Nicole Young: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
mNo edit summary
mNo edit summary
 
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 57: Line 57:
'''Nicole Annyta Young''' (born 16 November 1985), often stylized and known as '''Nicole A. Young''', is a [[Deseretian]] politician who currently serves as the 27th [[President of Deseret|president of Deseret]]. A member of the [[Reform Party (Deseret)|Reform party]], she served as mayor of [[Rock Ridge, California]] in 2004, a state senator from 2010 to 2014, a representative from 2014 to 2020, and as [[Speaker of the Deseret House of Representative]] from 2018 to 2020. Young is the 5th woman, the 3rd direct descendant of {{wp|Brigham Young|Brigham Young}}, and the youngest person to hold the office of president, at age 34 when she was {{wp|Oath|sworn in}}.
'''Nicole Annyta Young''' (born 16 November 1985), often stylized and known as '''Nicole A. Young''', is a [[Deseretian]] politician who currently serves as the 27th [[President of Deseret|president of Deseret]]. A member of the [[Reform Party (Deseret)|Reform party]], she served as mayor of [[Rock Ridge, California]] in 2004, a state senator from 2010 to 2014, a representative from 2014 to 2020, and as [[Speaker of the Deseret House of Representative]] from 2018 to 2020. Young is the 5th woman, the 3rd direct descendant of {{wp|Brigham Young|Brigham Young}}, and the youngest person to hold the office of president, at age 34 when she was {{wp|Oath|sworn in}}.


Young was born and raised in California and served as a {{wp|Mormon mission|missionary}} for {{wp|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}, which influenced her politics regarding {{wp|poverty}}, {{wp|unemployment}}, {{wp|agriculture}}, {{wp|immigration}}, and {{wp|welfare}}. Young served in the [[California State Senate]] and as a representative from the state, which helped boost her familiarity and popularity in the {{wp|swing state}}. She has become well-known for her political fighting, negotiation, and {{wp|Bipartisanship|bipartisan}} abilities, as well as being able to connect with certain {{wp|Voting bloc|voting blocs}} having held membership in all three of [[Deseret (Deseret)|Deseret's]] [[Political parties in Deseret|major political parties]] and having been an {{wp|Independent voter|independent}}.
Young was born and raised in California and served as a {{wp|Mormon mission|missionary}} for {{wp|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}, which influenced her politics regarding {{wp|poverty}}, {{wp|unemployment}}, {{wp|agriculture}}, {{wp|immigration}}, and {{wp|welfare}}. Young served in the [[California State Senate]] and as a representative from the state, which helped boost her familiarity and popularity naitionwide. She has become well-known for her political fighting, negotiation, and {{wp|Bipartisanship|bipartisan}} abilities, as well as being able to connect with certain {{wp|Voting bloc|voting blocs}}, having held membership and belief in all three of [[Political philosophies in Deseret|Deseret's major political philosophies]], from {{wp|centrism}} to {{wp|socialism}}.


Young's political beliefs have been heavily influenced by her {{wp|religion|religious}} beliefs, including self-sufficiency, charity, compassion, free agency, and families. She has structured much of her major legislation and policies on these views, including her policies on national self-sufficiency with water, energy, food, and {{wp|Balanced budget|financial resources}}, {{wp|Environmentalism|care for the planet}}, {{wp|Tax break|tax breaks}} for and endorsement of {{wp|Family|families}}, {{wp|Public–private partnership|public cooperation with private institutions}} in regards to infrastructure work, welfare, and {{wp|Unemployment benefits|unemployment programs}}, discouraging the use of substances such as {{wp|tobacco}}, {{wp|alcohol}}, and {{wp|Added sugar|sugar}}, and support of free choice in many personal matters.
Young's political beliefs have been heavily influenced by her {{wp|religion|religious}} beliefs, including self-sufficiency, charity, compassion, free agency, and families. She has structured much of her major legislation and policies on these views, including her policies on national self-sufficiency with water, energy, food, and {{wp|Balanced budget|financial resources}}, {{wp|Environmentalism|care for the planet}}, {{wp|Tax break|tax breaks}} for and endorsement of {{wp|Family|families}} (including {{wp|Nuclear family|traditional}} and non-traditional families), {{wp|Christian communism|communal ownership}} in regards to infrastructure, industry, basic living standards, and {{wp|Unemployment benefits|unemployment programs}}, discouraging the use of substances such as {{wp|tobacco}}, {{wp|alcohol}}, and {{wp|Added sugar|sugar}}, and support of free choice in most personal matters.


