You Should Run

While people talk about elections and candidates in swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona, there are important elections in every state, including Wyoming. In this You Should Run Podcast, Marcie Kindred discusses running for office as a Democrat in Wyoming, the unique politics of the state, what makes Wyoming beautiful, and bringing people together across parties during her election. Listen and share now and consider running for office where you live as well! 

As the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak threatens communities across the country and the world, New Mexico State Representative Melanie Stansbury is focusing on some of the most vulnerable populations in her state, including native populations, the disabled, and more. In this podcast, Representative Stansbury talks about her motivation for getting involved in politics and her vision for addressing systemic issues and seeing where big changes are needed. Listen to this very timely episode and follow Melanie on Twitter @MelanieforNM

In 2018, JD Scholten came extremely close to unseating ultra right-wing Iowa Congressman Steve King. While people across the country focused on Steve King and his nationalist views and statements, JD won people over by focusing less on what his opponent said and more on what he would do if he were to win. In this podcast, JD Scholten talks about the challenges in rural America such as poverty and how rural and urban America are tied together in more ways than people realize. He also talks about healthcare and how Coronavirus exposes the significant challenges of unequal care in rural areas. Finally, JD explains why he is running again in 2020 and why more people should run for office, especially in challenging districts like this one. 

Listen and share and make sure to follow JD Scholten on Twitter @JDScholten 

South Dakota is as "red" as states come in terms of politics. So when Democrats like Erin Healy run for the legislature, they know that they have many tough hills to climb, not just in elections, but also while in office. In this You Should Run Podcast, South Dakota State Representative Erin Healy talks about running for office, the challenges of building coalitions as a Democrat, and getting more young people involved in politics. She also discusses the recent anti-transgender legislation in her state and how Democrats, moderate Republicans, and business groups helped to defeat the bill.

 

Listen, share, and hopefully YOU will consider running for office too. 

Arizona is the center of political activity in 2020 with a very important Senate race and an opportunity to be the deciding state in the race for President. In this You Should Run Podcast, Arizona State Representative Athena Salman talks about the rapidly changing politics of her state. She also talks about what motivated her to run for office and some of the pro-democracy initiatives in Arizona that helped her run and win. Athena has a very unique background for any state, which she uses to remind people that we need far more diversity in all levels of government. 

Listen, share, and be inspired now to run for office yourself or to help others running in your area. Follow Athena on Twitter @AthenaSalman

Mayors are at the epicenter of public life. In this You Should Run Podcast, Jorge Elorza, Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, talks about the direct impact that mayors can have on public policy. Mayor Elorza also talks about what motivated him to make a run for office, the challenges of being mayor and running for office, promoting issues like childcare, and why people who want to make a difference in the world should consider running for mayor. 

Listen, share, and follow Mayor Elorza on Twitter @Jorge_Elorza 

Brianna Titone flipped a district in Colorado in 2018, making history as the first transgender person elected in the state. How did she do it? By knocking a lot of doors and talking to as many people as possible. Brianna also has an extensive science background. In this podcast, Brianna talks about her motivations for running, the challenges of passing legislation with Colorado's system, using her experience to protect the environment and address climate change, and why you should run for office.

Listen, share, and follow Brianna Titone on Twitter @BriannaforCO 

She calls herself a "tax policy nerd," but Washington State Representative Noel Frame can be summed up in another word: effective. In this podcast, Representative Frame talks about how growing up facing poverty affected her views on politics, the challenges of being a candidate, and why you should run for office too. She also highlights how to be an effective legislator by using the tax code to implement better policies. Listen and share and perhaps you'll be inspired to run for office and make a difference too. 

 

Follow Representative Noel Frame on Twitter @NoelFrame 

Like many people in all levels of government, Rhode Island State Senator Gayle Goldin first ran for office because she saw a need in government that wasn't being met and a voice that was missing. She ran for State Senate to focus on paid family leave and to be a progressive leader for Providence. In this podcast, Senator Goldin talks about her motivations for running, the challenges of passing legislation in state government, the value of hearings and testimony, and encouraging others to run for office too. Listen, share, follow @gaylegoldin on Twitter, and consider running for office yourself too! 

It's the first You Should Run Podcast guest from Texas, but hopefully not the last, as Candice Quarles joins to talk about her motivations, challenges, and hopes as a Council member in DeSoto, TX. Now she's working to improve her community through policies like paid family leave and through active civic engagement. Listen and share as Candice talks about educating and being a resource for her constituents as well as about encouraging more people to run for office. 

 

Follow Candice on Twitter @CandiceQuarles