In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ethan Wechtaluk, a congressional candidate in Maryland’s 6th District and a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting. Ethan shares how surviving a mass shooting shaped his political awakening and motivated his run for Congress. The conversation explores the role of lived experience in leadership, the urgent need for healthcare reform, and why stronger, more compassionate political representation matters. Ethan also discusses community resilience, the responsibility of privileged voices to advocate for marginalized communities, and how policy can empower future generations to dream bigger and build a more just future.

What We're Talking About...

• Ethan Wechtaluk is a congressional candidate running in Maryland’s 6th District.
• As a Virginia Tech shooting survivor, Ethan’s lived experience strongly informs his political values and leadership approach.
• The episode challenges the political status quo and calls for meaningful systemic change.
• Healthcare reform is a central pillar of Ethan’s campaign and policy priorities.
• He supports responsible gun ownership alongside common-sense gun safety laws.
• Community engagement and grassroots organizing are essential for driving political change.
• Ethan’s decision to run for Congress was motivated by protecting family, friends, and future generations.
• He believes political leadership should focus on empowering young people to dream bigger and demand better.
• Privilege carries a responsibility to advocate for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• The conversation emphasizes that change is possible—and urgently needed—in American politics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ethan Wechtaluk

03:10 Challenging the Status Quo in Politics

06:02 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Political Views

12:01 Healthcare as a Central Issue

17:20 The Journey to Running for Office

23:05 Empowering Future Generations

27:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

30:30 The Impact of Parenting on Political Awareness

31:00 Using Privilege for Positive Change

Links Mentioned

Ethan Wechtaluk's campaign website: https://www.ethanformd.com