In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Steve Schwab, who is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 44. Follow his journey on socials or at his website at SchwabforTexas.com   Schwab shares his fascinating life story from growing up in Boston, dealing with family challenges, serving in the Army, to his transition into academia. He discusses his motivation for running for office, focusing on removing MAGA Republicans and the importance of winning local elections to impact national outcomes. Schwab emphasizes on working with people across political divides, the importance of rural voices, and how better representation can improve the quality of life for Texans. The episode delves into Texas's unique legislative structure and Schwab’s strategies for combating the influence of big money in politics. He also reflects on the recent floods in the area and the resilience of the Texas community.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:22 Guest Introduction: Steve Schwab 00:39 Steve's Early Life and Family Struggles 02:16 College and Military Service 04:12 Deployment Experiences and Leadership 07:24 Transition to Academia and Research 14:49 Political Awakening and Decision to Run 29:34 Political Manipulation and Media Influence 33:14 Texas State House: Structure and Sessions 36:12 Challenges of Part-Time Legislature 40:48 Campaign Strategies and Rural Outreach 43:01 Flooding Issues and Community Impact 49:18 Final Thoughts and Candidate's Vision