Why run, why now?
Someone asked me why I’m running, whether this is what I’ve always wanted or if I’m just filling a spot on the ballot. The truth is, I’ve wanted to work in government since my 20s, but I needed to live my life first. I needed to struggle a little, work a lot, fall behind, catch up, and do it all over again, because you can’t fight for people if you don’t understand what they’re actually going through.
I had neighbors growing up who were more like grandparents, the kind of people who had cookies in the kitchen, cold water in the fridge, and a porch swing out back where you could sit and feel like everything was going to be okay. I want to fight for that kid, the one walking down a dirt road in flip flops, hoping for a soft cookie, a cold drink, and a hug from someone who had the time to care.
I want to fight for neighbors like that too, the ones who slowed down their day just to listen to a little girl talk about nothing and everything at the same time. That’s what community looks like.
I want to fight for families like mine, parents who worked hard, raised their kids right, and still had nights where they had to figure out how to keep the lights on, a dad who got hurt at work, a mom who worked two jobs to make sure her kid had insulin and the bills were paid. That’s not a story from the past, that’s still happening right now.
I want to fight for our kids, the ones who need safe schools, the ones with health problems, the ones who need a little extra help, and the ones who are bright and ready to go if we just give them the chance. They all deserve a shot, and their parents deserve to know they’ll be safe and supported when they walk into those classrooms.
I want to fight for people who are doing everything right and still can’t get ahead. Everything is more expensive, and it feels like no matter how hard you work, it’s getting harder to keep up. Most people I know aren’t asking for a handout. They just want a fair shot and the chance for their work to actually pay off.
That’s why I’m focused on the basics that should already work for people, healthcare you can reach, schools you can trust, and making sure a hard day’s work still pays the bills.
I’m not looking for shortcuts, and I don’t think most people are either.
I’ve spent the last 25 years working the kinds of jobs that keep communities running. I’ve managed a video store, a pizza restaurant, and now I work in a warehouse. Those aren’t less than jobs. They’re honest work. They put food on the table and keep the wolves from the door, but they’re not delivering the life we were promised.
I paid my way through college, I did what I was told to do, and I still found myself asking if this was really it. I know I’m not the only one asking that question.
So why run, and why now?
Because I’m tired of watching good people do everything right and still fall behind. Because I’m tired of rural communities being treated like an afterthought.
I’m running because I know these people, I am these people, and I’m ready to fight for them.
The only question left is, are you ready to stand with me?
Neighbors first. Common sense always.