Young has faced condemnation from {{wp|Conservatism|conservatives}} for being too {{wp|Liberalism|liberal}} in regards to {{wp|Same-sex relationship|same-sex relationships}}, the environment, amnesty for illegal immigrants and workers, and government {{wp|Grant (money)|grants}}, {{wp|Subsidy|subsidies}}, and {{wp|State ownership|control}} over {{wp|Health care|healthcare}}, {{wp|education}}, arts, and other businesses. She has also faced backlash from liberals for being too conservative in regards to the importance of the family and religion, {{wp|Protectionism|protectionist}} trade policies, increased {{wp|Border control|border security}}, and forcing the federal government to be "politically biased" towards certain activities, groups, and substances as they relate to religion and so-called conservative values.
Young has faced condemnation from {{wp|Political moderate|moderates}} for being too {{wp|Liberalism|liberal}} in regards to {{wp|Same-sex relationship|same-sex relationships}} and protections, the environment, amnesty for illegal immigrants and workers, and increased {{wp|State ownership|government control}} and centralization over {{wp|Health care|healthcare}}, {{wp|education}}, arts, and businesses. She has also faced backlash from liberals for being too conservative in regards to the importance of the family and religion, {{wp|Protectionism|protectionist}} trade policies, increased {{wp|Border control|border security}}, and forcing the federal government to be "politically biased" towards certain activities, groups, and substances as they relate to religion and so-called conservative values.
== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Young was born 16 November 1985 in Rock Ridge, [[California (Deseret)|California]], to Jannice and Weasley Young. She is the fifth great-granddaughter of 1st president of Deseret and 2nd {{wp|President of the Church (LDS Church)|president}} and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young<ref>"Filler 1"</ref>. She attended Rock Ridge High School, where she became active in her community in service and politics as a self-described socialist<ref>"Filler 2"</ref>. She graduated in 2004 and, during her senior year, she ran for mayor of Rock Ridge.
Young was born 16 November 1985 in Rock Ridge, [[California (Deseret)|California]], to Jannice and Weasley Young. She is the fifth great-granddaughter of 1st president of Deseret and 2nd {{wp|President of the Church (LDS Church)|president}} and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young<ref>"Filler 1"</ref>. She attended Rock Ridge High School, where she became active in her community in service and politics as a self-described {{wp|Communism|communist}}<ref>"Filler 2"</ref>. She graduated in 2004 and, during her senior year, she ran for mayor of Rock Ridge.


Young campaigned on reversing decisions made by the unpopular incumbent mayor, in which much of the city's public works and maintenance departments were privatized, on increasing budget and city council, transparency, eliminating the balanced-budget ordinance, increasing funding for education, health, retirement, addiction, and homeless services, and on bringing in the next generation of young people into government and community activism<ref>"Filler 3"</ref>. She ran against an outgoing city councilor and a prominent local businessman in a contested three-way race<ref>"Filler 4"</ref>.
Young campaigned on reversing decisions made by the unpopular incumbent mayor, in which much of the city's public works and maintenance departments were privatized, on increasing budget and city council transparency, eliminating the balanced-budget ordinance, increasing funding for education, health, retirement, addiction, and homeless services, and on bringing in the next generation of young people into government and community activism<ref>"Filler 3"</ref>. She ran against an outgoing city councilor and a prominent local businessman in a contested three-way race<ref>"Filler 4"</ref>.
=== Rock Ridge mayor (2004) ===
=== Rock Ridge mayor (2004) ===
Young narrowly secured a plurality of votes and was elected as the next mayor<ref>"Filler 5"</ref>. As mayor, Young worked to pass municipal, welfare, and education reform; including a re-work of the city property tax system<ref>"Filler 6"</ref>, an increase in city grants and funding to education, health, and welfare establishments, setting up several shelters and organizations for the unemployed, uninsured, elderly, and homeless<ref>"Filler 7"</ref>, and renewing of city infrastructure in the form of repairing roads, bridges, and revitalizing the historic downtown district after de-privatizing much of the municipal government<ref>"Filler 8"</ref>. Young also helped repeal the balanced budget ordinance<ref>"Filler 9"</ref>, which opened the way for the city to increase funding for Young's newly expanded programs.
Young narrowly secured a plurality of votes and was elected as the next mayor<ref>"Filler 5"</ref>. As mayor, Young worked to pass municipal, welfare, and education reform; including a re-work of the city property tax system<ref>"Filler 6"</ref>, an increase in city grants and funding to education, health, and welfare establishments, setting up several shelters and organizations for the unemployed, uninsured, elderly, and homeless<ref>"Filler 7"</ref>, and renewing of city infrastructure in the form of repairing roads, bridges, and revitalizing the historic downtown district after de-privatizing much of the municipal government<ref>"Filler 8"</ref>. Young also helped repeal the balanced budget ordinance<ref>"Filler 9"</ref>, which opened the way for the city to increase funding for Young's newly expanded programs.
Line 76: Line 76:
After returning from her mission, Young attended {{wp|Brigham Young University}} (BYU) in 2006 before transferring to {{wp|Brigham Young University–Hawaii|BYU-Hawaii}}, where she graduated early in 2009 and earned a {{wp|Bachelor of Arts|BA}} in political science and a minor in public management<ref>"Filler 15"</ref>.
After returning from her mission, Young attended {{wp|Brigham Young University}} (BYU) in 2006 before transferring to {{wp|Brigham Young University–Hawaii|BYU-Hawaii}}, where she graduated early in 2009 and earned a {{wp|Bachelor of Arts|BA}} in political science and a minor in public management<ref>"Filler 15"</ref>.


