Hi all -
Start your week by taking 3:41 and watch RFS alum Justin Douglas introduce President Joe Biden at the President’s big speech in PA on Friday.
Justin explains how the insurrection affected his decision to get more involved in politics — and how Run for Something (hi! that’s us!) asking him to run got him onto the ballot and ultimately helped him win by a few hundred votes and be in a position to protect democracy this year. This is worth your time.
Says Penn Live Patriot-News: “Douglas, a 39-year-old church pastor and CrossFit coach who was in his first run for political office, is everything the incumbent president … needs. He’s youthful, a fresh face, and someone who was able to win Republican and Independent votes in a key swing state.”
That’s what we mean when we say: The way to win the big elections is to win lots and lots of smalls ones. This work builds political power where we need it (Justin is now in charge of elections in a key PA county!), empowers new messengers who can genuinely connect with voters (He’s able to talk to voters in a way that others can’t!), and creates more entrypoints for voters to find a reason to go to the polls (People will show up for him and candidates like him, and also vote the whole ticket!).
And FWIW, PA is all kinds of RFS-goodness right now: Two of the five people pictured — Sara Innamorato and Neil Makhija — are RFS alum.
You did that! Congrats. 😎
More RFS community updates to make you proud:
For DE state house candidate Brandon Fletcher-Dominguez, the housing crisis is personal: His family faced an eviction during the pandemic — now as a 23 year old, he can barely afford rent. His campaign is centered around fixing that for his entire generation.
This a beautiful story from Neil Makhija’s inauguration as Montgomery County commissioner as he made history as the first person of Asian descent elected to the office. You should also watch this heartwarming clip about Neil making sure someone special came out to the inauguration.
More from the PA swearing in ceremonies — the RFS alum network in PA is growing fast and furious. :)
At 23 years old, Nick Roberts is bringing new energy to the Indianapolis City-County Council.
NY Sen. Zellnor Myrie makes the case for building more housing now, when we need it most.
NE Sen. John Fredrickson is prioritizing legislation to subsidize childcare for childcare workers.
NM Rep. Andrea Romero is introducing legislation to restrict assault-style weapons as part of a suite of common sense gun laws this year.
In Spokane, councilmember Zack Zappone is doing the lord’s work making it easier for families to bring their kids to outdoor beer gardens and driving increased funding for bike lane maintenance.
NYC Councilmember Amanda Farias successfully passed legislation improving access to menstrual products at schools, shelters, and detention centers.
Tai Adkins was sworn in as president of the Gary Common Council in Indiana.
In VA, Del. Adele McClure has introduced legislation to close the dating partner loophole that currently allows abusive (but unmarried) partners access to guns.
Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons was elected to the National League of Cities Board
Her first full day on the job and Allegheny county executive Sara Innamorato is already getting stuff done, increasing wages and implementing better working conditions for county employees.
In Boston, city council president Ruthzee Louijeune is setting the tone for less acrimony and more efficacy. Also highly rec this interview she did about her priorities.
WI Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer laid out her priorities — kitchen table issues like child care, abortion access, gun safety, and more — for the upcoming year.
Later this week, we’re rolling out our 2024 strategic plan — stay tuned to our social media accounts and keep an eye on this space next week for updates!
Until then, thanks for being part of this team. You’re the best.
- Amanda