Nate Kaplan is a lifelong advocate for civic empowerment and political change. From small-town campaigns to urban policy battles to legislative initiatives of national significance, his work has always been rooted in the belief that democracy only thrives when everyone understands the system—and become inspired to change it.

After serving as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts State Senate, Kaplan worked in Boston’s Trial Court system, where he saw firsthand how policy failures play out in people’s lives. At just 23 years old, he ran for state representative in his hometown in Central Massachusetts. Winning a landslide primary victory, he became the youngest major party nominee in the district’s history—driven by a deep commitment to fighting for communities too often left behind.

Kaplan brought that same passion to Los Angeles, where he founded SeePolitical, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that used animations to demystify ballots and empower voters. The organization challenged voter apathy and confusion by making civic education creative, engaging, and equitable.

While earning his master’s degree in public policy at the University of Southern California, Kaplan served in key roles at the Los Angeles City Council—including communications director, legislative director, and district director—where he pushed forward policies on transportation equity, affordable housing, sustainable development, and public safety reform. His focus has always been on lifting up voices left out of the conversation and fighting for a more just and inclusive future.

As an educator, Kaplan has taught political science at USC and the Otis College of Art and Design, helping students imagine new forms of civic engagement and reimagine how democracy functions. A frequent speaker and moderator, he brings both grassroots energy and policy expertise to conversations about power, equity, and the future of civic life in America.