In this powerful episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, Meredyth Willits sits down with TikTok creator, mother of three, and fierce grassroots candidate Jessica Anderson—aka @jessanderson4virginia—who is literally running for change.

What started as raw, relatable TikToks about motherhood and mental health has evolved into a full-blown campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates (District 71). Jessica’s story is one of bold pivots, deep personal values, and unshakable courage to do more than talk—she’s walking the walk all the way to the polls.

Together, they unpack: ✅ How running on food stamps, purple hair, and purpose created real political momentum ✅ The true cost of grassroots campaigns—and why she’s still going ✅ How her lived experiences with divorce, abortion, and public assistance fuel her policy priorities ✅ Why relatable women who’ve touched the hot stove belong in public office ✅ The burnout of “trad wife” expectations and why it’s time to rethink political leadership

They also talk about parenting in the spotlight, building resilience through TikTok, surviving death threats, and why campaign finance reform and term limits aren’t just buzzwords—they’re a necessity.

If you’ve ever thought, “Someone like me could never run for office,” this episode will challenge that idea. This is the real behind-the-scenes of what it means to be a candidate who’s already fighting the system from the inside out.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Jessica is:✨ Turning adversity into advocacy ✨ Using TikTok as a launchpad for civic change ✨ Building voter trust with nothing but truth, grit, and a hell of a lot of walking shoes ✨ Proving that everyday moms belong in power

Support her campaign, follow her story, and remember: politics should start with the people—not PACs.

Show Notes

00:00 Meet Jessica Anderson, “Crazy Mother Runner” turned delegate candidate 02:00 Purple hair, TikTok, and political loudness 05:00 From abortion stigma to policy passion 10:00 Rebuilding after divorce, public assistance, and finding her fire 14:00 The failed Congress run that lit a new path 20:00 Facing trolls, threats, and mailer smear campaigns 25:00 Term limits, power hoarding, and who really gets heard in politics 30:00 Being a campaign mom (and why Taco Bell is sometimes the fuel) 35:00 The weight of grassroots work, and staying fresh under pressure 40:00 TikTok’s role in radical empathy, education, and boldness 45:00 The value of showing up authentically—online and in your district 50:00 Final thoughts + where to support Jessica’s campaign

🔗 Connect with Jessica Anderson: TikTok: @jessanderson4virginia Instagram: @jessanderson4virginia Facebook: Jessica Anderson for VA House of Delegates

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🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube

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👉 Ready to get involved, get inspired, or just get real? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to care enough to show up.