Following her mission and post-secondary education, Young self-identified as an independent<ref>"Filler 16"</ref> and as a liberal centrist<ref>"Filler 18"</ref>.
Following her mission and post-secondary education, Young self-identified as an independent<ref>"Filler 16"</ref> and as a liberal centrist<ref>"Filler 18"</ref>. She currently identifies as a "sometimes moderate-socialist," having been shaped by her various views and beliefs over her life.
== State senate (2010-2014) ==
== State senate (2010-2014) ==
[[File:Nicole Young 2013.png.png|290px|thumb|left|Nicole Young addressing constituents during a town hall in Rock Ridge, 2011]]
[[File:Nicole Young 2013.png.png|290px|thumb|left|Nicole Young addressing constituents during a town hall in Rock Ridge, 2011]]
Young launched her main political career by running for state senator in her home district in the state of California. Running as a moderate [[Federalist Party (Deseret)|Federalist]], she won a plurality of votes in a primarily three-way race between Federalist incumbent Ben Waight and Reformist Chuck Mason<ref>"Filler 19"</ref>.
Young launched her main political career by running for state senator in her home district in the state of California. Running as under the moderate [[Federalist Party (Deseret)|Federalist party]], she won a plurality of votes in a primarily three-way race between Federalist incumbent Ben Waight and Reformist Chuck Mason<ref>"Filler 19"</ref>.


During her tenure in the senate, Young became well-known state-wide for her ambitious plans, bipartisanship, unifying ability, and refusal to back down<ref>"Filler 20"</ref>. She focused extensively on worker's and women's rights and business regulation, especially the agricultural sector, with large amounts of {{wp|Latino (demonym)|Latino}} workers. Young helped spearhead legislation that called for greater government protection of small agricultural businesses with majority Latino workers and co-authored the bi-partisan Minority Agricultural Business Protection Act in 2013 with Reformist {{wp|minority leader}} Catherina Gonzalez<ref>"Filler 21"</ref>. The legislation was used as a model by Congress and Young in 2020 for bills addressing agricultural protection, worker's rights, employment discrimination, and minority protection in businesses.
During her tenure in the senate, Young became well-known state-wide for her ambitious plans, bipartisanship, unifying ability, and refusal to back down<ref>"Filler 20"</ref>. She focused extensively on increasing worker's and women's protections and business regulation, especially within the agricultural sector with large amounts of {{wp|Latino (demonym)|Latinx}} workers. Young helped spearhead legislation that called for greater government protection of small agricultural businesses with majority Latinx workers and co-authored the bi-partisan Minority Agricultural Business Protection Act in 2013 with Reformist {{wp|minority leader}} Catherina Gonzalez<ref>"Filler 21"</ref>. The legislation was used as a model by Congress and Young in 2020 for bills addressing agricultural protection and control, worker's rights, employment discrimination, and minority protections.


Young sponsored, co-sponsored, and helped pass legislation with regard to equal rights for women and minorities in the workplace, greater worker protections and safety nets, improved welfare and unemployment systems, increased and streamlined state grant systems, protections for agricultural businesses, and integration of undocumented immigrants into the state. She backed environmental legislation and, in 2012, joined 46 other senators in petitioning the governor to act on and prepare for water shortages<ref>"Filler 36"</ref>.
Young sponsored, co-sponsored, and helped pass legislation with regard to equitable rights for women and minorities, greater worker protections and safety nets, improved welfare and unemployment systems, increased and streamlined state grant systems, protections for agricultural businesses, and integration of undocumented immigrants into the state. She backed environmental legislation and, in 2012, joined 46 other senators in petitioning the governor to act on and prepare for water shortages<ref>"Filler 36"</ref>.


