In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Lucia Simonelli, a mathematician turned climate policy advocate and congressional candidate in Pennsylvania. Lucia shares her journey from mathematics to politics, what inspired her to run for Congress, and why urgent systemic change is needed to address climate change, electoral reform, and government accountability. The conversation explores the intersection of science and policy, the future of climate leadership, and how new voices can reshape American politics.

What We're Talking About...

• Lucia Simonelli’s journey from mathematician to climate policy advocate and Pennsylvania congressional candidate
• Why systemic political change is critical in the 2026 election cycle
• Climate change as a top issue in U.S. politics and upcoming elections
• The impact of dark money in elections and political influence in America
• How community engagement and grassroots organizing shape successful political campaigns

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lucia Simonelli

02:07 The Motivation Behind Running for Congress

04:04 Background and Experience in Policy

07:04 The Importance of Qualifications in Politics

10:08 The Role of Congress in National Representation

13:00 Deciding to Run: A Personal Journey

19:05 The Intersectionality of Climate Change

25:15 The Challenges of Political Engagement

29:17 How to Support Lucia's Campaign

30:22 The Impact of Dark Money in Politics

30:51 Engaging with Elected Officials and Community Advocacy

Links Mentioned

Lucia Simonelli's campaign website: http://www.luciaforcongress.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Chad Peace of the Independent Voter Project to break down California’s complex voting system, including how primary election structures impact voter choice and participation. The conversation dives into the challenges facing independent voters, the role of electoral reform, and what changes could improve fairness and accessibility in U.S. elections. Listeners will gain insight into how voting systems shape political outcomes and why reform efforts are gaining momentum.

What We're Talking About...

• California nonpartisan primary system explained and how it impacts elections
• Closed vs. open primaries: how primary systems affect voter choice and participation
• The role of political parties in U.S. elections and ballot access
• The SAVE Act and voter ID laws: impact on voting rights and election security
• Ranked choice voting explained as an alternative election system
• Legal and political challenges to electoral reform in the United States

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Independent Voter Project

04:01 The Impact of Nonpartisan Primaries in California

06:58 Challenges and Opportunities in the Election Process

09:55 The SAVE Act and Voter ID Controversies

12:50 The Role of Political Parties in Elections

15:54 The Need for Political Reform

19:10 Engaging Voters and Building Awareness

29:05 Empowering Voter Participation

29:33 The Role of Independent Voters

Links Mentioned

Independent Voter Project Website: https://independentvoterproject.org/

Independent Voter News: https://ivn.us

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with Keira Havens, founder of Citizens' Impeachment and Courage for Democracy, about the growing movement for citizen-led government accountability. They explore how everyday Americans can influence Congress, break down the power of House Rule 9, and share actionable grassroots strategies to push for impeachment and protect democracy. This conversation highlights the role of civic engagement, political activism, and public pressure in holding elected officials accountable and driving change.

What We're Talking About...

1. How House Rule 9 allows any member of Congress to introduce articles of impeachment
2. Why grassroots organizing, phone banking, and constituent meetings can influence congressional action
3. How sustained citizen pressure can push Congress to address impeachment and accountability
4. The critical role of grassroots activism in overcoming political inaction and holding leaders accountable

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Citizens' Impeachment

08:57 The Role of Congress and Impeachment

18:31 Keira's Journey and Motivation

26:15 Taking Action: How Citizens Can Engage

36:25 Building a Movement for Change

41:10 The Role of Representatives in Democracy

41:40 Activism and Accountability in Politics

Links Mentioned

Courage for Democracy: http://couragefordemocracy.com

Citizens' Impeachment: www.citizensimpeachment.com