the city he loves into the next phase of its growth. We talk about his experience campaigning and balancing a full load of classes, the way voters respond to him, and what his vision is for Medford. Listen in and help his campaign: justin4medford.com
We have a few upcoming RFS events…
On Thursday, October 7th at 8pm ET, we’re partnering with Latino Victory Project to host See Yourself Running: Realities of Running as a Latinx/Hispanic Candidate
On October 14th at 7pm ET, we’re hosting the RFS Alumni Awards. Get your free ticket now!
We’re so grateful to be able to do this work. Thanks for being on our team.
- Amanda