If you’re hell bent on having me bite your head off on social media, feel free to post yet another mindless rant about our current adminstration and some action or inaction that you think merits your one and one-half cents. You may think it’s therapeutic and gain some solace from the bevy of “I agrees” or “sads” you might amass as comments the same way one chalks up congratulations for celebrating a birthday or getting a new job but trust me, the majority of the ones you get have an equal level of thoughtfulness and originality attached to them–translated, just about zero. And that’s pretty much what I think of your degree of political activism.
I continue to wheedle and cajole those who feel is their birthright to wax nostalgic about a former leader or yet again dreamily lament what might have been had Kamala Harris found a path to victory that it would be a far, far better use of one’s brain cells to let us simpletons know about someone we might not know about who at least has enough determination and solid ground to try and do something more about it. And that’s why I was overjoyed to discover that a special invited guest at my monthly gathering of alter kockers at one of the few decent delis that still exist in my area was none other than a current candidate for CA32’s congressional district. Allow me to present to you Josh Sautter.
Mr. Sautter made his campaign announcement via Substack last fall, which for starters is a lot more normal a way to do so than descending down a golden escalator. His first sentences really hit home with me:
When I began writing here, I had no idea how many people would follow along. I think that’s because, from the very beginning, I’ve been focused on one simple thing: listening. For the past two years on the Encino Neighborhood Council, that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’ve listened to families worried about wildfires, neighbors worried about burglaries, and people who simply wanted their voices heard. And what I’ve learned is this: when we listen to one another, we can solve problems and build stronger, safer communities.
To a seasoned researcher like moi, that’s music to my ears. His other main talking points are just as resonant and accessible. His Ballotpedia autobiography is particularly uplifting:
I am not a Washington insider. I am a neighbor, a husband, a father, a fighter, and a community organizer who was compelled to run because I believe public service is about showing up, listening, and being accountable to the people you represent.I am part of a new generation of leaders challenging the entrenched political status quo with fresh ideas and real solutions. I am a twice elected member of the Encino Neighborhood Council, where I have served as President and Vice President, and I am an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party.
As a community leader in the San Fernando Valley, I helped secure $22 million for improvements to the Sepulveda Basin, organized neighborhood public safety efforts, and worked to strengthen local quality of life. During Los Angeles wildfires, I helped neighbors evacuate, stayed connected with displaced families, and supported recovery efforts so people could return home safely.
I have marched to defend civil rights and stood in solidarity with working people. I am a strong advocate for climate resilience and have organized food drives and relief efforts for families in crisis.
I believe affordability is not only housing and jobs. It is also access to public goods like parks, pools, and libraries. Families deserve free, safe places to gather and enjoy nature.
I am running to deliver real, original change, protect seniors, and defend American democracy.
That may very well describe you, too. But at least he’s willing to put his time and money where his mouth is. And yesterday, along of a coupla tables full of seasoned observers, he chose to grace us with both. It’s about a close to an Iowa diner experience as we’re likely to get.
Now the reality check–he’s one of ten challengers that Ballotpedia lists for a seat currently held by one of the more stable and entrenched representatives, Brad Sherman. Mr. Sherman has served the citizens of some of Los Angeles’ toniest neighborhoods for nearly three decades and has blown away his competition in virtually every election he’s thrown his hat into this century. And if you happen to be fortunate enough to reside in those zip codes your life isn’t likely to be so dire or in need of change where you’re immediately motivated to seek change anywhere. Mr. Sherman has few overt detractors, and that includes my ex who once dated him. Though she did take particular joy in sharing how he sleeps on a slanted board because of a bad back that she gave herself outsized credit in creating. Cautionary note: she’s been prone to exaggerating ever so slightly at times.
And as you’ll see from the video he’s shared on his Facebook feed he could stand to learn from some media training and public speaking coaching. Nope, no golden escalator moment here. But that said, eminently more honest and endearing.
I was a relatively early adopter of James Talarico once I got wind of him, and tonight he will get his crucible when the good voters of Texas go to the polls in one of the first significant tests of the 2026 midterms seeking to upend the social media headwinds of Jasmine Crockett in his bid to become Senator. Current polling gives him fairly weak odds in being able to do that, and the harsh truth is that at this writing Sautter’s aren’t much better. But he’s still got three months before his voters go to the polls. And anyone who lived through Election Night 2016 knows that polling isn’t always perfect. I for one have enough experience to have known that even harsher truth for decades.
But Talarico is now a nationally known figure and regardless of what goes down tonight should be on enough folks’ radar to remain an option down the road–and ideally for an office that I can actually cast a vote for down the road. After actually breaking bread (well, tri-salad with avocado; I’m eschewing carbs these days) with Sautter, I’m convinced he’s both savvy and auspiced enough where he should absolutely consider some a somewhat larger calling of his own regardless of what goes down for him on June 2nd.
Besides, he was born in Queens, he’s dabbled in stand-up comedy and his wife’s an accomplished TV writer. In my book, those factoids hit a whole bunch of high notes.
So I’m once again urging you incessant whiners and bitchers to at bare minimum take note of who Josh Sautter is, and if you’re as politically inclined as you claim at least consider amplifying him. He could use the exposure and frankly, we could use more people like him who actually choose to do more than sit behind a keyboard and lament. More than ever, I now enjoy getting out and having a fress with friends and discussing what I think and why with other humans in person. Those of you who still haven’t gotten the message after nearly six years of self-induced isolation might want to try it sometimes. If you can’t bring yourself to do that, at least include Sautter’s website in your links. And I know he’ll appreciate the exposure a lot more than anyone else you still think should be in office.
Until next time…