A Special View From a Pew: The Lasting Power of Legacy

I’ve learned something politically during my 35 years in Columbus: names matter. Not just because they’re easy to remember, but because of the weight they carry. In politics, as in church, legacy speaks louder than any campaign slogan.

When a candidate with legacy steps into the arena, they bring more than their own ambitions. They bring history. They bring trust. They carry the memory of parents, grandparents, and neighbors who stood up when others sat down. Their story is not just their own — it’s stitched into the fabric of the community.

Think about it. One of the toughest jobs in any campaign is introducing yourself to voters. It takes time and money for people to know your name, let alone trust it. But a legacy candidate often walks in already known. Folks don’t ask, “Who are they?” They ask, “What will they do next?” That familiarity — that bond — is priceless.

Legacy also feels like continuity. When a son, daughter, or relative seeks office, it’s more than bloodline — it’s a promise. It says leadership in this family isn’t about a title, it’s about service. It reminds us that true public service is not seasonal — it’s a calling.

And let’s be honest: campaigns are hard work. They take vision, but they also take resources. Legacy candidates often inherit more than a name; they inherit goodwill, supporters, and networks already proven in the struggle. Where others start from scratch, legacy starts with a foundation.

In uncertain times, people long for stability. Legacy offers that. It whispers to the community, “The values you trusted yesterday can still guide tomorrow.” It reassures us that even in a changing world, some things remain steady.

But here’s the truth: legacy alone cannot win an election. Voters still demand competence, vision, and a plan for the future. Still, legacy matters. It deepens the bond between a candidate and the community. It honors the past while pushing toward tomorrow.

As Columbus prepares for another election season, the presence of legacy candidates will once again test the weight of history. And while the ballot box will always belong to the people, one thing remains clear: in politics, as in faith, legacy has a voice all its own.