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

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Amanda Bell joins Michelle to share her journey from federal water scientist and farmer to congressional candidate for Wisconsin’s 6th District. She discusses her expertise in water quality, the real impact of government funding cuts, and her policy priorities around education and environmental protection. Amanda also offers insight into her campaign, what’s at stake for Wisconsin voters, and why science-driven leadership matters in today’s political landscape.

What We're Talking About...

1. Water quality issues and the importance of environmental protection policies
2. The impact of government efficiency cuts and their effect on local communities
3. Why education and public service are critical to long-term civic success
4. Campaign finance reform and the need for transparency and political integrity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:59 Career Transition and Motivation to Run

13:19 Public Service and Advocacy

19:24 Environmental Concerns and Community Engagement

25:18 Education and Campaign Finance Reform

29:39 Understanding the Importance of Local Representation

30:07 The Role of AI in Environmental Awareness

Links Mentioned

Amanda Bell's campaign website: http://amandabellforcongress.org

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Michelle Glogovac interviews Dalourny Nemorin, Bronx public defender and congressional candidate for New York’s 15th District (NY-15). They discuss her legal background, grassroots community engagement, and firsthand insights into the challenges facing underserved communities. Dalourny shares her perspective on navigating the complexities of U.S. politics and outlines her vision for meaningful policy change, equity, and representation in Congress.

What We're Talking About...

1. Bronx community boards and the role of local governance in shaping policy
2. The impact of political misinformation on voter engagement and public trust
3. Dalourny Nemorin’s background as a public defender and her motivation to run for Congress in NY-15
4. Grassroots advocacy and community-driven solutions in underserved neighborhoods

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dalourny Nemorin

03:39 Community Engagement and Political Apathy

06:11 The Impact of Misinformation on Voting

10:12 The Challenges of Running for Office

13:50 Becoming a Public Defender

16:39 Immigration Stories and Advocacy

20:44 The Role of Money in Politics

24:18 Key Issues for Congressional Campaign

29:48 Motivation to Run Against Richie Torres

Links Mentioned:

Dalourny Nemorin's Campaign Website: dalourny.nyc

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dalourny

Instagram: http://instagram.com/dalourny

Twitter: https://x.com/Dalourny

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dalourny

Reddit AMA: https://www.reddit.com/r/WorkReform/comments/1p15rs8/hi_reddit_im_dalourny_nemorin_a_public_defender/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dalourny

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, guest host Madeline from San Diego Women for Progress sits down with congressional candidate Sparky Mitra to discuss her run for California’s 50th District. Sparky shares her journey from bioengineer to community organizer, offering insight into how her professional background shapes her approach to public service. The conversation dives into key policy priorities, including housing affordability, healthcare access, and immigration reform, as well as her commitment to connecting with diverse communities across the district. This episode highlights the importance of grassroots engagement, inclusive leadership, and the future of California politics.

What We're Talking About...

1. Sparky Mitra’s journey from bioengineer to community organizer and congressional candidate
2. Policy priorities: housing affordability, universal healthcare, and immigration reform
3. How Sparky Mitra differentiates herself from current representatives and political opponents
4. Strategies for engaging diverse communities and bridging political divides
5. Vision for a more affordable, sustainable, and livable San Diego and California’s 50th District

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sparky Mitra

03:31 Background and Motivation for Running

06:13 Distinguishing Factors from Current Representatives

09:38 Qualities for Success in Politics

12:12 Key Issues and Policy Proposals

15:23 Addressing Housing Affordability

17:31 Vision for the Future of San Diego

19:37 Personal Interests and Community Engagement

Links Mentioned

Sparky Mitra's Campaign Website: https://www.sparkymitra.com

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Marine veteran and congressional candidate Evan Munsing shares his journey from military service to running for Congress. He discusses the importance of strong leadership, public service, and restoring trust in a broken political system. Evan offers insight into key issues like veteran care, patriotism, and civic responsibility, while encouraging everyday Americans to take an active role in shaping the future. This conversation explores what it means to lead with integrity and serve beyond the battlefield.

What We're Talking About...

1. Military service, patriotism, and the transition from the Marines to public office
2. Challenges within the U.S. political system and the need for government reform
3. Issues in veteran care and advocacy for improved support for U.S. veterans
4. The importance of strong leadership, integrity, and accountability in politics
5. Why civic engagement and public service matter in shaping America’s future

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:01 Veterans and Leadership: A Broken System

13:17 The Oath and Its Implications

21:36 Vision for America: Building a Better Future

29:54 The Importance of Service in Leadership

29:54 Navigating Political Challenges

Links Mentioned

Evan Munsing's Campaign Website: www.evanmunsing.com

Evan Munsing's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanmunsing/

Evan Munsing's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evanmunsingforcongress/

Evan Munsing's Twitter: https://x.com/EvanMunsing

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Cliff Hohman discusses his journey from local politics to running for the Idaho State House. He shares insights into the realities of small-town governance, the importance of community engagement in local decision-making, and the challenges facing Idaho communities today. The conversation also explores innovative approaches to housing affordability and healthcare access, highlighting how local leadership and civic involvement can shape the future of growing communities.

What We're Talking About...

1. The importance of community engagement and grassroots involvement in effective political representation
2. How short legislative sessions impact lawmakers’ ability to address community needs
3. Why door-to-door campaigning and direct voter outreach help build trust with constituents
4. The growing challenge of housing affordability in Idaho communities
5. Why successful candidates must prioritize community needs over personal ambition in politics
6. The importance of legislator accessibility and constituent communication outside of legislative sessions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cliff Hohman

00:52 The Motivation Behind Running for Office

03:30 Challenges of the Idaho Legislature

06:59 Political Climate and Voter Sentiment in Idaho

10:41 Community Engagement and Advocacy

13:23 Cliff's Background and Career Path

17:34 The Importance of Accessibility in Politics

20:09 Key Issues: Housing Crisis in Idaho

27:54 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links Mentioned

Cliff Hohman's Campaign Website: https://cliff-for-idaho.org