Austin Vigue

Austin Vigue was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Auburn University at Montgomery in 2021.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a young progressive Democrat, running for office because I see the struggles of the American people, and I want to be a leader who can help all of us get more out of the American Dream.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The status quo is not working. We have got to elect leaders who don’t continue to tow the same old lines, lines which are failing the American people, and failing us badly. We have got to have new leaders who are ready to adapt to the challenges that we face in modern America, and it is clear we are not getting that with current leadership.We all have to work together. This is not a campaign that I can do alone; we all have to want better for ourselves and our families, and we all have to come together to make it happen. Regardless of political affiliation, age, race, or any other demographic status, we have to work together, united for a common goal.Never lose hope. We, as the American public, have the power to effect great change, and that starts right here, wherever you are. Believe that you can make a difference, and then make that difference. If we all keep that hope alive, we can make a better nation for ourselves and generations to come!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about several key areas, most of which are encompassed in our policy package that we call the New Square Deal:

- Expanding access to affordable healthcare

- Revamping our education system to increase funding, teacher salary and benefits, and make colleges and trade schools more affordable for all students

- Phasing out fossil fuels and investing more in green energy

- Protecting and upholding civil rights protections for ALL people

In addition, I want to focus on rural infrastructure investment and development, as well as protection and support for our small businesses and Main Street America.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

That would definitely be frequent elections, making the members more beholden to the average people than the Senate or the Executive Branch. The age minimum (25) also puts prospective candidates at a closer position to the average American than other branches of the government.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I believe our greatest challenges are going to come from here within the states. Political extremism, lack of understanding of and involvement in American civic duties, a grossly underfunded education system, and lack of access to affordable healthcare are going to be the biggest issues we face as a nation over the next decade.

Add to that the disappearance of good jobs, stagnating wages, high inflation, the forgetting (or purposeful leaving behind) of rural America, the lack of attention we pay to the needs of our farmers and our blue collar workers, and our families across the board are going to be what we must tackle as a nation in this upcoming decade.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think we need to implement term limits, without a doubt. Our leaders do great work, but there comes a time when they don’t understand the problems of modern America any longer, and that harms the American people greatly.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely. Our nation was founded on the expectation of compromise. If one reads any of the debates of the Constitutional Convention, it becomes plain just how much of our nation is built on the ability to compromise. There is no other option. Politics is not a “winner take all, zero-sum” game; it is about doing as much good for the people as can be done, even if that means compromising.