The underdog story of Will Haskell, who became a Democratic state Senator in 2018 at age twenty-twoâtaking on an incumbent who had been undefeated for Haskellâs entire life and earning an endorsement from President Obamaâis âan inspiring and wise blueprint for how you can change the world...get engaged and fight for the future you wantâ (Tammy Duckworth).
President Obama left office with these parting words for Americans: âIf youâre disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.â Twenty-two-year-old Will Haskell decided to do just that. If he ran for office and won, he would become the youngest state Senator in Connecticut history.
For years, Haskellâs hometown had reelected the same politician who opposed passing paid family leave, fought increases in the minimum wage, and voted down expansions of voting rights. Haskellâs own vision for Connecticutâs future couldnât be more different, and he couldnât stand the idea of an uncontested election. In 2018, he would be a college grad looking for his first job. Why not state Senator?
When Haskell kicks off his campaign in the spring of his senior year, heâs an unknown college kid facing a popular incumbent whoâs been in office for over two decadesâas long as Haskellâs been alive. Haskellâs campaign manager is his roommate, and his treasurer is his girlfriendâs mom. He doesnât have any professional experience. But he does have a powerful message: thereâs no minimum age to being on the right side of history.
Six months later, Haskellâs shocking upset victory gives him a historic seat in the state Senate and the responsibility to serve the 100,000 constituents in his district. Like any first job, his first term as a legislator is filled with trial and error. Creating a program that funds free tuition at Connecticutâs community collegesânice work. Falling asleep on the senate floorâneeds improvement.
In the tradition of Pete Buttigiegâs Shortest Way Home and Greta Thunbergâs No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference, this is âa call to action for young people to engage fully in public life at this critical moment for our democracy and our planetâ (Jon Ossoff).