Page 97 of See You Next Tuesday

“I need to fly east tomorrow too,” Gabe said quietly. His hands were resting on Anya’s hips. He loved holding her that way, how easy it was to circle his hands around her back and keep her close. He always wanted her so close.

“Gabe?” She peered up at him. “Is something wrong?”

“I actually just got some news too.” Gabe cleared his throat. “I got a call from Hal Robbins.”

“Wheeler’s campaign consultant?” Anya frowned. “What did he want?”

“They’re not happy with their current campaign leadership,” Gabe said carefully. “They want to make a change.”

“Gabe,” Anya breathed. “They offered it to you?”

He nodded. “They did.”

“What did you say?” Anya bit her lip; she looked so worried. He wanted to kiss her, to tell her everything would be okay, that she was the most important person in his life, that there was no way on earth he would ever let this campaign come between them.

He felt all those things. Deep in his heart, he really believed they were true. He took her face in his hands and sighed.

“I told them yes.”

Chapter 15

One month later

Sessego for America—Washington, DC

Wheeler for President—Frederick, Maryland

Two Weeks In, Sessego Campaign Makes Major Splash—but Is That Enough to Woo Voters?

by Kara Morales, The Washington Post

Political observers are still scrambling to make order of the presidential field since Senator Josefina Sessego’s bombshell announcement two weeks ago that she’d be joining the fray. The Sessego campaign went on to announce a first-week fundraising haul of over $3 million, and progressive voters who’ve long sought a viable alternative to front-runner Andrew Wheeler signed up in droves to volunteer. But this late in the race, there’s a sizable infrastructure gap, with other campaigns already having field offices in the four crucial early states staffed and running for months.

Sessego’s campaign manager, Kira Liu, isn’t worried. “Our voter base knows how to organize. They’re teachers, union members, community activists,” Liu said. “They wouldn’t dream of showing up to a canvass without bringing three friends, so our growth is exponential. It’ll take the polls some time to reflect what we’re already seeing on the ground: We’re rocketing to the top of the field.”

Liu may or may not be correct in her assertion, but it’s certainly true that the polls don’t reflect it. Of the early state primary polls released this week, Sessego has only broken into the top three candidates in her home state of Nevada; she’s still fourth or lower in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, and she lags significantly in the race for endorsements from prominent Democrats.

Meanwhile, the Wheeler campaign has undergone its own shake-up, announcing Gabe Hunt as its new campaign manager shortly before Senator Sessego entered the race. Hunt successfully managed Wheeler’s most recent Senate bid to his highest-ever victory margin. Notably, he also served as communications director for Sessego’s inaugural Senate race three years ago.

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for Senator Sessego and her team, and I think her voice will be a great addition to the race,” Hunt said. “This campaign should be a robust dialogue about the issues facing the American people—but it also has to be a conversation about which candidate is best prepared to win this election and serve as our next president. I have all the confidence in the world that the voters will choose Andrew Wheeler as enthusiastically as I have.”

As the race barrels forward in a state of flux, most experts agree we won’t have a clearer picture of Sessego’s impact until next month’s primary debate. Until then, the question remains: Will Sessego break through to the front of the field, or will she remain one of this cycle’s many also-rans?

Text message transcript: Anya Katz and Gabe Hunt

September 27

Anya [10:42pm]: I’m so sorry

Gabe [10:42pm]: Don’t tell me

Gabe [10:42pm]: You’re staying the night in Iowa?

Anya [10:43pm]: No but we’re just leaving for the airfield now, JS got held up talking with some teachers

Anya [10:43pm]: We won’t land until 1am, I’ll be lucky to be home by 2

Gabe [10:43pm]: Great I’ll see you at 2:01