87 Reasons to get Excited- Meet our April Endorsement Class!
Run for Something is excited to introduce our April 2022 Endorsement Class! These young leaders are ready to serve and poised to win seats in 30 states.
This class of 87 candidates is made up of 63% people of color, 51% women and 22% identify as LGBTQIA+. Even more impressive, 56% come from low income backgrounds, 38% are caretakers to children under 18 and 18% are the children of immigrants.
Learn more about our April endorsement class below.
ALABAMA
Shatika Armstrong
Madison County School Board, District 4
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Shatika is passionate about education and has dedicated her life to ensuring success for all children. She is currently the parent coordinator at a school in Huntsville, where she specializes in providing tools and resources for parents, creates workshops, supports teachers, and serves as a liaison between the school and stakeholders. Shatika also has the unique privilege of being a part of the Desegregation Advisory Committee, where she works with other committee members to continue the work of gaining unitary status in Huntsville City Schools.
ARIZONA
Kyle Clayton
Washington Elementary School District Governing Board
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Kyle is a lifelong Phoenician, now raising his own family with one student currently enrolled in the Washington Elementary School District. Kyle and his husband Shane have lived in this district for 12 years. As a full-time professional Realtor, he brings an analytical data-driven approach to decision making. Acting as an agent is about focusing on the client’s needs and vigorously advocating for their interests — Kyle is ready to put that same rigorous attention to detail and ethical standards to work for students, teachers, and his community.
Kyle will focus on making reasoned decisions that are data-based and community minded. Washington Elementary School District Governing Board needs a parent’s voice on the board, someone with skin in the game. Kyle has seen what his son has been through in public school, first hand, and is ready to take on those challenges.
Katie Gipson McLean
Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Katie is running for Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board. She is a mom, Creighton alumna, former licensed teacher and educator, current public defender, born and raised in East Phoenix! She is committed to recruiting and retaining teachers and staff, proactively evaluating policies and decision making with a focus on equity, and increasing transparency and community engagement.
Analise Ortiz
Arizona House, District 24
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Analise Ortiz is a born-and-raised Arizonan, a former journalist, and a civil rights activist running to represent West Phoenix and Glendale in the Arizona House of Representatives. Ortiz’s parents, who are both educators, taught their six kids that communities are strongest when neighbors look out for each other. Ortiz graduated from ASU with dreams of becoming an investigative journalist. As she uncovered injustice in her community, she knew it wasn’t enough to just report on it — she had to work to change it. As a campaign strategist for the ACLU of Arizona, Ortiz helped stop several bills that would have infringed on our right to vote and our right to access reproductive healthcare. In 2021, she played a key role in the passage of the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act. Ortiz is now an auntie to six kids and is dedicated to building a brighter future for them and all Arizonans. Ortiz will work to invest in public schools, address the high cost of housing, and bring good-paying jobs to her community.
ARKANSAS
Kacee Danica Hawthorne
Washington County Justice of the Peace, District 8
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Kacee Hawthorne is running for Justice of the Peace, District 8 of Washington County. She works as an HR Generalist with a Master’s in Political Science. Kacee is running for Quorum Court to advocate for affordable housing and criminal justice reform in order to support local communities. She also supports policies that advocate for workers’ rights, equality for all, and greater access to health care. Kacee currently serves as the Chair for the YDAR Rose Caucus, a DSA member, and is excited to support progressive policies.
Carol Vella
Benton County Justice of the Peace, District 8
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Carol (she/her) is running for Justice of the Peace, District 8, in Benton County, AR. Carol is a businesswoman, mother, wife and community leader. In her day job in DE & I and through her extensive community volunteer work, Carol advocates for those who may not have a seat at the table.
Carol’s run was inspired by her work as a foster parent and refugee co-sponsor in Bentonville. She saw, first-hand, the barriers that exist for low-income families or those who have faced difficulties in their life. Carol wants to invest the county’s budget in areas that will support the people of Benton County, as opposed to building additional jails. She is running because she wants everyone in Benton County to have access to affordable housing, childcare, public transportation and the healthcare services that they need, so they are set up for success for generations.
Christian May
Benton County Quorum Court, District 5
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Christian May aims to bring transparency, accountability, and the needs of District 5 to the Quorum Court of Benton County. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, Benton County is in a unique position to prepare for its future — Christian is a candidate who will advocate for forward-thinking, data-driven policy.
With funds made available by the American Rescue Plan, Christian hopes to help Benton County recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic by reinvesting those funds into local businesses, our educators, and projects that support the county as a whole. This includes funding to develop infrastructure that will promote internet access to all.
Christian has almost a decade’s worth of work experience in IT support and is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arkansas studying Sociology.He hopes to use this experience to make policy that is inclusive of all members of the community and based on facts and data, not talking points or partisan agendas.
He hopes to get the community-at-large more involved in the on-goings of the Quorum Court, by providing simple easy-to-follow updates and ways to have the community’s opinions heard.
CALIFORNIA
Dr. Joel Day
San Diego City Council, District 2
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Dr. Joel Day’s roots in San Diego 2nd district run deep. His grandfather ended his service in the Navy in San Diego after WWII. Joel met his wife, Lauren, in college at Point Loma Nazarene University. Their two sons, Bobby and Wesley, are the 4th generation of their family to call Clairemont home. And as a family, they attend First Church in Point Loma.
Having earned his PhD in International Politics and Comparative Government from University of Denver, Joel has established himself as a leader and educator. He is a professor of public policy at UCSD, teaching international best practices of governance, and providing a foundation upon which to solve San Diego’s most pressing challenges like homelessness, housing affordability, and climate change.
Joel’s experience as a department director for the City of San Diego means he knows exactly which levers of city government must be pulled to get results. At City Hall, he managed community engagement, public safety operations, and led policy changes on police oversight. In early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Joel stepped up to lead the city response — focusing on providing vulnerable neighbors with healthcare, getting folks off the streets and into shelter, protecting critical city infrastructure, and extending support for struggling families.
Joel is committed to public service, to raising the standards of the city, and to ensuring working families have the same foundations of opportunity that allowed him to give back as part of a new generation of leadership.
James Santana
Montebello Unified School District Board of Education, At-Large
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
James is a business leader and community organizer, running to be the champion for education navigation. He is a product of Montebello Unified School District where he intends to serve. Shaped by his experience in public education and the path from community college to a UCLA alumni, he believes everyone should be empowered in their own journey. He is running for Montebello Unified School District Board of Education because he was raised within the community where parents, teachers, mentors, and stakeholders invested in him, and he believes everyone should have equal and fair access to education.
At the age of 16, James learned the importance and impact of civic engagement by working on a $171 million school bond for the school district. He worked with service groups and clubs to help change the lives of people around him and made it a priority to focus on education, affordable housing, and civil rights advocacy. He believes that Covid-19 exposed a fragile public education system in Montebello Unified that was already plagued with negativity. Accountability, balanced budgets, and decisions that put students and communities first are some of the first steps needed to improve the school district. James’ volunteer work with local, state, and federal non-profits as well as work with Fortune 500 companies has taught him how a group of people can make an impact on policy and community development.
James Forsythe
Ventura Unified School Board of Trustees, Area 1
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
James is a proud resident and dedicated public servant who understands West Ventura County’s unique cultural, environmental, and educational needs. James’ work with children began at an early point in his career. He started his education journey at his old high school as a Special Education Paraeducator where he became passionate about special education and working with young people. He is currently an Education Specialist at Ventura Charter School, a proud member of the California Teacher Association with over 10 years of experience educating youth in Ventura County.
James received two Associate degrees in Liberal Arts at Santa Barbara City College and a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies at the University of La Verne. He earned his Education Specialist credential and a Master of Science in Special Education at Cal Lutheran University. He currently is the Chair of VUSD’s Declining Enrollment Committee and served on the 7–11 Committee to evaluate the district’s surplus property. James also served on the Westside Community Council as Chair and serves on various community boards and commissions. James has always been a community advocate, supporter of environmental and social justice and strong advocate for students and teachers.
Anna Slotky Reitano
Los Angeles Judge of the Superior Court, Seat 60
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Anna Slotky Reitano’s background is in public service, representing the most vulnerable members of the Los Angeles community. As a trial attorney, Anna is in the courtroom daily. Her experiences in front of predominantly white, male judges with a background in prosecution highlighted a need for diversity on the bench. As a mother of two young children and a deputy public defender, Anna would bring a fresh perspective to judicial decision making. Anna is committed to ensuring fairness and justice for all, without bias based on income or education. Anna will treat all parties, victims, witnesses, and court staff with dignity and respect and promote equality from the bench.
Anna is the only candidate for Judge of the Superior Court Seat 60 who has experience using current laws to promote public safety through preventative measures. She has extensive experience working with social workers, finding mental health and rehabilitation programs, tackling housing insecurity, and fighting for access to services. A judicial officer must stay current on the latest changes in the law, including an understanding of how the law has historically been used to exclude persons through systemic racism and classism. Anna is committed to using her position on the bench to embrace new laws seeking to make the judicial system more fair and equitable.
Brandon D. Lamar
Pasadena City Council, District 3
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Brandon is a non-profit executive and social justice advocate running for Pasadena City Council District 3. Focused on upward mobility and system transformation, he has worked hard on the front lines of public safety accountability, affordable housing/ rent control, immigration rights, workers’ rights, and the advancement of equality and equity for all who live in Pasadena.
