This week on Next Left, the Pennsylvania state legislator “fighting the right fights” for working class people.

What draws people into politics? What makes them willing to take on the entrenched status quo? What leads them to open up about their own stories of struggle and hardship? How does this openness break down barriers and get voters talking about fundamental issues? We’re speaking with Sara Innamorato because she’s got a lot of the answers. Sara’s a newly elected member of the Pennsylvania state legislature, as a representative from the 21st state house district. Last year she took on a senior legislator who was a member of one of the most powerful political dynasties in Pennsylvania. When this 32-year-old Democratic Socialist won, she provided a powerful indication of the dramatic changes that are taking place in the politics of Pennsylvania and the whole of the United States.

SHOW NOTES

These women were elected as democratic socialists. Now they’re trying to figure out what that means. - Washington Post Robert Samuels

The socialists vs. the Costas: Upstart hard-left candidates challenge iconic old-school Pittsburgh political family  - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Chris Potter

Two Socialists in Pennsylvania Just Won Victories the Democrats Can’t Ignore - Mother Jones Clint Hendler 

What the Media Got Wrong About Ocasio-Cortez’s Triumph - The Nation

A Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

Run the World (Girls) - Beyoncé