In this interview, American Promise’s Young Americans Network Coordinator Grace Hall is joined by Cyrus Hosseini, a graduate of the University of Houston and a member of American Promise’s Young Americans Council, to discuss the role of young people in getting money out of politics.
Can you start by telling me a little bit about yourself?
I’ve been engaged in political advocacy since high school and have spent the past few years working as a staffer in the Texas Legislature on issues ranging from public education to healthcare access. My work is rooted in a belief that policy should reflect the needs and voices of everyday people, not special interests.
Getting money out of politics isn’t necessarily an issue that is top of mind for many young people. How did you first become interested in campaign finance reform?
As someone who’s been active in organizing and advocacy, I’ve seen how unchecked political spending influences everything — from whether climate legislation gets heard to how education budgets are shaped. Working inside the legislature only made that clearer: M oney in politics isn’t a side issue — it’s the roadblock standing in the way of so many other priorities young people care about.
In your opinion, why is getting rid of corruption and dark money in our political system so important for young people especially?
Young people are inheriting the consequences of a system too often shaped by corporate donors and billionaires instead of voters. If we want a future where our voices matter — on climate, education, justice, or healthcare — we have to fix the rules that let money drown us out.
What is one issue that you would like to address with the passage of the For Our Freedom Amendment? (Ex: climate change, the pharmaceutical industry, gun violence, etc.)
Climate change. My generation is living with the accelerating impacts of a crisis that powerful industries have spent millions to stall action on. Real progress requires a political system where facts, science, and public interest outweigh dark money.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the Young Americans Council?
I want to help galvanize more young people to see campaign finance reform not as a technical or distant issue, but as a foundational fight for our future. Through education and organizing, I hope to build momentum and broaden the movement for a democracy that truly reflects all of us.
What do you see as the barriers to passing the For Our Freedom Amendment, and what can we do to break down those barriers?
In my view, one of the biggest barriers is the belief that change isn’t possible — that the system is too rigged to fix. We have to challenge that cynicism by showing that progress is being made, building broad, cross-partisan coalitions, and connecting this issue to the real-world concerns people face every day.
How are you politically involved in your own community?
I serve on the executive board of my county’s Young Democrats and regularly volunteer on local and state campaigns. For anyone looking to get involved, my advice is simple: start local. Go to a community meeting, knock on a few doors, or show up to support a cause you care about. The first step is showing up.
What would you say to other young people as a call to action?
This is our future — and our voice matters. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Whether it’s through your vote, your voice, or your advocacy, get involved and help build the political system we deserve.