Brandon is running to make long-term affordable housing a reality and remove barriers working families experience. He is a strong advocate and champion for rent control.
Brandon has advocated and co-organized community efforts for the creation of the Community Police Oversight which was a community-based solution for police accountability. He has also worked across the United States on community-based strategies to help lower crime.
Cassandra James
Vallejo City Council, District 2
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Cassandra (she/her) is a Sr. Community Development Specialist with the City and County of San Francisco where she operationalizes equity to decrease housing displacement in vulnerable communities.
She has been working in the community for 17 years — from working with young womxn impacted by the criminal justice system to maintaining program budgets –including serving as co-chair of the San Francisco Youth Commission and liaison on the African American Community Policing Relations Board. Presently, she serves as board co-director of New Leaders Council, East Bay (Oakland) chapter, sits on the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, member of Black Women Organizing for Political Action (BWOPA), and is a charter member of Sankofa Democratic Club of Solano County.
Cassandra is a proud non-traditional transfer student. She will be graduating from Mills College in May 2022 with her Bachelor of Arts in Policy, Economics, Politics, and Law.
Originally from San Francisco, Cassandra moved to Vallejo twelve years ago and has since given birth to the next generation in Vallejo. She is the primary caretaker of her grandmother and is raising her sons, Chase and Cai, in North Vallejo with her partner. Cassandra is running for Vallejo City Council (District 2) to bring transparency and equity through responsive and reflective leadership.
Amanda Cofran
Placer County Clerk/Recorder/Registrar of Voters
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Amanda Cofran is running for the Placer County Clerk Recorder Registrar of Voters. She is a United States Air Force combat veteran, currently works for Oracle as an IT Business Analyst, and previously worked for the Federal Government in Human Resources and Equal Employment Opportunity with responsibilities over budget and records management. Amanda knew she needed to run when she noticed that over the last 35 years only 3 people had ever held this position, and a woman had not been in this office in over 30 years. When talking to constituents, many did not know the Clerk Recorder Registrar of Voters was an elected position.
Amanda Cofran is ready to get to work for Placer County improving our data security against attacks foreign and domestic. She knows how critical this office is with responsibilities over our vital records, historical documents and elections. Ensuring the security and integrity of operations is vital. Amanda also will improve the transparency of elections to boost voter confidence in our election results. Finally Amanda cares about the community and will work to improve efficiencies in outreach programs and accessibility to office services. She will ensure we keep a satellite office open for rural communities when the main office relocates. She promises to revamp online services to improve accessibility for all of our community members; and Amanda will take care of the current employees by meeting their needs allowing them to have flexible work schedules so they can balance work and home life. Amanda Cofran will do what the incumbent has failed to provide: security, transparency, integrity and community.
Lorena Chavez
East Side Union High School District Board
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Lorena Chavez is a proud native of the East Side of San Jose, CA. She is also a proud East Side High School District graduate who is running for the East Side Union High School District School Board.
Lorena has always believed that regardless of where students come from they need to be held to the highest standards so they can be college and career ready. Lorena understands, like no one else, what many students in the East Side experience. This is why after graduating from UC Davis, she went back to her community to teach math.
In her first term as trustee, the pandemic hit, and Lorena wasted no time and worked arduously to bridge the digital divide in the East Side and Santa Clara county. She worked across layers of local government and became one of the founders of the Digital Equity Coalition that has worked closely to bridge the digital divide. That advocacy turned into an investment from the city and county of over $10 million for digital access. Simultaneously, Lorena and her district worked with the city of San Jose on East Side Access, to provide permanent WiFi infrastructure that will provide fast, free, public internet access to over 300,000 people in the East Side of San Jose.
As a mother raising two children in the San Jose community, Lorena is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that all students have access to a world- class education.
Chelsea Byers
West Hollywood City Council
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Chelsea Byers is a social impact strategist and community organizer with 17 years of experience leading programs and overseeing operations in nonprofits and grassroots community organizations.
Born in Mesa, Arizona, Chelsea attended Franklin College Switzerland in undergrad and graduated with the top prize for Outstanding Seniors from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies.
Chelsea’s work in nonprofits has focused largely on supporting organizations to expand their capacity for impact and directing leadership development programs to create more powerful advocates.
A survivor of sexual violence, Chelsea was the co-lead on California’s campaign to overturn the Statute of Limitation on rape and a co-organizer of the first #MeToo Survivors March. Through United Way’s Everyone In campaign, Chelsea mobilized thousands of Angelenos in support of affordable housing and solutions to homelessness. She has been a long-time dedicated voice to a range of issues including LGBTQ and women’s rights, gun violence prevention, economic mobility for working-class people, homelessness, housing, and transportation.
Chelsea serves on the Board of Directors for National Women’s Political Caucus and Abundant Housing Los Angeles and is the outgoing President of the Westside Young Democrats. Chelsea has participated in a number of fellowships including the Housing Policy Leadership Institute, New Leaders Council, Art for LA Activate Program, National Council for Jewish Women’s Advocacy Program, and the James Lawson Institute.
Chelsea is running to represent West Hollywood, one of the country’s most inclusive cities, America’s first pro-choice city and a sanctuary city.
Joanna Rauh
San José City Council, District 3
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Joanna Rauh is running for San José City Council, District 3. As a working mom, she wants to raise happy kids in a clean, safe, and thriving downtown, and ensure that, when her kids are grown, they can afford to live here. Homelessness, public safety, and affordability are complicated problems and the solutions require collaboration and coordination among a broad spectrum of people and organizations. Joanna has spent the last 15 years of her career leading negotiations, bringing people and organizations together to overcome their differences, and finding solutions to complicated problems. She lives in the Vendome neighborhood with her husband and three children, just a few blocks away from where her great-parents lived when they immigrated to San José over 100 years ago.
Thomas Allison
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Office 151
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Currently, Thomas serves as a volunteer temporary judge. When people come into his courtroom, they appear in front of someone born in poverty, who experienced homelessness as a child and adult, and has been a victim of domestic violence. His life experience, legal experience, legal knowledge, and community service prepares him to be an excellent judge.
Thomas uses his diverse legal experience to help make balanced decisions. His trial experience and practice in family, criminal, civil litigation, and landlord-tenant make him the best-prepared candidate to take on any judicial assignment. His experience as a legal professor at two community colleges, a university, and a law school prepare him to communicate complicated laws and legal decisions to people without experience in the law. Thomas will use his knowledge from studying public administration at master’s and doctoral levels to ensure his decisions are fair and balanced for all involved.
Finally, his years of community service, providing more than 75 free legal clinics and more than 100 community engagement and education programs, informs his empathy and commitment to maintaining dignity throughout the Court process.
Thomas is committed to justice, devoted to law and is the best candidate for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office 151.
CONNECTICUT
Corey P. Paris
Connecticut House, District 145
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Corey is running for the Connecticut State House because he has made it his life’s purpose, and commitment of his work, to pursue the mission of public service and community activism. He holds firmly to the mantra that when society works to eradicate any form of inequality and bring marginalized communities together in the spirit of genuine cooperation, transformative ideas will drive life-changing action.
Corey knows there are many important issues that need addressing and that people are looking for leaders with the COURAGE to LEAD! They want to know that their elected representatives are on their side and standing up for them. Since becoming a state representative early last year, Corey has co-sponsored and advocated for a number of bills that benefit and improve the lives of all members of our community.
FLORIDA
Florida House, District 113
Primary Election Date: August 23, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Alessandro “A.J.” D’Amico is the son of a Cuban exile whose family fled the deadly Communist dictatorship to seek a better life in Hialeah, Florida. A.J. ‘s youth, like many in his millennial generation, was marked with great uncertainty: economic collapse, rising income inequality, and a worsening climate crisis that threatens all our futures.
A.J. entered public service while he attended college at Florida State University. At FSU, he played a direct role in important issues facing Florida as a legislative aide in the Florida Senate. He advocated for the expansion of Florida’s Medicaid program and legislation that provided greater treatment options and resources for Floridians suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. Searching for a career in which he could affect positive social change, A.J. attended law school at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Law Review and graduated with honors. He currently practices law at the law firm of Mase Mebane Seitz in Miami.
A.J. is running for the Florida House of Representatives because he believes that public service can be a force for good in the Miami-Dade community and in the State of Florida. As a millennial, A.J. represents a generation committed to making accessible and affordable healthcare the norm, overcoming the existential threat of climate change, and encouraging the success of small businesses. He is running against the politics of division and fear, and hopes to serve as an effective voice in Tallahassee while representing this vibrant and diverse district within Miami-Dade.
GEORGIA
Phil Olaleye
Georgia House, District 59
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Phil is a non-profit leader that supports Atlanta youth by providing exposure to local companies, colleges and after-school mentorship. Phil has dedicated his life to serving his community and believes in a future where hardworking families can prosper and every child can thrive no matter their zip code or background. Phil is running to represent Georgia’s House of Representatives District 59, and is fighting to invest fully in our public schools, expand access to quality and affordable healthcare, and raise the minimum wage to a liveable wage. A former neighborhood president and a Peace Corps alum, he will work hard to build a vision for our communities that is inclusive and supports working families. Phil and his wife live in Summerhill where they are raising their infant son.
Bentley Hudgins
Georgia House, District 90
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Bentley Hudgins is an Asian-American union member, organizer and community builder. For over a decade, he has done the real work of standing up for our communities when our leaders have failed to do the right thing.
