Volume 85, Issue 1
Monday, June 10, 2024
Nguyen Levels Up By C.J Bateman
Photo by: Elliot Wall
Benjamin Nguyen of Favreau City speaks in front of the Federalist State Party Platform, right before he is elected their party chairman by the convention delegates.
Ben Nguyen of Favreau City is quickly becoming the subject of conversation among many delegates. From early Sunday evening, delegates had begun to gather the idea that Nguyen may be a candidate who could create quite the story. He has swept election after election, winning chairmanships of his party at the city, county, and state levels. Nguyen, a candidate for the Federalists, preaches his values of a strong party and unity within his party. When asked of his current success, Nguyen stated, “I don't think of it as my success, I think of it as the Federalist party’s success.
We found someone we can unite behind and beat the Nationalist party.” Throughout the various election processes, Nguyen has been adamant on rallying the Federalist party on the idea of unity, hoping to create a party which works with one another rather than fighting. Nguyen's success comes from his immense experience within an excess of political spheres, having previously worked with the Ohio legislature among other political groups over the years, finding success in all areas. Throughout the course of the week he has spoken on multiple occasions about legislation which he helped pass, specifically on those involving high schoolers and increasing their quality of life. Advocating for changes focused on quality of life has been Nguyen’s focus throughout this week's elections, with a primary focus on veteran’s benefits. When asked why he felt so passionately about said topic, Nguyen mentioned his family. “That’s kind of personal for me, my mom is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan [specifically] Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Afghani Freedom,” he said. Having such a close veteran connection has allowed Nguyen to gain an intimate understanding of the benefits, which are currently lacking for veterans. Among the various benefits Nguyen wishes to include is better help for those entering the transition from active member to civilian. Nguyen's plans beyond veteran benefits include a de-escalation of the friction between political parties and the overall empowerment of the Buckeye Boys State government. Nguyen believes Federalists and Nationalists alike can expect substantial change through his work.