The New Politics Podcast Episode 45: Farewell to Max Klau

After seven years and 44 episodes, New Politics Podcast host Dr. Max Klau is heading off to his next adventure. In this farewell episode, Max is joined by New Politics Founder and Executive Director Emily Cherniack for a conversation about the early days of the organization, the impact it’s had on American politics, and their hopes for the future of this work.

NEW POLITICS ENDORSES LANON BACCAM FOR CONGRESS IN IOWA’S 3RD DISTRICT

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed combat veteran and public servant Lanon Baccam for Congress in Iowa’s 3rd district. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“As a combat veteran, public servant, and advocate for rural Iowa, Lanon's commitment to his community and country is unwavering. His work at the USDA, supporting veterans and implementing historic investments shows his dedication to fighting for everyone–regardless of their party and background. He’s emblematic of what it means to be a transformational leader. New Politics is proud to endorse Lanon Baccam’s campaign for Congress.” 

About Lanon Baccam

Lanon Baccam is a combat veteran, public servant, and rural Iowan, born and raised. 

In 1980, Lanon’s parents came to Iowa from Laos and worked at the Mackay Envelope factory. Lanon was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant and enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at the age of 17 to give back to the state and country that gave him so much. 

In the wake of 9/11, Lanon left community college and answered the call to serve his country. As an Iowa National Guardsman Lanon was activated and deployed to Afghanistan in 2004 as a combat engineer, focusing on explosive demolitions and force protection in and around Kandahar. 

Following his service in the Army, Lanon used the GI Bill to go to Drake University and later served in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. There he worked to support veterans, expand pathways to jobs in the agriculture industry, and promote training and entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans transitioning to careers in agriculture. 

Most recently at the USDA, Lanon helped implement historic bipartisan investments, like expanding access to high-speed internet throughout rural America, leading to good-paying jobs and lower costs for American families. 

Lanon is running for Congress because he believes all Iowans should have the opportunities afforded to him and his family: access to good-paying jobs, affordable health care, the ability to retire with dignity, and the protection of women’s reproductive freedoms. As a veteran, public servant, and father, Lanon will go to Washington to get things done for Iowans – regardless of party and background.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from School Board to Congress.

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NEW POLITICS ENDORSES KATE RUMSEY FOR STATE HOUSE IN TEXAS’ 115TH DISTRICT

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Air Force Reservist and former federal prosecutor, Kate Rumsey for State Representative in Texas’ 115th District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Kate Rumsey is the embodiment of what servant leadership looks like in action. Her efforts to keep Texas safe as a federal prosecutor coupled with her experience as an Air Force JAG Officer demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the people around her. She will bring a high level of thoughtfulness and transformational leadership to the 115th district. New Politics is proud to endorse Kate Rumsey and looks forward to her success in the Lone Star State.” 

About Kate Rumsey

Kate grew up in Carrollton and attended public schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD with her two brothers. Throughout her childhood, Kate watched her parents get involved in state politics to save her father’s pharmacy which primarily served children on Medicaid. Kate saw her parents serve others throughout their careers. As a result,  Kate has spent her life’s work fighting for and protecting her community.

 In the Department of Justice, Kate prosecuted fentanyl traffickers, fraudsters,  public officials, pedophiles, and gun traffickers. Kate has received several awards for her work, including a Special Commendation from the Attorney General. 

Kate’s calling to military service began in the aftermath of 9/11, which occurred during her Freshman year at the University of Notre Dame. Years later, after attending law school at NYU, Kate realized that goal and was commissioned in 2017. As a JAG officer in the Air Force Reserves, Kate advises commanders and provides free legal advice to Airmen and veterans.  

Kate lives in Coppell with her husband, David, who was an active-duty Army officer for 12 years and is now a reservist.  She has a daughter, Vivienne, and a stepson, Alex. Kate is an advocate for access to affordable fertility treatments, having been blessed with her daughter through IVF. Kate is running to fight for the district that made her the woman she is today and the community where she is raising her family. She will use her experience and service background to champion women’s reproductive rights, pass common-sense gun safety legislation, fix the grid, and fund public schools. 

