A man in Canada won his local city council election while claiming he was underqualified for the position and not interested in politics but 'just trying to pay my rent.'
Brady Rogers, 33, seemingly reluctantly ran for city council in his hometown of Kelowna and surprisingly won while telling constituents that he 'barely' wanted to take the position.
Despite openly admitting he felt unqualified, Rogers' comedic approach to his campaign won over the local voters.
'I think for the most part people saw the tongue-in-cheek humor, and once they dug into my platform they recognized I do actually have some fairly sophisticated ideas,' he told CBC's Radio West on Monday.
The satirical campaign included messages such as 'I barely want to do this' and 'Just trying to pay my rent,' which eventually transformed into: 'Fine, I'll do it.'
His 'let's see what happens' approach appeared to strike a chord and, despite his reservations, Rogers believes that his fresh perspective is exactly what local politics is looking for.
'I think that those [younger] voices who are actually experiencing the economy as it is now are important voices to have on council,' he added.
The small business owner and engineer by trade began by finding the concept of his campaign 'laughable.'
Brady Rogers, 33, seemingly reluctantly ran for city council in his hometown of Kelowna and surprisingly won while telling constituents that he 'barely' wanted to take the position
His 'let's see what happens' approach appeared to strike a chord and, despite his reservations, Rogers believes that his fresh perspective is exactly what local politics is looking for
Rogers recognized his lack of experience in the area, but said: 'They'll presumably tell me how to be a councilor. But until then, it's just me taking it day by day'
But after mulling over the concept, he realized that 'unfortunately' he was equipped with many of the right skills to make, what he believes will be, positive change.
Despite his satirical approach, once committed he presented strong ideas for change including addressing issues such as housing, transit, taxation and homelessness, the outlet reported.
Rogers expressed a feeling of 'duty' to bring his local council a fresh perspective on politics and do right by Kelowna's 167,000 constituents.
On Saturday's municipal election, he garnered 12,635 votes and secured a spot as the fourth-most popular candidate, according to CBC.
'It's been strange to have people recognize me. It's very new to me, but overwhelmingly positive,' he told Radio West.
He recognized his lack of experience in the area, but said: 'They'll presumably tell me how to be a councilor. But until then, it's just me taking it day by day.'
David Black, an associate professor at the School of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University, told the outlet that Rogers' light-hearted campaign was a refreshing approach for voters.
'Its serious fun. It's sincere satire,' he said. 'It's not the Rhinoceros Party... it's not just satire for its own sake or just to mock government. It is satire with policy attached.'
On Saturday's municipal election, he garnered 12,635 votes and secured a spot as the fourth-most popular candidate
Black said that the tactic made him stand out from the 37 council candidates and helped him seem more aligned with modern voters, who are yearning for relatable and honest politicians.
He added that Rogers was helped by leaning into his personality, making him more personable and real to voters.
'We like people to come to power - even a council seat in Kelowna, not king of the world - reluctantly,' Black said.
Rogers echoed a similar feeling when speaking with NDTV, and said: 'I believe that government is for the people and needs to defend our interests. Far too often, we feel like the systems around us are happening to us.
'But they aren't forces of nature. We built them, we can question them, and when they stop working for us, we can change them.'
The Daily Mail reached out to Rogers for comment.