The Democratic candidate Maxwell Alejandro Frost serves as the first member from Generation Z to secure a spot in Congress.
After besting Republican Calvin Wimbish, 72, in Florida’s 10th Congressional District, the 25-year-old Afro-American snatched a seat in Congress. When he finally won, US President Joe Biden called Frost to congratulate the aspiring politician, according to Frost. The two also discussed how remarkable the accomplishment is, given Frost’s young age. At 29, the current US president entered politics and was elected to the Senate.
“He asked me if it was the same situation. I said, ‘No, Mr. President, you had me beat on that. I’m already old enough to be sworn in on January 3.’ So, it was great to talk with him. You know, he was elected at a very young age, too, so he understands that experience,” Frost said.
On combating gun violence, the representative-elect focused his campaign. After a sequence of mass shootings across the nation, this sparked a reaction among Florida residents. As a defense against careless gun sales, Frost stated in an interview that he vowed to pass the legislation requiring a universal background check.
In a Tweet, he wrote, “WE WON! We made history for Floridians, for Gen Z, and for everyone who believes we deserve a better future. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to represent my home in the United States Congress.”
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A milestone for Frost
Those who run for vital public offices are typically 58 or older. Federal laws prescribe that a candidate for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, or the US president must be at least 25, 30, and 35, respectively. Frost wins a seat and creates history for Generation Z while still at the front line. Pew Research Center categorizes GenZs as those born betweeen 1997 and 2012.
While the law allows 25-year-olds to run for the House of Representatives, only a few do. Running at a younger age implies more problems ahead for many. On the other hand, Frost defied all odds and took the risk. Frost represents the Afro-Cuban community more than his age, as his election makes him the first community member elected to Congress.
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Serving the country
Frost, born on January 17, 1997, witnessed abuse and violence as a child. His mother is Puerto Rican, and his father is Haitian. However, he transferred to another home because his mother’s constant involvement in drugs, violence, and crime.
He said, his community became “ravaged by gun violence. And I’ve experienced how working people and people of color are unjustly marginalized and left behind in our society.”
He became an advocate for gun control as he got older because of his past. Frost became an advocate for gun control following the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. He took an active role in Barack Obama’s campaign when he ran for president in 2012. As director of national organizing for March for Our Lives, he worked with many advocacy groups.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey, and Rev. Jesse Jackson are just a few of the politicians who have shown him respect and support over the years. The Congressional Progressive Caucus also supported him.
Photo Credit: Stephen M. Dowell
Source: CNBC