[[File:Nicole Young 2014 Walkout.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Young protesting outside the state capitol during her 2014 walkout]]
[[File:Nicole Young 2014 Walkout.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Young protesting outside the state capitol during her 2014 walkout]]
On 18 January 2014 Young and a coalition of 21 Reformists and one other Federalist staged a walkout protest in response to the Federalist-controlled Senate purposefully subverting and preventing a {{wp|climate change}} bill, which Young endorsed, from leaving committee and going to a floor vote<ref>"Filler 27"</ref>. The bill would have had the State of California recognize the impacts of climate change on its agricultural industry and would set up a committee to advise the governor on climate change and environment-related issues. The walkout protest was attended by around 200-230 additional protesters<ref>"Filler 28"</ref> and gained coverage by several national news outlets<ref>"Filler 29"</ref>. While the event made Young more nationally recognized, it did little to change public perception on the issue of climate change<ref>"Filler 30"</ref>.
On 18 January 2014 Young and a coalition of 21 Reformists and three other Federalists staged a walkout protest in response to the Federalist-controlled Senate purposefully subverting and preventing a {{wp|climate change}} bill, which Young endorsed, from leaving committee and going to a floor vote<ref>"Filler 27"</ref>. The bill would have had the State of California recognize the impacts of climate change on its agricultural industry, would set up a committee to advise the governor on climate change and environment-related issues, and would declare a {{wp|state of emergency}} over climate change. The walkout protest was attended by around 200-230 additional protesters<ref>"Filler 28"</ref> and gained coverage by several national news outlets<ref>"Filler 29"</ref>. While the event made Young more nationally recognized, it did little to change public perception on the issue of climate change at the time<ref>"Filler 30"</ref>.


Young only served one {{wp|Term of office|term}} in the state senate as her moderate popularity and political goals led her to run for [[Deseret Congress|Congress]] rather than secure reelection on the state level. Young thought about running to represent California's 4th congressional district in 2012 but decided not to challenge incumbent Mark Jensen, one of the most influential Federalists in Congress<ref>"Filler 26</ref>. Young entered office with an approval rating of roughly 38% and left with an approval rating of around 67%, with her approval fluctuating between 55-65% throughout most of her term<ref>"Filler 33"</ref>.
Young only served one {{wp|Term of office|term}} in the state senate as her moderate popularity and political goals led her to run for [[Deseret Congress|Congress]] rather than secure reelection on the state level. Young thought about running to represent California's 4th congressional district in 2012 but decided not to challenge incumbent Mark Jensen, one of the most influential Federalists in Congress<ref>"Filler 26</ref>. Young entered office with an approval rating of roughly 38% and left with an approval rating of around 57%, with her approval fluctuating between 50-60% throughout most of her term<ref>"Filler 33"</ref>.
== Federal politics ==
== Federal politics ==
=== Representative (2014-2020) ===
=== Representative (2014-2020) ===
In 2013 Jensen announced he would not seek reelection after eight terms in office. Young and eight other candidates participated in one of the largest and most competitive House primaries in the nation<ref>"Filler 31"</ref>. Young was endorsed by Jensen<ref>"Filler 32"</ref> and won with a plurality of votes in the primary. In the general election, she won against Reformist Terri Johnson, who later became the [[Deseret Secretary of Health and Welfare|Secretary of Health and Welfare]] under Young's administration.
In 2013 Jensen announced he would not seek reelection after eight terms in office. Young and eight other candidates participated in one of the largest and most competitive House primaries in the nation<ref>"Filler 31"</ref>. Young was endorsed by Jensen<ref>"Filler 32"</ref> and won with a plurality of votes in the primary. In the general election she ran on a campaign of rooting our corruption in the House and won against Reformist Terri Johnson, who later became the [[Deseret Secretary of Health and Welfare|Secretary of Health and Welfare]] under Young's administration.
==== 2014-2015 ====
==== 2014-2015 ====
In the House, Young quickly rose in popularity as the endorsed replacement of one of the Federalist's most influential members. Her commencement speech in the House garnered national attention as she called attention to the large and inefficient government bureaucracy and large amounts of corruption in the legislative and judicial branches. She affirmed her committment to streamlining government proccesses and countering corrupt officials. Her anti-bureaucracy and anti-corruption stances helped her gain national popularity<ref>"Filler 34"</ref>.
In the House, Young quickly rose in popularity as the endorsed replacement of one of the Federalist's most influential members. Her commencement speech in the House garnered national attention as she called attention to the large and inefficient government bureaucracy and large amounts of corruption in the legislative and judicial branches. She affirmed her committment to streamlining government proccesses and countering corrupt officials. Her anti-bureaucracy and anti-corruption stances helped her gain national popularity<ref>"Filler 34"</ref>.
Line 97: Line 97:
==== 2018-2019 ====
==== 2018-2019 ====
==== 2020 ====
==== 2020 ====
Young authored legislation to increase and streamline welfare and unemployment benefits, increase federal subsidies for agriculture and healthcare, and integrate illegal immigrants into the country while strengthening border security. Young faced scrutiny for "socialist-leaning" beliefs in eliminating the death penalty, increasing taxes on the wealthy, increasing government funding for education and healthcare, legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, and increasing rights and representation for women and racial minorities. Young switched to the Reform party in 2015 but continued to win general elections in her historically Federalist district.
Young authored legislation to increase and streamline welfare and unemployment benefits, increase federal subsidies, research, and regulation for agriculture and healthcare, and integrate illegal immigrants into the country while strengthening border security. Young faced scrutiny from other moderate Federalists for "socialist-leaning" beliefs in eliminating the death penalty, dramatically increasing taxes on the wealthy, increasing government funding and control over education and healthcare, strengthening LGBTQIA+ protections, reworking the marriage and adoption systems, and increasing rights and representation for women and racial minorities. Young switched to the more liberal and socially-minded Reform party in 2015 but continued to win general elections in her historically Federalist district.


