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30 under 30: womxn to watch in politics

Written by Deshani Semaan | 10/16/20 7:00 PM

Young womxn in politics are using their political power to make a difference in their community and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Check out this list of 30 womxn under 30 who are either running for office or are currently in office.

1. Denaee Amaya - Covina-Valley School Board, CA 

At a young age, Denaee saw her family members endure economic hardships and face racial and social inequality. These injustices motivated her to attend a four-year university, study criminal justice, and choose a career serving others. 

2. Yassamin Ansari - Phoenix City Council, AZ 

“More than ever, we are realizing the importance of bold leadership at the local level. As your representative for Phoenix City Council in District 7, this will be my full-time job— ensuring that I will be fully connected, accessible, and transparent to each and every one of you, every single day.”

3. Avery Bourne - State Representative, District 95, IL 

Since taking office, Representative Bourne has spent a considerable amount of time at the Capitol working on issues that affect Central Illinois. Her priorities include a pro-growth economic agenda aimed at strengthening our communities as well as providing job training to create new opportunities for our manufacturing talent. 

4. Ebony Carter - Georgia House, District 110, GA 

“As our community grows, it changes. Our community should be made for the people and by the people. I will fight against economic, health, social and environmental discrimination in our community.  I will also fight for free and fair elections across Georgia.” 

5. Claire Cory - State Representative, District 42, ND 

“I am proudly born and raised in my district and when the opportunity arose to serve in the state legislature, I knew I could make an impact to improve Grand Forks and North Dakota.” 

6. Cydnei Drake - Carrollton-Farmers Branch School Board, TX

“As a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of a quality education and the opportunities afforded by that honor. I also understand that our community is changing, and we must embrace that change to ensure that our students and staff have the best that CFBISD has to offer.” 

7. Jackie Fielder, State Senate, District 11, CA  

“I believe our generation has no time left for excuses or despair. I’m not afraid of a challenge, and I have a record of fighting for people and winning, even against the odds. 2020 needs to be the year we have the courage to take on the crises facing our city, our country, and our planet.” 

8. Karla Garcia - Dallas School Board, TX 

“I believe in the potential of every single student. My story can no longer be the exception, it must be the expectation. I’m stepping up for students because zip codes should not define destinies.” 

9. Christina Haswood - Kansas House of Representatives, District 10, KS 

Christina is running to bring public health expertise to state government during a time of unprecedented crisis, and to protect Kansans who are impoverished as she once was. 

10. Amanda Hernandez, Apple Valley Fire Board, CA  

Amanda is committed to her family, her community, and her country. With a sibling in the Army's Special Forces, she understands the sacrifices families make to protect our country, our communities, and our lives. She has a deep respect for emergency services and will fight to protect public safety. 

11. Carla Hernandez - Oak Grove School Board, CA 

“I am running because I want to reach every student. As a special education teacher, I understand that not all learners are going to learn the same. I want to innovate our instruction and diversify our curriculum so that we connect with all of our students with a relationship-centered approach.”

12. Cassandra Levesque - State Representative, Strafford 4 district, NH 

“We need to have Representatives who advocate for policies that support strong, healthy and resilient communities and families, and a strong economy with opportunities for all.” 

13. Tiara Mack - State Senate, District 6, RI 

“Rhode Island was the first place that I was able to see how decisions in the state house immediately impact people and their communities. Rhode Island can be a leader in the nation for tolerance, inclusivity, and people-centered decisions. That is what gives me hope. That is why I stay here, in this state, in this fight.” 

14. Mari Manoogian, State Representative, District 40, MI 

“I believe in a politics of hope, and I’m driven by a core belief that Michigan’s comeback story is far from over. This campaign has always been about Michigan’s future, and the future we want to build together.” 

15. Chloe Maxmin - State Senate, District 13, ME 

“It’s about what we can do together, what we can build in our community, the conversations that we have with respect, the ways that we can unite over what we have in common rather than what separates us.”

16. Carina Mompelas - Plymouth County Treasurer,  MA 

“As County Treasurer, I will be sure to continue implementing what I was taught and maintain an office that depicts the moral values that government officials are subjected to.” 

17. Sasha Renee Perez - Alhambra City Council, CA 

Since graduating, Sasha has continued her work on pressing policy issues, led statewide campaigns, and educated constituents from across California on how to effectively fight for policies to improve their community. 

18. Samantha Perlman - Marlborough City Council, MA 

With her passion for civic engagement as well as experiences in collaborative community building and systemic policy change, Sam is ready to serve as a voice for our future on the Marlborough City Council. 

19. Jena Powell - State Representative, District 80, OH 

“The establishment in Columbus isn’t listening to what we need, and your voices aren’t being heard. To represent the needs of Ohio’s House District 80, so that everyone in this district can go hard after their dreams and experience life to the fullest, right here at home.” 

20. Sameera Rajwade - San Ramon City Council, CA 

“As a community organizer, I understand how to listen and advocate for others. I am confident that my experience, excitement and energy will make me an effective City Council Member.” 

21. Sara Rasmussen - Alaska House, District 22, AK 

“Alaska is entering one of its toughest seasons. Experienced leadership is critical if we want to navigate this storm and preserve our state for generations to come.” 

22. Shelby Rae Sanders, Precinct Chairwoman #2108, TX 

“I aspire to help reunite the public and encourage our society that each and every person is able to obtain the resources and opportunity they desire to work hard and achieve the American Dream.” 

23. Amanda Septimo - New York State Assembly, District 84, NY  

We all deserve representation that stands up for the needs of our community. Amanda Septimo is fighting to make sure The Bronx finally has the representation it deserves. 

24. Louise Snodgrass - 7th Congressional District, SD 

“With a vision of creating an inclusive, diverse, and connected community, the City of Brookings brings creative and great minds together to find solutions to our area’s challenges. Our community works with dedication and authenticity to ensure a brighter future for all.” 

25. Josie Tomkow - State Representative, District 39, FL 

“From investing in our schools and providing scholarships to special needs children to fighting for our children without a loving home – I will always fight for Florida’s children!" 

26. Selena Torres - Nevada State Assembly, District 3, NV 

“Every Nevada family should have access to a quality education. As an educator I am committed to fighting for Nevada students and providing them the tools they need to be successful.” 

27. Mauree Turner - 88th Congressional District, OK 

“There has never been a more important time for those closest to our state’s problems to be structuring the solutions. I’m running to fight for criminal justice reform, health care access, and public education. Not just in an election year, but every day.” 

28. Kacie Weicherding - State Representative, District 108, IL

“I am dedicated to fighting for the working families of Southern Illinois. I’m running for office to assure that everyone in Illinois is represented.” 

29. Pauline Wendzel - State Representative, District 79, MI 

Pauline believes that it is time for the next generation to be more involved in their communities, engaged in civil service, and become leaders for our economy.  By taking responsibility for the future, the next generation can help make the positive and necessary changes our government needs. 

30. Jocelyn Yow - Mayor Pro Tem, CA 

No matter where life took her, she has always known that Eastvale is where she wants to live and raise her family. She is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the city she proudly calls home. 

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