The Great Battlefield Supporting State Legislators with EJ Juarez of SiX
Nov 26, 2025
EJ Juarez, Executive Director of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), brings a wealth of experience as a political strategist dedicated to supporting state legislators. He discusses his migrant farmworker roots and the drive for collective thriving in public service. EJ dives into his research on voter suppression, training diverse candidates, and his work on environmental justice programs. He emphasizes the critical role of state action in resisting federal rollbacks and highlights the importance of finding common ground across political divides.
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From Orchard To SiX Leadership
- EJ Juarez traced his path from student organizer to Executive Director of State Innovation Exchange (SiX).
- He described roles in campaigns, labor, philanthropy, libraries, and state government as building blocks for this job.
Roots In Farming Shaped His Values
- EJ described growing up in central Washington in a family of farmworkers who later became educators and public servants.
- He said that upbringing made him feel responsible to preserve and expand public programs so everyone could thrive.
Run Campaigns By Relating And Learning
- Run campaigns by relating to people and working hard rather than chasing complex formulas.
- Ask lots of questions, admit what you don't know, and learn from others on the ground.
