This Gen Z candidate in Florida reveals what running for office is really like

Fast Company’s new cover story focuses on a growing cohort: the young Americans taking a career gamble on politics. These bold individuals—including Nate Douglas, Allie Phillips, Ashwin Ramaswami, and Anna Thomas—are smart, politically engaged, and restless for change. They are following their convictions despite the risks to their bank accounts and personal safety. And they’ve got help.

David Hogg—the activist who drew national attention following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida—joined forces last year with campaign operative Kevin Lata to launch Leaders We Deserve, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young progressive candidates win office, predominantly at the state level.

Fast Company spoke with four of the rising political forces that Leaders We Deserve is backing—Nate Douglas, Allie Phillips, Ashwin Ramaswami, and Anna Thomas—about their career choices, the work of campaigning and governing, and what keeps them moving forward.

Here’s what you need to know about Nate Douglas, a 23-year-old candidate in Florida.

Office Running ForFlorida House of Representatives, District 37

Primary DateAugust 20

Election DateNovember 5

Expected Government Salary$29,697

Previous JobAgricultural policy researcher at Atlantic Sapphire; member of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation office, District 1

EducationUniversity of Florida, BS in food and resource economics; master’s in information systems and operations management

Career He Thought He’d HaveProgrammer, foreign service officer, or foreign service information management specialist

Impetus for RunningThe overturning of Roe v. Wade. Plus: “The fact that my family almost lost our house [during the Great Recession, despite] both my parents having two jobs . . . and there were people flying private jets and buying yachts and not paying a single dime in taxes.”

Favorite Part of the WorkdayCanvassing. “I never thought that this would be the part I love so much. But I love engaging with voters and hearing their issues.”

Least Favorite Part of the WorkdayFundraising. “I spend hours on the phone a day basically begging for money. Either you are wealthy or have great connections, or are someone like me who was never supposed to be running in the first place—and you have to raise a ton of money in a short period of time, and it’s not fun.”

Number of Staffers3

Most Rewarding Thing That’s Happened“I knocked on the door of a registered Democrat. [His mom] told me, ‘He’s not home at the moment.’ So it was just this woman, who was a Republican. [I asked], ‘Can I tell you a bit about me?’ And she said, ‘Sure.’ We start talking. She gives me some water and snacks. . . . There are some experiences that make you have faith in humans and their ability to be good.”

Scariest Thing That’s Happened “I’d have to say running. [But] I think the scariest thing is thinking about November. There is so much at stake this next election. . . . There are so many people who have these rose-colored glasses about Donald Trump’s presidency, which was an utter disaster . . . the fact that he’s got a shot at winning . . . that’s scary.”

Biggest Misconception People Have about Elected Public Officials That they’re “just a bunch of evil people taking money. Because trust me, this doesn’t pay a lot at all.”