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from School Board to Congress.

Episode 44: Tiahna Pantovich-Army vet, Clinical Social Worker, Activist

Tiahna Pantovich is an army vet, clinical social worker, lifelong activist, and founder of VetsxHBCU, an organization that supports veterans at our nation's more than 100 historically black colleges and universities. The daughter of immigrants from the former nation of Yugoslavia, she enlisted in the Army after graduating high school. In this episode, she talks about her journey to becoming an outspoken advocate for sexual assault survivors in the military and how she continues to serve as both a clinical social worker and an activist with aspirations to serve through politics in the years ahead.  

Endorsement: Peter Dixon for California’s 16th Congressional District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Marine Corp Veteran and entrepreneur, Peter Dixon for Representative in California’s 16th Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Peter Dixon is an accomplished entrepreneur, veteran, and family man with a strong record of public service and leadership. Dixon’s service in the Marines gave him the transformational leadership experience he now needs to serve his country once again by fighting for working families and delivering solutions and resources for the biggest challenges facing residents – from healthcare to housing and immigration to education right in his home district. New Politics is proud to endorse Peter Dixon and looks forward to his thoughtful leadership in Congress.” 

About Peter Dixon

Peter Dixon, 40, is an accomplished entrepreneur, veteran, and family man with a strong record of public service and leadership. Raised in the district, Dixon is the oldest of four siblings and hails from a family with a strong tradition of military service.

After 9/11, Dixon joined the Marine Corps and led young men and women in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. His service extended to the Pentagon, where he spearheaded initiatives shaping the future of combat and integrating disruptive technologies onto the battlefield. Because of his expertise in combating corruption, he was recruited to Hillary Clinton’s State Department during the Obama Administration, where he worked with non-profits and the Federales to combat cartel violence in Mexico. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Dixon is the co-founder and former CEO of Second Front Systems, a cybersecurity company that brings game-changing commercial tech to the US government – to help bring the US government into the 21st century. He is running for California’s 16th Congressional District to be Silicon Valley’s Ambassador to America. 

Dixon is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He lives in Portola Valley with his wife and is a proud father of three girls.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

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Endorsement: Jason Blazakis for New Jersey’s 7th District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed public servant, professor, and State Department counterterrorism official Jason Blazakis for Representative in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Jason Blazakis has spent his entire adult life in service of our nation as a transformational leader. Balzakis’s service in the State Department, leading the charge against terrorism and corruption gave him the tools and background to advocate for our country’s safety. He continues his service, teaching the next generation of defenders of democracy. New Politics is proud to endorse Jason Blazakis and eager to see his expertise and excellence in Congress.” 

About Jason Blazakis

Jason Blazakis grew up in Harmony Township, right on Route 519, and attended Belvidere High School. His dad worked at the New Jersey Army National Guard throughout Jason’s childhood, instilling the values of hard work and public service in him. Jason started working at a young age picking peaches and strawberries on a local farm. He put himself through college with the help of Pell Grants and student loans, aiming for a career in government service.

After college, Jason attended graduate school while working as an aide in Congress, helping draft laws like the Holocaust Awareness Act. His experience of being in both New York City and Washington, DC on 9/11, sitting on an Amtrak train as the attacks unfolded, led him to a career in national security. In 2004, Jason joined the State Department. He spent six months in Afghanistan and later traveled frequently to the country, where he headed the U.S. Embassy’s counternarcotics section that fought the Taliban’s heroin operations. He spent a decade with the State Department, primarily working in counterterrorism.

Currently, Jason is a Professor of Practice, and teaches the next generation to counter violent extremism and mis- and disinformation. Notably, he was recently sanctioned by Vladimir Putin for speaking out against the illegal war against Ukraine.

