Rachel McClurg
Lantern Staff
Sixteen-year-old Jack Bergeson is planning to shock Kansas and the rest of the country as he starts his campaign for governor in 2018. Bergeson is a current high school junior at the Independent School in Wichita and is a Bernie Sanders inspired democrat.
Bergeson’s age is a definite separator from the rest of the candidates, but so far that has not changed others’ opinion of him.
“I am not nervous about being taken seriously,” Candidate Jack Bergeson said. “So far, I have been treated seriously by local papers, TV, radio, as well as national publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC.”
Not being known as a typical politician is also surely to get the attention of voters across the state.
“I believe my age and motivations are my main separators,” Bergeson said. “With being so young and never being exposed to Topeka or Washington D.C., I have not had the chance to be corrupted by the system.”
The fact that Bergeson does not have political experience could be a good thing, but it could also make voters apprehensive when deciding who to choose.
“I say, as things deteriorate here and nationally, we need a bold new direction not more of the same,” Bergeson said. “We need someone fighting for real healthcare reform, legal medical marijuana as a minimum (preferably legal recreationally) and someone fighting for a legal minimum wage.”
If elected, Bergeson is planning to make some changes to the primarily conservative policies, but is not afraid to take advice from those with more knowledge on the subjects.
“As for experience, I will listen to those with much more experience in the system to get a full grasp on it if elected, but I believe I would be ready on day one,” Bergeson said.
Aside from policy differences, Bergeson also differs from the other candidates when it comes to his motivations.
“My motivation differences are that I want to try to get the younger generation involved in politics and that I am fighting for a more modern and progressive platform,” Bergeson said.
Many might have been nervous to run against experienced politicians, but that is not the case for Bergeson.
“I am not nervous,” Bergeson said. “I am excited to get the chance to offer Kansas voters change and get the younger generation involved.”
So now may be the chance for Kansas voters to vote for a candidate that has no previous political experience and that is ready to take whatever comes his way.