In this episode of Wide Awake America, host Nadine Smith interviews Jessica Piper, a passionate advocate for rural communities and public schools in America. Jessica, a former American literature teacher for 16 years, ran for a house seat in Missouri’s first district in 2022. Despite losing that race, she continues her activism as the executive director of Blue Missouri and writes a substack called The View from Rural Missouri.
Nadine and Jessica discuss the critical lessons learned from running for office in a deeply red district, the importance of challenging every seat, and the necessity of engaging in dialogue with voters. Jessica shares her experiences of going door-to-door, the issues that truly matter to rural voters, and the surprising insights she gained from her campaign.
They delve into the impact of systemic barriers, such as the legal restriction on teachers running for office in Missouri, and the broader implications of these policies on democracy and representation. Jessica emphasizes the significance of making sure every seat is contested, the role of public schools in maintaining democracy, and the dangers posed by the current political climate.
Jessica also discusses her ongoing efforts to inspire others to run for office, the importance of community engagement, and the long-term strategy needed to bring about change in rural areas. This conversation highlights the resilience and dedication required to stand up for democratic values, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about activism, education, and the fight to preserve democracy in America’s heartland.
