Erika Evans embarked on her journey towards becoming a federal prosecutor with aspirations firmly rooted in her ambitions long before she realized them nearly four years ago. She commenced her professional career with great enthusiasm, serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle. However, the optimism that accompanied this milestone began to wane significantly when Donald Trump returned to the presidency in 2021. This shift prompted Evans to express her disillusionment with the Justice Department’s reversal of inclusivity efforts and its alignment with Trump’s controversial agenda, particularly regarding the attempted termination of birthright citizenship.
Remarkably, Evans recalled moments that punctuated her sentiments of disenchantment, stating, “It just felt like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is not the Department of Justice that I know.’” The atmosphere in her office turned hostile, as employees began receiving reminders to report on colleagues engaged in race and diversity initiatives, promising leniency if reports were filed within ten days. The environment had shifted to one laden with paranoia and fear, ultimately culminating in Evans resigning her position in March 2023, a bold move that showcased her commitment to her values.
Since her resignation, Evans is now seeking to transition from practicing law to running for public office, specifically targeting the role of city attorney in Seattle. Her campaign resonates with a broader trend observed among other former federal officials, particularly those disillusioned by the alterations wrought by the Trump administration on federal institutions. Democratic organizations are harnessing this growing sentiment by actively recruiting various former federal employees as potential candidates for office, leveraging their insider perspectives to present compelling counter-narratives against Republican policies.
Another individual who exemplifies this trend is Ryan Crosswell, who testified before Congress regarding his departure from the Justice Department’s public integrity division due to controversies surrounding corruption charges, notably involving New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams. Crosswell is now pursuing election to the U.S. House, representing one of the notable contests expected to unfold in Pennsylvania.
Recent polling data indicates that Democratic voters exhibit a pronounced eagerness to participate in the upcoming midterm elections, with a staggering 72% affirming their strong motivation, compared to only 50% of their Republican counterparts. Although there isn’t an official registry detailing former federal workers entering electoral contests, grassroots organizations like Run for Something have reported a remarkable surge in prospective candidates, with more than 50,000 individuals registering interest to pursue political office since the previous election day in 2022.
Amanda Litman, the founder of Run for Something, noted a distinctive motivation among potential candidates fueled by a desire to effect tangible changes and counter the influence of Trump and his policies. The inclination to run has notably expanded among Democrats aspiring to secure seats in the U.S. House, with filings from Democratic candidates eclipsing those from Republican candidates. Notably, the fervor for campaign participation mirrors patterns observed during the 2018 elections.
The backdrop of Trump administrating cuts and layoffs within federal agencies has fostered additional propellant forces. Thousands of federal workers have either lost their jobs or faced insecurity regarding their employment, leading some like Tina Moeinian, a former Department of Veterans Affairs mediator, to reassess their career paths. Although she was reinstated following a wave of layoffs, Moeinian embraced her reformed perspective by engaging in political training sessions and intending to secure a position on her local school board.
Organizations dedicated to training and recruiting political candidates have adapted their curricula to specifically address the complexities of individuals transitioning from federal service to political candidacy. For example, Emerge Action Fund actively engages women in politics, emphasizing the relevance of their experiences and expertise in constituent services to their potential campaigns.
As Evans looks to establish her candidacy in Seattle, she aims to impact long-standing issues, especially concerning discrimination and wage theft within her community. Her platform aims to create specialized units to address these injustices, drawing upon her history in civil rights prosecutions during her tenure at the Justice Department. Moreover, her advocacy is intertwined with her family legacy, particularly that of her grandfather Lee Evans, a former Olympic medalist known for his activism against racial inequality.
With significant endorsements under her belt, including support from Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, Evans’s campaign positions itself as a vanguard against federal overreach associated with the Trump administration. Her aspirations encapsulate a broader narrative of diverse leadership, advocating for representation rooted in the principles of equality and justice. She articulates a vision for a nation where its strength lies in its diversity, asserting that the attacks against it should galvanize a united response.