Throughout his career, Jason has never forgotten his days picking fruit on the farm. He knows firsthand that the dignity of hard work and the financial security it brings is just as critical to our safety as national security. He has always fought to keep Americans safe and will keep up the fight for us in Congress. He currently lives in Lambertville with his partner, Lisa.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

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Episode 43: Andre Carroll’s Journey from Opportunity Youth to Political Candidate

In this episode, Andre Carroll talks about his unlikely path to politics in his home city of Philadelphia. Since his father was incarcerated and his mother struggled with drug addiction, Andre was raised by his Grandmother. He went on to graduate from college and got deeply involved in Philadelphia politics, serving as campaign staff for a Mayoral candidate and for multiple City Council candidates. In 2022, he decided to enter the arena himself and ran for a seat in the Pennsylvania state legislature to represent the district where he grew up. He lost that race, but earned 43% of the vote and raised more than $95,000 dollars. And now in 2023, he is at it again!  Andre just launched his second campaign for the State Legislature and is hoping to harness the momentum he built on his first campaign to win the seat.  

Episode 42: Cristina Flores, Director of Partnerships & Growth at New Politics Leadership Academy

Cristina Flores is a lifelong servant leader who currently serves as our Director of Partnerships & Growth here at the New Politics Leadership Academy. In this episode, Cristina talks about her experiences serving as an AmeriCorps member and then on the staff of Literacy First in Austin Texas. She also describes our work with partners, how our partnerships are mutually beneficial, and how organizations interested in partnering with us can connect. It's a great window into this important aspect of our work to bring more servant leaders into politics.

Endorsement: Ed Han for State Assembly, California's 44th District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Air Force Veteran and lifelong servant leader Ed Han for State Assembly in California’s 44th district. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Ed Han's service to our nation and community is driven by a deep sense of purpose and unwavering integrity. As a federal prosecutor, he defended the values we hold dear, and as an Air Force officer, he protects our freedoms. Ed's commitment to serving others is inspiring and something we need more of in our politics. New Politics is proud to endorse Ed Han in his campaign to represent California’s 44th State Assembly District.”

About Ed Han

Ed’s distinguished background is rooted in public service and a commitment to making a positive impact in his community. As an immigrant who arrived in the United States from Korea at a young age, he understands firsthand the transformative power of the American dream. Growing up in Glendale, California, he attended local public schools and developed a deep connection to his neighborhood.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Ed embarked on a path of service, teaching third grade in an inner-city Philadelphia school. Witnessing the inequities faced by marginalized communities, he felt compelled to effect change on a larger scale. This led him to pursue a law degree at New York University, where he honed his legal expertise and prepared himself for a career dedicated to justice.

Ed’s journey as a public servant has been diverse and impactful. He served as a federal prosecutor for nearly seven years, prosecuting complex crimes that ranged from international narcotics and money laundering to fraud and bribery. He joined the Air Force Reserve as an officer, embracing the opportunity to serve his country. Now, he shares his knowledge and passion for law as a professor at UCLA School of Law, shaping the minds of future legal professionals and upholding the principles that we all cherish.

Ed is running for State Assembly because he wants to ensure that the American dream becomes an American reality for more of us.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

Episode 41: Gideon Culman, the ATC Facilitator who Entered the Political Arena

As an Answering the Call facilitator, Gideon Culman has helped many servant leaders reflect deeply on their own sense of mission and calling. He is a certified Master Coach and is the founder and president of K Street Coaching, an executive coaching firm based in Washington, DC. 

In this episode, he talks about his path to becoming a coach and his experiences with holding space for servant leaders in ATC.  He also talks about how conversations with his most recent ATC group inspired him to jump into the arena himself to run for a local school committee!

New Power Endorsement: Marquetta Johnson for Montgomery City Council, District 2

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Army veteran Marquetta Johnson for Montgomery City Council. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Marquetta Johnson's journey from a combat veteran to a community leader is inspiring. Her distinguished service in the United States Army, combined with her commitment to her community, embodies the essence of servant leadership. Marquetta’s service and unwavering commitment reflect the kind of leadership we need to create lasting change. New Power is proud to endorse her for Montgomery City Council.”

About Marquetta Johnson

Marquetta Johnson was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama and a Combat Veteran of the United States Army with three deployments to Iraq. During her service, she worked as a Retention NCO, Ration Room NCO (where she wrote a Standard Operations Procedures Manual), Admin NCO, and DFAC Manager. Her service awards include the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Army Achievement Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Three Campaign Stars.

