Welcome to our Historic Firsts series, where barrier-breaking lawmakers will tell us how their identities have informed their work in local and state politics — and why it matters to us all.
“My age is not a hindrance but a unique advantage, allowing me to approach issues with a new lens, unburdened by traditional paradigms.” - State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr.
John, we’re seeing it every day—state legislatures are growing more powerful.
The landscape of critical and life-altering policies is shifting, with state legislatures emerging as powerful agents of change in areas such as abortion access, trans rights, voting rights, and fair wages and conditions for working people and families. Our often-overlooked state legislatures are now driving significant progress, surpassing the traditional epicenter of Washington, DC.
Fortunately, we defied historical trends in 2022 and built substantial power within our states. Now is the perfect time to tell resonant, meaningful stories about the power and promise of progressive state leaders.
In partnership with Teen Vogue, our Historic Firsts series uplifts inspiring, historic firsts among recently elected state lawmakers with a focus on women, people of color, young folks, LGBTQIA+ folks, and folks from nontraditional backgrounds. Together, we have the opportunity to shed light on remarkable individuals who are breaking barriers, driving change, and reshaping the course of our states' futures.
This December, we’re back with our latest edition of Historic Firsts with an op-ed written by Illinois’ youngest Latino state representative, Edgar Gonzalez Jr. In this piece, he discusses why he thinks young people should run for office.
Click here to check out the December edition of Historic Firsts—or continue reading below for an excerpt.
“My decision to enter politics at 23 was driven by the fundamental belief that genuine change comes not just from experience, but from an authentic connection with the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of the people I serve. As the youngest Latino and youngest Democrat in state history ever to serve as state representative, it was the profound understanding that our shared experiences, whether they involve unaffordable housing, gun violence, or environmental injustices, unite us and fuel the passion to advocate for a better, more inclusive tomorrow. Experience may be a factor, but the real driving force behind my political journey is the unyielding belief in the potential of collective action and the transformative impact it can have on our community’s future.”
|
Check out Edgar’s op-ed in Teen Vogue now. Then join us in lifting up the voices of historic first lawmakers by forwarding this email to your friends and family.
Read Now »
In Illinois, Edgar sponsored and helped pass the Temp Worker Fairness and Safety Act, which guarantees pay equity between temp workers and full-time employees after 90 days and expands legal protections for temp workers and day laborers from common labor violations.
Young, progressive state legislators of color like Edgar are showing us what we can do when we support, invest, and elect fresh voices who will advocate for their communities in our state legislatures.
That’s the core of our work at Sister District—and that’s why we’re highlighting the stories of bold, historic first legislators like Edgar in Illinois and others across the country.
Thank you for reading, and Happy Holidays!
Gaby Goldstein, Co-Founder
Sister District
|
Before you go…
Sister District’s mission is to imagine, build, and expand progressive power in state legislatures, and we know that organizing around elections is just one piece of the puzzle.
That’s why we’re amplifying the voices of local lawmakers, educating the public about the importance of state legislatures, and inspiring folks to deepen their civic engagement — especially in local and other down-ballot races.
There is power in storytelling, and the more people we bring into this fight, the more powerful our movement will become.
This holiday season, can you make a monthly contribution of $20.24 to help us continue this year-round work?
Donate monthly »
|
This email was sent to [email protected].
We rely on grassroots donations from supporters like you, and most of those donations come from emails like this one. However, if you would like to change your subscription preferences, here are some options:
Receive fewer emails
Update your information
Unsubscribe
Sister District Action Network is a 501(c)(4) and is not subject to contribution limits. Contributions or gifts to Sister District Action Network are not tax deductible. Paid for by Sister District Action Network and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
|