In 2016, Young became the majority leader in the House of Representatives. Young helped push through much of her legislation including mandatory paid maternity leave, rights of same-sex couples to adopt and foster children, increased subsidies for private agricultural businesses, increased tariffs on agricultural and electronic products, higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline, increased use of renewable energy, tax breaks for married couples, children, electric vehicles, and solar panels, increased scholarships for college, increased funding for K-12 schools, strengthened border security, reduce of wasteful and inefficient government programs, reduction in government spying abilities in the name of counter-terrorism, increased fiscal responsibility, and increased aid to underdeveloped nations. Due to Federalist influence in the Senate and control of the Executive Branch, however, none of Young's sponsored and authored legislation passed; although she found increased popularity in the eyes of the public for her resiliency and failure to comply with government norms<ref>"Filler 37"</ref>.
In 2016, Young became the majority leader in the House of Representatives. Young helped push through much of her legislation including expanded mandatory paid maternity leave, rights of same-sex couples to adopt and foster children, increased control over agricultural businesses, increased tariffs on agricultural and electronic products, higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline, increased use of renewable energy, reworked tax breaks for married couples, children, electric vehicles, and solar panels, increased funding for college and PreK-12 schools, strengthened border security, streamlining of wasteful, inefficient, and corrupt government programs, reduction in government spying abilities in the name of counter-terrorism and safety, increased fiscal responsibility, and increased aid to underdeveloped nations. Due to Federalist influence in the Senate and control of the Executive Branch, however, none of Young's sponsored and authored legislation passed; although she found increased popularity in the eyes of the public for her resiliency and failure to comply with government norms<ref>"Filler 37"</ref>.
=== Speaker of the House (2018-2020) ===
=== Speaker of the House (2018-2020) ===
[[File:Speaker Nicole Young 2018 Midterms.jpg|330px|thumb|left|Young addressing the press on her new position as Speaker of the House after the commencement of the 85th Congres in 2018]]
[[File:Speaker Nicole Young 2018 Midterms.jpg|330px|thumb|left|Young addressing the press on her new position as Speaker of the House after the commencement of the 85th Congres in 2018]]
Line 111: Line 111:
== Political positions ==
== Political positions ==
=== International trade ===
=== International trade ===
=== Subsidies ===
=== Education ===
=== Education ===
=== Healthcare ===
=== Healthcare ===
=== State-owned industry ===
=== State-owned industry ===
=== Women's and minority rights ===
=== Women's and minority rights ===
=== LGBTQ+ Rights ===
=== LGBTQIA+ Rights ===
=== Religious freedom ===
=== Religious freedom ===
=== Crime ===
=== Crime ===
Line 365: Line 364:
== References ==
== References ==


[[Category:People]][[Category: Politicians]]
[[Category:Deseret (Deseret)]][[Category:People]][[Category: Politicians]][[Category:Deseretian politicians]]

