Run For Something

Latest Episodes:

Why Texas Democrats Had to Flee Texas to Do Their Jobs and Fight for Democracy, with Reps. Erin Zwiener and James Talarico Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

It's the biggest story in politics right now: In order to deny Texas Republicans the quorum needed to pass egregious voter suppression laws, Democrats in the Texas state house literally left the state, and can't come back for at least three weeks.

First, we reconnect with early podcast guest TX Rep. Erin Zwiener to get into the details on how they came up with their secret plans to leave, the security concerns, and the sacrifices they made (including Erin needing to bring her three year old daughter with her). Then we talk with Rep. James Talarico, a former school teacher turned youngest-legislator-in-history who's been making waves for a turn on Fox News where he called out the bullshit. This episode is a little longer than usual but it's worth every second. You can learn more about Erin at erinforyall.com, and follow James on Twitter at @JamesTalarico. Produced by Dear Media.

You're Going to Fall in Love with Dr. Tyler Titus Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Tyler Titus grew up in poverty in rural Pennsylvania, never feeling like they quite fit in -- they were bullied and struggled with suicide ideation and depression. It wasn't until they got to college and met other queer people that Tyler finally found themselves. In between working in county family services, getting a masters in counseling, and then eventually a pH.D in social work, and starting a family, Tyler ran for and won a seat on the school board, becoming the first trans person elected in Pennsylvania, and is currently one of only nine non-binary folks elected nationwide. Now they're running for county executive, and could make history in November if they win. We talked about identity, trauma, and the power of sharing our stories. To help Tyler's campaign, go to https://www.tylertitus.com/. Produced by Dear Media.

Rhode Island Sen. Cynthia Mendes On Why Young Women of Color Need To Claim Their Power Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

At least a half dozen people called in to 833-244-5382 and requested her, so here she is: Rhode Island Sen. Cynthia Mendes talks about how she grew up never seeing people like her in office, and didn't think politics was a meaningful way to make change -- until a few years ago, when a friend asked her to run for office herself. Along with a network of other progressive folks in the Rhode Island Political Coop, Cynthia ran and won against a more conservative incumbent. Since then, she's found again and again that the things she thought disqualified her actually make her even more powerful. To support Cynthia, make a donation now: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cynthia4ri You can also follow her on Twitter or other platforms: @Cynthia_Mendes_ Produced by Dear Media.

Why A Queer Latinx Architect Should Be Mayor of Seattle - Andrew Grant Houston Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Some election updates! (Spoiler: A bunch of the folks you've met on the show in past episodes have WON -- get excited.) Then, a conversation with Andrew Grant Houston, aka Ace, candidate for mayor of Seattle. Like many millennials, Ace moved to a city for work a few years ago -- he quickly got engaged in housing activism, an issue near and dear to his heart as an architect. His campaign was one of the first in the race to hit the campaign finance limits and is pushing the debate on issues like police funding, homelessness, and climate change. Listen in, then help him out at www.agh4sea.com Reminder: You can always call to let us know what you think at 833-244-4382. Produced by Dear Media.

The First Latinx Leader in the NC State House: Ricky Hurtado Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Ricky Hurtado made history in 2020: He became the first Latinx leader in the NC state house, and was one of the rare Democrats anywhere to flip a state legislative seat red to blue. His story is both incredibly special and deeply common -- Ricky grew up in an immigrant household, was the first generation in his family to go to college, went to work in education, and decided to run because he felt like the students he was working with were being heard in government. His campaign made a lot of news over the last year; listen in to understand the story behind the headlines. You can find Ricky on any social media platform @RickyHurtadoNC. If you want to call and leave Run for Something a voicemail with feedback, that number is 833-244-5382. Produced by Dear Media.

India Walton Is Going to Be the First Woman Mayor of Buffalo Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

When India Walton was growing up working class in Buffalo, she always knew she'd serve her community in some way -- but she never would have guessed that one day she'd be in the running to be the first woman mayor of Buffalo. From being a mother at 14 to having twins in the NICU that nudged into going into nursing to her later role as a non-profit executive, India brings her full self to her campaign against a four-term incumbent who literally hides from his constituents. Listen to her story, then head to http://www.indiawalton.com to find out how you can help before Election Day on 6/22. If you have questions or ideas on who we should talk to, give us a call at 833-244-5382. Produced by Dear Media.

Amanda Farías Is Who The Bronx Needs in City Hall Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

First, our very first voicemail!! Listen in as Amanda responds to a caller about the 1/6 commission and talks about how she gets her news. (Then leave a voicemail yourself at (833) 244-5382!) Then, a conversation with Amanda Farías, candidate for New York City Council in the Bronx. She ran in 2017, came up short, then kept fighting as she worked her way through the NY Democratic party leadership elections. She always knew she'd run for city council again, but when the incumbent who had beaten her said some egregiously homophobic things, she decided to jump back in the race sooner than she expected. Now it's an open seat and she's absolutely crushing it. Learn more and help Amanda win at amandafarias.nyc. Produced by Dear Media.

How Jennifer Kitchen Plans To Flip A Red Seat Blue in Rural Virginia Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

After the 2016 election, Jennifer Kitchen started getting involved -- in spite of a chronic pain disorder that made marching and canvassing hard, she kept showing up and organizing her rural community. She ran in 2019 and lost, but won more votes than any Democrat in her district had before. She almost immediately launched her 2021 campaign, then was diagnosed with cancer. Now in remission, she's running an exponentially stronger campaign than she did the first time around, and she's showing up in rural communities that Democrats have neglected for too long. Learn how she's going to flip her seat blue and what you can do to help at www.electjenniferkitchen.com Remember, if you have questions or thoughts, give us a call at (833) 244-5382! Produced by Dear Media.

Black Lives Matter Activist Chi Ossé Is Ready to Represent Brooklyn May 25, 2021

Show notes

First, some news! The Run for Something podcast now had a voicemail box. Give us a call at (833) 244-5382 with any questions, hopes, fears, dreams, or thoughts on who you want us to talk to next. Then, a great conversation with Chi Ossé, who's been making headlines as an activist and culture-driver, and now as a fresh 23 year old, one of the youngest candidates for NY city council. He announced his campaign on Juneteenth during the protests after the murder of George Floyd and has been on the doors and talking to voters non-stop for the last 11 months. Learn about his story, his campaign, and whether being "cool" is part of the strategy. Then get involved at osse2021.com; you can sign up to join Run for Something for a phone bank for Chi's campaign on June 2nd. Produced by Dear Media.

From Berkeley Graduation to Berkeley City Council - Rigel Robinson's Leading When It Matters Most May 18, 2021

Show notes

Missouri native Rigel Robinson started at UC Berkeley in 2014 as an eager student, ready to learn and to fall in love with the city he'd call home. Four years later, just as he was about to graduate, folks started clamoring for him to run for office. He jumped in the fight, won, and throughout his first term, has already pushed forward necessary reform on policing and housing that is broadening what is possible for municipal government. You're going to love his passion, his intellect, and the contagious love he has for his city. Follow Rigel on all social media platforms - @RigelRobinson.

Produced by Dear Media.

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