Meet the 18-Year-Old Who is Running for Governor of Rhode Island

Friday, July 22, 2022

GoLocalProv News Editor Kate Nagle

 

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Zach Hurwitz. PHOTO: Campaign

Zach Hurwitz wants to be Governor of Rhode Island. 

At just 18 years of age, he is legally allowed to run for the office. Now, it appears he is on the path to be on the ballot in November as an independent candidate. 

The Saunderstown resident gathered 1.112 validated signatures  — the requirement is 1,000 — and the Secretary of State’s office shows that over 500 have been certified as of Thursday. 

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So who is Hurwitz — who just graduated from high school and is headed to URI in the fall — and why does he want to be Governor?

GoLocal spoke with the teenager about his aspirations — and motivations. 

 

Policy Over Party 

Hurwitz — who graduated from the engineering program at North Kingstown High School this year — said it was during the pandemic that he got to thinking about running for office. 

“It was when COVID came around, and a lot of people were just sitting around watching TV. I was looking at ways I could get involved in politics, and I knew immediately I wanted to run for Governor when I became eligible,” said Hurwitz, who said he hopes to inspire people with his campaign. 

“Young people just don’t vote as much,” he said. 

So why does a political neophyte want to start off running for the state’s highest office?

“I’m not the only one running with no political experience,” quipped Hurwitz -- a possible reference to corporate CEO Helena Foulkes. 

“Town Council and School Committee are important positions but don’t generate as much noise as running for Governor," he said. "I want to run and make a statement and be an inspiration.”

Hurwitz said he does not believe his youth is a hindrance and noted that his family moved around the country around growing up, which has shaped his worldview. 

“We lived in Connecticut, and then in Austin, Texas, which really gave me a perspective about how diverse the world is,” said Hurwitz, before his family moved back to Rhode Island.

It was his grandfather — a WW II veteran — that first inspired him to become interested in diplomacy, said Hurwitz, before he turned his attention to politics. 

“The political landscape has become so toxic. I saw the need for moderation,” said Hurwitz, noting that people he admires include Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw of Texas — and locally, former independent turned Democratic gubernatorial candidate Luis Munoz. 

“I hope to be part of that moderate group that we need to see in our government and schools,” said Hurwitz. 

“As of right now, politics has become identity politics,” said Hurwitz. “The parties are more Hogwarts houses than entities that can make change.”

“I want people to choose policy over party,” said Hurwitz. “I want people not to pick someone just because they have a “D” or “R” next to their name.

 

From Business Owner to Candidate

And what policies does Hurwitz want to focus on?

The teen pointed to his own business experience — even before graduating high school. 

“I started three small businesses while being a student,” said Hurwitz. “While I may be young, I have drive and determination.”

Hurwitz said he started a seashell necklace business when he was 12, and while in Texas, a baking business, making pastries from scratch and selling to classmates.

It was when he started his third company in Rhode Island — a leather company called Proud Leather USA — that Hurwitz said he saw the struggles that small businesses face. 

“I incorporated that company in Delaware, because it was more expensive here,” said Hurwitz, who said he would surround himself with more seasoned professionals if elected to affect change in Rhode Island, which recently was ranked #45 in CNBC’s “Best States for Business.” 

“Too many businesses are leaving the state or not even setting up shop here,” said Hurwitz. “I would tap experts to discuss how we can work with small business owners as to how to improve all of RI and get our economy on track. I hope to make Rhode Island more small business friendly.”

Hurwitz says another of his top issues would be to tackle food insecurity in the state. 

In the meantime, the potential candidate continues to work a summer job at the Coffee 'N Bagel Connection in Narragansett and says he will continue to walk the campaign trail to bring his message to voters. 

“Everyone has been very supportive. A lot of people believe in the idea that young people should be getting involved,” said Hurwitz. 

Acknowledging that opponents have much deeper pockets, Hurwitz said he hopes with his self-funding campaign to ultimately do a small social media spend as the general election draws near. 

“If Bob Healey spent less than $40 and got 22% of the vote in 2014, I’m hoping with a few more dollars, I can make an impact,” said Hurwitz, of the late “Cool Moose” Party candidate for Governor. 

You can learn more about Hurwitz at his website here. 

 

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