Marquetta attained her AAS in Legal Studies from South University, BS in Business/International Business from LSU (Shreveport Campus), and is currently acquiring her MSM in Leadership from Troy University. She also holds several certifications and specialized training from her military service. 

Since 2017, Marquetta has worked with residents within the Montgomery Housing Authority through the Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency and Family Self Sufficient Programs to provide services and seminars on becoming a homeowner, budgeting, credit, and finances. She also serves on the Program Coordinating Committee with the Montgomery Housing Authority, providing valuable input on how to assist residents further. 

Marquetta has two children that attend Montgomery Public schools. She is active within the communities in Montgomery and her children's school and extracurricular activities. She has served on the PTA for her children's school, sits on the Board for the Montgomery Panthers Football team, and is a member of Leadership Montgomery Torchbearers Class XIV, whose motto is "Connecting Leaders to effect change.” 

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

About New Power

New Power helps candidates overcome the barriers that so often prevent people like them from seeking and winning public office, barriers similar to those faced by women and working class candidates such as lack of social capital, absence of a fundraising base, lack of the “right credentials,” and many more. The New Power Project’s mission is to break down these barriers and expand the pathways into elected office for a new generation of servant leaders.

What would it take to normalize candidates of color running for office?

Endorsement: Emily Beach for San Mateo County Supervisor

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed US Army veteran and public servant Emily Beach for San Mateo County Supervisor. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Emily Beach is exactly the kind of leader our country needs right now because she understands that public service isn’t about power or politics but about people. Her time in the Army shaped her into a resilient and determined leader, with a deep sense of responsibility to her fellow soldiers and her country. That's why New Politics is proud to endorse this courageous servant leader.”

About Emily Beach

Emily Beach will bring broad life experience to the Board of Supervisors. She is a Burlingame Councilmember and former Mayor. She is a parent of teenagers and a former foster parent. She is an Army veteran and U.S. Army Airborne Parachute School graduate who led teams of soldiers around the globe. Emily also worked as a private sector business executive, community volunteer, and currently directs a nonprofit workforce development organization in South San Francisco. Her team connects people with skills training, supportive services, and better jobs so they can move up the economic ladder. Emily’s diverse experiences help her craft policy with pragmatism and compassion.

During Emily’s eight years as a current Burlingame City Councilmember and former Mayor, Emily prioritized affordability, transportation, and the environment. She led the effort to increase Burlingame’s minimum wage—one of only two cities in District 1 to do so—and successfully advocated for a 9-acre regional shoreline park on public land. She allocated millions of dollars to expand investments in sustainable transportation solutions as a Board Member and former Chairperson of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. Emily champions affordable housing, shoreline protection, open space, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and people of color. As Mayor when the pandemic hit, she founded the Burlingame Collaborative to amplify trusted health information and help find local solutions for struggling businesses, isolation for seniors and teens, and increase access to the local food bank.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board. 

New Power Endorsement: Jamel Campbell-Gooch for Nashville City Council, District 21

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed community advocate Jamel Campbell-Gooch for Nashville City Council. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“From addressing violence prevention to advocating for equitable investments, Jamel Campbell-Gooch is fostering positive change in Nashville’s underserved communities. His vision of participatory governance and fully funded education is inspiring and New Power is proud to endorse him for Nashville City Council.”

About Jamel Campbell-Gooch

Jamel Campbell-Gooch began working in the social justice sector of the non-profit industry and working closely with the community. During the day, he worked at Pearl-Cohn High School. Campbell-Gooch held peace circles with students who experienced the highest suspension rates as a form of violence prevention and restorative justice. After school, he worked with elementary & middle schoolers at Easley Community Center. The teenagers at Pearl-Cohn and the students at Easley Community Center dealt with poverty and targeted policing, which produced a destructive environment. Campbell-Gooch's work with Black young people in neighborhoods targeted by police and underinvested in led him to conclude that community organizing is the best solution to change the conditions. From there, Campbell-Gooch dedicated his time to community organizing around violence interruption and investment in public goods while reallocating public funds, cops, courts, and cages.

