Devin For The People

Tag: Donate

  • what zohran mamdani’s win means for us

    zohran mandani in nyc, a bunch of us in tacoma

    Everyone’s talking about Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory in New York, which reverberates for young(ish) left politicians like me throughout the country. But we should also celebrate local victories for tenants and workers. Like Mamdani’s, they’re grounded in deeply felt issues, winning messages and building people power. But, like Mamdani, we’ve still got our work cut out for us in November.

    I’ll never forget Mamdani’s victory, both from its immeasurable significance and from what I was doing when I heard. Like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, his campaign proves that transformative messages, centering the issues and mobilizing a diverse working class base can win, even in the country’s biggest, wealthiest city. His platform of free transportation, free childcare, and taxing the rich mobilized 10,000 volunteers knocking 1.5 million doors to beat the Cuomo dynasty. And like AOC, myself and more folks every day, he campaigned openly as a Democratic Socialists of America member.

    Check out Tacoma For All’s video from our victory (on Facebook)

    What’s even better was hearing the news with Tacoma For All supporters at a local bar, celebrating after we got city council to include powerful language for tenant protections and social housing in the OneTacoma Comprehensive Plan. We were already proud of our organizing and turnout, but Mamdani’s win had us cheering, hugging and clinking glasses.


    The vibe only grew the next day, when United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 367 and DSA leaders turned in 10,000 signatures to get a Workers Bill of Rights initiative on the ballot this November.

    I recently encountered a Tacoma Subreddit thread asking who was Tacoma’s Zohran Mamdani. I loved that the original poster listed my friend, endorser and Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson filling that role for Seattle, and I was elated by dozens of replies and upvotes for my friend, comrade and endorser Zev Cook filling it in Tacoma. It’s fitting, as Zev is a young Democratic Socialists of America leader, an anti-Zionist Jew, and running on a bold platform supporting social housing, worker rights and more.

    And while we’re all “young”, Zev, Katie and I are also veteran organizers, uncompromising in our values, and always down to fight for our diverse working class. That’s why I’m so honored to have their endorsements, and to just this week receive the formal endorsement of the Transit Riders Union, where Katie serves as General Secretary.

    I’m so excited to be on the ballot with Zev Cook and the Workers Bill of Rights. I wish I could vote for Katie Wilson and Zohran Mamdani, too.

    hit the doors for me… and yours

    On that note, I’ve started campaigning in earnest. I’ve been calling and texting supporters from my prior race, building a volunteer program, and raising funds from friends new and old. We’ll surpass $8,000 raised this week, just in time to help pay for these cute walk cards and mailers. YOU can donate today to help make that a reality!

    I don’t have a primary, so I’m holding off on major expenditures and doors for a bit, but I’m personally volunteering throughout July for folks I’m endorsing on City Council like Zev (district 5), Latasha Palmer (District 6), and Silong Chhun (District 4). I’ll also be hitting doors for other progressive Charter Review candidates with primaries and elevating them in newsletters.  Keep reading, and remember to vote in the August 5th Primary.

    Donate Today
    VOLUNTEER today
    Endorse today

  • Why my charter race matters

    In last week’s email, I noted how Pierce County’s charter review is an important but misunderstood part of our democracy. It only takes place every 10 years, it’s procedural and wonky, and the offices are short term and “non-partisan.” But it’s also where we decide how we pick leaders, how they govern, and how we relate to them for a decade. These are inherently political choices, and I promise to make sure our charter includes bold, inclusive language that fights Trumpist tyranny, protects vulnerable communities, and makes County Council accessible to all. That’s why my charter race matters!

    But this campaign isn’t just about winning the best charter language possible. It’s also about building a diverse, informed, working class base fighting to expand democracy, whether through the charter review process or in broader society. Real democracy goes far beyond voting, or even having strong principles in our governing documents. It must extend to our society, our homes, and our workplaces. 

    That’s why I’m treating my campaign as a political education project. My newsletters and socials will include links and information about issues most important to our community, how they relate to the charter, and how you can get involved. So please read every week!

    I’m starting with a recent four episode arc of my favorite Podcast, “The Dig,” where host Daniel Denvir interviews Professor Azia Rana on the US Constitution. They connect 250 years of constitutional interpretation in an accessible, powerful narrative, noting many state and local constitutions are more democratic than our founding documents, and that we must critically engage with our constitution to ensure it isn’t used to justify imperialism.

    They offer insights for progressives and workers to push for more democracy at all levels of government. Give it a listen, and support the Dig on Patreon.

    I need your help!

    It’s probably obvious that this campaign is different from most down ballot races. I want to spread these messages as far as possible, so I’m acting like it’s a higher profile race. I’ll be knocking, calling and texting, and sending mailers.

    I’d love to knock at least 5,000 doors in this race and send out 15,000 mailers. That’s far fewer than my 27th LD race, but still ambitious, and I’m estimating we need at least $15,000 to do this.   

    We need YOU to help get this message out. The three best ways to do this are joining me on doors (ideally in your neighborhood, if you’re in the district), endorsing my campaign, and donating what you can. No amount is too small but ideally you would give $25 or $50 a month. This helps get our transformational message out and gives us predictable income. Give today if you can, at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/devinforthepeople

     I’ll also be elevating other progressive charter review candidates in the coming months, and doing whatever I can to help ensure we have powerful voices for our diverse working class on the commission. Remember to vote in down ballot races! Remember to stay engaged! Remember to fight for a future that works for all!

    Donate Today