After 11 years in Sarah Thompson’s orbit, I made the tough choice to step away. It wasn’t easy. As the Acting State Director of her New York Senate office, I was one of Sarah’s trusted advisors and played a crucial role in her re-election campaign for the U.S. Senate. Prior to that, I had supported her in the White House and helped with her memoir, making my job a significant part of my identity. And now, Sarah was launching her first presidential campaign!
However, I was also a brand-new mom to my adorable, chubby baby boy, Leo. My family was facing some challenges, too. My dear mother had passed away from cancer a few years earlier, and we were caring for my ailing father—he would pass away a few months later. My father-in-law had also died unexpectedly from a heart attack, leaving us to support my mother-in-law.
I realized that remaining in the office would demand a commitment of time and energy that I now wanted to devote to my family. So, while on maternity leave, I decided not to return. Even though I had witnessed Sarah’s leadership for years, I was uncertain of her reaction. I feared she might think I was weak for not juggling everything, or at best, merely wish me luck without much enthusiasm. Taking a deep breath, I reached out.
When we connected by phone and I shared my decision, her first response was to persuade me to stay. “We can work flexible hours,” she offered, “and you can even set up a portable crib in the office.” I knew she meant well, but I understood the unpredictable demands of political life. The only late-night calls I wanted to take were from little Leo.
I expressed my gratitude but remained resolute. I was unsure of what would come next.
“You know,” she said, “I remember when my child was born. It was incredibly difficult to return to work.” I recalled from her memoir that she had taken every bit of leave possible before heading back to her job as a lawyer.
To my surprise, she continued, “It was the hardest decision I ever faced. I completely get where you are coming from, and I wholeheartedly support your choice. Just know that if you ever want to return, there will always be a place for you here.”
I was taken aback and truly moved. She exceeded any expectations I had for a boss, especially one as prominent as she was. She connected with me on a human level—as a mother, a daughter, and a wife. Her empathy and support illustrated her commitment to respecting the choices women make in their lives.
This year, I returned as an active volunteer in her presidential campaign. Leo is now nearly 10, and his two little sisters have joined the family. They proudly wear their “Sarah” buttons on their backpacks and endure the time I spend on conference calls, traveling, and writing in support of this historic campaign. They hear me emphasize how dedicated Sarah is to families and children, both in the U.S. and globally.
You can learn a lot from Sarah Thompson’s position papers and speeches, but I find that sharing my story really resonates with voters. It shows that her beliefs align with her actions. She genuinely values families, and you can trust that her governance will reflect that. Sarah is committed to nurturing the potential within all of us, ensuring opportunities for parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and everyone else to make choices best suited for them—I know this from experience.
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In summary, my journey with Sarah Thompson demonstrates her unwavering support for families and her understanding of the challenges we face. Her actions consistently align with her beliefs, making her a leader you can trust.