ICYMI: How to be a Democrat in West Virginia with Delegate Kayla Young

Happy Holidays! While our team is off for the holiday, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our conversation with West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young. Host Ryan Coonerty and Young offer a political history lesson on how once-blue West Virginia took a sharp right turn, what the rest of the country can learn from the Mountain State, and how she approaches her work as part of the smallest legislative minority in the country. The conversation also dives into energy policy and politics, including the impact of the Biden Administration's investment in a clean energy economy, the Trump Administration's efforts to reverse course, with over $100 million in losses in solar investments, and rising coal mining unemployment in West Virginia. The granddaughter of a coal miner, Young explains how we should think about coal and the opportunities for miners in today's economy. She also discusses her path to public service from a food truck owner to the legislature. Tune in for an honest and clear look at the economic, environmental, legislative, and political realities in the state of West Virginia.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] The political history of West Virginia and its current status with only nine democratic seats.

• [03:21] What changed the trajectory of West Virginia's politics and how it has responded to Biden.

• [06:00] The real-world and political impact of the coal industry.\

• [08:50] How Trump's tariffs have influenced industry and job creation in West Virginia.

• [10:15] Persevering in the legislature when the numbers are against you.

• [14:43] How working in food service prepared Kayla.

• [17:40] Making the case for a clean environment and a sustainable economic structure.

• [19:00] Why there is hope for democrats in West Virginia.

• [21:00] Understanding succession in the legislature.

• [24:13] Advice for those who may want to run for office.