Bentley has protected workers from employment discrimination, organized for the elimination of cash bail in Atlanta and Dekalb county, and helped thousands of our neighbors get vaccinated when our state leaders failed to do their jobs.
At the New Georgia Project as a political strategist, he helped defeat Brian Kemp’s budget cuts to the state public defender budget and spent countless hours registering our neighbors to vote to make sure that every single person can exercise their fundamental right to participate in free and fair elections.
He has a proven track record of providing real solutions by standing up for the most vulnerable among us, even when it isn’t easy.
Nabilah Islam
Georgia Senate, District 7
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Raised in Gwinnett County, Nabilah Islam is a lifelong fighter, organizer, and community advocate dedicated to advancing Democratic causes. As the daughter of working-class immigrants, Nabilah watched her parents work long hours to put food on the table. When she was in high school, her mother was injured at the warehouse she worked at as an order puller. Nabilah saw firsthand the devastating effects our broken healthcare system can have on families. Nabilah is running for State Senate because she understands the need for quality healthcare access, when elected Nabilah will fight to expand Medicaid.
As a product of Gwinnett County Public Schools, Nabilah knows how important our public education is for the success of our students. That is why she will fight for fully funded schools and a strong curriculum. She will be an advocate for our teachers and vote to increase teacher salaries and benefits.
Nabilah has been a fighter for our voting rights and in the State Senate she will protect our access to the ballot. Nabilah served as a Senior Advisor to the Gwinnett Democratic Party where she helped lead outreach to underserved communities– leading to the strongest Democratic performance in the county and helping to elect President Joe Biden. During the critical Senate runoffs, Nabilah led an organization, which knocked on over 34,000 doors, turning out Black and Brown voters across Gwinnett for Senators Ossoff and Warnock. Nabilah is a committed fighter for her district and will always uplift our community.
Chase Stell
Georgia Senate, District 36
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Chase Stell is a Georgia native, environmental advocate, and Democratic activist running for Georgia State Senate District 36. Chase has organized with Democratic party promoting progressive values across Georgia for nearly ten years. Chase is currently serving his second term as the president of the Young Democrats of Atlanta and also serves on the Young Atlanta Leaders board of The People’s Uprising and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. He also serves on the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s state advisory committee. He has significant experience organizing young people to stay involved and contribute to their communities, and will bring that to the Gold Dome.
Chase works at a nonprofit called the Center for Transportation and the Environment which is a planning and engineering firm working to deploy zero emission vehicles and infrastructure across the country. Chase is running because he believes climate change is one of the biggest threats we face and we have to be ready to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to withstand its effects. He is running because he wants to close the food, transportation, and education equity gaps across district 36. He is running to ensure that our kids get a robust and quality public education regardless of where they live. Chase is running because he is ready to mobilize to get fresh food to the folks in South Atlanta when a grocery store closes. Community outreach is extremely important to Chase and he will advocate on the district’s behalf 365 days a year.
Gabrielle Rogers
Georgia House, District 88
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Gabrielle Rogers is known for her leadership that has helped improve the Quality of Life for thousands of families in her community. She is an experienced business professional, wife of a union worker, parent advocate and lifetime public servant that was born in the heart of Decatur and reared off historic Candler Road. Gabrielle is running to serve as the 1st woman to represent House District 88.
Her passion for speaking up for those that are unable to speak for themselves prompted her to accept a position as a Marketing Sales Director at a major entertainment holding company in metro Atlanta. Over the span of her 10-year career, she’s managed millions of dollars to successfully create job opportunities, increase minimal wages and offer medical benefits to hourly wage workers. Gabrielle is running to revitalize opportunity in her community by alleviating underemployment, implementing protections for small businesses, expanding criminal justice reform and improving public safety.
Gabrielle serves and works tirelessly in several civic organizations and boards in the DeKalb County Community: National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc., DeKalb Section National Council of Negro Women, Junior League of DeKalb, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Stone Mountain Action Coalition (SMAC). During a Special Election, Gabrielle was voted as the 2021 President of DeKalb Young Democrats.
In her personal time, Gabrielle loves spending quality time with her husband, Jonothan, and her two handsome bonus sons, Jonothan and Joshua.
Jasmine Bowles|
Clayton County Board of Education, District 1
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Jasmine Bowles is an Atlanta native, and currently represents her hometown on the Clayton County Board of Education, Georgia’s 5th largest school district.
After earning her B.A. from Emory in 2010, Jasmine joined Teach for America as a Miami-Dade corps member, received a M.S. in Education from the University of Miami, and an Ed Finance Certificate from Georgetown. Jasmine continued her career as an educator, advocate, and organizer in New Orleans and Atlanta. In 2016, Jasmine founded PROOF Inc, a community organization committed to intergenerational problem solving through Think Tanks, and helped charter the Young Democrats of Clayton County. Her range of experiences, from classrooms to community organizations, inspired her to run for public service.
Jasmine was elected to represent District 1 on the Clayton County Board of Education in 2018, unseating an incumbent and becoming the county’s youngest elected official. She considers it an honor to represent scholars, teachers, and families in her neighborhood, and to help govern the schools she graduated from.
In addition to her local impact, Jasmine has coached hundreds of teachers, policy fellows, non-profit leaders, and public school board members across the country throughout her career. Currently, Jasmine serves as the Georgia State Director for Care in Action, where she helps advocate for women of color & domestic workers through advocacy, lobbying, and legislation.
Beth Moore
Georgia Senate, District 7
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Beth Moore is a lifelong Georgia resident, entertainment attorney, small business owner, and two-term legislator who is now running for Senate District 7. During her time in the State House, she has been an outspoken advocate for expanding access to affordable healthcare, preserving the integrity of public education, fighting for civil and human rights, and protecting our right to vote. The issue she is most passionate about is ending the death penalty in Georgia.
Saira Draper
Georgia House, District 90
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Saira is a civil rights attorney, and voting rights advocate, and community leader with experience in the corporate, non-profit, and political sectors. She is running for Georgia House District 90 because she is passionate about voting rights and ensuring that every Georgian can make their voice heard. Saira was the director of President Biden’s voter protection operations for the State of Georgia in 2020, and she served in the same role for Senators Warnock and Ossoff during the 2021 U.S. Senate runoff. Under her leadership, over 12,000 volunteers were trained and engaged in critical voter protection efforts in Georgia, including statewide poll watching and ballot processing monitoring programs, a voter protection hotline that received over 130,000 calls, and a ballot cure operation that helped make over 15,000 ballots count.
Prior to her work in Democratic politics, Saira practiced civil rights impact litigation at the Southern Poverty Law Center and complex commercial litigation in private practice. Throughout her career, she has been a problem solver with a track record of overcoming complex challenges in fast-moving and high-pressure environments. Saira is a graduate of Georgetown Law, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Georgia’s public school system. She and her husband have three wonderful kids, ages 7, 4, and 2.
Thomas Casez
Georgia House, District 40
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Thomas is running for Georgia State House district 40. He is a resident of Vinings, a self-made software engineer, a father and a husband who believes deeply in the power of public institutions to shape and improve the lives of everyone in Georgia.
With the problems facing Georgians being so vast — rising housing costs, runaway inflation, and never ending attacks on Georgia’s cherished right to vote — Thomas believes that the solutions that we need to address these need to be new and bold. However, looking around the political system it seemed like the leadership of the state had barely shifted in the last 30 years — the same old leaders that had occupied the seats in 1990 were still occupying the seats now. So, Thomas made the decision to run for office in order to give a new generation of Georgians hope and representation.
Thomas aims to help Georgia move forward and shed its old political class and adopt modern ideas, including forceful advocacy of worker rights, government transparency and the improvement of the everyday’s Georgian’s quality of life.
Lisamarie Bristol
Gwinnett County Solicitor-General
Primary Election Date: May 24, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Lisamarie Bristol is a wife, mother, immigrant to the United States and daughter of immigrants. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario Canada to Caribbean parents, Lisamarie has called metro Atlanta home since 2005. A 2009 Georgia State University College of Law grad, she has been a career public servant.
A former public defender, now prosecutor and adjunct professor, Lisamarie understands that the ideal time to make a difference in someone’s life who comes into contact with the criminal justice system is when the offenses are non-violent and low risk. That is why she is running to be the next Solicitor-General for Gwinnett County; to create meaningful intervention and diversion programs that will hold people accountable while also addressing root causes in hopes of breaking the cycle of recidivism.
Lisamarie also understands that misdemeanor crimes can have a negative impact on someone’s life. Job opportunities, housing, student loans and serving in the military may be affected. Lisamarie will work to ensure that the Solicitor’s office handles cases efficiently so that victims are served and receive the resources they need, and defendants are able to address their cases without undue delay.
Lisamarie is running to focus on bringing efficiency to the office because justice delayed is justice denied. She is running to ensure that meaningful programs are put in place to help people. She is running to build bridges with other community partners, because ultimately, community safety is a community issue that requires all community leaders to be invested and work together.
ILLINOIS
Walter Lindwall
Kane County Board, District 11
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Walter is an activist, educator, and organizer running to champion affordability, accessibility, and prosperity in his community. Walter originally moved to Geneva with his family in order to pursue opportunities for his disabled brother. They have since made the Fox Valley their home.
Walter brings the lessons of his childhood into everything he does. As an educator, Walter works to intellectually engage students and spur their passions in the world around them. As an activist, Walter works to ensure good government and a healthy democracy by holding those in power accountable.
