About the Young Electeds

Young Elected Officials (YEOs) between the ages of 18 and 35 represent 4.8 percent of all elected leaders in congressional gubernatorial, legislative, and city and county commission seats in the United States. These YEOs play an important role in shaping the public agenda and political debates, and they control billions of dollars that move through the hands of local, state and national governments. Importantly, their ability to become elected at an early age is a major indicator of their futures in higher elected offices.

According to the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics 2004 study, more than 50 percent of the Members of Congress, governors and presidents of the United States were first elected to office when they were 18-35. Young leaders holding office today will play a major role in shaping the direction of our country for decades to come.

It is imperative that progressive institutions begin to cultivate and engage these young leaders committed to public service as we work to protect and advance our nation’s core democratic values.

In 2006 PFAW Foundation made a commitment to young progressive leaders. We surveyed a diverse group of young progressive elected officials currently serving in local and state positions of leadership around the nation to learn more about them and their need for a broader network of support. The YEO Network works to support these leaders in various capacities as expressed by their needs, including policy support, personal and professional development, and networking opportunities.

Young Elected Officials are not alone. Their experiences and stories share a theme and need for a network to support them. They overcame great odds to become progressive elected officials, and continue to face challenges and they work to help their communities.

Click on the YEOs below to read their testimonies:

City Commissioner Andrew Gillum (FL)

State Representative Alisha Morgan (GA)

State Representative Rachel Weston (VT)

School Board Member Carmelo Garcia (NJ)

State Representative Isadore Hall (CA)

Alderwoman Gina Calder (CT)

School Board Member Jeremiah Grace (NJ)

State Representative Carl Sciortino (MA)

School Board Vice President Janet Chin (CA)

State Representative Kesha Ram (VT)

Mayor Evan Low (CA)

Mayor April Capone (CT)

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