HWS News
24 November 2025 Launching a Career in Politics at HWS
With hands-on campaign work, a new Pi Sigma Alpha Speaker Series and big aspirations, Tristan Fasig ’26 is charting a path toward Capitol Hill.
Between time in the classroom, on the ice rink, and at the heart of Geneva, participating in the local mayoral race, Tristan Fasig ’26 is taking advantage of every opportunity available — and creating some of his own.
As a history and politics double major with a minor in law and society, Fasig is getting a firsthand look at how local politics works — and what it takes to build a career in public service.
That future career, he says, began to feel real this fall.
Participating in the victorious Geneva mayoral campaign for Jim Cecere '91, Fasig says he was offered an invaluable look at building coalitions and understanding how elected officials connect with their communities.
“My entire education at HWS has targeted a career in politics and public service,” Fasig explains. “This is the first time I’ve been able to apply all of it in real time, and it has strengthened my commitment to this path.”
“I provided anything the campaign needed from IT support for rallies to calling voters to helping set up for election night,” he says. “This experience confirmed exactly what I want to do with my life.”
Looking ahead, Fasig hopes to build on his Geneva experience by stepping into the state and national stage. After graduation, he hopes to join a major political campaign—ideally, the U.S. Senate bid for two-term North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat — where he believes he can contribute meaningfully to a competitive statewide race.
“Long-term, my goal is to serve as a United States Senator or in another elected capacity where I can make a meaningful impact on policy and governance,” he says. To prepare, he intends to attend law school, following the trajectory of many successful legislators.
On campus, he is helping to launch the Politics Department’s new Pi Sigma Alpha Speaker Series, which brings alumni working in public service, law and government back to campus via Zoom to share their career paths. In partnership with HWS Votes and the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education, sessions covering topics ranging from “political advocacy” to “academics after HWS” are held roughly every two weeks at 6:15 p.m. in the Sanford Room of the Warren Hunting Smith Library.
Fasig says he was inspired by the Day on the Hill career trek to D.C., which he had never been able to attend due to conflicts as a member of the Hobart hockey team. With support from Associate Professor of Politics DeWayne Lucas, he has contacted dozens of alumni.
The first event, “Life in Law School,” drew more than 30 students. Fasig was struck by how energized the room felt. “The alumni were honest and funny, but also incredibly generous with their time and advice,” he says. “You could tell the students were really absorbing it. It felt like a real conversation across generations of HWS.”
Assistant Vice President for Career Services Brandi Ferrara says the partnership has become a valuable entry point for the office, allowing Career Services to engage more students in the Politics Department and connect them with alumni working in the field.
The next event “Impacting Policy” is slated for Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6:15 p.m. in the Sanford Room. It is open to all students.
“Organizing these events has reinforced that a career in public service is achievable and deeply rewarding. Seeing the paths alumni have taken and hearing how willing they are to support current students, has been incredibly inspiring,” Fasig says.
His work he hopes will help pave his way to Capitol Hill.
“Whether I’m calling voters, sitting in a panel conversation or talking with alumni after an event, every experience is shaping the kind of public servant I want to become,” he says.
Fasig is assistant captain and member of the three-time NCAA national champion Hobart hockey team. He has played in 88 career games, compiling 48 points on 16 goals and 32 assists. He is an Arnold Memorial Scholar-Athlete, an award that honors players for their high level of academic achievement and selfless dedication as a member of a Hobart varsity team.
