08/08/2026
I voted. You should vote too, this coming Tuesday.
I have never been so involved in an election, and it sure has been an interesting, messy one to be a part of. Candidates have come, gone, and come back again.
All signs point to Francesca Hong winning the gubernatorial primary, barring a major, last-minute surprise. I’ll admit that it’s an outcome that leaves me a little anxious. I agree with some of the things that the Democratic Socialists support, but not all of it.
Fran ran an energetic, creative, and engaging campaign. In an attention-driven political environment, she dominated. She inspired some voters who normally stay away from politics, including younger folks, and she broke some conventions that needed to be broken in a party that often feels stiff and controlled. I also must admit, it would be cool to have a restaurant owner in office. 🙂
Ultimately, I voted for Joel Brennan. Before all the conversations, I would say he was the last one on my radar. I really would like to see someone other than a white guy as governor. It’s past time, and I felt some conflict about casting my vote the way I did for that reason.
But through the conversations, Joel was the candidate I found myself most aligned with politically. I liked his focus on low-drama, getting-things-done government, and I liked his sense of fiscal responsibility. I thought he brought solid experience and a well-reasoned perspective that would make him a great governor.
I truthfully wasn’t sure who I wanted to vote for, and I am okay with the fact that Joel is not likely to win. It just seemed most reasonable to pick the candidate whose policies seemed the most pragmatic, at least in my opinion, which a I am learning ought to be humble.
I made hard choices for State Senate and Assembly as well (we actually don’t live in the same Assembly district as Mount Horeb proper). Look into those candidates for yourself and make the best choices you can!