Joshua Rush knows the power of politics

Having grown from his Andi Mack days, Joshua Rush pivoted towards a career path as impactful as his Disney Channel character Cyrus.

At the time, Rush’s character was the first ever Disney character to say “I’m gay,” which was an influential and monumental moment for queer and questioning youth to witness. After the show finished its three-season run, Rush himself came out as bisexual and felt empowered by the young folx who felt inspired by their groundbreaking character.

“Instead of feeling the courage to tell you today that I am an out and proud bisexual man because of the character I played for four years, I feel that courage thinking of all of you, who felt emboldened by Cyrus to come out,” Rush shared on social media at the time.

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Now 22 years old, Rush has focused on politics, becoming a global climate change activist and young political figure that voters should watch now and within the years to come. Having studied political science at the University of Utah, Rush interned at the US House of Representatives for over nine months while also immersing himself in the Young Democrats of Utah and, eventually, the Young Democrats of America, working in numerous senior positions and is currently a senior advisor for the National Association. He also has a couple of bylines with Teen Vogue under his belt.

After receiving his bachelor’s, he worked as communications director for Nevada Democratic Victory and then as deputy press secretary for the California State Senate. He is currently working as a campaign manager for a political candidate in North Carolina while attending a graduate program at Penn State.

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A post shared by Joshua Rush (@joshuarush)

Rush’s work ethic should be thoroughly researched, and his excellent and progressive deeds continue to speak for themselves. This past fall, he spoke at the UNGA Transforming Education Summit regarding the importance of amplifying mainstream environmental and climate change education. And even this past March, Rush and a few other young political organizers in North Carolina met with Kamala Harris to train young voters to keep themselves inspired, engaged, and involved in this year’s election and going forward.

“I really want everyone to care and to think about what’s going on as much as possible and to use your voice, whether it be going to protests or talking about it or, most importantly, getting the vote out,” Rush told Teen Vogue ahead of the 2020 election. “Go canvass, volunteer, and then go to the friggin’ polls. Oh, my God, go to the polls.”

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Rush is an individual whose efforts toward political advocacy and engaging young people in elections to prevent another Trump presidency and era of bigotry are inspirational. From playing such a pivotal Disney Channel character who disclosed their truth publicly to now working with the public on the basis for truth, democracy, and liberation is commendable and hopefully foreshadowing… Rush 2036?

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