Walter’s career in public service started in earnest while attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While studying political science, public policy, and English, Walter became involved with the student government, eventually serving as Student Body President. In that role, Walter focused on material issues that would directly benefit students’ lives. He brokered a deal between the Champaign County Clerk’s office and the University Administration to expand voting locations for students. He also instituted free menstrual hygiene products in public bathrooms across campus, eliminating the pink tax for many students. Walter also helped implement a new student-funded scholarship to assist DACA recipients with tuition. Walter also championed a student referendum to divest the university from Coal and Fossil Fuel investments which passed by an overwhelming majority.
Since leaving college, Walter has worked as a paraprofessional/debate coach and as an at-home-caregiver to his disabled brother. He has also taken opportunities to work for his neighbors by working for individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring Geneva is well represented in government, preserving local democracy, and increasing youth engagement in public affairs.
Destinee Ortiz
Will County Board, District 9
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Destinee Ortiz is a wife and devoted mother of three children. She is a substitute teacher’s aide for multi-needs students — a role which she adores. Destinee is passionate about community, and this is why she is a community volunteer at a local high school with their problem-solving circles program, and she also works closely with local environmental justice organizations to spread awareness and take action to resolve issues relevant to the community.
Destinee intimately lives by the values of work ethic and humility having formerly worked as a UPS Part-Time Sunrise Supervisor, (where she met her husband) and spent countless shifts as a Server and Bartender for Texas Roadhouse and Bar Louie. Being pro-union and pro-living wage jobs is part of Destinee’s DNA. She not only believes in creating clean energy union jobs in Will County, but she is also committed to prioritizing and protecting our hard-working everyday people.
Destinee is ready to give even more back to her community as it continues to give her so much — a great place to live and raise a family. She will continue to work hard for the people in her district every day.
La’Mont Raymond Williams
Illinois Senate, District 16
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
La’Mont is Chief of Staff and general counsel to Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry. He is an attorney with experience drafting, analyzing, championing, and passing impactful legislation while delivering services to constituents daily. Additionally, La’Mont is a professor, coach, mentor, and most importantly a concerned neighbor, and member of our community.
La’Mont firmly believes leadership should be accessible, transparent, and representative of everyone in his district. La’Mont believes leadership should be generational and not transactional, so our today is good but our tomorrow will be great!
Precious Brady-Davis
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commission
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Precious Brady-Davis is an award-winning social justice advocate, communications professional, and public speaker. She is currently the Associate Regional Communications Director at Sierra Club.
Brought up in both the foster care system Brady-Davis is a passionate advocate for marginalized LGBTQ youth. For three years she served as the Youth Outreach Coordinator at the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ community resource center, the Center on Halsted, where she coordinated youth programming surrounding HIV prevention, transgender advocacy, and LGBT leadership development. Under Precious’s tenure she launched a $1.6 million CDC grant which provided outreach, education, and testing services to over 3,000 young African American and Latino gay, bi, and trans youth across Chicagoland between the ages of 13 and 29.
Precious also previously served as the Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives at Columbia College Chicago, where she implemented the campus-wide diversity initiative and provided leadership and oversight on national diversity recruitment and strategic policy initiatives.
A Nebraska native of multiracial background, Precious graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Liberal Arts. Precious’s activism and advocacy have been featured in Time Magazine, The New York Times, and The Chicago Tribune. She resides in Chicago, IL, with her husband Myles.
INDIANA
Max Gosman
New Albany Township Board
Primary Election Date: May 3, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Max is running for New Albany Township Board because it’s the most direct, efficient way to connect people in need with vital resources. If elected, Max will support the efforts of the Township Trustee, especially as they relate to job training programs and homelessness prevention. As the Township is responsible for cemetery maintenance, Max will also fight to protect and preserve Freedomland, a historically significant site that was a burial place for New Albany’s African American residents in the 19th century, but has fallen into disrepair and is largely forgotten. If elected, Max will advocate for funding and restoring Freedomland, and for making it a protected historic site.
IOWA
Tiara L. Mays
Iowa House, District 43
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Tiara L. Mays is a candidate for State House of Representatives in Iowa-District 43. She is a mother, scholar, author, advocate and more. A dedicated scholar, Tiara is a graduate from Iowa State University and Purdue University. Tiara has a passion for healthcare, education and economic equity. She has worked several years in managed care contracting. Her interest in health care began in 2015, when her son was diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability. As a single mother of twins she quickly learned that navigating the healthcare system to get services for her son would require research, dedication and persistence.
Through her continued advocacy for equity in education and healthcare for our state’s most vulnerable populations, Tiara was recently elected as the 1st woman of color to serve on the Heartland Area Education Agency Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations: Red Cross of Central Iowa, Investing in My Future, Jungle Vine Foundation. She is also an active leader and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In 2022 Tiara was recognized by the Business Record as a Forty Under 40 Honoree for her contributions not only in her career but community as well.
KENTUCKY
Lindsey Burke
Kentucky House, District 75
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Lindsey Burke is a social worker and not-for-profit attorney running for State Representative in Kentucky’s 75th District. As a State Representative, Lindsey will continue her longstanding commitment to housing access and affordability, social services, public education, and health care access and affordability. Lindsey is a native Lexingtonian, who is deeply in tune with the needs of her community. For decades, she has been an advocate and ally for progressive causes like access to justice, affordable housing, disability inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Her years working in community organizing and social services led to Lindsey observing social issues across Lexington, and creating programs and systems to address those problems — she is an entrepreneurial problem-solver and visionary.
In addition to her work as Founder and Managing Attorney of a legal services nonprofit, Lindsey is regularly appointed to practice as a Guardian ad Litem for people in guardianship court cases. She considers it a privilege to assist families in the midst of major transitions. Lindsey is active in the leadership of several nonprofits, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for a low-income apartment complex and a collegiate paralegal program. Lindsey and her spouse, Spencer, are Deacons of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Jennifer Chappell
Louisville Metro Council, District 15
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Jennifer Chappell is a lifelong Louisvillian who knows that strong communities start with engaged citizens and that’s why she has devoted her life to being one. She was elected to her second term as a Conservation District Supervisor, currently serving as Chair of the board, helping to create a sustainable future while advocating for environmental justice. She is a champion for neighborhoods, serving as president of her community council and creating a non-profit that focuses on beautification and streetscape improvements in communities. She comes from a working class family and enjoyed growing up in Louisville, knowing that if we want more children to grow up with the experiences that she did, we’re going to have to do more to support working families and women. This means more youth development, mental health resources, improved safety, and access to more affordable housing and increased homeownership.
She is running for Metro Council District 15 because she is ready to take her experience and advocacy to the next level. It’s time that Louisville stops being reactive and starts being proactive.
MAINE
Eric Kuntz
Maine School Administrative District 6
General Election Date: June 8, 2022
Eric is an educational technologist and administrator who has worked throughout his career to make technology accessible, transformative and transparent to the thousands of higher education students he has supported.
Eric is running for a seat on the school board in MSAD 6, one of the largest districts in the state, because he believes the school board should be a resource where every member of our community is heard and respected. He believes in the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion: Instead of calling each other out, Eric wants to help create an environment where community members are called IN. He lives in Hollis, Maine with his wife and three children.
MARYLAND
Lisa Burnam
Prince George’s County Council, District 9
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Lisa is a socialist running to represent District 9 on the Prince George’s County Council. She believes urgent action is needed to address our climate emergency and other critical issues facing Prince George’s County residents. Lisa is committed to ensuring the climate resiliency of the county and achieving housing justice, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. She wants to establish a county-backed health care plan, lower child care costs for everyone with children, overhaul our transportation infrastructure, modernize our schools, improve our roads, and fight for quality jobs and family-supporting wages.
She wants greater fiscal oversight, government transparency, and resident participation to ensure that the development of south county reflects the vision of those who live here. Lisa lives with her husband Tesfa and two children, Gadise (5) and Kidane (1), in beautiful Accokeek. Lisa is a member of the Resident Advisory Commission with the PG County Department of Environment, works at the Center for Economic Policy and Research, and has been a community activist for the last 15 years.
Krystal Oriadha
Prince George’s County Council, District 7
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Krystal, a longtime resident of Seat Pleasant, has spent years advocating for policies and legislation that support and protect all the residents within Prince George’s County. Krystal is the co-founder of the grassroots organization PG ChangeMakers, which works to address community issues around housing, food insecurity, health care, LGBTQ rights, police reform, and education as well as works to break down systemic racism.
Krystal has worked for federal and local government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits. Currently the Senior Director of Policy and Program for a national nonprofit, Krystal is a highly skilled policy advisor who combines her over 10 years of experience within the public, private, and nonprofit sector with extensive public engagement to craft and support policies that help build a brighter future for our communities.
Krystal’s hard work and dedication to the community have been recognized on several occasions. She was awarded the Daily Records Top 100 women in 2021, Innovation Funds 40 under 40 award for public service in 2019, and the Howard University Alumni Move Makers award in 2018. She was also selected to serve on the 2019 Clinton Foundation’s 20|30 Leadership Council.
Krystal attended Howard University for her BBA in International Business. During Krystal’s time at Howard, she joined The International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and studied abroad in Tanzania at the University of Dar es Salaam. She also received her MBA from Amberton University.
