Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Victoria Martz, Indiana House of Representatives District 55

Indiana is known as one of the most solidly Republican states in the country. But it does not necessarily need to be. Indiana has a long and proud tradition of manufacturing, supported by labor unions who made the state a notable center of steel production, automotive production, pharmaceuticals, and other heavy manufacturing. Indiana is a state with a large working-class population, and in recent years the rights of working-class people have been rolled back by Republican governors and the legislature through weakening of labor unions’ strength (becoming a right-to-work state in 2012), cutting food aid, and cutting access to child care.

Victoria Martz (she/her) is a bisexual millennial criminal defense lawyer who grew up on a farm in rural southeastern Indiana. Her experiences on the farm taught her the value of hard work and the dignity of owning one’s own labor. Victoria’s campaign focuses on workers’ rights, the legalization of marijuana (building tax revenue for the state to expand social programs), and creating public service programs for mental health.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58Andrew FApril 28, 2026millenial, farmer, bisexual, marijuana, unionComment

Selah Sue's Captivating Collaboration

Belgium-born singer Selah Sue recently released her latest single “Another Way,” a moody, rhythmic collaboration with the Gallands that sits as the opening track to their new album “Movin’.” The album is collection of unique tracks that, together, build something special. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she’s been a godmother for Tele-Onthaal since 2013. To learn more about Selah Sue and her new music, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Kelly Garrett, Michigan House of Representatives District 18

Due to the large number of retirements this year, a lot of seats are opening up. Some are quitting politics for good, while others are launching campaigns for other elected office. In Michigan’s 18th District, State Representative Jason Hoskins, the incumbent, is giving up his seat to run for Michigan State Senate. Into this vacancy stepped millennial Mykale (Kelly) Garrett (she/her). Kelly is being endorsed in her race by US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic Socialist who defeated a primary challenge from Kelly in 2022. As mayor of Lathrup Village, she advanced key initiatives focused on public safety, infrastructure, and community engagement. Kelly credits her Christian faith with shaping her views on protecting women’s rights (including reproductive and voting), protecting trans individuals from violence and discrimination, and ensuring that all children have access to quality education.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.8Andrew FApril 23, 2026Black culture, black, election, election 2026, #election, politician, political, politics, Politics, #politicsComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Jen Wiles, North Carolina General Assembly District 75

Jen Wiles (she/her) is very committed to service. A healthcare clinician, this millennial mom of two also volunteers in public schools and with the unhoused community and is active in local organizations Forsyth Dem Women, Camel City United Indivisible, and Fuerza Triad. Jen’s platform rests on the basic foundations of increased affordable healthcare, universal Pre-K, a $15 minimum wage, and increased taxes on corporations, millionaires and billionaires who currently enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in this country, including in North Carolina.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.9Andrew FApril 20, 2026millenial, mother, Mother, Motherhood, election, election 2026, #electionComment

Bailey Hyneman's New Soulful Single

Memphis-based artist Bailey Hyneman recently released a new single titled “Better Days.” The song is soulful and heartfelt a meditation on perseverance through tough situations. Beyond music, Hyneman is a supporter of a multitude of organizations making a significant impact, including St. Jude and The Contributor. To learn more about Bailey Hyneman and her latest music, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.9Eva Elisa WellsApril 17, 2026music artist, music industry, female artists, cancer, Give backComment

Orquestra Pacífico Tropical: Celebrating Culture

Orquestra Pacífico Tropical is a Portland-based Cumbia collective. Their most recent release, a single titled “Fantasma,” is a beautiful celebration honoring fond memories. The band will release their third studio album on June 19 titled “El Poder.” Beyond the music, they play an active role within their community by working with Bienstar to help BIPOC first time home buyers find the resources and support they need. To learn more about Orquestra Pacífico Tropical and their upcoming album, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Heath Howard, New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District

New Hampshire, while having voted Democrat for US president since 2004, is a notoriously swing state. Republicans typically win at the state level, and at the federal level, Congressional representation tends to flip back and forth. In 2006, both of New Hampshire’s Congressional seats flipped Democrat after years of being Republican. Then four years later, they flipped back. Then two years later, they flipped Democrat again. Then two years later, the 1st District flipped Republican, and then back to Democrat in 2016.

