RACINE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- Trevor Jung is just 24, but he has already amassed a lifetime’s worth of campaign souvenirs.
His bookshelves house bobbleheads and miniature busts of former Democratic presidents and his vintage campaign button collection can not be contained by one display case in his Racine home.
“They come from antique stores. They come from campaigns that I’ve volunteered on,” Jung said. “The first campaign that I actually volunteered on came in 2008. I was 12 years old. Barack Obama was running for President.”
His interest in politics comes from a unique perspective and appreciation for the United States.
“I was born in Russia, adopted at the age of 2, so I always was grateful for what it meant to be an American,” Jung said. “I was saved from an orphanage halfway across the world.”
Jung, who works full-time as a career specialist at Carthage College, also cherishes the city of Racine, and says he’s always wanted to give back to his hometown. In April 2019, Jung ran for a seat on the Common Council, and in victory became the city’s youngest alderman since 1862.
“Being just about a year into the job, I have a lot to learn about mastering what it means to be a good public servant,” Jung said.
In the last few years, Jung has met both Democrats on the 2020 presidential ticket. He counts a framed autograph from former Vice President Joe Biden as one of his prized possessions, as well as his photos with Sen. Kamala Harris, who he met while celebrating Milwaukee Pride in 2018.
Back then, of course, he had no idea they would be the Democratic ticket after a virtual national convention.
“Sure, it’s not as engaging as marching through the hall of Fiserv Forum,” Jung said. “But it’s been enlightening. It’s been exciting to see everybody come together virtually.”
Although Jung couldn’t take photos wearing his foam cheese head in the arena with the state’s full delegation, he has a few keepsakes from the 2020 DNC. He hopes it’s the first of many political conventions, and the only one he has to attend virtually.