Keenon James
Maryland House, District 23
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Keenon James is a gun violence survivor dedicated to building safer communities. As a crime victims’ rights advocate, he elevates the real-life stories and impacts of crime on families and communities seeking justice, restitution, and prevention. Keenon has been working to reform policing and building safer communities for nearly 20 years including leading President Obama’s Collaborative Reform Initiative at the US Department of Justice. Keenon helped draft and pass Justice Reinvestment legislation in several states, including his home state of Maryland, to address sentencing disparities, reduce recidivism, increase resources to crime victims, and create economic opportunities for underserved communities.
The parent of two public school students, Keenon is invested in making sure the same school system that educated him and his wife, has the resources it needs to do so for their daughters. Keenon served as the parent-teacher organization president working to build partnerships between the school, families, local businesses and service organizations. By bringing partners and resources together, Keenon plans to create a community-centered learning experience for students, educators, and volunteers who want nothing more than the best for the children of district 23.
As a homeowner, Keenon values the financial foundation and generational wealth he is building for his family. Keenon is committed to strengthening the Fair Housing Act to ensure black and brown neighborhoods are valued. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Keenon and his wife reside in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with their two daughters.
MASSACHUSETTS
Sydney Levin-Epstein
Massachusetts Senate, 1st Hampden & Hampshire District
Primary Election Date: September 6, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Sydney grew up behind the counter of Jonathan’s Sports World, her family’s small business that had to close when big box stores arrived. When her family struggled to afford health care, Sydney’s father found a new career with the American Federation of Government Employees and joined the TSA workforce at Bradley International Airport. Watching her family build and then have to close down a business drives her commitment to supporting economic growth.
Sydney is running for Massachusetts State Senate because she wants to build up communities so that people who want to stay can stay — that means creating better jobs, combating the opioid epidemic, and finally connecting Massachusetts with West-East rail.
Sydney served in Chairman Richard Neal and Senator Ed Markey’s offices where she promoted key issue areas impacting the local economy and informed associated communication strategies via research, briefings, and constituent relations. While serving her community on Capitol Hill, Sydney worked as a hostess at a restaurant and babysat for every family she could find. She returned to Western Massachusetts to help elect State Senator Eric Lesser. During that time, she was Tweety Bird at Six Flags New England and scooping ice cream at Friendly’s. Like Sydney, many folks in Western Massachusetts work two jobs to make ends meet — but it doesn’t need to be that way.
Sydney will fight for better jobs so folks aren’t working two gigs to keep the heat on in February. Sydney has the passion, conviction, and experience to meet the urgency of this moment and serve her community with an unwavering voice.
MICHIGAN
Katybeth Davis
Michigan Senate, District 16
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Katybeth Davis is running for Michigan State Senate in District 16 (Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties). She works for a local construction company, is a mother of two children, and has been a human rights activist for over seven years. She is running because she is tired of the racism and discrimination she has faced in this area and believes she has what it takes to stand up to the elected officials who have made it this way.
Katybeth believes in racial justice for all and that the injustice of systemic racism needs to be addressed through criminal justice reform and re-allocating funds in police departments to invest in mental and social service and invest in BIPOC communities.
Katybeth will fight to protect healthcare by standing up for people’s access to critical health services such as birth control, abortions, mental health services, and cancer screenings. Katybeth will also ensure the great lakes and critical sources of water are protected from corporate polluters and PFAS,while also advocating for renewable energy.
Neil Oza
Michigan House, District 55
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Neil is a dedicated nonprofit leader and community organizer. He’s felt the call to serve and give back to his community from a young age, but never saw himself running for office personally. This year, he looked around his community and state and realized he had to step up to run because change is needed. The failure to flip MI’s 55th district, could have huge consequences on issues like health care access. Neil will also advocate for environmental safety and investments in education. .
Graham Diedrich
Ingham County Board of Commissioners, District 13
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Graham is a student, rising educator, and climate policy researcher fighting for progressive change for his community. He is running for the Ingham County Board of Commissioners in District 13 to deliver on climate change, criminal justice reform, LGBTQIA+ equity, and reproductive rights.
Graham is a graduate of Haslett High School and Michigan State University. He lives in Haslett with his fiancée, Summer and their cat, Piper. He is running for office because he believes that better is possible, if we demand it. In his 21 years, Graham has only known a world characterized by growing threats to equality, democracy, and our environment. He believes that it is his duty to rectify the mistakes of the past in order to build a brighter tomorrow.
Justin Mendoza
Michigan House, District 42
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Justin Mendoza is a public health professional, advocate, and organizer with experience fighting against corporate power to make prescription drugs more affordable, lower health care costs, and win investments in health equity. He is running for Michigan’s new 42nd District, where he has lived for more than half of his life. A former union representative, he fought for student loan repayment for his bargaining unit, and worked alongside organized labor to win more than $7 B in investments in a strong public health workforce. Justin lives in Parchment, MI with his wife and two dogs.
MINNESOTA
Mai Chong Xiong
Ramsey County Commissioner, District 6
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
More than 10 years ago, as a first-generation college student, Mai Chong committed her life to racial justice work. As a Hmong daughter of refugees who grew up living in poverty, she saw how her family and many in her community bore the brunt of a system that was not built to put equity, working families, and Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color at the center of it. She knew this needed to change.
Mai Chong knows building a future rooted in racial, social, & gender justice for all requires us to build a people-powered movement from the ground up. It needs to reflect our deepest hopes and dreams with leaders at the frontlines who lead with boldness and courage.
As a mother of two, as a caregiver of her elderly parents-in-law, as a woman of color, as a wife, and a proud advocate for Saint Paul’s East Side, she is taking her leadership as an organizer, current legislative aide to Saint Paul Councilmember Dai Thao, Co-Chair of TakeAction Minnesota, and much more to run for Minnesota Ramsey County Commission (District 6) to fight for the future we all deserve — a future where all people regardless of race, class, gender, and age can live dignified lives in joy, hope, and love.
John Hest
Minnesota House, District 4B
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
John Hest is a farm-grown educator, dad, husband, and union member running to serve Minnesota House District 4B. Hest works at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where he advises and advocates for students every day. He is a committed member of his union, the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Local 1502, serving as a steward and on the collegewide Meet and Confer Team. Hest also teaches online history and government courses for Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal College in South Dakota. Hest is committed to family farming as a way of life, growing up as the fifth generation on his family’s farm in rural Norman County, Minnesota. He has been an active member of the Minnesota Farmers Union, graduating from their New Leader Academy and lobbying on behalf of family farmers and rural communities in Washington, D.C., and St. Paul. Most importantly, Hest is a dad to a two-year-old, Eleanor, and a husband to Natalie; he and his family live in Glyndon, Minnesota.
Hest is running for family farmers fighting against consolidation and monopolies. He’s running for fully funded public schools, from Pre-K to university, and the teachers, parents, and students within those schools. He’s running to reinforce healthcare and eldercare infrastructure while supporting our nurses, doctors, and other providers. He’s running for border-to-border rural broadband, rebuilt roads and bridges, and investments and jobs in our renewable energy infrastructure. Hest is running to ensure the working folks of northwestern Minnesota have a voice and an ally in St. Paul.
Saraswati Singh
Hennepin County Attorney
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Saraswati Singh, an experienced and progressive prosecutor nationally recognized for her leadership, is running to be the next Hennepin County Attorney.
Saraswati is a prosecutor for the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, handling sexual assault, murder, and other felony cases. Saraswati previously worked at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as Assistant Attorney General in the Public Safety Division. Prior to this, she clerked for Judge Jay M. Quam in Hennepin County District Court, managed a civil rights case load for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, and assisted the U.S. Senate Judiciary staff in Justice Elena Kagan’s confirmation hearings. She served four terms as Co-President of the progressive Minnesota Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society. She was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans, is a Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, and volunteers at the Simpson homeless shelter.
Saraswati is a progressive prosecutor, a Hindu, and the daughter of Indian immigrants. She is a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and rule of law, and works tirelessly to help the community. Saraswati is committed to bringing a community-focused Hennepin County Attorney’s Office that understands our role in public safety, our duty to enforce police accountability, and our responsibility toward racial equity. When elected, Saraswati will make history as the first woman of color to ever serve as Hennepin County Attorney!
Cedrick R. Frazier
Minnesota House, District 45A
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
As a first-term legislator, Cedrick serves as the Vice-Chair of the Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform, Finance Committee and has been a bold voice for much-needed innovation and accountability in the Minnesota criminal justice system. Cedrick also has had the opportunity to serve on the Education Policy Committee where he has helped pass bills to close the educational attainment gaps and teacher shortages while working to increase the diversity in faculty ranks. Cedrick serves on the Judicial and Civil Law, Finance committee where he has carried successful legislation to reverse policies that led to the criminalization of poverty. He has also been a vocal advocate and strong supporter for providing more funding for public defenders.
Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House, District 63A
Primary Election Date: August 9, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Samantha is an educator, a working mom, a local community leader, and a fourth-generation Japanese American running to be the next state representative for district 63A in South Minneapolis. She attended Minneapolis public schools, including South High School in the district, which neighbors know is distinctive for having no windows.
In reflection, public schools also did not have mirrors. The curriculum, the teaching staff, and the policies did not provide mirrors for students of color to see themselves reflected, and as a result there are terrible gaps in educational outcomes. Ever since, Samantha has been fighting for educational justice for students of color, including working as an educator.
Since 2017, she has been Executive Director at educational non-profit, 826 MSP. During her time there, the organization has served thousands of Twin Cities students through free in-school and out-of-school writing, publishing, and leadership programs. They have built safe spaces for youth, including writing centers in the Seward neighborhood and at her alma mater.
