The High Cost of Public Service

A new Brennan Center report reveals that intimidation aimed at state and local officials is distressingly common: For example, 43 percent of state legislators have experienced threats within the past three years. 

These threats have serious repercussions for representative democracy. Officeholders report being less willing to work on contentious issues like reproductive rights and gun control and more reluctant to continue serving. Additionally, intimidation is often targeted at groups already underrepresented in government, such as women and people of color.

Listen to a recording of our virtual discussion of this alarming trend, as well as recommendations to stem the abuse from our expert panel:

Anna Eskamani, State Representative, Florida House of Representatives

Gowri Ramachandran, Deputy Director, Brennan Center Elections and Government Program

Tom Roberts, Former Assemblymember, Nevada State Assembly

Moderator: Deirdre Walsh, Congressional Correspondent, NPR

With remarks from Letitia James, Attorney General, New York State

If you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please give it a 5-star rating. 

Check out Brennan Center’s new report here: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/intimidation-state-and-local-officeholders 

You can keep up with the Brennan Center’s work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing: https://go.brennancenter.org/briefing