Kim Nelson, 2020 Candidate for US House District 4
Why did you choose Emerge?
In my prior role with Action Together Florida, I helped identify resources for candidates and the Emerge name kept coming up as one of the better training programs. When I came back to SC in 2017, I was thrilled to hear that Emerge was launching a SC chapter and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.
What office are you running for and why?
I’m running for Congress in the 4th district (most of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties). I decided to run because of my family is one of the many with a pre-existing condition and my Congressman has consistently voted to take away healthcare for people like us.
What is your vision for your community?
The Upstate owes its success to the generations of mill workers who built the textile industry, people like my great-grandfather who was a machinist. We have a legacy though of using hard-working people to build our community and giving back very little, especially when people need help the most. My vision is to dismantle systemic injustices that concentrate power in the hands of a few and provide a path for the Upstate to be a leader in the jobs of tomorrow.
What/Who inspires you to run for office?
Is it cliche to say my kids? I have two little girls. I want them to know that they can do hard things, but in order for them to believe that about themselves, they have to see women represented in positions of power.
Which Democratic woman inspires you and why?
Elizabeth Warren and I have had similar life challenges and stories. I often find myself looking to her to know that I can both get through a career change with young kids and fight to bring about the change I want to see in the world.
What’s the one thing you gained from Emerge and would like to share with others?
When you join Emerge, you really become part of a family. We support each other and, especially in politics, it’s nice to know that there are people out there who have your back.
To learn more about Kim visit: https://www.kimnelsonforcongress.com/