WANTED: Progressive candidates for red seats in Idaho legislature

I know you’re out there, and I want to build a grassroots movement behind you

Idaho is one of the most conservative states in the country.

And that’s depressing for a lot of people. Many doubt that progressive changes are possible, so they don’t try. They feel like their vote doesn’t matter. They stay at home, are disgusted by the news, and many of them tune out as a way to stay sane.

But, there have been shifts.

The 2016 Idaho Democratic Caucus was the biggest in the US, and 78% voted for Bernie. Paulette Jordan generated tons of attention and excitement in her run for governor in 2018. Reclaim Idaho got Medicaid Expansion passed by ballot initiative with 61% of the vote.

I was a skeptic, but now I believe.

I used to think there was no hope for progressive policies in Idaho, but that’s changed. There’s something here, and it could be developed and organized for greater power and influence.

We need to change the makeup of the statehouse.

I thought about running, but my legislative district is already completely blue, so I think my efforts would be better spent helping someone flip a red seat in another district.

I’m looking for progressive candidates.

I’ve been asking around, but I’m not aware of any new progressive candidates out there. If that’s you, please contact me! I would like to manage (or contribute to) your campaign. I have lots of big ideas I’d like to put to the test.

And beyond candidates, we need to organize this movement.

We need an Idaho progressive political action group. Something with an Idaho voice, values, and vision. Something that resonates and grows. Something that can inspire progressives to run, volunteer, donate, and demonstrate, even if (especially if) they’ve never been involved before.

I’m doing research.

National organizations I’m inspired by are Our Revolution, Justice Democrats, Brand New Congress, Democratic Socialists of America, and others. And I’m studying progressive campaigns in red states, like Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 Senate run.

I’m doubtful the existing infrastructure can inspire Idahoans.

There are some organizations that are trying to tap into this energy already, like the Idaho Democratic Party, United Vision for Idaho, and Idaho Community Action Network. But they feel… old. And tired. And not bold enough.

I think Reclaim Idaho is the most inspirational group out there, but they’re nonpartisan.

If we want progressives winning, we need to be crystal clear about that. One big lesson for progressives comes from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign: “You won’t get a revolution if you don’t ask for one.”

Would you work towards a progressive Idaho future?

If you’re inspired by people-focused policies that make the lives of normal people dramatically better, would you act? If you’d want to learn more, plug in, donate, volunteer, or make a run for office, please let me know! I want to hear from you and get things rolling.