Mckayla Wilkes is embodying the adage “Be the change you want to see.” The 28-year-old Maryland resident doesn’t think House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is adequately representing her district’s interests, so she’s mounted a campaign to unseat him.
Doing triple duty as a mother of two, political science student and administrative assistant, Wilkes isn’t deterred by her lack of campaign experience. She’s had enough experience dealing with what she describes as Hoyer’s inability to relate to his constituents. And she’s over it.
“We need someone who will be a voice for us, who knows what we go through as daily constituents, and Steny Hoyer has been in office so long he’s never really had to be a regular constituent,” Wilkes told The Intercept.
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Hoyer, 79, has been in Congress 10 years longer that Wilkes has been alive. She believes his 38-year tenure and being overly comfortable in his position have caused him to lose touch.
The two candidates couldn’t be more different. Hoyer is an old white man, Wilkes is a young Black woman. Hoyer is a more conservative-leaning Democrat, while Wilkes is running on a progressive platform. Pundits have noted last year’s historic wins for freshman lawmakers show that no one’s seat is safe.
Hoyer has not faced a formidable primary challenger in years. However, with the Daily Kos labeling him one of the “worst House Democrats” who represents “everything young people hate about Democrats,” Wilkes’ candidacy should not be taken lightly.
The aspiring Congresswoman is energetic and full of ideas to improve her community. She’s focused on affordable housing, Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, among other things.