In 2020, South Minneapolis became the epicenter of a fight for racial justice. She joined the protests and worked with neighbors to keep each other safe. She saw the possibilities in reimagining public safety at the neighborhood and city levels, and learned that unless we are vigilant about unearthing racial biases we can easily replicate the systems we are trying to dismantle. In 2022, Samantha is running to ensure the city doesn’t retreat back into complacency and that fellow activated citizens keep that fight going.
MISSOURI
Anthony T. Ealy, Jr
Missouri House, District 36
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Anthony is a progressive activist running for the Missouri House of Representatives in District 36. He is a lawyer who represents unions and supports the causes of labor. While in law school, he was a member of the National Black Law Students Association’s (NBLSA) 52nd Board of Directors.
Anthony believes that the people of Grandview and Kansas City deserve bold, new leadership. He plans to be the progressive change that the working-class people of District 36 deserve.
MONTANA
Andy Nelson
Montana House, District 98
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
From a young age, Andy Nelson was taught to give back to the community. He has lived by this principle his entire life; giving back to the communities that raised him, formed and shaped him, taught him true morals, values, and what it means to be a Montanan. Andy is ready to work for the great people of his native state of Montana and will fight with bold and fearless conviction in the Montana House of Representatives.
As an out and proud gay man, he will be a strong voice for the LGBTQ+ community. As a person who has battled alcoholism and made the conscious decision at a young age to live a life of sobriety, he will advocate for better treatment options for those struggling with addiction, resources, suicide prevention, and access to mental healthcare. As a person who recognizes the many privileges he has, he will fight for diversity, equity, inclusion, and for the marginalized communities who are too often overlooked and left out. As a Montanan who wants to see the next generations thrive, Andy will advocate for our children, for our schools, for our teachers, for affordable childcare, and for kindergarten readiness. As a renter and Missoulian who wants to stay, work and one day raise a family here, he will fight tooth and nail to keep Montana affordable.
NEVADA
Alex Goff
Nevada Assembly, District 25
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Alex is the oldest of three raised by a single mother, a Marine Corps Veteran, and the Chair of the City of Reno’s Human Rights Commission. He is running for Nevada Assembly District 25 to build upon the previous success of the legislature and continue to advocate for issues such as affordable housing, increased access to affordable healthcare, solutions to combat climate change to create a better, sustainable Nevada for generations to come, and to fight for jobs that provide a living wage.
Spurred by Republicans passing anti-union legislation after the 2014 elections, Alex became an activist with his local union, and advocated for workers’ rights and policies to advance opportunities for working families in Nevada. In 2021 Alex was appointed by Gov. Sisolak to serve on the Nevada State Rehabilitation Council. Alex Goff has always answered the call to service!
Selena La Rue Hatch
Nevada Assembly, District 25
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Selena La Rue Hatch is a parent, teacher, union leader, and fierce advocate for her students and their families. She has spent her life in service to her community and creating positive change around her. Now, she is stepping up her commitment to the community by running for Nevada State Assembly District 25. She wants to ensure that the voices of everyone in our community, especially our BIPOC and LBGTQ+ communities, are heard and honored in the halls of power. By bringing more voices into the conversation she is certain we can make real and powerful changes for children, her community, and the people of Nevada.
Selena is dedicated to addressing climate change, diversifying our economy, creating good paying union jobs, and ensuring everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare. She means to make the dream of owning a home a reality for more Nevadans and ensure that housing is actually affordable in her community. Most importantly, she intends to fix our broken education system and fulfill the promise to every Nevada child that they can receive a quality education which prepares them for the future.
A brighter Nevada is possible, and Selena is committing all of her energies to ensure that it becomes a reality. She hopes that you will join her in this campaign and help transform the Reno community and state of Nevada for the better.
Kalie Work
Washoe County Recorder
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
After flipping a seat against an incumbent in 2018 to break the Republican stronghold in Washoe County, Recorder Kalie Work is running for re-election. Kalie advocates for the use of technology to make local government more efficient, secure, and user-friendly.
Kalie’s most notable achievements in her first term include launching a property recording alert system free for residents and digitizing the County’s historical property records for public accessibility and business continuity.
A proud Nevada native, Kalie earned her bachelor’s degree in speech from the University of Nevada, Reno and master’s degree in business management from Harvard University. She is determined to bring innovation and sustainable practices to her work in county government. Kalie was appointed board member of the National Association of County Officials’ technology committee in 2019 and Nevada County Fiscal Officers Association in 2021.
Will Rucker
Nevada Assembly, District 13
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Will is a voice for compassion, non-profit leader, interfaith minister, small business owner, and proud husband of a nurse. While going into politics wasn’t a part of his plan, he always intended to make a difference in the world. Will plans to bring his experience working with the health district, school system, transit authority, and agencies like the EPA to the legislature to move Nevada forward.
Will is running for the Nevada State Assembly because he believes it’s the right time to do the right thing. Nevada is ready to modernize its economy and culture to become a global leader in innovation, sustainable development, and human flourishing. Will believes that it doesn’t take a hundred years to do this; it just takes political courage.
Will believes that a Nevada for the people is possible and has plans to create barrier-free access to quality healthcare, education, and housing, providing Nevadans with the opportunity to pursue happiness again. In all ways, he strives for excellence, but, most importantly, Will Rucker seeks to impact the lives of others in ways that support the common good.
Hunter Cain
Clark County Recorder
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Hunter will be Clark County’s first licensed foster parent to serve as County Recorder. Hunter is a single Clark County foster parent who has devoted his life to help shelter and raise higher-level of care and at-risk youth. Hunter has fostered/adopted 27 youth ranging from 8 to 18 years old.
Hunter will be Clark County’s first combat veteran to serve as County Recorder. Hunter is a disabled combat veteran who spent nearly a decade in the US Army with deployments or service in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.
Hunter will be Clark County’s first openly LGBTQ+ County Recorder. After the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Hunter helped LGBTQ+ veterans upgrade their less-than-honorable military discharges that were based on sexual preference.
Hunter is dedicated to community outreach where he organized over 100 community events, helped thousands of Southern Nevadans find social and mental health services, and brought back more than $2 million worth of federal benefits to those he helped.
Hunter is committed to reforming the Department of Family Services, creating a county Department of Veterans Affairs, and creating affordable and homeless housing. He continues to work with elected leaders and community partners to present innovative ideas for parks and recreational expansion, residential clean energy and gray water systems, building rehabilitation centers as an alternative sentencing, and ensuring that Clark County’s reputation is one that believes that one wage from one job is enough to support one family.
Augusta Massey
Las Vegas Justice Court Judge, Dept. 6
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Augusta Massey is running for Justice of the Peace in Las Vegas Justice Court Department 6.
When Augusta was a teenager, she fled with her family from Nigeria after witnessing her father’s violent death. Together with her mother and siblings, she settled in Memphis, Tennessee. Determined to make the most of the opportunities afforded her in her new home country, she set out to get a college degree. Augusta worked full-time while taking up to 26 credits per semester to obtain two associate degrees in engineering in two years.
It was during this time that she experienced another tragedy. While walking home from school one day, Augusta’s then 12-year-old younger brother was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Amid their grief, Augusta’s family found themselves inundated with lawyers — including civil, criminal, and immigration attorneys. Through this ordeal, Augusta learned the impact lawyers and judges could have on a family — both good and bad.
This tragic experience inspired Augusta to become an attorney and propels her to run for judge today. Augusta may not be battle born, but she is battle forged and globally prepared to deliver justice to the Las Vegas community. Augusta understands what it is like to represent yourself in court. She knows first-hand how intimidating and overwhelming it can be for anyone and so she treats everyone with dignity and respect. Augusta is running because she believes Las Vegas needs more compassionate and committed judges who care about the community on the bench.
Hawah Ahmad
Washoe County Commission, Seat 3
Primary Election Date: June 14, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Hawah Ahmad is running to be your next Washoe County Commission, District 3 Commission because she believes in the future of Washoe County where the county is affordable for its residents, where children and seniors are supported, where small businesses prosper, where our workforce grows, where our labor unions are celebrated, and where every resident knows where their tax dollars are going. Hawahwants to be part of the solution and ensure that trust is restored between the people and the county government and to ensure that the residents of District 3 are at the table, heard and represented.
NORTH CAROLINA
Shante’ Burke-Hayer
Mecklenburg County District Court Judge, District 26, Seat 1
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Highly regarded for her work in and out of the courtroom, Shanté Burke-Hayer is known to be a woman of integrity and humility. She has a caring temperament with a principled and idea-driven demeanor that is essential for handling the high-pressure role of District Court Judge. She upholds a moral standard that is representative of what is expected within the criminal justice system — someone who is fair, just, and empathetic to the human experience. She believes that everyone should have access to justice and should be served with respect, dignity, and free from intimidation in the courtroom.
Growing up in rural North Carolina, in a place that is historically overlooked, underserved, and unheard of, Shante’ has made Charlotte her home for the past 15 years. She has been fortunate enough to live and serve the community in both areas which has equipped her to be understanding of the different walks of life that will stand before her as a District Court Judge.
Shante’ has a diverse legal background with over 10 years of experience in criminal, family, and juvenile law. She has handled hundreds of cases that range from child custody to child support, divorce, equitable distribution, domestic violence, abuse neglect and dependency cases, DUI cases, bond hearings, etc. Shanté is running for District Court Judge, Seat 1 simply because she has the heart to serve all people. regardless of race, gender, religion, economic status, or other diverse backgrounds; and to do so respectfully, fairly and impartially so that just solutions are rendered to all.
