Samba Baldeh’s political career started in The Gambia, when he was a student activist, where he was involved in protests against the country’s dictator and helped start the Amnesty International office there. In an interview for the 365 Amplified podcast, he said that same activist energy is what has compelled him to seek elected office here in Madison.
“I have always been an advocate of justice and fairness,” he said.
Baldeh, 52, worked in information technology at American Family and his own consulting business for more than 20 years. He began his elected political career by narrowly defeating incumbent Joe Clausius to join the Madison Common Council in 2015. He ran unopposed for reelection two years later and was unanimously elected council president in 2018. He was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 to replace Melissa Agard, who ran for Senate. Now, he’s again running to replace Agard, this time in the Senate as she runs for Dane County Executive.
He said his legislative priorities come largely from his own experience as an immigrant.
Listen to the interview:
“The injustice, unfairness, and lack of equity and opportunities, particularly working in the IT world, were very obvious,” he said. “The American dream was disappearing. It was becoming difficult to be an immigrant in this country.”
As the first Muslim to serve in the State Assembly, Baldeh said he recognizes the importance of an elected representative reflecting their district’s population.
“Representation is very important, and identifying with your representative is important,” he said. “But your representative also having an open mind and open door policy is really, really important.”
He said his four years in the Assembly have made him rethink what it means to serve in the legislature.
“The biggest responsibility, in my opinion, is service to the constituent. That’s number one. The second thing is legislation,” he said. “Legislation is very limited. Samba only has one vote. What I have is a (voice) that can advocate for anybody in my district, or anybody who comes to me. I can advocate on policies that exist to make sure that (all) is fair.”
In the Senate, he hopes to continue to provide service and advocacy for a larger population, and advocate for policies that make the basics affordable.
“Who is there to say that people should not have affordable housing so they can have peace of mind where they sleep?” he said. “Who is there to say we should not have affordable childcare so that our kids can be prepared for future generations?”
Above all, though, Baldeh’s priority is equity.
“As an immigrant, there are challenges. As a Black person, there are challenges. As a Muslim, there are challenges. But just as a human, there are challenges,” he said. “I am out there, making sure that I am fighting for equity for all.”
Baldeh will face fellow Assembly representatives Jimmy Anderson and Melissa Ratliff in a Democratic primary on August 13. No Republican candidates are running for the seat.
