Hi there --
Big fact: If Dems are going to create long-lasting structural change in 2020, we have to elect smart progressive leaders to state and local office. Enter Run for Something. This year, we’ve already endorsed 130 first-time and second-time down ballot candidates, ready to shake up the status quo and usher in bold reforms at the local level. All year, we’re offering a closer look at some of our most prolific candidates in our new Candidate Spotlight Series.
Our first candidate is Antoine Marshall, an attorney, father and husband running for North Carolina State House District 33 against an 11-year incumbent! Take a minute to read our chat with Antoine, then chip in to help us find and support candidates like him.
Thanks!
Run for Something
Let’s start! Who or what inspired you to run for office?
I’ve always had a heart for service, but my desire to serve through elected office initially began in an internship in Congressman Clyburn’s office in college. It was deepened when I was working as an attorney for Legal Aid and I saw the lack of protections the laws afforded our most vulnerable citizens.
What issue is most pressing in your community and how do you plan on remedying it?
Affordable housing is the biggest need in my community. While municipal governments have the biggest say in housing units and cost under the NC Constitution, local governments only have as much authority as given to them by the state legislature. Local governments are barred from implementing mandatory inclusionary zoning or assessing impact fees for developers. I’d also look into some of the anti-Nimby laws recently signed into legislation in California to fast track development of affordable housing, and revise our landlord tenant laws to protect renters.
As you’ve been meeting with voters in your community, what is something that you’ve learned?
Voters are far more emotional than cerebral when coming to decisions on who they are voting for. While I am confident in my policy positions, which I go into detail about, and ask anyone to support me because of my policies, people have told me they were going to support me because of my age, my race, because of my children, because my parents (who are my most loyal volunteers) are the ones who asked, or just because I knocked on their door. Personal connection matters.
What’s surprised you the most about being a candidate?
How much of a business it is for some. There are entire industries that rely on political campaigns for their livelihoods. I wasn’t prepared for the inundation of consultants reaching out to me to sell their services.
If you could change one thing in politics today what would it be?
The systems that keep good people from running. In North Carolina, we classify our legislature as “part time” to justify paying them $13,000 but the schedule makes it impossible for anyone but business owners or retirees to serve. Campaign finance rules as constructed allow only the rich or the rich adjacent to run, which prevents communities without an abundance of disposable income from being involved in the process. Many of our biggest challenges can be solved if we elect the best people and not the best people who can afford it.
Fun question! What song keeps you energized while canvassing?
Definitely, Kevin Gates’ “I Don’t Get Tired!”
What is one takeaway you’d like to leave your constituents with?
There’s a slim chance you’ll meet the President, Governor, or Congressional Representative. But your City Councilor, County Commissioner, State Legislator is someone who lives in your community. Get to know them, their policies.
Final question: What would you say to someone who is thinking about running for office?
Our democracy is strengthened by every voice who comes forward to state how they’d make our community better. Present yourself and your ideas to the voters.