Because the current Congressman, Chris Pappas, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen, the 1st District is now open. With the political winds at the backs of Democrats this year, helped by the fact that the seat has stayed blue since 2016, the opportunity to elect a progressive representative is not only possible, but probable. Heath Howard (he/him/his), a Gen-Z state representative, has tossed his hat into the ring. He gained fame and notoriety in November when he heckled Shaheen at an state Democratic event, calling her out for voting to end the government shutdown, which led to a lapse in Affordable Health Care tax credits. Heath, the current Vice Chair of the House Progressive Caucus in the New Hampshire legislature, is passionate about healthcare, and has based his campaign on Medicare for All, a minimum wage of $25, tuition-free education, and more affordable housing.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.9Andrew FApril 13, 2026gen-z, housing crisis, healthcare, education, living wages, election, election 2026, #electionComment

Kid Sistr on New Music & Queer Identity

<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Three-piece queer band Kid Sistr knows all too well that the lessons you learn throughout your adolescence stay with you forever, aspects of girlhood bleed into adulthood. Their most recent release, “American Teenage Prophecy,” creates a world where love of all kinds exist without societal expectations. Playing charity concerts at Campchella for Amplify, their dedication to inspiring young girls continues. To learn more about Kid Sistr and their new music, read on.</p>

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Coumba Kebe, Indiana House of Representatives District 29

As much as Republicans do not want to admit it, but Republican-run states in the Midwest have been drawing larger numbers of immigrants, thus changing the political landscape of the state. Indiana is no exception. Coumba Kebe (she/her), is a millennial first-generation American, the daughter of immigrants from Senegal. Coumba is a small business owner and holds a Masters in Public Health. As her business as a health consultant grew, she became more aware of the severe limitations of America’s healthcare system. Determined to put these limitations into understandable language, Coumba took to TikTok. As her following grew, she was encouraged to run for public office, and she declared her intention to run in January. This CrossFitter and aunt of five has centered her campaign around universal healthcare (including universal reproductive care) and raising taxes on corporations to help fund public programs that strengthen the social safety net, seeing it as the backbone of a strong society and economy.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Elizabeth Ferris, West Virginia Senate District 15

West Virginia is undoubtedly a working-class state, with a long, rich history of organized labor. The state was on the forefront of the labor revolution against inhumane working conditions: the West Virginia coal mine wars raged for nine years, culminating in the Battle of Matewan. The ultimate effect of this revolution was the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, which empowered American workers and strengthened labor rights.

That is why West Virginia needs a representative who will fight for the working class, especially in a time where the rights of workers are being systematically rolled back nationwide, especially in West Virginia. Elizabeth Ferris (she/her), is a millennial teacher and writer who has had a diverse job history: hotel maid in northern Spain, nanny in Australia, garden worker on a commune in Sweden, and holiday delivery person for UPS. Elizabeth is passionate about reforming tax policy to eases the tax burden on the working class and shifts it back onto the wealthy; this will give West Virginia a better chance to invest in road infrastructure, make healthcare and childcare affordable for all, and improve the public school system. Elizabeth credits her Lutheran faith for guiding her toward serving the neediest; indeed, through her church she became co-chair of the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter Committee, helping provide homeless residents with a safe and warm bed from November to March every year.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Brianna Titone, Colorado State Treasurer

We are currently living in a frightening time in this country, where we have a right-wing federal government hellbent on rolling back US citizens’ civil rights. At this moment, our president is encouraging Congress to pass the “SAVE America Act”, a law that aims to restrict voting measures for US citizens. But Trump has slipped something else in this bill — conditions to restrict rights to transgender Americans, including preventing gender-affirming care for minors and preventing trans Americans from competing in sport.

At this critical moment, America needs more transgender leaders to show that the trans community will not be cowed, that trans Americans are equal with all other Americans, and they are proud and unafraid to represent the communities where they live. Brianna Titone (she/her), is one such American. Currently a state representative in the Colorado General Assembly, Brianna is running to be the next State Treasurer in Colorado. She has dedicated her life to service, not only as a scientist in multiple disciplines, but also as a volunteer firefighter in her community, and she became the first trans elected official in Colorado’s history in 2019. Brianna cares deeply about protecting the working class from corporations and billionaires, investing in affordable housing, protecting consumers from predatory corporations and unbridled AI, and protecting Colorado’s natural environment from fossil fuel exploration and production.

Anastasia Washington: Fierce But Funny

Actress, comedian, filmmaker, and model Anastasia Washington is doing it all. Her latest project features her playing multiple roles in the four-part horror comedy anthology “Grind.” Anastasia is also a fierce advocate for bipoc and women, tackling tough subjects, including police brutality, eating disorders, colorism, and more through the content she makes. To learn more about Anastasia Washington and her new film, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Lucia Simonelli, Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District

One of the candidates running in the Democratic primary election for this district is Lucia Simonelli (she/her), a millennial who grew up without healthcare or financial stability but went on to get her PhD in Mathematics and works as a scientific advisor in the U.S. Senate. Her top issues in her campaign are Climate Change, Medicare for All, and abolishing ICE.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.8Andrew FMarch 30, 2026progressive, climate change, ICE, U.S. Senate, election 2026, electionComment

Reifier's Electronic Experimentation

Multidisciplinary producer, composer, vocalist, and engineer Reifier just released their debut EP titled “The Unfolding.” The project is an experimental electronic journey that explores self-discovery and transformation. Dedicated to supporting women and LGBTQ artists, Reifier also co-runs a supportive music studio called Forastero Sound and Music. To learn more about Reifier and their new music, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Rachel Fetty Anderson, U.S. Senate, West Virginia