Latest revision as of 23:35, 14 May 2023

Nicole Young
Nicole Young 2020.png
27th President of Deseret
Assumed office
15 June 2020
Vice PresidentMadison West
Preceded byCarla Chaufman
41st Speaker of the House of Representatives
In office
4 June 2018 – 1 June 2020
Preceded byGregory Duncan
Succeeded byMartha Vanderbilt
Member of the House of Representatives from California's 4th district
In office
2 June 2014 – 1 June 2020
Preceded byMark Jensen
Succeeded byNancy Douglass
Member of the California State Senate from the 23rd district
In office
20 May 2010 – 15 May 2014
Preceded byAaron Wright
Succeeded byJeremiah Langley
Mayor of Rock Ridge, California
In office
25 June 2004 – 13 December 2004
Preceded byEleanora Peasley
Succeeded byJessica Lopez
Personal details
Born (1985-11-16) November 16, 1985 (age 39)
Rock Ridge, California
Political partyReform
Other political
affiliations
Deseret Union (2003-2006)

Independent (2006-2009)

Federalist (2009-2015)
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)[2]
SpouseJohn Macky (m. 2013)
Children3
Parents
  • Weasley Young (father)
  • Jannice Young (mother)
Alma materBrigham Young University (BA)
Salary$405,000[1]

Nicole Annyta Young (born 16 November 1985), often stylized and known as Nicole A. Young, is a Deseretian politician who currently serves as the 27th president of Deseret. A member of the Reform party, she served as mayor of Rock Ridge, California in 2004, a state senator from 2010 to 2014, a representative from 2014 to 2020, and as Speaker of the Deseret House of Representative from 2018 to 2020. Young is the 5th woman, the 3rd direct descendant of Brigham Young, and the youngest person to hold the office of president, at age 34 when she was sworn in.

Young was born and raised in California and served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which influenced her politics regarding poverty, unemployment, agriculture, immigration, and welfare. Young served in the California State Senate and as a representative from the state, which helped boost her familiarity and popularity naitionwide. She has become well-known for her political fighting, negotiation, and bipartisan abilities, as well as being able to connect with certain voting blocs, having held membership and belief in all three of Deseret's major political philosophies, from centrism to socialism.

Young's political beliefs have been heavily influenced by her religious beliefs, including self-sufficiency, charity, compassion, free agency, and families. She has structured much of her major legislation and policies on these views, including her policies on national self-sufficiency with water, energy, food, and financial resources, care for the planet, tax breaks for and endorsement of families (including traditional and non-traditional families), communal ownership in regards to infrastructure, industry, basic living standards, and unemployment programs, discouraging the use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugar, and support of free choice in most personal matters.

Young has faced condemnation from moderates for being too liberal in regards to same-sex relationships and protections, the environment, amnesty for illegal immigrants and workers, and increased government control and centralization over healthcare, education, arts, and businesses. She has also faced backlash from liberals for being too conservative in regards to the importance of the family and religion, protectionist trade policies, increased border security, and forcing the federal government to be "politically biased" towards certain activities, groups, and substances as they relate to religion and so-called conservative values.

Early life

Young was born 16 November 1985 in Rock Ridge, California, to Jannice and Weasley Young. She is the fifth great-granddaughter of 1st president of Deseret and 2nd president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Brigham Young[3]. She attended Rock Ridge High School, where she became active in her community in service and politics as a self-described communist[4]. She graduated in 2004 and, during her senior year, she ran for mayor of Rock Ridge.

Young campaigned on reversing decisions made by the unpopular incumbent mayor, in which much of the city's public works and maintenance departments were privatized, on increasing budget and city council transparency, eliminating the balanced-budget ordinance, increasing funding for education, health, retirement, addiction, and homeless services, and on bringing in the next generation of young people into government and community activism[5]. She ran against an outgoing city councilor and a prominent local businessman in a contested three-way race[6].

Rock Ridge mayor (2004)

Young narrowly secured a plurality of votes and was elected as the next mayor[7]. As mayor, Young worked to pass municipal, welfare, and education reform; including a re-work of the city property tax system[8], an increase in city grants and funding to education, health, and welfare establishments, setting up several shelters and organizations for the unemployed, uninsured, elderly, and homeless[9], and renewing of city infrastructure in the form of repairing roads, bridges, and revitalizing the historic downtown district after de-privatizing much of the municipal government[10]. Young also helped repeal the balanced budget ordinance[11], which opened the way for the city to increase funding for Young's newly expanded programs.

With mixed popularity, Young resigned from her mayoral position in December 2004 after she had come to the conclusion to drop her political duties as a way to revitalize her spiritual standing[12]. She appointed Jessica Lopez as her replacement, who worked to continue much of the work Young had done and implement many of her policies[13].

Missionary service

Young decided to serve a full-time, 18-month, proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ in Tanzania[14], where she learned Swahili, which she still speaks fluently[15]. During her mission, Young's political beliefs and philosophy were reshaped by her interactions with poverty, violence, and the local economy and culture[16].

