Listen "EP13: Here’s What It Looks Like to Run For Office in Texas"
Episode Synopsis
What does it really mean to run for office in Texas today? Topher Williams talks with Odus Evbagharu, a millennial organizer and Houston native, about what it takes to fight for working families in a state where politics often feels out of reach.
Odus breaks down how issues like health care, education, and wages shape daily life across Texas and why every campaign should start with those kitchen table concerns. He also explains how redistricting tilts the playing field and what it takes to push back with clarity and heart.
Rooted in his story as the son of Nigerian immigrants, Odus shares a vision of leadership grounded in community, service, and love for the people the government is meant to serve. If you’ve ever wondered what change in Texas could look like from the ground up, this conversation offers both the blueprint and the belief that it’s possible.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Houston: The Heart of Texas
03:11 Empowering Millennial Leadership
06:00 Redistricting and Its Implications
08:50 The Immigrant Experience in Houston
11:49 Inspiration from Barack Obama
17:55 Optimism and Activism in Texas
23:26 Texas: A Dual Energy Powerhouse
24:51 Diversity in Progressivism
26:40 Kitchen Table Issues Matter
28:23 Welcoming Conversations in Progressivism
31:03 Embracing Discomfort for Change
34:21 Economic Realities vs. Social Issues
39:17 Connecting with the Community
Connect with Odus Evbagharu:
Visit Odus Evbagharu for Texas
Connect with Odus on LinkedIn
Follow Odus on Instagram
Follow Odus on Facebook
Connect with Topher Williams:
Visit the Participation Trophy website
Connect with Topher on LinkedIn
Follow Topher on Instagram
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Odus breaks down how issues like health care, education, and wages shape daily life across Texas and why every campaign should start with those kitchen table concerns. He also explains how redistricting tilts the playing field and what it takes to push back with clarity and heart.
Rooted in his story as the son of Nigerian immigrants, Odus shares a vision of leadership grounded in community, service, and love for the people the government is meant to serve. If you’ve ever wondered what change in Texas could look like from the ground up, this conversation offers both the blueprint and the belief that it’s possible.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Houston: The Heart of Texas
03:11 Empowering Millennial Leadership
06:00 Redistricting and Its Implications
08:50 The Immigrant Experience in Houston
11:49 Inspiration from Barack Obama
17:55 Optimism and Activism in Texas
23:26 Texas: A Dual Energy Powerhouse
24:51 Diversity in Progressivism
26:40 Kitchen Table Issues Matter
28:23 Welcoming Conversations in Progressivism
31:03 Embracing Discomfort for Change
34:21 Economic Realities vs. Social Issues
39:17 Connecting with the Community
Connect with Odus Evbagharu:
Visit Odus Evbagharu for Texas
Connect with Odus on LinkedIn
Follow Odus on Instagram
Follow Odus on Facebook
Connect with Topher Williams:
Visit the Participation Trophy website
Connect with Topher on LinkedIn
Follow Topher on Instagram
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
More episodes of the podcast Participation Trophy
EP14: This is How We Win Young People
28/11/2025
EP06: Everything is More Fabulous in Texas
18/07/2025
EP04: Why Registering to Vote Still Matters
04/07/2025
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