Jamel Campbell-Gooch unapologetically believes in a future with participatory governance, restorative forms of accountability, and a future where Nashville passes a city budget that invests significantly in housing, health, and fully funded education. He organizes for transformative political power with the Black Nashville Assembly and Southern Movement Committee. Campbell-Gooch is fighting for dignified housing, education, jobs, community-led public safety, and a Guaranteed Basic Income via the city budget with organizers in Nashville. Campbell-Gooch works alongside many brilliant and compassionate organizers, community leaders, and students. Jamel Campbell-Gooch's organizing power is a testament to the collaboration and trust others have in him.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

About New Power

New Power helps candidates overcome the barriers that so often prevent people like them from seeking and winning public office, barriers similar to those faced by women and working class candidates such as lack of social capital, absence of a fundraising base, lack of the “right credentials,” and many more. The New Power Project’s mission is to break down these barriers and expand the pathways into elected office for a new generation of servant leaders.

Endorsement: Dr. Brian Williams Texas' 32nd Congressional District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Air Force Veteran and lifelong servant leader Dr. Brian Williams for Representative in Texas’ 32nd Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Dr. Brian Williams has demonstrated unwavering commitment to serving others throughout his distinguished career. From his honorable military service to his impactful work as a trauma surgeon, he has consistently shown his dedication to helping those in need. New Politics is proud to endorse Dr. Brian Williams in his campaign to represent Texas’ 32nd Congressional District.”

About Dr. Brian Williams

Dr. Brian Williams was raised in a family with a long history of military service. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with honors and served our country as an aeronautical engineer directing classified research and development programs. Answering the call to medicine, Dr. Williams became a Harvard-trained trauma surgeon who chose to work in safety-net hospitals to help the underserved in places like Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago. Having treated countless gun violence victims and survivors, including seven of the police officers shot at a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas on July 7, 2016, Dr. Williams decided to serve his country outside of the operating room as an advocate for gun safety, racial justice, and healthcare access. He lives in East Dallas with his wife of seventeen years, their twelve year old daughter, and two lovable dogs.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

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The New Politics Podcast Episode 40: Christopher Gilbert, LGBTQ+ Air Force Vet

Christopher Gilbert is an Air Force vet, a Registered Nurse, and a recent graduate of our Answering the Call program.  He's a member of the LGBTQ+ community who feels called to serve through politics because of all the ways that his community is currently under attack in his home state of North Carolina and across the country. 

In this episode, Chris talks openly about the challenges he faced while serving in the military in the era of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and how he seeks to use the hard-earned wisdom and lessons of his own journey to support others.

Endorsement: Walter Berbrick for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong servant leader Walter Berbrick for Representative in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Walter's remarkable dedication as a public servant, educator, Navy veteran, and climate leader truly set him apart. Whether in uniform, in government, or in the classroom, Walter’s career of selfless service has given him a unique perspective that will no doubt prove invaluable in addressing the pressing issues impacting Rhode Islanders. New Politics is proud to endorse Walter’s campaign for Congress.”

About Walter Berbrick

Walter Berbrick, a dedicated public servant, educator, Navy veteran, and climate leader, is passionately campaigning to represent Rhode Island's First District in Congress. Drawing from a deep well of experience in national security roles at the State Department and Pentagon, and as a policy adviser to the Secretary of the Navy, Walter offers a multifaceted perspective on the issues that matter to Rhode Islanders.

Guided by his three main areas of focus – addressing rising costs, healing rising societal division, and combating the impact of rising seas – Walter's campaign embodies a vision of resilience and prosperity for Rhode Island. His background in service, education, and
policy-making uniquely positions him to navigate these complex issues, and to work towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and economically robust future for all Rhode Islanders.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

Endorsement: Tim Sanchez for California's 12th Congressional District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S Navy veteran and lifelong servant leader Tim Sanchez for Representative in California’s 12th Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Tim Sanchez’s commitment to service led him to answer the call after 9/11 and join the US Navy Reserves. His East Oakland upbringing, military service, and diverse career make him an exceptional candidate. He is committed to creating economic opportunities and protecting our democracy in the halls of Congress. New Politics is proud to endorse his campaign to represent California’s 12th Congressional District.”

