Street Scholars

Character: William Granger City/County: Jefferson County (AL) - Birmingham, Hoover Good evening, friends, colleagues, and fellow Alabamians. I am truly honored to stand before you tonight, in the heart of Birmingham, surrounded by so many dedicated supporters. I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you for your time, your generosity, and your belief in what we can achieve together. As many of you know, I’ve spent most of my life as a professor of economics, studying the numbers, the trends, and the policies that shape our communities. But the truth is, economics is more than just a subject I’ve taught—it’s a lens through which I’ve come to understand our state and its people. It’s about making the most of what we have and ensuring that the hard-earned money of working Alabamians is spent wisely and effectively. It’s about building a future where the next generation, your children and grandchildren, don’t have to leave home to find opportunity. Where they can grow, thrive, and succeed right here in Alabama. This is what drives me. This is why I made the transition from the classroom to the state legislature. Because I know that numbers, policies, and budgets only matter when they are rooted in the real lives of real people. And folks, that’s why I’m here tonight—because Alabama’s future matters. We have challenges ahead of us, no doubt about that. From ensuring fiscal responsibility to improving our schools, strengthening our infrastructure, and creating a business environment where small enterprises can flourish—we have work to do. But I believe that together, we can rise to the occasion. I believe in Alabama’s potential. I believe that with the right leadership, grounded in knowledge, integrity, and a willingness to listen, we can bring meaningful change to every corner of this great state. As many of you know, I lost my wife several years ago. She was my partner, my rock, and my biggest supporter. Her passing taught me resilience, and I’ve carried that strength into my work in the legislature. Because I know that life doesn’t always go as planned, but with faith and hard work, we can endure, we can rebuild, and we can prosper. And now, I am asking you to stand with me in this fight—not just to win an election, but to build a better future for Alabama. A future where our children receive the education they deserve, where our roads and bridges aren’t just patched but rebuilt, where small businesses aren’t burdened with unnecessary regulation but are encouraged to grow, and where every dollar spent from our state’s budget is done with accountability and care. I know the road ahead won’t be easy. But I’ve never been one to shy away from hard work. And I know that with your support, we can create the kind of Alabama we all want to live in. So tonight, as you open your hearts and your wallets to support this campaign, I want you to know that you’re not just supporting me—you’re investing in a vision for Alabama’s future. A future where economic growth and fiscal responsibility go hand-in-hand. A future where every Alabamian has the chance to succeed. Thank you for your faith in me, and thank you for your commitment to this cause. Together, we will move Alabama forward. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the great state of Alabama. Thank you. View full fundraiser

Character: Jamal Bennett City/County: Cook County (IL) - Chicago [Jamal steps up to the podium, smiling warmly at the crowd as he adjusts the microphone. The room is filled with supporters from various backgrounds—business leaders, educators, activists, and community members—all gathered in support of his campaign.] "Good evening, everyone! First off, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight. Your support means more to me than I can express. In a city as vibrant and dynamic as Chicago, it’s incredibly humbling to see so many people willing to invest their time, energy, and resources into a vision for a better future. Now, I’ll be honest with you. When I started my journey in tech, I never imagined I’d end up in politics. I was just a kid from the South Side who loved computers, coding, and finding solutions to problems that others hadn’t even recognized yet. I started my company with one goal in mind: to bring technology to communities that had been left behind. Whether it was through educational tools or increasing access to technology in underfunded schools, I believed that innovation shouldn’t just be for the few—it should be for everyone. But as I worked to build my business, I saw something else. I saw how the system was leaving people behind. I saw how schools in our most underserved communities were still struggling to access the resources they needed. I saw businesses that couldn’t keep up with the digital revolution because of outdated infrastructure. I saw families being pushed further and further into the margins because the system wasn’t built for them. And that’s when I knew it wasn’t enough to innovate from the outside. Change had to come from within. That’s why I’m standing here today—because I believe Illinois can lead in innovation, education, and opportunity. But we need leaders who are willing to bridge the gap between technology and policy. We need people who understand that the digital divide is just as much a social issue as it is a technological one. We need to build a future where every child, no matter their zip code, has access to the tools and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing world. In Springfield, I’ve already started that fight. We’re pushing to modernize our education system, to ensure that every classroom is equipped with the tools of the future—not just the tools of the past. We’re working to bring high-speed internet to every corner of our state, from Chicago to the most rural communities. And we’re advocating for policies that encourage innovation while ensuring that no one gets left behind in the process. But let’s be real—it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to face resistance from people who are comfortable with the status quo, from those who think that progress for some means loss for others. But that’s not how I see it. I see a future where progress benefits everyone. Where our students are prepared not just to compete, but to lead in this new world. Where our businesses thrive because they have the infrastructure and resources to grow. And where every citizen—every single one of us—has a stake in that success. But I can’t do this alone. Tonight, I’m asking you to not only believe in my vision, but to be a part of it. This campaign isn’t just about me—it’s about us. It’s about the teacher who works late into the night to help her students succeed, the small business owner who dreams of scaling up but needs the right support, and the families who want to see their kids thrive in a world that values creativity and innovation. Your contributions tonight will help us take this message to every corner of Illinois. It will help us fight for the policies that matter. And it will ensure that together, we build a future that’s not just technologically advanced, but socially inclusive and just. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for believing in this movement, in this vision, and in me. With your help, we’re going to bring real, lasting change to Illinois. Let’s get to work. Thank you." [The crowd erupts into applause as Jamal steps away from the podium, shaking hands with supporters and engaging in conversations throughout the room.] View full fundraiser