Profile in Focus | Howie Hawkins
“Howie Hawkins” by under public domain by GreenIn2010.
Once upon a time in the early 1990s, a man named Howie Hawkins stepped into the limelight, determined to change the landscape of American politics. Born on December 8, 1952, in San Francisco, California, Howie grew up with a passion for activism and social justice. As a young man, he marched in protests against the Vietnam War and championed the causes of civil rights and environmental protection.
Howie Hawkins, a prominent figure in the Green Party of the United States, has carved a path in grassroots activism and political candidacy over the years. His journey, marked by advocacy, campaigns, and party involvement, showcases his commitment to progressive policies and challenging the two-party system.
On August 27, 1991, at the District Building in Washington, D.C., members of the Green Party-USA held a press conference to officially announce their formation. Charles Betz, a member of the National Coordinating Committee of The Greens, began the event, acknowledging the delayed arrival of Hilda Mason, a District of Columbia councilwoman who was hosting the conference. Betz introduced himself, along with Howie Hawkins and Joni Whitmore, all elected members of The Greens Coordinating Committee. They provided brief statements about the party's formation and plans before opening the floor to questions.
Howie Hawkins, a co-founder of The Greens, explained the party's new structure, emphasizing the creation of a national membership organization called The Greens, which comprised local chapters engaged in various political activities. They also established The Green Party-USA, a political action committee for electoral campaigns, and the Green Education Fund, a non-profit corporation for public education and community-based initiatives. All three entities would be accountable to the rank-and-file membership.
Hawkins highlighted The Greens' commitment to the four pillars of Green politics: ecology, peace, social justice, and grassroots democracy. He mentioned that they had over 300 community-based Green groups across the nation, with some already participating in electoral politics, having elected more independent candidates to office than any national alternative party since the 1930s.
Hawkins emphasized that The Greens aimed to be a year-round, grassroots democratic political organization that offered politics based on values, in contrast to the Democrats and Republicans, who primarily relied on financial contributions and political favors. The Greens promoted sustainability, economic democracy, cooperatives, and a focus on renewable energy and resources.
Joni Whitmore, chair of the Alaska Green Party, addressed the audience, emphasizing the party's environmental focus. She stressed the need to protect the environment and the interconnections between society and the economy. Whitmore explained that The Greens sought to build consensus for a sustainable environment and economy while recognizing the challenges, especially in Alaska, where oil dependency posed significant problems.
Charles Betz highlighted the Green Party-USA's "Solar Power Through Community Power" plan, which aimed to promote sustainable energy through grassroots democratic action. He urged the public to challenge the control of energy resources by conglomerates like Exxon.
In response to questions, The Greens' representatives discussed their membership numbers, fundraising efforts, and plans for expanding ballot access. They acknowledged variations in the focus on national and local elections across different states. Some states were expected to achieve ballot status soon, while others faced more complex requirements.
During the conference, Hilda Mason expressed her support for the Greens, emphasizing their ecological and inclusive values. She believed that working together with The Greens and the Statehood Party would lead to a stronger alternative political presence in the District of Columbia.
The conference concluded with a positive outlook for The Greens' future, focusing on their commitment to sustainability, democracy, and grassroots activism.
Official Formation of the Green Party-USA – C-SPAN August 27, 1991
In 2010, Howie Hawkins made a bold move by running for governor of New York. He received support not only from the Green Party but also from socialist organizations, highlighting his ability to bridge different progressive movements. As one of the candidates in the Albany Governor Debate, Howie's presence on the stage captured attention, and his views on issues like affordable housing and income inequality resonated with many voters.
During the election campaign, Howie faced a tough battle against other candidates, but his strong performance in debates and tireless campaigning earned him significant support. In the 2010 gubernatorial election, Hawkins participated in debates that received media attention. The Albany Governor Debate, covered by The New York Times and NBC News, presented an opportunity for Hawkins to share his policy proposals and alternative perspectives. The memorable phrase "The rent is too damn high" became a highlight of the debate, demonstrating Hawkins' presence and contributions on the political stage. Although Hawkins' performance may have been overshadowed by the viral "rent is too damn high" moment, his presence was a testament to his commitment to the Green Party's platform.
Hawkins' candidacies were instrumental in securing ballot access and party status for the Green Party. His votes in the 2010 gubernatorial race, reported by The Post-Standard, helped the Green Party achieve recognition and significance in New York politics. This pattern continued when Hawkins ran for Syracuse Common Council in 2011 and 2013, as covered by The Post-Standard and WRVO NPR. His campaigns not only aimed at local offices but also aimed to promote Green Party policies, such as advocating for higher state aid and city income tax.
However, Howie's journey was not without challenges. In 2011, he decided to run for Syracuse Common Council, hoping to bring his vision of progressive policies to the city level. The race was tough, with an opponent favored by the party establishment. Although Howie fought hard and gained the endorsement of local newspapers, he narrowly lost the election.
Undeterred by defeat, Howie remained committed to his principles and continued his activism. In 2013, he once again entered the Syracuse Common Council race, advocating for higher state aid and a city income tax to support essential services. While he secured significant support, the election resulted in another loss for Howie.
Despite facing challenges and being unsuccessful in some elections, Hawkins remained steadfast in his commitment to progressive policies. His run for city auditor in 2015, as reported by The Daily Orange, demonstrated his dedication to addressing local issues through Green Party principles. Although he was not elected, his campaigns consistently highlighted his support for policies like reinstating the Erie Canal and increasing state aid.
Hawkins' persistence led him to the national stage as he launched multiple bids for president. In 2018, he announced his intention to run for the Green Party's nomination, as reported by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. His reasons for running, as stated in interviews with WXXI News | NPR and other outlets, included his desire to advocate for progressive policies and challenge the two-party duopoly. Hawkins' commitment to his party's platform led to his eventual nomination as the Green Party's presidential candidate in 2020, as reported by The Post-Standard and The Hill. While third-party candidates like Howie faced significant challenges in gaining national visibility, he continued to rally support from those who believed in his vision for a more just and sustainable America.
Hawkins' presidential campaign garnered attention and raised important policy discussions. His views on various issues, such as foreign policy and the environment, were discussed in interviews with various outlets like POLITICO and WRVO NPR. However, his presence faced challenges, including legal battles over ballot access, as seen in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Despite these hurdles, Hawkins' commitment to the Green Party's values and his persistence in the political arena demonstrated his dedication to providing an alternative voice and choice for voters.
In the 2020 presidential election, Howie Hawkins' name appeared on the ballots in several states. Despite not achieving a significant percentage of the national vote, he remained steadfast in his belief that the Green Party's message and policies were essential for the future of the nation.
After the 2020 election, Howie Hawkins set his sights on a new endeavor—running for governor of New York. He believed that his extensive experience in politics and dedication to progressive values could make a difference in the state's governance. The campaign received attention from various media outlets, highlighting Howie's commitment to the Green Party's platform and the potential impact of his candidacy.
Howie's journey in American politics has been characterized by perseverance and dedication to his principles. From the early days of the Green Party to his presidential run and gubernatorial campaign, he has remained true to his belief in a more just and equitable society. While the road may have been challenging at times, Howie Hawkins' legacy as a progressive advocate and political trailblazer is firmly established in the annals of U.S. politics.
Written with ChatGPT on August 18, 2023