Jesse Vogel is not slowing down. He doesn’t have time to.
The out gay candidate and staff attorney at Community Refugee & Immigration Services is currently locked in an epic battle to represent District 7 on Columbus City Council against Tiara Ross, an assistant city attorney.
“It’s been a wild year,” said Vogel. “I’m excited about what we’ve been able to build, the amazing kinds of people who have come in to support and the work we’re doing to provide a different kind of leadership on Columbus City Council.”
With the November 4 election coming up fast, Vogel is continuing to run his proudly grassroots campaign: knocking on thousands of doors, appearing in candidate forums, attending events and getting the word out there about his candidacy in as many ways as he can.
Along the way, the experience confirmed what gives him energy.
“I’m really fired up by talking to people and building coalitions to build a better Columbus with a more responsive local government that people can trust,” Vogel said.
Those people, of course, include his fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community. Vogel said he feels honored by the community’s backing, especially of queer elders who have stepped up to organize house parties to support his candidacy.
“I feel thankful for their support, and it’s also a lot of responsibility to be supported in that way by these folks who have been organizing for decades,” Vogel said.
In a city with such a sizable LGBTQ+ population, Vogel knows that earning the LGBTQ+ community’s support could make the difference needed to claim victory in the election. His opponent was hand-picked by the sitting council, with every member endorsing her.
“We’re going up against a local machine here,” he said. “We need every gay person to tell another person about this race, especially people interested in a different kind of leadership for Columbus.”
As someone who has been working closely with immigrants in a perilous time, Vogel said he is well-acquainted with hostility from the White House and how it trickles down to Columbus. He said the LGBTQ+ community faces similar danger, especially with federal and state funding cuts for LGBTQ+ initiatives.
He said that showing up in “courageous ways” is needed more than ever, which includes being grounded in community, asking tough questions of those in leadership and electing a candidate who is rooted in community-organizing and direct service.
“What’s important in this moment is that our city shows up as its boldest, best and most strategic self,” Vogel said. “I would be honored to have the chance to do that on City Council.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- Learn more about Jesse Vogel’s campaign by visiting his campaign website here and following him on Instagram here.
- Check your Ohio voter registration status here.
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