Samantha Wallace, Candidate for Greenville County Council District 22
Why did you choose Emerge?
Emerge has an incredibly effective, yet beautifully simple focus on training the next generations of progressive women leaders to both run winning campaigns, and be ready to serve once in office. The powerful network provided across the country forms an ever-rising tide of brave and capable women who will step forward and support each other as we work to transform politics in our communities. And, in the midst of this unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis, watching how the national and state Emerge organizations have stepped up to support Democratic women has been truly inspiring.
What office are you running for and why?
I am running for Greenville County Council District 22 as the first Democratic Candidate to challenge a Republican in the general election in decades. Greenville, and definitely District 22, has changed dramatically in these past few decades. We now need new and more truly representative leadership to help write the next chapter of Greenville’s story. I want the voters of my District to have a choice in this upcoming election, one that represents a vote for growth that doesn’t leave people behind, for a community that is inclusive and for leaders who will work together across city, county, state and federal lines to most effectively address the issues we face.
What is your vision for your community?
Greenville County is a fast-growing and dynamic place. My vision for the coming years is one where we balance that looming growth by proactively asking the right questions and doing the work to ensure no part of our community is left behind. We need the future of our place to be a rising tide that lifts all up. I want to see us live out the value of inclusive action (not just words) that bring perspectives and representation to the table from across our very diverse community. And, we need a county government that works in a more efficient, effective and transparent way. We must be a 21st Century county, with leaders and policies that reflect this.
What/Who inspires you to run for office?
I am running to help chart a better course for my children, my (future!) grandchildren, for all children in our community and for all of the generations to come. I have been inspired by my parents who modeled a true work ethic, who taught me the value and importance of diversity, and who always encouraged me to step up and not be afraid of doing hard things.
Which Democratic woman inspires you and why?
I am energized and filled with hope seeing the groundswell of women across the nation who have run for office over the past several years showcasing their skills and abilities in a way we haven’t seen before. At the federal level, seeing so many incredible women presidential candidates step forward has been inspiring. Locally, I’ve loved watching our recent Upstate Emerge alums, including Shaterica Neal and Dorothy Dowe, run phenomenal campaigns and WIN!
What’s the one thing you gained from Emerge and would like to share with others?
Running a good campaign is not a murky mystery or rocket science. It is a heck of a lot of hard work requiring serious commitment, but it is a science you can learn and apply. Emerge demystifies it. And, the organization provides a sisterhood of supportive voices around you as you embark on the adventure of running for office. You can do this!
To learn more about Samantha visit: https://votesamanthawallace.com/