Lucy Reflects

Six-year-old Jackson Ewing sits down for an exclusive interview with Jess King.

At age 6, Jackson Ewing has all the presidents memorized in order, loves George Washington and even had a presidential-themed birthday party, complete with a “pin the teeth on George Washington” game and Mount Rushmore decorations. For Christmas, his favorite gifts were a Liberty Bell sweatshirt, George Washington shirt and ornaments, and Mount Vernon Lego. He’s also a devoted fan of Jess King and when he learned the news that she lost her run for congress, he was devastated. We’re friends with Jackson’s family, lived in the same neighborhood, our kids go to school together, and I knew how much he loved Jess King. So, I had an idea. What if Jess, who was so kind to take time out of her schedule to speak to me, would sit down and speak to Jackson? She did, and Jackson made a list of questions for an interview and the result was nothing short of amazing … and adorable. Here’s a transcript of their interview that took place at Lancaster Cupcake.

Jackson: Why did you run for congress?

Jess: There were a lot of reasons. I have two daughters, and did you know that until this last election in Pennsylvania, we had no women or moms in congress? So that was one of my reasons. I thought “I think we need some women to be in congress” and I was willing to try. I also believe in fairness and that people deserve a better life and I wanted to help more people have a better chance. It was really about trying to help people.

Jackson: Are you running for congress again?

Jess: That’s a good question. You know, I’m not planning to next time. Because it was hard. It was really hard. I worked harder to do that than anything I’ve ever done. And I want to wait until my kids are a little older. But I might do it again.

Jackson: What laws did you want to make?

Jess: You know how superheroes try to help someone who needs help who doesn’t have as good as a shot? I wanted to help make laws that made it easier for people who were having a hard time, who didn’t have a lot of money, a lot of education or maybe people who are immigrants to our country or trying to have a better life. I wanted to create laws that made their lives better and easier. And help with healthcare so that everyone could go to the doctor. And that everybody could go to college. Those were the things that mattered to me.

Jackson: What do you like to do for fun?

Jess: I like to eat cupcakes. I like to play games with my kids. I like to go for walks and hikes in the woods. I like to be in nature. How about you? What do you like to do for fun?

Jackson: I like learning new stuff about the planets and history.

Jess: Do you know all the planets as well as the presidents?

Jackson: Yep!

Jess: (Laughs) I’m not surprised by that!

Jackson: Right now, I’m working on the dwarf planets.

Jess: Very cool. I don’t think I know any of the dwarf planets so you’re already way ahead.

Jackson: What do you like to eat?

Jess: I like to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. I really like green vegetables because I feel healthier when I eat them. But I’m a real sucker for chocolate. Chocolate is probably my favorite. Do you have a favorite?

Jackson: Pizza!

Jess: Yeah, that’s a good one too!

Jackson: What was fun about running for congress?

Jess: (Starts to explain) So I grew up in Lancaster County. Born and raised. Did you live here your whole life? All six years?

Jackson: Yeah. I’ve gone on some vacations though.

Jess: (Laughs) But you have lived here most of your life?

Jackson: Yep.

Jess: So for me, I grew up here and I got to know this place so much better and I met so many people. There were over 100,000 people who voted for me. That’s a lot of people! And I met a lot of them. And I met a lot of them because I had so many town hall meetings. And we had Bernie Sanders in Lancaster and had a big rally with him and there were a couple thousand people there! I feel like I learned so much and because I met so many people and I heard their ideas and their problems. Meeting so many people I didn’t know before was so much fun.

Jackson: What was your original job before you ran for congress?

Jess: I was like the boss of an organization that tried to help small businesses like this one [Lancaster Cupcake]. I actually know the woman who started Lancaster Cupcake and helped her think about her business a little bit and think about getting money to help. So that’s what I did before running for congress. I helped people open small businesses.

Jackson: Oh! You just told me the answer to my last question. You grew up in Lancaster.

Jess: I did! I grew up in Leola and went to Conestoga Valley. What school district are you in?

Jackson: School District of Lancaster.

Jess: That’s where my kids go. Are you in school already?

Jackson: Yeah, I go to Buchanan Elementary.

Jess: I had an event in your gymnasium. That was great!

Jackson: Yeah, we were there!

Jess: My younger daughter goes to Wharton and my older daughter goes to Reynolds Middle School.

Jackson: They just had a leaky pipe!

Jess: They had a crazy leaky pipe! Did you hear there was 20 feet of water in their basement?

Jackson: No!

Jess: They had an extra week off of school! Anyway, I think it’s really cool that you’re interested in all this stuff. Do you have any more questions, Jackson?

Jackson: No, I think that’s it.

Jess: I’m really happy to meet you, Jackson.

Jackson: I’m happy to meet you, too.



Watching Jackson and Jess meet and talk was enlightening and refreshing. Though generations apart, they both share a common goal for their community and the future. Special thanks to Jess King, Jackson, and his parents, Paul and Liz for the opportunity.