“The Electorate Is Already on Board with Socialism”
We spoke with Paige Kreisman, who’s running as the first-ever trans candidate for the Oregon state legislature. She’s a military veteran and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her message: “We need to engage in the politics that matter to working-class people.”
Paige Kreisman, speaking in support of Amazon workers, July 17, 2019.Paige Kreisman / Twitter
Paige Kreisman is a democratic socialist running for Oregon House of Representatives District 42. The forces arrayed against her are considerable. Her incumbent is the House Majority Whip, and with the backing of the Democratic Party establishment will vastly outspend her. She’s a trans woman, so she’ll be up against prejudice in the electorate. And as a member of both the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Communist Party, she’s vulnerable to red-baiting.
Still, Kreisman is confident she can win in this small, mostly working-class, and very progressive Portland district. Jacobin’s Meagan Day spoke to her about her political views, how she was radicalized by her experience in the military, and the world that working-class people deserve.
Meagan Day
What does it mean to you to you to call yourself a democratic socialist?
Paige Kreisman
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