After returning from her mission, Young attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2006 before transferring to BYU-Hawaii, where she graduated early in 2009 and earned a BA in political science and a minor in public management[17].

Following her mission and post-secondary education, Young self-identified as an independent[18] and as a liberal centrist[19]. She currently identifies as a "sometimes moderate-socialist," having been shaped by her various views and beliefs over her life.

State senate (2010-2014)

Nicole Young addressing constituents during a town hall in Rock Ridge, 2011

Young launched her main political career by running for state senator in her home district in the state of California. Running as under the moderate Federalist party, she won a plurality of votes in a primarily three-way race between Federalist incumbent Ben Waight and Reformist Chuck Mason[20].

During her tenure in the senate, Young became well-known state-wide for her ambitious plans, bipartisanship, unifying ability, and refusal to back down[21]. She focused extensively on increasing worker's and women's protections and business regulation, especially within the agricultural sector with large amounts of Latinx workers. Young helped spearhead legislation that called for greater government protection of small agricultural businesses with majority Latinx workers and co-authored the bi-partisan Minority Agricultural Business Protection Act in 2013 with Reformist minority leader Catherina Gonzalez[22]. The legislation was used as a model by Congress and Young in 2020 for bills addressing agricultural protection and control, worker's rights, employment discrimination, and minority protections.

Young sponsored, co-sponsored, and helped pass legislation with regard to equitable rights for women and minorities, greater worker protections and safety nets, improved welfare and unemployment systems, increased and streamlined state grant systems, protections for agricultural businesses, and integration of undocumented immigrants into the state. She backed environmental legislation and, in 2012, joined 46 other senators in petitioning the governor to act on and prepare for water shortages[23].

Young protesting outside the state capitol during her 2014 walkout

On 18 January 2014 Young and a coalition of 21 Reformists and three other Federalists staged a walkout protest in response to the Federalist-controlled Senate purposefully subverting and preventing a climate change bill, which Young endorsed, from leaving committee and going to a floor vote[24]. The bill would have had the State of California recognize the impacts of climate change on its agricultural industry, would set up a committee to advise the governor on climate change and environment-related issues, and would declare a state of emergency over climate change. The walkout protest was attended by around 200-230 additional protesters[25] and gained coverage by several national news outlets[26]. While the event made Young more nationally recognized, it did little to change public perception on the issue of climate change at the time[27].

Young only served one term in the state senate as her moderate popularity and political goals led her to run for Congress rather than secure reelection on the state level. Young thought about running to represent California's 4th congressional district in 2012 but decided not to challenge incumbent Mark Jensen, one of the most influential Federalists in Congress[28]. Young entered office with an approval rating of roughly 38% and left with an approval rating of around 57%, with her approval fluctuating between 50-60% throughout most of her term[29].

Federal politics

Representative (2014-2020)

In 2013 Jensen announced he would not seek reelection after eight terms in office. Young and eight other candidates participated in one of the largest and most competitive House primaries in the nation[30]. Young was endorsed by Jensen[31] and won with a plurality of votes in the primary. In the general election she ran on a campaign of rooting our corruption in the House and won against Reformist Terri Johnson, who later became the Secretary of Health and Welfare under Young's administration.

2014-2015

In the House, Young quickly rose in popularity as the endorsed replacement of one of the Federalist's most influential members. Her commencement speech in the House garnered national attention as she called attention to the large and inefficient government bureaucracy and large amounts of corruption in the legislative and judicial branches. She affirmed her committment to streamlining government proccesses and countering corrupt officials. Her anti-bureaucracy and anti-corruption stances helped her gain national popularity[32].

2016-2017

2018-2019

2020

Young authored legislation to increase and streamline welfare and unemployment benefits, increase federal subsidies, research, and regulation for agriculture and healthcare, and integrate illegal immigrants into the country while strengthening border security. Young faced scrutiny from other moderate Federalists for "socialist-leaning" beliefs in eliminating the death penalty, dramatically increasing taxes on the wealthy, increasing government funding and control over education and healthcare, strengthening LGBTQIA+ protections, reworking the marriage and adoption systems, and increasing rights and representation for women and racial minorities. Young switched to the more liberal and socially-minded Reform party in 2015 but continued to win general elections in her historically Federalist district.

In 2016, Young became the majority leader in the House of Representatives. Young helped push through much of her legislation including expanded mandatory paid maternity leave, rights of same-sex couples to adopt and foster children, increased control over agricultural businesses, increased tariffs on agricultural and electronic products, higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline, increased use of renewable energy, reworked tax breaks for married couples, children, electric vehicles, and solar panels, increased funding for college and PreK-12 schools, strengthened border security, streamlining of wasteful, inefficient, and corrupt government programs, reduction in government spying abilities in the name of counter-terrorism and safety, increased fiscal responsibility, and increased aid to underdeveloped nations. Due to Federalist influence in the Senate and control of the Executive Branch, however, none of Young's sponsored and authored legislation passed; although she found increased popularity in the eyes of the public for her resiliency and failure to comply with government norms[33].

