Recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Atlanta, GA, this week’s  episode features co-host Ryan Coonerty in conversation with Georgia House Democratic Whip Sam Park, the son of a Korean Immigrant and the first openly gay man elected to the Georgia’s Legislature. Park talks about his journey to public office, his efforts to fight for healthcare after his mom got stage four cancer, how he advocates in a minority, and how he keeps hope in these difficult times. The conversation delves into how to recruit candidates who can change Georgia”s political landscape and how Park crafts policy that reflects the lived experiences of  the people he represents. They also outline Parks’s priorities, including Medicaid expansion, voting rights, and clean energy, and how he aims to make progress with a Republican majority. Tune in to learn about Representative Park's story and how he remains hopeful amid deep political polarization.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:04] Introducing Georgia State Representative Sam Park and his historic election win.

• [02:25] How his mother’s cancer diagnosis and Georgia’s move to block Medicaid expansion compelled him to run for office.

• [03:41] Rep. Park’s advice for first-time candidates and how he found his “why.”

• [04:58] Early campaign moments, including the first door knock that changed his perspective.

• [06:22] How Democrats can better recruit nontraditional candidates and win in swing districts.

• [08:47] Rep. Park’s assessment of Georgia’s political landscape and its role nationally, from his perspective as minority whip.

• [09:56] Policies that Democrats could advance if they held the majority in the Georgia Legislature, including education and clean energy.

• [13:38] What keeps him hopeful amid gerrymandering, voter suppression, and political polarization, and strategies for leveling the playing field.

• [16:02] Rep. Park’s experience running as the first openly gay man for the Georgia House.

• [17:38] Reflections on the growing Asian American representation in Georgia politics.

• [19:15] How navigating minority-party politics in Georgia mirrors the national fight against Trump-era threats to democracy.

• [22:38] His message to future leaders: lean in, act with purpose, and fight for democracy.