In the contentious election year of 2024, political differences have caused strife in not just public conversations, but around the family dinner table.
Many wonder why someone would choose to run for office amid an increasingly negative political season.
Four young candidates running for office in Northern Minnesota recently gathered to discuss what it's like to be under 35 and on the campaign trail. Ranging in age from 24 to 34, they bring fresh perspectives, youthful energy and a deep commitment to their communities.
Included in the roundtable discussion were:
- 34-year-old Emily LeClaire from Brainerd, a DFLer running for Minnesota House District 6B
- Republican Spencer Igo of Wabana Township, who’s running for reelection for a third term for Minnesota House District 7A and is 28 years old.
- Sierra Napoli-Thein is 31 and running for School Board in Hibbing.
- Jackson Purfeerst is 24 from Crosslake and is a City Council member now running for mayor.
On the campaign trail
Despite juggling busy personal lives of work, families and other responsibilities, each candidate voiced a commitment to their community.
- Igo said, "I think our backgrounds, what led us to running for office is because of the strength and love of our communities. And that's a really strong thing in Greater Minnesota."
- LeClaire said, "I think the bottom line is that we care about our community and that's what's coming through to people when we talk to them and, you know, I have a long history of advocacy before this, so people don't really even tend to question my age. It's more so, like you said, Spencer, like the experience. Like, what led you to this point?"
- Purfeerst said, "People ask me all the time. They're like, why are you doing this at 24? Why do you care or why are you on this community board and it's like, 'We're the next generation to take it or not take it over, but to lead it forward, to bring everyone into the new, into the next fold.' So I say get involved if you don't win the first time, you can always go again as you grow in your campaigning."
- Napoli-Thein said, "I think some of the experience piece can be a little awkward to talk about as well in terms of, like you know, for the past. Like 13 years ago, I was a high schooler and happy and very relevant experiences to running for the school board. But you know your resume should start like in college or later ... even though, yeah, my experience as a first generation college student and being very involved in all of these pieces are relevant to a school experience."
Listen to the full conversation above for issues of mentorship, transparency, civility, inclusivity and fresh perspectives.
