People’s Action Endorses 22 Candidates with the Values and Vision to Build the Progressive Political Revolution

WASHINGTON – People’s Action, a national organization of more than a million people, is endorsing 22 candidates around the country. The candidates exemplify the leadership qualities, values and vision necessary to build a strong future for everyone – not just the wealthy few.

In endorsing these candidates, People’s Action is building on the progressive political revolution ignited by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. We are lifting up grassroots leaders who are committed to fighting for people instead of corporate profits; standing up for racial and gender justice; working for an equitable people’s economy, and fighting global warming and for climate justice.

“These candidates come from out of the justice movement in America – some as leaders within our own organizations. They know what it’s like to not be able to make ends meet,” said LeeAnn Hall, co-executive director of People’s Action.

“They understand how it feels to have to choose between meals or medicine for your children. They understand what it’s like to be targeted for police violence because you are black, or have your family threatened by deportation. They represent families in America, not America’s corporate elite,” said Hall.

The People’s Action 22 include:

  • Gina Melaragno in Maine, who was inspired to run for state representative by her own experience with lack of health care access.

  • Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state senator running for Congress, she founded Hate Free Zone (now People’s Action member organization OneAmerica) in response to hate and discrimination after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

  • LaTonya Johnson, a candidate for state senate in Wisconsin, owned and operated a child care center for 10 years, caring for Milwaukee’s poorest children and their parents, struggling to cover their basic needs.

  • Zephyr Teachout, a candidate for New York, U.S. House of Representatives, was the first executive director of the Sunlight Foundation, working for transparent government. She fought big banks and stopped fracking in New York.

“While the presidential election has often been dispiriting, there is tremendous hope down-ballot, with candidates from within our movement fighting for a just economy and a democracy that works for everyone,” said George Goehl, co-executive director of People’s Action.

“Each of these candidates represents the world we believe is possible, one where everyone has what they need to reach their full potential. With these down-ballot candidates, we have a start on creating the world as it should be,” said Goehl.

People’s Action 22: Our slate of 2016 endorsed candidates

Russ Feingold
Wisconsin, U.S. Senate

Christina Hartman
Pennsylvania, U.S. House of Representatives District 16

Pramila Jayapal
Washington, U.S. House of Representatives, District 7

Zephyr Teachout
New York, U.S. House of Representatives, District 19

Heidi Brooks 
Maine, State House of Representatives District 61

Mari Cordes
Vermont, House of Representatives, Addison, District  4

Arturo Fierro
New Mexico, State House of Representatives District 7

Lauren Freedman
Michigan, Kalamazoo School Board

Kim Foxx
Illinois, Cook County, State’s Attorney

LaTonya Johnson
Wisconsin, State Senate District 6

Denise Lopez
Nevada, Sparks City Council Ward 1

Theresa Mah
Illinois, State House of Representatives, District 2

Gina Melaragno 
Maine, State House of Representatives District 62

Sara Niccoli   
New York, State Senate, District 46

Ilhan Omar
Minnesota, State House of Representatives District 60B

Chris Rabb
Pennsylvania, State House of Representatives District 200

Jamie Raskin 
Maryland, Congressional District 8

Gustavo Rivera
New York, State Senate District 33

J. Alejandro Urrutia 
New Hampshire, State House of Representatives District Hillsborough 37

Andru Volinsky
New Hampshire, Executive Council District. 2

Mandy Wright
Wisconsin, State Assembly, District 85

David Zuckerman
Vermont, Lieutenant Governor