The cyclist who flipped off Trump is officially running for office, and heck yes!
Back in October 2017, marketing executive Juli Briskman became an internet hero when she flipped off President Donald Trump’s passing motorcade from her bicycle. The viral photo of the incident unfortunately cost Briskman her job at a government contracting firm, but it seems that she might have a new career in mind: Briskman has announced that she’s running for public office.
On September 12th, The Washington Post reported that Briskman will campaign to represent the Algonkian District on the Loudon County Board of Supervisors in the 2019 Virginia elections. She will face incumbent Suzanne M. Volpe, a Republican, in the local election. The Post noted that, while the county tends to go blue in federal and state elections, Republicans currently have a majority on the board.
On her crowdfunding campaign page, Briskman wrote that she has been involved in her community for the past two decades, declaring, “those who know me know I am not one to sit idle.”
"Whether it’s standing up for a cause, such as our First Amendment rights to peacefully protest the policies of the Trump administration, or working to ensure our children and teachers are given every opportunity to succeed, I do not back down when I see something is not right," she wrote.
I am running to serve as Supervisor for the Algonkian District where I have worked, volunteered, organized and raised my kids in public schools. I have launched my campaign on @Crowdpac because… if not now, when? Let's Do this! https://t.co/zeYn4QR1pR
— Juli Briskman ☮️ 🇺🇦 (@julibriskman) September 12, 2018
Briskman went on to argue that “the Algonkian District has been poorly represented by our supervisor,” citing in particular their votes to cut school funding and stall public transportation.
As for her viral fame, Briskman told the Washington Post that she hadn’t considered running for election until the backlash to her photo.
"We have a right to peacefully protest and criticize and express dissent toward our government," she said. "I've gotten some feedback that folks say you should respect the president. Even if you don't like what they're doing, you shouldn't show this sort of disdain. And I simply disagree, and I think the Constitution grants me that privilege."
#1A #LongMaySheWave pic.twitter.com/4dHiD8XOHf
— Juli Briskman ☮️ 🇺🇦 (@julibriskman) September 10, 2018
We love to see dedicated, outspoken women working to make a difference, and we’re glad that Briskman is using her internet fame to fight for change.
