Running Start is a nonpartisan organization empowering young women to get involved in politics and transform our world, one elected female leader at a time. Learn more at runningstart.org.
As a young junior and high school student, McKenzie Holmes knew more about the functions of government than her entire adult family – in case that gives you any sense of just how long she’s been passionate about politics. Now as a Congressional Fellow with Running Start, she’s working in media and dreaming of her own run for Congress.
We spoke with McKenzie about what she learned from her time in student government, what societal issues move her to action, and what words of wisdom she wants to share with students aspiring to change the future. Get ready for this much-needed inspo!
Age: 21 (22 in November)
College name & major: I graduated summa cum laude from Galveston College with an A.A. in Political Science
Instagram: @missmckenzierain
Twitter: @theycallherRae
What sparked your interest in politics?
I had a middle teacher that taught us a lot about government. I knew more about how our government functioned (and who was in office) as a 12-year-old than most of my family, and I began wondering then what it would be like to serve in Congress. In high school, my student government advisor championed the same wealth of knowledge, and often celebrated my eagerness to vote and run for school elections.
What does your role as a congressional fellow entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Due to the coronavirus, Running Start opened up their Congressional Fellowship to some outside organizations, so I am working for the communications department of a great women’s organization. I help manage the website, track re-posts and pick-ups, find appropriate stock images for blog posts, update media contact lists, and document what the mainstream media is saying. All of this work happens so our policy department can educate the public on whether that information is accurate.
What’s been the most surreal moment of your fellowship thus far?
I think just getting accepted. I’m not sure I thought I would have ever been handed an opportunity like this without strings attached, to work and live at the heart of our nation’s government. It took somebody trusting that I could do excellent work enough to give me something and let me run with it.
What issues motivate you to run for office?
A policy subject really close to my heart is justice for human trafficking victims. I hope for criminal justice reforms to prosecute the perpetrator and not the victim in those cases—to provide protection and rehabilitation to those that have been exploited by the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world (and the second-largest).
I’m also passionate about not just pro-life but providing a good alternative to abortion, reforming foster care – and perhaps that means putting it in the hands of something other than the government. I want to change the way people see conservatives, as not a dirty word, but those that seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly. Standing with the oppressed, not silencing them. Valuing life—and championing that every life matters, whether BLM or in the womb or that of a weary refugee.
Have you run for office before? If so, what was that experience like and what were your key takeaways?
I’ve held multiple positions in my high school and college, most recently the Vice President of my college’s Student Government branch and Phi Theta Kappa SGA representative, but never in public (non-school-related) office. And I think that was really good for me, to pursue office among friends, in a sheltered space, celebrated rather than opposed. In high school, our campaigns were really friendly, and a “loss” was equally a gain. In college, I was nominated by a professor I hadn’t known for more than a semester and ran unopposed. None of this is politically significant, but man, did it make an impact on my heart—knowing that people believed in me.
That was probably the thing I cherish most, looking back. It required little risk aside from just stepping out because I was surrounded by support and family—and God knows if that was preparing me for something that might require that much more risk for that much greater reward.
What do you wish more young women knew about political leadership?
Never let your heart go, and dare to believe something is more important than your individual rights (hear me out). Compassion is our biggest strength. So often women in politics (or considering politics) think they have to become really hard-hearted in order to make it and stand up to the traditional Uncle Sam structures, but there is so much more power in loving fearlessly, accepting correction, being teachable by the voices that are invested in you (and realizing that’s not everybody), and letting your heart break for the issues in society, even if you know there’s nothing you can do about them in the present moment.
Adopt radical love and let it break you. Only then will you have power that will actually transform a nation.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I have absolutely no idea. I’m beginning to feel comfortable with not having an answer. Check back with me in five years, and I would love to gush about what a journey it’s been! I know nothing except this: whatever it looks like, it’s gonna be good.
*Responses have been lightly edited for clarity