Jeramey Anderson: Meet Mississippi’s youngest legislator in state history
theGRIO REPORT - It is often said that the younger generation are disinterested and disengaged from politics. But one young man is living proof that this stereotype is wrong...
It is often said that the younger generation are disinterested and disengaged from politics. But one young man is living proof that this stereotype is wrong.
Jeramey D. Anderson, who still has not graduated from college, has just been elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives.
The fresh-faced politician is the youngest person ever to be elected to the state legislature.
Anderson, a Democrat, was officially sworn in to his House of Representatives District 110 seat the same day he turned 22. He defeated his party-backed opponent, former Moss Point Mayor Aneice Liddell, with 60 percent of the vote.
In an interview with Chuck Todd on MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, Anderson said he campaigned on issues relating to education, flood insurance and youth involvement in community affairs.
He said he decided to run for public service to motivate young people who have political aspirations.
“When I decided to run, I thought back when I was in the 4th or 5th grade,” he said. “I had aspirations to be the president; whether that was achievable or not, I had aspirations to do that.”
“So when I decided to run, I ran for that 6- or 7-year-old boy or girl who has aspirations to become president but feels that those dreams, those ideas, are so far-fetched.”
“I ran to inspire a generation of leaders that have been hidden for so long. That was one of the reasons I ran to inspire my generation.”
The rookie politician adds that because of his youth he will be able to provide a different perspective and alternative outlook on many issues.
Born and raised in Moss Point, Anderson’s interest in politics began in high school in Mississippi, where he was his class president from sophomore through senior year. His interest in politics was ignited after attending a political camp in 11th grade.
An earnest, well-presented student, Anderson is a senior at Tulane University where he studies homeland security and public relations.
Still, he is confident he will be able to balance college work and public service because his school has been supportive and given him permission to complete classes and assignments online when legislature is in session.
Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter at @Kunbiti
