Learn About Representative Samba Baldeh

Sometimes as I enter our majestic State Capitol, I think back to my childhood in the West African nation of The Gambia where, to help my nomadic parents, many of my days were spent tending livestock in the bush. Later, they allowed me to attend a “Western” school which required a six-mile hike each way. I learned to read, speak English, and most importantly, that there was an exciting and unknown world that I could explore.

As a college student, I was active in the movement against the nation’s dictator who brutally ruled the nation for decades.  After many repressive responses, I knew that I would have to leave my home and immigrate to the US for a viable future.

Now, twenty-five years later, through the help of many people, I am, by most measures, a “success.” I was employed for many years by American Family Insurance- first as an internal agent and then working my way up as an IT Project Manager until I retired last year to focus on my campaign for State Representative.

My wife, Fatou, and I own a new house on the far Eastside where we often host celebrations for members of the growing African community, neighbors, and community members. In addition to my work at AmFam, I served three terms on the Madison Common Council from which I retired in April 2021.

In my second term, I was honored to be elected as the Council President. As the Council President, I had the opportunity to work throughout the city. I worked with elected officials, community leaders, and business owners and learned more about the strengths and needs of our community. From day one at the city council, I have been a strong advocate for my district on important issues such as safeguarding our water quality from PFAS and securing a new library and community center. I work hard for the things that I believe are right and that matter most to the social and economic well-being of the people.

Through good fortune and the assistance of many people I have been able to achieve many things that I could not even dream of when I first came to this country. I have attained what many believe to be the American Dream. But, I have not forgotten my own experience of deep poverty. I know that many in our community do not share my good fortune. They have unmet needs for housing, health care and often, food. These are big problems that require systemic solutions. From my work on the Council and in the community, I know there is important work that should be addressed by the state. Unfortunately, much of the state government is deadlocked and progress is slow and at a standstill in some cases.

Now, in this time of a national and local crisis, a great many of our friends and neighbors who were already struggling to make ends meet lost all or much of their means of support. Others are only a paycheck away from this plight. These are big problems that require systemic solutions. I have the leadership ability, experience, and capacity for hard work to tackle these issues on day one. I know this will be a challenging time for legislators but most of all for the people who depend on their leaders to remain in the service of the people they represent, to be guided by our innate compassion and wisdom.