Speaker of the House (2018-2020)

Young addressing the press on her new position as Speaker of the House after the commencement of the 85th Congres in 2018

2020 presidential campaign

Presidency (2020-present)

Inauguration

2020

Economic growth

2021

2022

Political positions

International trade

Education

Healthcare

State-owned industry

Women's and minority rights

LGBTQIA+ Rights

Religious freedom

Crime

Electoral history

2004

2004 Rock Ridge, California mayoral election[34]
Party Candidate Votes %
Deseret Union Nicole A. Young 7,950 34.7
Independent Donald McDonough 7,927 34.6
Federalist Joseph Zatos 7,034 30.7
Total votes 22,911 100.0

2010

2010 California's 23rd State Senate district general election[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Federalist Nicole A. Young 18,890 33.7
Federalist Ben Waight 18,721 33.4
Reform Chuck Mason 87,441 32.9
Total votes 56,052 100.0

2014

2014 California's 4th congressional district Federalist primary[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Federalist Nicole A. Young 4,979 21.5
Federalist Matthew Miles 3,312 14.3
Federalist Pennee Curtis 3,288 14.2
Federalist Lisa August 3,173 13.7
Federalist Jacob Karowski 3,149 13.6
Federalist April Files 2,362 10.2
Federalist Jung Tin 1,482 6.4
Federalist Stannis Young 926 4.0
Federalist Josefina Meyer 486 2.1
Total votes 23,157 100.0
2014 California's 4th congressional district general election[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Federalist Nicole A. Young 48,301 58.4
Reform Terri Johnson 32,916 39.8
Independent Kacyee Tougee 1,488 1.8
Total votes 82,705 100.0

2016

2016 California's 4th congressional district Reformist primary[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Reform Nicole A. Young 16,215 89.9
Reform Saul Kyrk 1,822 10.1
Total votes 18,037 100.0
2016 California's 4th congressional district general election[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Reform Nicole A. Young 51,014 54.7
Federalist Pennee Curtis 39,916 42.8
Independent Saul Kyrk 2,331 2.5
Total votes 93,261 100.0

2018

2018 California's 4th congressional district Reformist primary[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Reform Nicole A. Young 21,638 100.0
Total votes 21,638 100.0
2018 California's 4th congressional district general election[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Reform Nicole A. Young 50,659 61.4
Federalist Alejandro Taitum 31,105 37.7
Independent Cecil B. Abrams 743 0.9
Total votes 82,507 100.0

2019

2019 California's 4th congressional district recall election[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Reform Nicole A. Young 45,577 68.3
Federalist Matthew Miles 21,154 31.7
Total votes 66,731 100.0

Personal life

Nicole Young attended Brigham Young University and Graduated from BYU-Hawaii in 2009. She married John Macky while she served in the California State Senate on 14 May 2013[43]. She currently has three children: twins Susan Jannice and Emma Smith (b. 2016) and Ephraim Hadley (b. 2018) [44]. Young is fluent in Swahili and Spanish [45]. She and her family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

References

  1. "Filler 17"
  2. "Filler 44"
  3. "Filler 1"
  4. "Filler 2"
  5. "Filler 3"
  6. "Filler 4"
  7. "Filler 5"
  8. "Filler 6"
  9. "Filler 7"
  10. "Filler 8"
  11. "Filler 9"
  12. "Filler 10"
  13. "Filler 11"
  14. "Filler 12"
  15. "Filler 13"
  16. "Filler 14"
  17. "Filler 15"
  18. "Filler 16"
  19. "Filler 18"
  20. "Filler 19"
  21. "Filler 20"
  22. "Filler 21"
  23. "Filler 36"
  24. "Filler 27"
  25. "Filler 28"
  26. "Filler 29"
  27. "Filler 30"
  28. "Filler 26
  29. "Filler 33"
  30. "Filler 31"
  31. "Filler 32"
  32. "Filler 34"
  33. "Filler 37"
  34. "Filler 22"
  35. "Filler 23"
  36. "Filler 24"
  37. "Filler 25"
  38. "Filler 35"
  39. "Filler 38"
  40. "Filler 39"
  41. "Filler 40"
  42. "Filler 41"
  43. "Filler 42"
  44. "Filler 43"
  45. "Filler 45"