Follow Jordan's campaign at electjordan.com

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Jordan Wood, a US Senate candidate from Maine. Jordan discusses his background in combating corruption through his work with Democracy First and End Citizens United. He outlines his 2026 campaign priorities, focusing on fighting political corruption, democracy reform, and addressing key affordability issues such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. Jordan shares his experiences living in Maine and Washington, DC, his stance on bipartisan cooperation, and the impact of big money in politics. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust with voters through transparency and engagement, including his commitment to holding regular town halls. The episode concludes with Jordan's reflections on personal motivations, his family life with his husband and daughter, and his deep connection to the community in Maine.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:26 Meet Jordan Wood: A Senate Candidate from Maine
01:32 Jordan's Motivation for Running
03:28 Tackling Political Corruption and Money in Politics
05:37 Personal Stories and Campaign Finance Reform
16:55 The Role of a Senator and Serving Constituents
32:48 The Power of Failure and Resilience
33:03 Campaign Strategies and Trust Building
33:56 Political System and Reality TV Analogy
34:39 Town Halls and Voter Engagement
35:41 Affordability Crisis and Childcare
36:15 High Voter Turnout in Maine
38:52 Community Organizing and Political Mobilization
40:26 Demographic Shifts and Economic Impact
47:59 Healthcare and Economic Decisions
49:00 Campaign Goals and Future Vision
53:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
58:50 Conclusion and Podcast Information