Today we have another installment in our profiles of our favorite Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government. This candidate is running at the county level.

Mandi Remington (she/her) is a queer millennial political activist running for a position on the County Board of Supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa. A single mother of three, including a trans child, Mandi is a lower middle-income wage earner. She is most passionate about advancing platforms that prioritize equity for disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Mandi recently lost an election in 2023 for a position on the Iowa City Council but is running again on a platform of abortion rights, as well as affordable housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Where are you based?
Johnson County, Iowa (Iowa City).

What position are you running for?
Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I will work to improve access to basic needs, community resources, and civic participation while improving community health and safety by investing in, promoting, and collaborating with existing community organizations and nonprofits.

What inspired you to run?
What inspired me to run for public office was a deep-seated belief in the power of local government to effect meaningful change in our communities. My experiences growing up in Johnson County and navigating life as a single parent and domestic violence survivor showed me the importance of compassionate and effective leadership. As I became increasingly involved in local policy discussions, I recognized the need for voices at the decision-making table that reflect the lived experiences of our community.

My journey into public service has been a natural progression, fueled by a passion for advocacy and a desire to address the pressing issues facing our community. From my experiences founding Corridor Community Action Network and serving on the Iowa City Community Police Review Board to my leadership roles at the University of Iowa, I've gained valuable insights into our challenges and opportunities.

Ultimately, I am running because I believe in the importance of representation that truly reflects our community’s values, aspirations, and experiences. I am committed to championing progressive policies that promote equity and justice for all residents of Johnson County.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I aspire to spearhead transformative change by advocating for policies that prioritize equity, justice, and opportunity for all. By championing community accessibility and engagement, my goal is to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

I aim to address issues such as affordable housing, food security, and transportation, working with residents and other stakeholders to implement tangible solutions. Additionally, I am deeply committed to advancing policies that ensure LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity, racial justice, and disability rights. In the face of ongoing attacks on bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ freedoms it is imperative that we stand firm in our fight for the rights and dignity of all individuals. Overall, I strive to build a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background and circumstances.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The most pressing issues facing our community right now revolve around equity, accessibility, inclusion, and threats to our democratic values. These issues are paramount because they directly impact every resident’s well-being and opportunities.

Prioritizing equity is paramount to creating a more just community. Systemic inequities persist in education, housing, healthcare, and employment. To tackle these issues, I plan to implement policies that address their root causes, such as systemic racism, discrimination, and economic disparities.

Accessibility, especially regarding basic needs like food and shelter, is critical. Many face barriers hindering access to these necessities. By identifying and mitigating these barriers, we can ensure equitable access to education, healthcare, transportation, affordable housing, and healthy food.

Additionally, we face threats to our basic values, including attacks on bodily autonomy, freedom of assembly, unions, public libraries, and public schools. I am committed to defending these values at every level. I have been actively working to protect reproductive freedom, trans rights, and the rights of marginalized communities for many years. I am prepared to continue this important work from the position of county supervisor, ensuring that our community becomes more inclusive, equitable, and just.

Community engagement will be essential in addressing these multifaceted challenges and developing effective solutions, particularly in ensuring equitable access to basic needs. By actively involving community members in the decision-making process, we can ensure that policies are informed by diverse perspectives and experiences. Through listening to the voices of those directly impacted by housing insecurity, food insecurity, transportation barriers, and other challenges, we can develop strategies to address these issues effectively and promote greater accessibility for all residents.

Over the past five years, I have built long-term working relationships with organizations and leaders across the state who possess lived experience and expertise in addressing basic needs and systemic inequities. My commitment to networking and collaboration has allowed me to forge connections that will be instrumental in crafting effective solutions and advocating for policies that prioritize equity and accessibility.

With Elinor Levin, Iowa State Representative for Iowa City and fellow member of the LGBTQIA+ community

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
In times of deep division, it's crucial to prioritize dialogue, empathy, and understanding. I aim to bridge divides by fostering open communication and genuine connections with and among my constituents. I believe in the power of listening and finding common ground, even amid differing perspectives. By actively engaging with community members, hearing their concerns, and working together to find solutions, we can build trust and unity.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
As a domestic violence survivor and single parent, I intimately understand the challenges of navigating Johnson County's socio-economic landscape. Balancing the responsibilities of raising children on a single income in a community where housing costs burden over half of renters — and where I am among those significantly housing burdened — I experience firsthand the struggles that many of our residents endure daily. This is an important perspective that has been missing from local government for far too long.

My identity as a queer individual and a long-time University of Iowa employee further enriches my understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives within our community. Throughout my 17 years at the University, I've cultivated a deep commitment to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, assuming leadership roles within the University's DEI initiatives. This background equips me with the necessary skills to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all constituents.

As the founder of Corridor Community Action Network, an organization dedicated to addressing quality of life and community engagement issues, and through my involvement in local government, including four years of service on the Iowa City Community Police Review Board, I have demonstrated my dedication to grassroots organizing, advocacy for marginalized communities, and my ability to craft effective policy.

My multifaceted identity and background uniquely position me to champion policies that prioritize equity, accessibility, and community engagement. By drawing upon my personal experiences and professional expertise, I am committed to bringing the diverse voices of our community to the table and creating positive change for all residents.

What is your motto in life?
My motto in life is simple yet powerful: "Just do it." Growing up, I felt the pressure to achieve perfection in everything I did, but as I embarked on my journey as an organizer, I learned the importance of letting go of that notion. I realized that perfection is unattainable and unnecessary. What truly matters is taking action, being responsive, and engaging with our community. So, I've adopted Nike's mantra as my own, reminding myself to push forward and take initiative, especially when no one else is stepping up or when collaboration demands it. Of course, certain precautions are necessary, but beyond that, it's about getting things done. Whether it's organizing an event or addressing an issue, what counts is making progress and fostering connections within our community. So, let's seize the moment and just do it, because ultimately, it's about coming together and making a difference.

Where can we find out more about you?
On my website, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Mandi Remington, Board of Supervisors for Johnson County, Iowa