The Great Battlefield Supporting State Legislators with EJ Juarez of SiX
Nov 26, 2025
EJ Juarez, Executive Director of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), brings a wealth of experience as a political strategist dedicated to supporting state legislators. He discusses his migrant farmworker roots and the drive for collective thriving in public service. EJ dives into his research on voter suppression, training diverse candidates, and his work on environmental justice programs. He emphasizes the critical role of state action in resisting federal rollbacks and highlights the importance of finding common ground across political divides.
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Run Campaigns By Relating And Learning
- Run campaigns by relating to people and working hard rather than chasing complex formulas.
- Ask lots of questions, admit what you don't know, and learn from others on the ground.
Voter Suppression Hides In Everyday Rules
- Voter suppression often hides in language, procedures, and mundane rules rather than overtly malicious actors.
- Structural artifacts like registration and legislative calendars can quietly suppress participation.
Libraries As Democratic Anchors
- EJ moved to the Seattle Public Library to run community programs and government relations during a major levy campaign.
- He emphasized libraries as vital democratic institutions that promote access and civic resilience.
