Why I Became a Builder: A Message From Our New Executive Director, Stacy Blakeley

Blakeley reflects on a lifetime in politics—and how the future depends on building, not blaming.

I grew up in a small Texas town—the kind where neighbors wave as they pass. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, politics rarely came up. My family focused on working hard and raising kids. There was a quiet pride in the Reagan years and optimism in the Clinton era. I remember a sense of dignity and unity in how people talked about the country. 

As a small-town reporter, I spent countless evenings in city council chambers, watching neighbors debate the future of their own community. In those rooms, democracy felt personal—neighbors making choices that shaped each other’s lives. This ignited my love of politics, policy, and a desire to serve. Fresh off the farm, at 21, I moved to D.C. to intern for the House Majority Leader Dick Armey. During those Contract with America days, Democrats and Republicans disagreed fiercely, but still worked together and socialized after hours.

That feels like a lifetime ago. Today, the extremes on both sides grow louder while dignity and character fade from public life. Instead of real debate and the pursuit of truth, we see blame and dehumanization.

Yet there are still reasons for hope. I spent the last five years traveling across the country, meeting local civic leaders. Their courage to serve and build community renewed my faith. Now, as the Executive Director of Builders, I see even more possibilities—to rebuild trust, renew civic life, and refocus on citizen-led solutions. From D.C. to city hall, the will of the people must come first. 

I am a Builder because I believe in the goodness of Americans and the promise of our communities, states, and the nation. We’re imperfect, but with our freedoms come responsibilities. Builders lift others up, refuse to divide, and don’t fall into the trap of “us vs them” thinking. I am a Builder because I am confident that we can hold fast to our values while cooperating to find solutions. I am a Builder because I will not give up on the American Dream—for my children, grandchildren, and for all of us. This is the moment to build unity over division. I am a Builder, and I hope you’ll join me.