‘Run for Something’ Is Stronger Than Ever. We’re Going to Need It.
Feb 26, 2025
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In this discussion, Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something, emphasizes the organization's mission to empower young people to run for state and local office. She highlights the impact of diverse candidates and encourages grassroots involvement. Amanda stresses authenticity in politics and shares insights on the challenges aspiring candidates face, along with strategies for overcoming them. The conversation is filled with optimism for upcoming elections and practical advice for anyone considering a political run.
Run for Something empowers young and diverse individuals to pursue political office, emphasizing the importance of local engagement for real change.
The discussion stresses that perseverance and hope are essential for creating a better society, with each person playing a crucial role in this mission.
Recent successes in local elections highlight the effectiveness of fresh, diverse leadership in politics and the growing engagement of younger voters.
Deep dives
The Call to Action for Change
The episode emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining hope in the face of challenges. It stresses that individuals play a crucial role in creating positive change, urging listeners to see their mission as a moral obligation. The speaker expresses a vision for a society where no child goes hungry and where everyone feels they belong. This message calls everyone to take action and highlights that collective effort can lead to significant transformations in communities.
The Role of Run for Something
Run for Something is presented as a vital organization focused on helping young individuals run for office. It was founded with the intent to mobilize motivated young people after the 2016 elections, addressing the lack of resources for those interested in pursuing political roles. The organization has grown significantly, managing to build a pipeline of over 3,000 candidates mainly under 40 years old, emphasizing diversity. This initiative aims to tap into the potential of those who believe they can positively impact their communities through political office.
Celebrating Historical Wins
The dialogue reviews successes from the recent elections, emphasizing that many candidates endorsed by Run for Something achieved significant victories. Highlights include the election of the first trans person in Kentucky and substantial wins in various state races, showcasing the effectiveness of young, diverse leaders in politics. The conversation reinforces the idea that local elections can lead to tangible changes in communities. These victories illustrate a growing trend of engagement among younger voters and candidates.
Local Politics as a Platform for Change
The discussion underscores the necessity of focusing on state and local politics, especially when federal actions may not yield immediate results. The importance of passing meaningful legislation at the state level is highlighted, with examples like Cambridge's comprehensive housing policy change that addresses significant local issues. This points to the notion that local decisions can have wider societal impacts and affirm the work being done by local officials endorsed by organizations like Run for Something. The focus is on empowering communities to enact solutions beneficial at the grassroots level.
Encouragement for Aspiring Politicians
Listeners are encouraged to consider running for office, with the realization that political engagement can come from diverse experiences beyond traditional law or political backgrounds. The episode clarifies that anyone with a commitment to their community has the potential to run and win, regardless of prior political experience. It details the support and resources available to candidates from organizations like Run for Something, highlighting that practical knowledge and community engagement are vital. This message resonates with those feeling inspired to make a difference through active participation in governance.
OA 1130 and T3BE60 - We're so excited to kick off this episode with an interview with Amanda Litman, the co-founder and President of an amazing organization called Run for Something. We discuss who they are and how they support folks in state and local races in all 50 states, answer questions for those who may be listening and considering throwing their hat in the ring to run for political office, and get energized from Amanda's contagious hope for what can very much come in 2026 and 2028 if we put in the work now.
After our chat with Amanda, Thomas meets up with Professor Heather Varanini to reveal the answer to T3BE59, and tackle the next question! Be sure to stick around for our T3BE winners and patron shoutouts!
If you're feeling inspired and hopeful after today's show, consider making a donation to Run for Something to help elevate progressive leaders in state and local elections across the country! And if you're thinking you might Run for Something, check out their resources to help you along every step of the way!
If you'd like to play along with T3BE, here's what to do: hop on Bluesky, follow Openargs, find the post that has this episode, and quote it with your answer! Or, go to our Subreddit and look for the appropriate t3BE posting. Or best of all, become a patron at patreon.com/law and play there!
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