The lion’s share of ballots have been counted, and we are sitting at 22%, or 13,622 people voting for my transformational platform and bold organizing approach to politics. While I wish we’d secured a greater percent of the vote, I’m also overjoyed by the outpouring of congratulations I’ve received from far and wide. My team and I took on one of the most prominent, well-funded incumbent Democrats in the state, along with close to 13,000 Republicans so far who have voted for him (meaning our natural base is close to ⅓ of the electorate). We've built a solid foundation of over 2,500 identified voters spanning the district and raised over $80,000, primarily from working folks living in Tacoma. The significance of this can’t be overstated. So here are just a few of my election reflections.
Running this campaign has been among the most difficult things in my life, but also by far one of the most fulfilling. I personally connected with thousands of voters on doors, phones and texts, hearing so many stories of suffering, struggle, inspiration and joy. The hardest moments were hearing of people losing things I believe are basic human rights, such as housing and healthcare. The best moments were when I met people who had already taken the leap to vote for me or donate based solely on the voter pamphlet or word of mouth. All of you demonstrate that a progressive, people-powered, solidly working class agenda inspires action. You all inspire me and I’m excited for future endeavors.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss national politics and the return of Trumpism. There are as many legitimate emotional responses to this disastrous election outcome as there are voters. And there are very real and terrifying implications for immigrant communities, women, trans youth and countless other historically oppressed and scapegoated people. We must all defend our most vulnerable loved ones and communities. I will always believe that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that none of us is free until all of us are free. Those of us with more social and economic privilege must remain steadfastly committed to speaking up and organizing with and for our most vulnerable.
There are also countless opinions circulating about what led to resurgent Trumpism. Surely, much of this boils down to racism, sexism and reactions to perceived identitarian threats. And some Trump voters -the actual “Trumpists”-- are a serious threat to society. We need to isolate them from the many people who voted for Trump out of economic anxiety or disaffection, and from the many working class folks of all backgrounds driven by disillusionment with politics to not vote at all. But until there are politicians willing to confront our system from a people-powered, diverse working class perspective, we will constantly remain at risk of non-participation at best or -far worse– people being taken in byTrump’s fake populist appeal.
I agree with Bernie Sanders' analysis that the national Democratic Party failed to galvanize working class voters like they were able to in 2020. Early data suggests working class political participation dropped from 2020 to 2024, particularly for Democrats of all backgrounds, and that Trump earned many more votes among working class Latinx voters and even small bumps in Black communities. I was excited to see Kamala Harris replace Biden on the ticket, as there was no way Biden could win. But rather than campaign on the relatively progressive, pro diversity, pro worker platform of Biden from 2020, she turned to the anti-immigration, anti-trans, anti-environment, pro-Israel stances of Biden 2024. She also avoided bold positions on economic relief for our diverse working class, right as we most need it. This was a critical mistake.
The only way out of this mire is to start organizing in our communities and build powerful bases for confronting Trumpism. At a minimum, this means getting to know your neighbors and coworkers better, establishing mutual aid and support networks. But to be serious, it means being organized, whether it's unionizing your workplace or joining a big tent organization like the Democratic Socialists of America (where I have been a local leader for seven years). Crucially, it means politicians that are connected to and come out of these movements, and who are willing to boldly bring their base with them to confront injustice, imperialism and Capitalist domination of politics, whether or not party leadership approves. May we elevate many such folks in the coming years locally and throughout the country.
With love and solidarity,
Devin Rydel Kelly and the Devin For 27 team
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