First I marched, then I ran.
I am running for the Florida House of Representatives in District 52 to be precise.
Like the women on the cover of the January 29, 2018 Time magazine, I am running for public office for the first time in my life. In some respects it was a difficult decision, but in others it was remarkably easy. I have an incredibly supportive husband, fearless children, and an energized and organized local Democratic party in my corner. My parents not only encouraged me to run, they advocated strongly for it. My candidacy seems almost inevitable in hindsight. Almost.
Seeking public office was not remotely on my mind as I marched across the Eau Gallie Causeway in beautiful Melbourne, Florida on January 20th with a couple thousand of my friends and neighbors. Twelve days later, the Florida Election Division had my filing paperwork. I had become an official “Avenger.”
Since then, I have had numerous people ask me two questions. “Are you scared?” and “Why are you running?” The answer to the first question is simple. Absolutely! I would be kidding myself if I did not admit this feels a bit daunting at times. Maybe more than a bit. If you have ever wondered what it is like to take the plunge into politics, I recommend taking a sip of water from a fire hose. Overwhelming is too mild a word to describe it. However, the determination conquers the anxiety every time.
Why I am running is a little more difficult to answer. Candidates are supposed to have a nine second, twenty-seven word, three position sentence ready for a response. It is never that simple because sometimes people are more interested in the other reasons that called you to run. As an ordained minister who was affiliated with a Unitarian Universalist congregation, I can assure you that is exactly what it feels like — a calling.
The Republican men representing my Florida House district have not had a Democratic challenger since 2010, and I have no idea if a woman has ever represented my community. Certainly none in my personal experience. This is profoundly undemocratic to me. It means a substantial number of people in this constituency do not regularly have a voice in the marketplace of ideas, nor do they have a choice when they go to the polls in the general election.
I am running because I can use my voice to advocate for the democratic values of justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. I am running because I can offer a choice on the ballot that would bring reason, integrity, and empathy to decision making in Tallahassee.
I am running because I can no longer be content with writing letters, sending emails, and making phone calls — all the while feeling I am tilting at windmills. The Republican party controls my county commission, state legislature, Governor’s mansion, U.S. Congress, White House, and Supreme Court. Aside from Senator Bill Nelson, I have absolutely no one representing my values at any level of government today. The GOP has shown itself to be morally bankrupt and corrupt to the core. This is how I resist and persist.
I am running for State Representative because individuals, small businesses, and large industry succeed when their community has superior education, access to quality healthcare, and a sustainable environment. See, I do have a 9-27-3 statement. It is 28 words, but maybe people will give me a pass on the prepositions and indefinite article.
Quite a few people have expressed curiosity about the experience of being a first-time candidate for public office. I have agreed to blog as I learn and grow throughout the campaign so others can get a sense of what I have committed to do.
So what have I learned the first two weeks?
Don’t try to do it all yourself. That is exceptionally hard for hyper-organized, highly-motivated, control-oriented types like me. Let people help you. Figure out a way to ask for help when you are used to being the one giving it instead of needing it.
Listen to the voices of experience. Pay attention when people give you advice. Don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel when someone else is willing to share their lessons learned, often learned the hard way.
Trust your instincts. The advice will often conflict — pretty much always conflict. Embrace the paradox and pursue the direction that is the best fit for your personality and unique skills and talents.
Express your gratitude. Amazing people are giving me the gift of their time, energy, resources, and finances. This is incredibly humbling. I am determined to repay their generosity by doing my best as a candidate, and ultimately as their representative.
Campaign Website