A 19-year-old Spelman student could possibly become the youngest politician in the state of Georgia.
Mary-Pat Hector, who studies political science at the all-female historically Black college, was recently cleared to run for City Council in Dekalb County’s Stonecrest. As reported by CBS46, the elections board recently determined that the Atlanta chapter’s National Action Network Director was of age to run. The DeKalb County Board of Registrations and Elections ruled that Hector is eligible because the city’s charter held no such age restriction.
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“I’ve always wanted to be in politics. I just didn’t know that it was going to come so soon,” she told reporters.
Hector says she wants to “ensure diversity” as she remains hopeful throughout her run. She said people from coast to coast have expressed how much of an inspiration she’s been and vow to run for office themselves.
“The fact that young people all over the country saw me running, and knew they could run, too, that was the most meaningful part of it,” Hector said.
The first election is set to occur on March 21. She’s currently preparing for her first debate.
“Just because I am a young person does not mean that I lack the experience or the common sense to pass common sense legislation,” Hector continued.