About Tim Sanchez

Tim Sanchez was born and raised in East Oakland by a Puerto Rican mother and a Mexican-American father surrounded by a large family deeply ingrained in the East Bay community. The oldest of four siblings, he attended Oakland public schools and grew up playing baseball. At age 19, he became a teenage parent and dropped out of college after his freshman year to support his young family. He figured out early in life how to face challenges head on, learning lessons that have served him well in a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, small business owner, active duty service member, and financial services professional. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of San Francisco and a dual MBA from Columbia University and the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.

Like many Americans after 9/11, Tim answered the call to serve and joined the US Navy Reserves. He was deployed three times, including a combat tour in Afghanistan. Tim has also worked at numerous financial services companies and Silicon Valley startups. He founded Tertulia Cafe in East Oakland near the neighborhood he grew up in. Tim was selected to be a member of the 2021-2022 Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project, which identifies emerging writers from military backgrounds. He currently works as an executive at Boeing.

His diverse experiences inform the priorities he’ll bring with him to Congress for 12th district residents: creating economic opportunity for working families; expanding health care for all residents; and protecting and strengthening our democracy from MAGA extremists and anyone else who threatens it.

Tim has three adult children and he lives in Oakland with his partner.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

Endorsement: Ashley Ehasz for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District

WASHINGTON D.C.—New Politics today endorsed U.S. Army Veteran and lifelong servant leader Ashley Ehasz for Representative in Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District. Emily Cherniack, Founder and Executive Director of New Politics released the following statement:

“Ashley's journey is one of resilience and determination. Throughout her military career, Ashley demonstrated exceptional leadership. Her command of two aviation companies showcased her ability to inspire and guide teams towards success and her deployments exemplified her unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. Ashley's dedication to public service, combined with her military experience and policy expertise, make her an exceptional candidate for Congress. New Politics is proud to endorse her campaign.”

About Ashley Ehasz

Ashley Ehasz is a U.S. Army Veteran and Apache helicopter pilot. She grew up in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and at the age of 17 with a waiver in hand, she joined the Army, seeing that as her best option to afford her college education. If elected, Ashley would be the first woman serving in Congress to have graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Upon graduating West Point, Ashley was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant within the U.S. Army Aviation branch. Her first duty station was Fort Rucker, Alabama, where she attended flight school. While there, she trained to become an AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter pilot, and graduated in January 2012 as the only woman in her Apache class.

From there, she went on to serve overseas, deploying as a platoon leader, then later as battalion logistics officer and pilot-in-command in Kuwait and Iraq. Ashley then commanded two aviation companies out of Fort Riley, Kansas, and then deployed to South Korea in 2017.

After her service, Ashley used her G.I. Bill to get her Master’s degree from the University of Oxford. Ashley worked as a policy writer and project coordinator to implement the CARES Act for county government. She lives in Bensalem, PA.

About New Politics

New Politics is a bipartisan organization that revitalizes American democracy by recruiting, developing, and electing leaders who have committed their lives to serving our country, either through the military or national service organizations like AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. New Politics support includes strategic advising and training in all aspects of a candidate’s campaign, such as fundraising, communications, organizing, hiring, and team building. New Politics has raised more than $8.5 million for their candidates, electing more than 30 of them to office, from Congress to School Board.   

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The New Politics Podcast Episode 39: Ed Han - Teacher, Professor, Prosecutor, Political Candidate

Ed Han is a first-generation immigrant; his family moved to the U.S. from Korea when Ed was two years old. He went on to become a school teacher, a federal prosecutor, a member of the Air Force Reserves, and a university professor. Now, he has decided to enter the political arena to represent California’s 44th State House district.

In this episode, Ed talks about his lifelong commitment to service, path to politics, and how New Politics Leadership Academy programs have influenced his journey. Since it is AAPI Heritage Month, he discusses what it’s like running for office as an Asian American.