The Long March: November 2007 Edition

While I was in hibernation, we had an election. Who knew.

We've talked in the past about the Long March, the rate at which Millennials are expected to assume leadership roles at the municipal, state, and federal level. Last Tuesday saw some solid steps forward on that front, and I wanted to give a shout-out to what I'm sure are just a few noteworthy victories by young people (defined here as 35 and under, though I note ages when I can) in local, state, and federal elections.

From Martina Hone, who won a school board position in Falls Church Virginia, to Lisa Wong, the 28 year old (and first minority) mayor of Fitchburg, MA, and Luke Ravenstahl, the 27 year old Mayor of Pittsburgh, PA (that's right - mayor of one of the countirey's largest urban centers), young people had a successful year on the campaign trail. I've got reports about almost 30 victories by young people (all listed below), and I'm sure these are just a drop in the bucket. These victories are to say nothing of the many close races that young progressives lost, like Dayne Walling, who lost the mayoral race in Flint, Michigan to incumbent Don Williamson by just 581 votes. It was the closest race in 30 years, based in large part to Dayne's courting of young voters in Flint.

There's no national information available yet on young voter turnout, (though I'm sure that's coming), but from what I hear so far, it was a good off-year for young voters at the ballot box as well. In Missoula, Forward Montana helped swing the city council to progressives for the first time in years with its Candidates Gone Wild and Pink Bunnies campaigns, and The League is reporting that in Portland, Maine, all three of its endorsed candidates were elected, giving them their second major victory in 2007.

Before I get to the full list of winners, I want to say that even though running for office is intimidating, it's doable, even for someone in their early 20's. All of these victories prove it. Anyone looking to run (or even those winners who now need to think about how they will govern and, unfortunately, get reelected in just a few short years), there are many resources available to you. The Young Elected Officials Network will help anyone under 35 attain, hold and competently perform their duties in elected office. Started by Andrew Gillum, who was elected to the Tallahasse City Council at the age of 23, YEO teaches the basics, from reelection to learning the ropes of your new job, and provides a support network of peers to America's youngest representatives. Camp Wellstone also offers numerous trainings new elected officials and those looking to make their first run at public office.

I'd also recommend two books. For the nuts and bolts, check out How to Win a Local Election. It doesn't say jack about the internet, but it's great for learning the basic pitfalls and "must-dos" for running a municipal campaign. For inspiration, read How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office, by The League. It's short on specifics, but has some inspiring stories about young people taking the initiative and winning local races.

You'll get the full winners list after the jump. Where possible, I've also noted what youth organizations they come from/are active in. I'm sure this list is far from complete. If you know anymore, please add them in the comments. Journalists occasionally stop by here, and this could be a great story. Let's make it as comprehensive a resource as possible.

Young Democrats (18-35)
Rodney Glasman - City Council Tucson AZ
Christopher Lyddy - Newtown Legislative Council Newtown, CT
Quetin Phipps - Middletown Planning & Zoning Comission Middletown, CT
Ed Brancati - Town Supervisor Lewisboro, NY
Mike Maturo - Town Councilman Orangetown, NY
David Carlucci (re-elected) - Town Clerk,New CIty, NY

Young Elected Officials Network (18 - 35)
Pedro Aceituno - Mayor Pro Tem, California
Kyle Andrews - County Legislator , New York
Laketa Cole - City Councilwoman, Ohio
John Cranley - City Councilman , Ohio
David Englin - State Delegate, Virginia
Rebekah Gewirtz - Alderwoman, Massachusetts
Ryan Hersha - City Commissioner, Michigan
Luke Ravenstahl - Mayor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Age 27)
Jennifer Rodriguez - Mayor, California
Helene Schneider - Mayor Pro Tempore, California
Jose Solache - School Board Memberl, California
Shaun Walley - State Representative, Mississippi
Das, Williams - City Councilman, California

Forward Montana
Jason Wiener - City Council, Missoula Montana (Age 30)

Campus Camp Wellstone
John Marchione - Mayor of Redmond, WA.
Martina Hone - School Board of Falls Church, VA.
Russ Stark - City Council, St. Paul Minnesota
Melvin Carter - City Council, St. Paul Minnesota
Tony Cuneo - City Council, Duluth Minnesota
Jeff Anderson - City Council, Duluth Minnesota
Sharla Gardner - City Council, Duluth Minnesota

Others
Nathan Triplett - City Council, East Lansing, Michigan (Age 24)
Lisa Wong - Mayor - Fitchburg, Massachussets (Age 28, and the city's first minority mayor)