The Foolish Optimist: Mike DeCillis for New York's 11th Congressional District

NY-11 Candidate Mike DeCillis on Grassroots Organizing, Democracy, and a “Hard Reset” in Government   Find Mike and his campaign at Decillisforcongress.com    Find the Civic App in the google play store or apple app store.   Host Amy McDonald interviews Mike DeCillis, a Staten Island–Brooklyn candidate for Congress in New York’s 11th District, about why he’s running in 2026 and what he’s hearing from voters. DeCillis describes organizing Medicaid and immigration town halls and “No Kings” protests that grew from 120 attendees to NYPD-estimated 2,000, arguing the district has an appetite for grassroots engagement beyond the usual political echo chamber. He says voters care about the economy, affordability, immigration, and the collapse of democracy, and emphasizes NY-11’s diversity and immigrant communities. DeCillis calls for a “hard reset” in governance, including reversing Citizens United, raising corporate taxes, closing loopholes, and rebuilding public institutions with accountability, while also urging Democrats to show more moral courage. He highlights his public-service résumé and invites listeners to volunteer and donate at DeCillisForCongress.com.   00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:28 Why 2026 02:34 Grassroots Protests Surge 06:25 What Voters Care About 09:42 Campaigning and Accessibility 11:11 Beyond Trump The Broken System 14:18 Hard Reset Policy Agenda 20:05 Democrats Need Backbone 22:18 Two Americas No Accountability 23:45 Accountability and ICE 25:13 Coalitions and Candidates 25:52 Why I’m Qualified 27:58 From 9/11 to NYPD 29:23 Teaching and Policy Work 32:07 Structural Change Agenda 35:53 Billionaire Anger Rising 37:02 How to Support Campaign 39:55 Ground Game Beats Money 41:22 Representation in Staffing 42:16 Rapid Fire Round 44:30 Final Thanks and Voting Info