While many voters focus their attention on the President and Congress, many of the most important issues and elections are happening in state legislatures across the country. In 2022, Democrats flipped legislative chambers in Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania and made significant gains in other states as well. In this You Should Run Podcast, Heather Williams of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee talks about the value of state legislatures, how to prepare to run for these seats, what the DLCC does to assist parties and candidates across the country, and, of course, why YOU should run for office. Listen, share, and follow the DLCC at www.DLCC.org

State Representative Kadyn Wittman joins the You Should Run Podcast to talk about what inspired her to run for office in South Dakota and to encourage others to follow her path to public service too. In this episode, Kadyn discusses the costs of running a legislative campaign, why it's important to run as a Democrat even when the odds are against you, and long term planning for the future of state politics. Rep. Wittman talks about practical ways to address homelessness, the frustrations of being shut out of the legislative process by state Republicans, pushing back against the culture war to focus on governing, and more. Tune in and follow Kadyn Wittman at www.Kadynforhouse.com

Rhode Island State Representative David Morales knows how to handle a fight, both in the legislature and as a professional wrestler. In this You Should Run Podcast, Rep. Morales discusses his unique background and talks about the similarities between politics and wrestling, the state of politics in Rhode Island, and working across the aisle. Rep. Morales also talks about inspiration from his mother, housing issues, and how solutions to major problems can come from making current government programs work better. Listen, share, and subscribe today and maybe YOU should run for office too.

Aftyn Behn is the Democratic nominee for State House District 51 in Tennessee. Before she can win that election and serve in the legislature, she joins the You Should Run Podcast to discuss a wide range of topics that motivate and inspire her, including:   The advocacy of the "Tennessee Three" and efforts by concerned parents to protect kids from gun violence. Why progressives should fight for communities in conservative states, even if it is an uphill battle. Long term organizing to stop bad legislation in the short term and pass legislation for working families. Protecting LGBT rights. Pushing back against right-wing conspiracies. Keeping Tennessee from being a "Democracy Desert." Why YOU should run for office. Listen, subscribe, and follow Aftyn on social media and at www.aftynbehn.com Special thanks to Outrun Coalition for helping to organize this episode.

From an outsider perspective, Vermont seems like it should be a utopia for progressive politics. In this You Should Run Podcast, Vermont State Representative Tiffany Bluemle talks about the challenges and successes she has experienced in her time in elected government. Representative Bluemle discusses issues like housing, mental health, gun safety, and  making government more effective and efficient. She explains how having a part time legislature and a full time governor undercuts the power of of the legislature. Listen, share, subscribe and maybe YOU could run for office too.

2023 is considered an "off year" election because of the lack of Presidential or Congressional races on the ballot, but the fact is that there are no "off years" in American politics. Sam Shirazi joins the You Should Run Podcast to discuss the significance of this year's legislative elections in Virginia, how the politics have evolved in Virginia over the past 20 years, whether competitive elections make for better state parties, why every election matters, and, of course, why YOU should run for office. Listen, share, and subscribe today.

Central Bucks School District in Pennsylvania has been one of the top locations for school board controversy in America. In this You Should Run Podcast, School Board member Karen Smith talks about the radical changes in her community, looking out for the education and health of the students in her district, pushing back on extremism, and why YOU should care about school board elections. Listen and share and follow today.

Marist College professor Tommy Zurhellen walked across the United States to raise awareness of veterans issues. Now he's running for County Executive in Dutchess County, NY. As he walked the country, Tommy heard first hand about the consistent needs of veterans, young people, and seniors. Now he's using his experience and ideas to advocate for affordable housing solutions and services in his community. Listen and share Tommy's story and follow him at www.Tommy4Dutchess.com

With a trifecta in state government, the Minnesota Democrats just completed perhaps their most successful legislative session in generations. In this You Should Run Podcast, State Senator Erin Murphy talks about how her years of experience in the legislature motivated her to maximize the time she had in the majority, how and when she encouraged candidates to run, and just what the Democrats were able to accomplish in 2023. The Minnesota Democrats passed bills to protect a woman's right to an abortion, expand healthcare, improve schools, and strengthen democracy and voting rights. Senator Murphy talks about the lessons from previous legislative sessions, the voices of new Democrats in the legislatures, encouraging others to participate, building relationships across the aisle, and why YOU should consider running for office now.   Listen, share, and subscribe today.

Sarah Reale was elected to the Utah State School Board in 2022 to advocate for quality education for all students and strong public schools. In this You Should Run Podcast, the Salt Lake native talks about what motivated her to run for office, the community benefit of public schools, pushing back on legislation that will cut school funding, making all students feel welcome amid ongoing culture wars, and, of course, why YOU should run for office. Sarah has long been a passionate defender of schools. She is the first LGBT member of the State School Board and she loves biking and enjoying the beautiful Utah nature with her girlfriend.