Finding Working-Class Representation: Election Proves Leaders Should Reflect Society
TL/DR –
The author reflects on childhood experiences observing his father at work on construction sites and how this taught him that the people who do the work know best how to do it. He argues that this logic should be applied to solving problems in fields like school transportation and healthcare, which could be best addressed by those closest to the issues, rather than by wealthier individuals removed from the realities of these jobs. The author criticizes the political influence of the wealthy, pointing out that many working-class voters feel unrepresented by either major political party, and proposes that working-class individuals mobilize as a voting bloc to elect candidates from similar backgrounds who can advocate for their needs and concerns.
Growing up at construction sites, I learned the importance of relying on the expertise of workers on the ground. This principle should apply to problem-solving in many areas, from the understaffed school transportation system in North Carolina counties to the overdose crisis.
The economy was a primary concern in the recent presidential election, given high inflation, low wages, and a skewed housing market. Surprisingly, voters earning under $100,000 predominantly chose billionaire-backed President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump’s top billionaire supporters, as reported by Forbes, boasts a combined net worth of $143 billion. As Trump prepares his return to the White House, history suggests his cabinet will be wealthy, unlike the majority of working-class Americans.
Musk, a prominent Trump supporter, saw his fortune increase sevenfold in the past four years, and surged by $60 billion shortly after the election. This billionaire-fueled politics extends beyond Trump, with the Harris campaign also flaunting billionaires.
Before Trump or Harris ever ran for office, over half of Congress were millionaires. Will these affluent figures improve the lives of the working-class? The likelihood seems slim.
In the recent election, roughly 53% of the working class (income between $30,000-$49,999) voted for Trump, marking a shift from the Democrats, traditionally seen as the working-class party. However, this isn’t a clear mandate for Trump’s policies.
This shift suggests that working-class voters don’t have a political home. While billionaires may attempt to seize this opportunity, so could the working class. A working-class candidate could represent our values and lived experiences, creating room for class solidarity.
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