In West Virginia, a working class state whose Republican representation in Congress has repeatedly failed its citizens, a new generation is beginning to challenge aged representatives (75% of West Virginia’s Congressional representation is over age 72). Rachel Fetty Anderson (she/her/Ma’am), is a pro-bono attorney, bocce coach, and mom of four whose Christian faith inspires her to do good works for the poor and working class. When she was 17 she was lured to Switzerland and put into indentured servitude due to her illegal immigration status, which has given her a unique perspective on the plight of undocumented immigrants in America today. Today she is passionate about Medicare for All, providing government services for the homeless and working poor, and restoring public utilities to working condition in a state where 250,000 people lack access to safe drinking water.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.8Andrew FMarch 26, 2026election 2026, christian, mother, politics, U.S. SenateComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Kate-Lynn Holley, Indiana State Senate, District 6

The current political landscape has inspired people from all walks of life to run for public office in the 2026 midterm elections! One of those is Kate-Lynn Holley (she/her), a former WWE RAW wrestler and current real estate agent based in northwest Indiana. This mother of one and lover of pink says her Christian faith has inspired her to care for and about the downtrodden, needy, and those failed by the current Republican administration in Indiana, and is running to harness the power of the legislature to begin to work to empower the working class instead of corporations. Her campaign is centered around making community safety, education, healthcare, and the economy more accessible to everyday Hoosiers who are not being properly served by the Indiana legislature.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.8Andrew FMarch 23, 2026election 2026, election, Motherhood, mother, Community, faith, christianComment

Vanessa Shakib: Advancing Animal Advocacy

Attorney Vanessa Shakib is driving change in the field of animal law through fearless activism. Her work dedicated to protecting animals has been featured by news outlets like CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. Shakib is also the co-founder and co-director of the non-profit law firm Advancing Law for Animals. To learn more about Vanessa Shakib and her passion for animal advocacy, read on.

Our Favorite Candidates in 2026 - Gabrianna Gratzol, Indiana State Senate District 11

Gabrianna Gratzol (she/they) is a queer Gen-Z factory worker running for office in north-central Indiana. This area has a long history of organized labor, and Gabrianna has seen the state weaken the rights of the working class over her lifetime — while pregnant with her son, she was fired from her job after disclosing her pregnancy. This Dungeons and Dragons nerd is most passionate about quality, accessible, and equitable education, saying “I believe that one of the factors that leaves people vulnerable to the dehumanizing, callous ideologies of the right is the disenfranchisement that our current failing systems have trapped us in. I believe (and evidence supports) the idea that knowledge and community is the best inoculation against hate.”

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.8Andrew FMarch 19, 2026gen-z, mother, working class, labor, queer, lgbtqiaComment

Whiskey Flower's Unapologetic Honesty

Queer duo Whiskey Flower creates music that pulses with the beat of honesty, understanding, and resilience. They recently released their single “Stop Stereo,” the first taste of their upcoming EP “Double Yellow Lines,” a gritty, unflinching bark of laughter in the face of conformity that empowers listeners to embrace authenticity. Playing fundraisers for Santa Fe’s Girls Inc. organization, their dedication to inspiring authenticity continues. To learn more about Whiskey Flower and their upcoming EP, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Katie Bansil, New Jersey's 6th Congressional District

In February 2026, former US President Barack Obama said that one of the problems with Democrats is gerontocracy: “There is an element of, at some point, you age out. You’re not connected directly to the immediate struggles that folks are going through.” Frankly, Obama is late to the conversation. For over the past year, Democrats in Congress have been bedeviled by their age, so much so that three of them died in 2025 while in office, and many others are starting to see the political handwriting on the wall, that they no longer have the connection or energy to represent their constituents adequately.

One of the most egregious offenders of this in the Democratic Caucus is Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-6). Elected to Congress in 1988, he is now one of the oldest and longest-serving members of Congress and is running for a 20th term in office. He is being challenged in the Democratic Primary by Katie Bansil (she/her), a queer millennial Filipina who immigrated to New Jersey at age 15 and has lived in the area ever since. Pallone not only has been in office for as long as Katie has lived in the neighborhood, but for longer than she has been alive. Katie brings a fresh perspective not only to the times we live in but also the problems of the day. Her electoral platform is supported by a triad of issues: universal health care, universal child care, and abolishing ICE. With New Jersey’s particular party system giving more power to established politicians than the residents of New Jersey, Katie will have to win over the state party, but with the political winds changing and the unique threats facing Americans today, and trying to replicate the recent success of Analilia Mejia in winning the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s nearby 11th District, Katie aims to bring similar change to NJ-6 as Zohran Mamdani in nearby New York City.