Episode #27: Irving Calderon (TX)

Episode #27: Irving Calderon (TX)

Irving Calderon is a 27-year-old from Austin and the sole Dreamer and DACA recipient in his family. As the 2018 midterm election cycle draws to a close, Irving talks about coming to terms with his status, the frustrations of myths surrounding immigrants, and the importance of advocacy in the ongoing search for a permanent legislative solution.

Episode #26: Sydna Kennedy and Melissa Harris (CA)

16-year old Sydna Kennedy and her mom, Melissa Harris, are a rare breed in Modoc County in rural, conservative northern California: progressives. In this episode, we talk about voting, activism, and what life is like advocating against gun violence in an area of the country where the local sheriff’s office gets funding from the NRA.

Episode #25: Mary Ibarra (TX)

Mary Ibarra is a Texas native from the Rio Grande Valley and Swing Left’s Central Field Director. We talk about her organizing work for Democratic campaigns in Texas, Nevada, Colorado, and Georgia, her role as a congressional aide for Congressman Lloyd Doggett, the challenges facing progressives and America today, and what she loves most about organizing and knocking doors.

Episode #24: Amanda Musvosi (CA)

Originally from Zimbabwe, 20-year-old Amanda Musvosi came to California when she was 7 and grew up surrounded by family with a strong appreciation for civic engagement and free and fair elections. Today Amanda is taking her passion for democracy and health care and motivating others to become more involved through her work as a Swing Left fellow in CA-07.

Episode #23: Jendayi London (TX, FL)

Originally from Trinidad, Jendayi London lives in Florida’s 27th district and is a student at the University of Miami, where she took a class with FLA-27 Democratic primary winner Donna Shalala. We talk about immigration, growing up with a mom in the military, the struggles of minority communities, and her work this summer with Swing Left in TX-31, where MJ Hegar is running to defeat U.S. Rep. John Carter.