Ricky Hurtado
North Carolina House, District 63
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
A son of working-class immigrants, Ricky Hurtado grew up in rural North Carolina and is a product of public schools. Ricky is an educator and non-profit practitioner, co-founding an organization to advance education equity and access to higher education, serving on Governor Cooper’s DRIVE Task Force on education equity and teacher diversity, serving as a commissioner of My Future NC, an initiative focused on college attainment across the state, and supporting a number of local non-profits as a board member, such as the Alamance Partnership for Children and Alamance Achieves. In 2020, Ricky became the First Latino Democrat to ever be elected to the North Carolina General Assembly. As he seeks re-election, Ricky is working tirelessly to continue the fight for public education, small businesses, essential workers, the environment, and our democracy.
Terry Brown
North Carolina House, District 92
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Terry is an attorney, advocate, and the current representative for North Carolina House District 92. Terry is running to create new opportunities for residents of North Carolina & bridge the gap between Raleigh and Charlotte. As a lifelong North Carolinian, Terry is running to advocate for neighbors across the state who have been left on the sidelines by policies that don’t represent them. Terry’s passion is for supporting small businesses and working families, providing resources for mental health, fully funding our education system, and investing in our infrastructure.
Patrick Buffkin
North Carolina Senate, District 13
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Patrick moved to Raleigh 20 years ago to attend NC State and never looked back. Since then, he has established a career as a renewable energy and utility lawyer, married the love of his life Rachael, and served the Raleigh community with a principled progressive approach. He has been an HOA president, a member of the city parks board, and for the past 2.5 has represented North Raleigh as the District A member of city council.
Patrick’s work on the city council has focused on issues that improve life for Raleigh residents every day: housing affordability, traffic and transportation, investing in parks and infrastructure, and making government work better for members of the community.
Aminah “Mimi” Ghaffar
North Carolina House, District 47
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Aminah is running for the North Carolina House Seat in District 47, because she believes that Robesonians deserve clean air and water, access to quality healthcare, and better education. She takes a strong stance against environmental racism and systemic oppression as an Afro-Indigenous homegrown candidate from Lumberton, NC.
She believes that small farmers in Robeson County need the support of the state legislature to create sustainable agriculture programs that will benefit the environment, and increase crop yields catalyzing economic development in Robeson County. Robeson County has over 800 polluters and has been called “the outhouse of NC.” Aminah believes that this is unacceptable and Robeson County could be home to major ecotourism attractions having one of the most scenic rivers in the United States, the Lumbee River.
As a former domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking advocate, Aminah is also prioritizing tackling women’s issues, in addition to continuing her advocacy for missing and murdered Indigenous People and other victims of violence in Robeson County.
OHIO
Claire Osborne
Ohio House, District 83
Primary Election Date: May 3, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Claire Osborne is permanently passionate about ensuring Ohio is a great place to live, work and thrive.
Claire is a licensed social worker who earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Findlay and master’s degree in community social work from Baylor University. Today, she works as the program manager for a local peer recovery community organization that is focused on helping build recovery skills for those who struggle with substance abuse, mental health conditions, and trauma. She is passionate about investing her time and energy to help other community members who battle these issues due to her own lived experience as a formerly incarcerated individual who is in long-term recovery. Claire recognized a need for belonging from local youth, as many in the area left the district for bigger cities in or outside of Ohio. As a result, she co-founded the Hancock County Young Democrats and was elected and continues to serve as its current president.
She is running for Ohio House on the belief that Ohioans deserve a high quality of life where each individual and community can thrive. Claire knows firsthand how poor policy decisions made at the state level affect a community and the people who make up that community’s well being. Together she knows we can help heal Ohio.
Zach Gwin
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
Primary Election Date: May 3, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Throughout his career, Zach Gwin has shown his dedication to public service. Zach has both a passion for, and a record of, advocating for our underserved communities in both his work and personal life.
Zach has received numerous credits in local news for his work to close down locations of serious violence and chronic criminal activity. In his current role, Zach has secured temporary restraining orders and injunctions to close dozens of drug houses and dangerous after-hours bars. Zach has fought for lead paint remediation, putting vacant properties into productive use, and improving housing conditions for residents.
From Victim Witness Advocate, to defense attorney, to Assistant City Attorney, Zach has the diversity of experience and connections to the community needed in our Court.
PENNSYLVANIA
Meg Rosenfeld
Pennsylvania House, District 139
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Meg Rosenfeld is an educator, legal professional, and PA victims’ advocate who places the greater good of humanity above partisan politics. Through her leadership roles in schools, she knows that building community is vital and that all perspectives are valuable when tackling a problem. Her legal experience informs her understanding of how nuance in legislation directly impacts lives. As a mother of a child who passed away from terminal brain cancer in 2012, she and her family know firsthand that the lack of access to local healthcare in rural communities is at a crisis level.
When Meg saw that she could be the change needed for our neglected rural communities she stepped up. Flipping the PA House must happen in this election cycle to prevent more regression. In today’s divisive political climate, Meg is focused on building stronger communities through infrastructure repairs, fighting for access to affordable local healthcare, funding emergency medical services, establishing before and after school care in every public school, expanding career options through technical and community college initiatives, and supporting environmental conservation. She will be diligent in her efforts to create policies that support raising the standard of living in rural communities and reflect her commitment to social justice. The local needs of her neighbors are what motivate her desire to create meaningful changes at the State level. Meg works, volunteers, and resides in Milford, PA with her 6 children and husband.
David Brown
Pennsylvania House, District 166
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
David Brown is a resident of Havertown, PA who teaches music alongside his wife, Kaitlyn. Activated politically by the rise of Donald Trump, David dove headfirst into the world of campaigns, managing and winning races to elect some of the most active Democrats in Pennsylvania. Now, David is stepping up to run for Pennsylvania State Representative of the 166th District to bring the fight for progressive values to Harrisburg.
David is dedicated to fighting climate change and passing meaningful legislation to protect the residents of Delaware County. Central to his platform is calling for a ban on all new fracking in Pennsylvania, an issue that hits close to home because David’s own mother lives in the blast radius of the Mariner East Pipeline. David is also running because he cares about workers rights, including strengthening labor unions and working together with labor leaders when drafting legislation. He believes that working families deserve to make a living wage, and wants to start with not only raising the statewide minimum wage, but indexing that to the cost of living to guarantee wages continue to rise for our most vulnerable workers.
After seeing firsthand the recent attacks on voting rights in Pennsylvania David is running to protect your vote starting at the local level. He believes in common-sense solutions to guarantee that every vote is counted and that every voice is heard around the state.
La’Tasha D. Mayes
Pennsylvania House, District 24
Primary Election Date: May 17, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
La’Tasha D. Mayes, MSPPM (she/her), is running for Pennsylvania State Representative in House District 24 in Pittsburgh with decades of visionary leadership, policy expertise and service to the Greater Pittsburgh Region. La’Tasha is a nationally recognized leader in the field of Reproductive Justice, human rights and leadership development for Black women and girls.
La’Tasha most recently served as Commissioner on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and she completed the Higher Heights Senior Leadership Fellowship in 2021. La’Tasha also served as the inaugural Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission, as President of Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh, served on the Board of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania and she is a Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
La’Tasha is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in business, political science and women’s studies, she earned her graduate degree in public policy at Carnegie Mellon University and completed the University of Pennsylvania Executive Program for Social Impact Strategy.
La’Tasha believes in the power of community organizing to change our communities and our democracy.
RHODE ISLAND
Jennifer Rourke
Rhode Island Senate, District 29
Primary Election Date: September 13, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Jennifer Rourke is the co-founder of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative and a leader in Rhode Island’s progressive electoral movement. As a champion for reproductive rights, Jen was a key organizer for the Reproductive Privacy Act and the Doula Reimbursement Act. She sits on the board of the Womxn Project and is the vice-chair of the RI Democratic Women’s Caucus and the chair of the Advisory Committee for Black Lives Matter RI PAC.
Jennifer resides in Warwick with her husband, a veteran, and four kids, who are her reason for running for office.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Jermaine Johnson
South Carolina House, District 70
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Dr. Jermaine Johnson is a community activist, avid volunteer, public servant and current State Representative serving the people of Lower Richland and Kershaw Counties.
As a husband and proud father, Jermaine knows the value and importance of giving back to the community that has helped him raise his family and grow as a leader. At an early age, Jermaine witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty, gun violence and homelessness. Jermaine used his skills on the basketball court to earn his way to a full scholarship to the College of Charleston. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, he continued his athletic career and was drafted into the NBA’s D-League and went on to play for various teams abroad in Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Portugal.
Jermaine continued his educational pursuits and attained a graduate degree in Project Management and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. Jermaine is the owner of Dream Team Consulting and an adjunct professor at Webster University in Columbia, SC. He resides in Hopkins, SC with his wife Dr. Evan Patrice Johnson and four children: Jermaine Jr., Khloe, Kobe and newborn baby Kari.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Kadyn Wittman
South Dakota House, District 15
Primary Election Date: June 7, 2022
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
For nearly a decade, Kadyn Wittman has dedicated her personal and professional time to elevating the causes she believes in. From statewide coalition-building within the LGBTQ+ community to one-on-one client services for the homeless population of Sioux Falls, she has spent years advocating on behalf of marginalized and vulnerable communities.
