Politics is life and death for many people. But few politicians seem to recognize the gravity of the decisions they make for the people they represent, treating issues such as civil rights and healthcare as “opinions” rather than matters of survival. Unlike most politicians, Maryland Delegate-elect Vaughn Stewart knows how much policy impacts the quality of life, having beat cancer twice thanks to sick leave policy and affordable healthcare.

Vaughn Stewart’s fighting spirit has been present throughout his impressively diverse career serving his community. He served as the Policy Director for Rep. Jamie Raskin’s successful congressional campaign. He worked for President Barack Obama in the White House Domestic Policy Council. He served as Treasurer of the District 19 Democratic Club and a precinct chairperson. He was appointed by the Montgomery County Executive to serve on the Community Development Advisory Committee. Currently, he works as an attorney, maintaining an active pro bono practice representing refugees and serves on the board of the Montgomery County Renters Alliance. And soon, the 30-year-old democratic socialist will represent District 19 in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Delegate-elect Vaughn Stewart joined us on the podcast to discuss democratic socialism, why his Republican Governor won re-election by 12 points, and more. Listen on iTunes or in your browser below: