Julie Z isn't waiting for someone else to fix it.

When the federal government shut down SNAP benefits in October 2025, she didn't post a strongly worded statement, she started her own food bank.
"Neighbors Helping Neighbors" turned into a full-blown December giving drive feeding six different local charities, organized by a licensed therapist who still sees Medicaid clients on the side because apparently one full-time job wasn't enough good to be doing.
She's also planting her flag as the Lake Murray conservationist in the race, pushing back on overdevelopment eating into the rural character around the lake. Which is on brand for someone whose idea of a legacy isn't a ribbon-cutting, it's making sure the water's still worth protecting when she's done