She has also seen her family experience marginalization firsthand. Over the past twenty-five years, Kadyn’s younger brother, Micah, has used a wheelchair to navigate the world. She grew up watching her parents advocate on his behalf for accessible services, and this instilled in her a deep sense of justice and a drive to create equity wherever possible. This is just one of the reasons she feels called to serve as a state legislator; to create better government policies for people who need them the most.
TENNESSEE
Montrell Besley
Hamilton County Commission, District 11
Primary Election Date: May 3, 2022
General Election Date: August 4, 2022
Montrell is a father, small business owner, community advocate, educator, and Chattanooga native running to become the first Commissioner for Hamilton County District 11. Montrell has a Master of Science focused in Public and Community Health from Austin Peay State University. Montrell’s goals as County Commissioner include investing in our public education, enhancing our public safety and strengthening our local economy.
Brian Bush
Chattanooga City Court Judge
General Election Date: May 3, 2022
Brian is a Chattanooga native, lawyer, U.S. Naval officer, and community advocate running for Chattanooga City Court Judge. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Maryville College and earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
After returning home, he began his career as a legal liaison for the Chattanooga-based nonprofit organization, House of Refuge, where he advocated for alternative sentencing on behalf of non-violent offenders experiencing substance addiction and homelessness. From there, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Hamilton County (TN), prosecuting violent crimes and felonies before joining a private firm.
Brian cares deeply about his hometown and believes that Chattanooga’s journey into the future requires fresh ideas and new visions, including in its’ court system. He is running to improve the lives of Chattanoogans through the municipal court by connecting them to local, life-improving resources that promote long-term stability and success, instead of burdening Chattanooga’s most vulnerable community members with unnecessary court costs and fines. Brian lives in Chattanooga with his wife, Mauriel.
Tim Green Jr.
Memphis-Shelby County School Board Commissioner, District 6
General Election Date: August 4, 2022
Tim is running for Memphis-Shelby County School Board Commissioner-District 6 to restore servant leadership in the community, advocate for new teacher retention incentives, and champion more resources around mental health for educators, students, and families.
Tim has a professional background in youth programming, community engagement, non-profit leadership, and primary and secondary education. Stemming from his time as a classroom teacher and school administration, he has championed restorative practices in schools and advocated for the increased use of youth mental health resources that benefit the whole child.
Tim founded The Dividend to teach young boys of color how to use their leadership skills effectively while understanding their own social and emotional wellbeing. In addition, he co-founded Memphis Restorative Justice Coalition, an organization that creates and partners with community organizations to decrease the number of suspensions and expulsions in Shelby County. Tim has mentored over 500 male educators of color around the nation, including Memphis.
Marcus Shute, Jr.
Davidson County Criminal Court Judge, Division 6
Primary Election Date: May 3, 2022
General Election Date: August 6, 2022
Marcus is running for Division 6, Criminal Court Judge in Davidson County, Tennessee. Marcus believes that integrity should be the guiding principle of every aspect of our justice system and that every citizen is entitled to respect and dignity.
Marcus knows firsthand what it’s like to be deprived of those things while dealing with the justice system, and he’s running to make sure that no one else will have to experience what he did ever again.
TEXAS
Tara Wilson
Fort Worth City Council, District 4
General Election Date: May 7, 2022
Tara is a nurse, a small business owner, and a single mother of three. She does not back down when things get tough. Working hard and being resilient are attributes Tara credits her family for instilling in her. Tara serves on multiple boards, such as LGBTQ Saves and Texas Latina List, and is an Ambassador for the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Tara also is a member of Leadership Fort Worth Leading Edge 2022 Class.
David Nguyen
Pearland ISD School Board of Trustees, Position 6
General Election Date: May 7, 2022
David is a 22-year-old senior at the University of Houston and running for Pearland ISD Board of Trustees, Position 6. As a student advocate, he’s dedicated years to serving his community. From a very young age, he conducted human rights advocacy every summer in D.C. with BPSOS representing prisoners of conscience. In 2018, he was the youngest candidate appointed to the executive board of VCSA where he worked to provide various youth programs and mobile clinics for marginalized communities. In 2019, he was a kindergarten foreign language teacher at KTA restructuring lesson plans for more interactive learning.
As a former graduate of Pearland ISD, David understands what it is like to sit in classrooms and walk the halls of today’s public education system. He recognizes the many struggles that students and teachers are experiencing on a day-to-day basis. If elected, David hopes to bring fresh ideas, a student’s perspective, and only student-centered decision making to the board. He firmly believes that new leadership is the only way to bring change, and that he is that agent of change. He will strive to ensure quality education, healthy academic achievements, and accountability prioritizing students and teachers above any and all special interests. He promises leadership that will be approachable, personable, and reflective of the increasingly diverse community with open dialogue, language accessibility, and inclusion and acceptance.
David was born and raised in Pearland, Texas to Vietnamese refugees.
Sonia Lopez
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
General Election Date: November 8, 2022
Sonia Lopez has dedicated her life to public service. She is a lifelong resident of the Eastex Jensen area and a product of Houston public schools. Sonia graduated from South Texas College of Law, The University of Texas at Austin and Houston’s High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (now High School for Law and Justice). Sonia serves as the in-house labor attorney for the Houston Federation of Teachers, the largest union for teachers in the Houston area. Prior to this, Sonia served as Chief of Staff and District Director to State Representative Ana Hernandez.
Sonia is active in the Eastex Jensen Super Neighborhood Council and is a member of the Farias Early Childhood Center PTO. For over a decade, she has been the volunteer Project Administrator for the National Hispanic Institute’s youth leadership program providing leadership training to hundreds of young Houstonians. Sonia is married to Emmanuel Gonzalez and together they have a daughter, who is their pride and joy.
Sonia is running to bring competence and compassion to the Justice of the Peace Court. She will bring her community and legal experience to help bring resources to the courtroom in order to ensure everyone gets a fair shot.
UTAH
Nate Blouin
Utah Senate, District 13
Primary Election Date: June 28, 2022
General Election Date: November 11, 2022
Nate Blouin is an advocate for clean air and renewable energy with experience promoting wind and solar across the Western US. Nate is focused on improving the air quality around Salt Lake City, which is taking years off of the lives of Utahns and costs the state billions of dollars every year. Nate’s experience in the renewable energy industry has prepared him to bring business and environmental leaders to the table to get Utah moving faster towards addressing the climate crisis.
In addition to environmental issues, Nate is committed to protecting Utah’s vote by mail system and our independent redistricting commission. He’s also focused on growth and maintaining affordable living conditions for Utah families as we see rapid change around us.
WASHINGTON
Adison Richards
Washington House, District 26, Position 1
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 11, 2022
Adison is a public service lawyer who has served domestic violence and trafficking survivors who also struggle to make ends meet. Adison is running to use his experience to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of the 26th District of Washington State, like housing relief, lowering health and childcare costs, giving students new opportunities to go into trades or affordable college, and public safety and justice for all.
Adison also grew up in the 26th. His mom teaches at the high school he graduated from, and he worked for his dad’s small landscape business. Through their example, he learned how to work hard and gained a desire for all people to have the opportunity to succeed. He believes we can still come together to solve our most difficult challenges and deliver opportunities for all people.
Bevin McLeod
Washington Senate, District 46
Primary Election Date: August 2, 2022
General Election Date: November 11, 2022
In 2009 Bevin arrived in Seattle with her son, and with no place yet to live they checked in at the Extended Stay Motel 6. Since then, and after receiving degrees in economics and international political economy, she co-founded a statewide non-profit where she assisted in the drafting and advocacy of the Pathway to Universal Healthcare Workgroup, and co-authored the first-in-the-nation permanent Universal Healthcare Commission. She also worked alongside a multitude of diverse stakeholders statewide to assist in passing legislation on increased affordability of health insurance, health systems transparency, and expanding medicaid coverage for immigrant women.
Now Bevin works at the WA State Dept. of Natural Resources where she supports the implementation of the principles of environmental justice and climate resilience through robust community engagement and cross-agency collaboration.
As a single working-class parent, Bevin knows firsthand how inequitable policy affects families, communities, and our natural environment. She knows that it is past time to change how we think about the issues that affect every one of us: education, housing security, healthcare, economic justice, and climate resilience. Her personal journey, like countless others, has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding and transformational. Tired of settling for piecemeal progress that hasn’t solved the crises we’re all living through, Bevin decided to run for the state senate, and if elected, would be the first woman to serve in this position in over 25 years.
WEST VIRGINIA
Dr. Sydnee Smirl McElroy
West Virginia Assembly, District 26
Primary Election Date: May 10, 2022
General Election Date: November 11, 2022
As a Family Physician and a lifelong West Virginian, Sydnee Smirl McElroy is running for the House of Delegates 26th district to serve her neighbors in the state she loves. After completing her undergraduate and medical training as a daughter of Marshall, she made the decision alongside her husband to stay and raise their children in their hometown. She is proud to have a job that allows her to care for the people of her district and also provide volunteer medical services through the Cabell Huntington Coalition for the Homeless.
As a West Virginia delegate, she will work hard to protect the state’s most vulnerable citizens, improve healthcare access and affordability, invest in public education and teachers and support working families. Dr. McElroy hopes to ensure that her two children and all West Virginia children have the same amazing opportunities she had growing up in the Mountain State.
