Stories from the 7,000 people who’ve signed up to run
We launched Run for Something on January 20th. Meet the more than 7,000 people who’ve signed up to run since then.
We launched Run for Something on January 20th. Since then, more than 7,000 people have signed up to have a conversation about running for office. Read a few of their stories and feel a little better about the state of the world.
A young man in Massachusetts:
I am the son of an immigrant and the first generation in my family to go to college, and I now have a PhD in physics. With the recent election, I feel some of my most closely held values — the importance of science and the right for families to come here and pursue a better life — being deeply threatened. I feel it’s time to do something about it!
A proud Georgian:
As a future teacher, queer transman, social work student, progressive, and a southern native, I would love to get involved in politics on the front line. I want the chance to advocate loudly and thoughtfully for people like me, and for those who belong to other non-dominant groups who do not have a voice right now. I want to be able to know that I am doing the most I can to help by affecting policy/local government, while taking into account the thoughts and suggestions of groups that I cannot speak for entirely on my own.
A woman in Pittsburgh:
I am a gay black single mother. It is people like me who are in the cross hairs of the current administration, so it is people like me who have to be at the forefront of the resistance.
A Californian who’s not afraid to get a little corny:
This is going to sound cheesy, but I want to run because I believe in this country and all that it stands for. I believe in doing what is right even if it’s difficult or unpopular. I believe in equality and justice and fairness and all, not just for those who may be socially or economically advantaged. I believe in helping my fellow man (and woman) not because it’ll benefit me or because I’ll gain any recognition for it, but because they need help and I’m able to provide it. I think at the end of the day, what makes this country great is not only how diverse we are — diverse in our political views, faiths, customs, backgrounds, etc. — but ultimately that we all share the same hopes and dreams (yes corny, but that we all share the American dream). I think all of this is worth preserving and working towards for all Americans and really why I want to run for office.
A woman in Idaho (!):
I’m a young woman in a liberal pocket of a very conservative state. For all my life, I’ve wanted to make a difference in my community. Now, I’m working as a domestic violence prosecutor. Soon, I hope to become something more. I know I’m young. I know my voice is small. But someday, I’d like to be more of a voice for people than an arm of the criminal justice system.
A veteran in New York:
I’m a progressive veteran of the U.S. Navy who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America from all enemies foreign and domestic, and I’m seeing a lot of both these days. Threats to the progressive and liberal values with which I was raised have never been greater, and I aim to make sure those threats are peacefully countered with the sense of urgency that we haven’t always seen from some of the democratic leadership up ’til now. I would happily run for office if it ensured that greater economic and social justice — as well as a well functioning government — remain part of the “more perfect union” to which we should always aspire.
A mom in Maryland:
I have a young son. More than earning money to secure his future, I’m now more focused on preserving and perfecting the American dream to secure his future. My efforts today are his joys tomorrow.
A Pennsylvanian woman:
I’m one of those “thinking about thinking about running” people. I’m sick of seeing rooms of old, white men signing legislation that will impact the lives of women everywhere. I’m sick of hearing people talk about “boutique issues” as if they’re dispensable, as if people’s lives aren’t impacted by them. For years I’ve thought I wasn’t smart enough to run for office (likely caused by years of watching The West Wing), but if our president can win an election, I need to dispel of that excuse.
A first-generation American who wants to give back to the country that welcomed her family:
My family immigrated to this country when I was seven. It has given me enormous opportunities, ones i did not find or obtain on my own, or “earn” out of sheer merit alone, but for which I am grateful. That is the America I want for my children. Even more so, that is the America I want them to insist on long after their immigrant grandparents and parent are in the picture.
A New Jersey man who sums it up nicely:
Donald Trump is president. Why not me?
This is what it’s all about: These are the people who should be running and winning — and we want to help as many of them as possible.
Right now we’re looking to hire an organizing director who can help structure our mentorship program and connect our possible candidates with experts in the field (for free!). Chip in at runforsomething.net/donate and help us afford that hire.