James Speaker

James Speaker was born in Buffalo, New York. He earned a high school diploma from John F. Kennedy High School and a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State University in 2022.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A 2022 Graduate of SUNY Buffalo State University, James Speaker is a first generation college student from Sloan, New York. A Gen-Z voter with a dedication to fight for Western New York’s working class, James’ campaign is independent, write-in, and completely self-funded.

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?

Medicare For AllPro Life (For The Entire Life)Fighting for the Working Class

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Inequality, Healthcare, National Security, National Defense, The War on Drugs, Mass Incarceration, Economics, Banking, Taxes

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Coming from a middle class, working class background; I have minimal corporate and political connections. A relative outsider to politics, I’ve never been blessed with extreme financial wealth, powerful connections, or an advantage to “get ahead”. This campaign, like much of my life, is a challenge to fight for what I believe must be done.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I find this question to be irrelevant; given the damage which both insiders and outsiders to politics have created when given the chance to lead. Rather - we should focus our efforts on electing those with minimal corporate interests, and minimal exposure to the influence of corporate donors and the political elite.

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

Economic exploitation of the working class - given the numerous ways in which it negatively harms our democracy, our nation, and our reputation abroad.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term Limits, while a good idea in concept, would generally be ineffective in preventing the corruption of elected offices. Instead, efforts should be focused on removing money from public campaigns as a whole; stripping power away from the corporations and PACs which have too much power in American politics.

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

Compromise is vital for policymaking. Bipartisan work is a major influence in my decision to run as an independent write-in candidate.