Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Katie Darling, Louisiana's 1st Congressional District
Today we are continuing our profiles of Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government.
This week we are profiling Katie Darling (she/her/hers). Katie is a millennial executive in Covington, Louisiana who works in education technology, with previous experience in the hospitality industry. When the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade this past June, Katie was seven months pregnant and suddenly inspired to run for Congress. She recently made waves when her campaign released a campaign commercial that incorporates footage from the delivery of her son Ollie on September 14, 2022. Katie is passionate about reproductive freedom, expanded and improved education, and better hurricane preparedness.
Where are you based?
I am based in St Tammany Parish, Louisiana.
What position are you running for?
I am running for Congress in Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District.
Why did you choose to run for this office?
I chose to run because we need to pass federal legislation to protect reproductive freedoms so every person is safe and has access to medical care across the country.
How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My platform is grounded in reproductive freedoms and a person’s right to choose. I am a pro-choice candidate. My platform is focused on three issues: reproductive freedom, education and storm mitigation.
What inspired you to run?
I got into the race when Roe V. Wade was overturned. I was seven months pregnant with a high risk pregnancy. I felt it was more important than ever to speak up and provide a pro-choice candidate on the ballot this November.
What change are you hoping to bring to your state and country?
I want to pass legislation that improves the quality of life in Louisiana and across America. Reproductive freedoms accomplish that. In addition, I want to ensure children have access to world class education and communities are protected from the impact of climate change.
America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I have experience working with diverse groups of people, which will be essential in Congress. We need to bring representatives together around common goals. Bringing our country together is vital to legislative progress but also vital to the strength of our country. We can find common ground when we listen to each other with respect and an open mind.
How would you foresee your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
What makes me unique is that I am a normal working class businesses woman and mother. I’m not a millionaire and I don’t have experience working in politics. I am running to represent my community as a member of the community.
Where can we find out more about you?
You can find out more about me at Katie4Louisiana.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
