The Politics Girl Podcast: A Conversation with Run For Something’s Amanda Littman

Episode Title: Who Will Step Up To Lead?
Host: Leigh McGowan
Guest: Amanda Littman, Founder and President of Run for Something
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Politics Girl Podcast, host Lee McGowan engages in an insightful dialogue with Amanda Littman, the driving force behind Run for Something. Amanda shares her organization's mission to recruit and support progressive, young candidates for local offices across the United States, emphasizing the critical need for diverse and connected leadership in today’s chaotic political landscape.

Run for Something’s Mission and Impact

Amanda Littman opens the conversation by highlighting Run for Something’s strategic approach to politics. She asserts, “If our win rate was higher than about 55 or 60%, we wouldn't be taking big enough swings,” emphasizing the importance of targeting competitive districts to gradually shift political power. Amanda’s commitment to endorsing candidates in every race, regardless of immediate win prospects, underscores her belief that every community deserves a voice:

“People in those communities deserve a chance to make their voice heard... if Run for Something or one of our partners on the ground isn't recruiting in those races, nobody will run.”
(00:00)

Run for Something has successfully elected 637 candidates from 2017 to 2021, encompassing a diverse array of professions and backgrounds, including teachers, doctors, activists, and college students. Amanda emphasizes the organization's dedication to lowering barriers for viable candidacies and providing behind-the-scenes support to ensure electoral success.

The Need for New Leadership

Lee and Amanda delve into the pressing issue of leadership age within American politics. Amanda points out the stark contrast between the average age of elected officials and the median age of Americans:

“The average age in the House is I think, 58, 59. In the Senate, it's 63, 64. The median American is... 39 years old.”
(05:36)

She argues that younger leaders bring fresh perspectives and are more attuned to the current societal challenges, such as housing affordability, digital communication, and the impacts of climate change. Amanda advocates for a new generation of leaders who are not only policy-wise and politically prepared but also adept at communicating in ways that resonate with today’s electorate.

Progressive Values and Candidate Selection

Amanda elaborates on what defines a progressive candidate for Run for Something. She outlines a set of shared values that include being pro-choice, pro-universal healthcare, supporting LGBTQ equality, advocating for criminal justice reform, and fighting for voting rights and campaign finance reform:

“We want people who are going to focus on tackling inequality and fair wages and job creation... fighting to reduce gun violence in their community.”
(10:19)

Amanda emphasizes that while the expression of these values may vary based on local contexts, the core commitment remains consistent across all endorsed candidates. This flexibility ensures that candidates are well-aligned with their specific communities while upholding overarching progressive principles.

Authenticity and Effective Communication

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of authenticity in political leadership. Amanda asserts that the messenger is as crucial as the message:

“There's only people who can communicate in a way that connects with others.”
(17:05)

She contrasts the genuine connection fostered by younger, digitally-savvy leaders with the often disingenuous communication styles of older politicians:

“Why is that? Like, dig into that. Like, why is that? It's because of who they are as people.”
(19:18)

Amanda argues that authentic leaders who genuinely connect with their voters are more effective in conveying their policies and garnering support, unlike those who rely solely on scripted political rhetoric.

The Current Political Landscape and Its Challenges

Amanda provides a candid assessment of the current Republican Party, distinguishing it from its historical counterpart:

“This is Trump's Republican Party. They are not good faith partners in governance. They want to tear you down. They will lie, they will cheat.”
(22:49)

She highlights the transformative impact of recent political strategies that have fostered a more adversarial and less collaborative environment in Congress, making bipartisan cooperation increasingly untenable.

Encouraging Participation and Overcoming Anxiety

Addressing the fears and anxieties of potential candidates, Amanda acknowledges the legitimate concerns surrounding political candidacy today:

“Your anxiety is totally justified. It is absolutely scary.”
(30:19)

She reassures aspiring candidates by outlining the resources Run for Something provides, including campaign security guides, safety trainings, and protective measures for personal and online privacy. Amanda emphasizes the importance of entering the political arena with a clear understanding of the challenges while being supported by a robust network.

Amanda Littman’s Publications and Future Vision

Amanda discusses her book, "When We're In Charge: The Next Generation's Guide to Leadership," set to release on May 13th. The book explores millennial and Gen Z leadership across various sectors, focusing on authentic leadership, effective online presence, and creating humane and compassionate workplaces. Her previous work, "Run for Something: A Real Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself," has been instrumental for many aspiring candidates in navigating the complexities of running for office.

Encouraging Grassroots Involvement

Leigh McGowan and Amanda stress the significance of local elections and how they fundamentally shape the nation's governance:

“These jobs are more important than ever. And I don't think people realize how essential local offices are.”
(35:55)

Amanda recounts the success story of Justin Douglas, a pastor who, with minimal campaign funds, successfully ran for county commission in Pennsylvania. His victory led to significant local reforms, exemplifying how dedicated, grassroots efforts can drive meaningful change:

“He ultimately won on election night by about 140 votes, flipping control of the county commission from Republican to Democrat for the first time in over a hundred years.”
(35:55)

Building a Progressive Infrastructure

Amanda outlines various ways listeners can support Run for Something, whether by running for office, volunteering, or donating. She highlights the organization's collaboration with other progressive groups to amplify their impact, fostering a synergistic approach to building a sustainable and inclusive democratic power base.

Conclusion: A Path Towards Political Renaissance

In closing, Amanda conveys an optimistic vision for the future of American politics. She believes that the surge of passionate, grassroots candidates can usher in a political renaissance, fostering a government that truly represents and resonates with the American populace:

“I think we're on the brink of something amazing. If we get to the other side.”
(43:33)

Leigh McGowan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role listeners can play in sustaining and supporting this movement:

“The American experiment is far from over.”
(43:56)

Get Involved

Run for Something is actively seeking individuals passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re interested in running for office, volunteering, or donating, visit runforsomething.net to explore how you can contribute to building a more representative and progressive political landscape.

Quote Highlights:

• “People in those communities deserve a chance to make their voice heard.” — Amanda Littman (00:00)
• “The messenger is as crucial as the message.” — Amanda Littman (17:05)
• “Your anxiety is totally justified. It is absolutely scary.” — Amanda Littman (30:19)
• “I think we're on the brink of something amazing.” — Amanda Littman (43:33)

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to preserve and enhance American democracy. Through Amanda Littman’s insights and Run for Something’s proactive approach, listeners are empowered to engage, lead, and inspire change within their communities.