Washington D.C. - People For the American Way today announced 12 endorsements for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The announcement comes as People For continues its commitment to supporting progressive leaders in key battleground states to oppose MAGA extremists, flip the House from its narrow Republican majority, and expand a Democratic majority in the Senate. Leadership of the House and Senate will be essential to passing much-needed legislation around voting rights, LGBTQ rights, abortion access, Supreme Court reform, the environment, and many other vital issues.
People For President Svante Myrick and People For National Political Director Markus Batchelor released the following statements:
"Our work to protect freedom, justice, and democracy is dependent on a progressive majority in both houses of Congress," said Svante Myrick, President of People For the American Way. "With 43 days left in this critical election, we're expanding the list of bold leaders we'll support to advance those values in the 119th Congress. These leaders will stand up for voting rights, reproductive freedom, fair courts, economic justice, and a peaceful transfer of power on January 6, 2025. The stakes are clear in this election and People For is firmly in the fight."
"In 2025, we must have a Senate that will confirm fair-minded judges to our courts and a House that will defend our democracy against election denial," said Markus Batchelor, National Political Director at People For. "We must also have compassionate, connected leaders who will protect our freedoms, expand opportunity, and make our systems fairer. As voters begin going to the polls, People For will be on the air, on the ground, and online to elect a Congress all Americans deserve."
The candidates are in key target states where the fight to defend democracy and protect our civil liberties is focused.
U.S. House of Representatives:
Emilia Sykes, Ohio’s 13th District
“Emilia Sykes has been working for Ohio families throughout her term in Congress, and we’re eager to see her continue the work,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “From growing the local Ohio economy to supporting workers’ rights, keeping communities safe, and protecting reproductive freedom, we believe in her ability to promote the American dream in Ohio and nationwide.”
Susan Wild, Pennsylvania’s 7th District
“Susan Wild is a strong advocate for equal justice and a government that works for the people,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “She puts in the work necessary to get things done in Congress, and she fights for what she believes in, whether that’s reproductive freedom or the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. She represents the kind of beliefs and values we need right now in the House.”
Curtis Hertel, Michigan’s 7th District
“Curtis Hertel has a history of passing state legislation to help workers, seniors, families, and more,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “He’s worked to preserve reproductive freedom in Michigan, and he’s taken on big banks to defend working families. In Congress, we believe he’ll be a valuable member in the fight for progressive values.”
Kirsten Engel, Arizona’s 6th District
“Kirsten Engel consistently stands up for working families,” said People For President Svante Myrick, “and she’ll continue to do so as a member of Congress. In Arizona, she’s committed to progressive issues that matter to her constituents like clean energy, water conservation, and ensuring Roe v. Wade is re-established as the law of the land. Her experience as a mom, an educator, and a legislator makes her an ideal representative for Arizona.”
Kristen McDonald Rivet, Michigan’s 8th District
“Kristen McDonald Rivet has worked hard in the Michigan State Senate to build progress for Michigan workers, families, and kids,” said People For President Svante Myrick, “and she’ll do the same in Congress. She’s fought to protect abortion rights, and in one of her first acts in the State Senate, she helped pass a commonsense gun violence prevention bill. She has the progressive ideals and expertise we need in the House of Representatives.”
Carl Marlinga, Michigan’s 10th District
“Having served for almost 40 years as the Macomb County Prosecutor, an Assistant US Attorney, and a judge, Carl Marlinga has a record that shows just how valuable he’ll be as a progressive member of Congress,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “We know he’ll work tirelessly for his district and use his proven leadership to drive Congress toward a brighter, more progressive future.”
Steven Horsford, Nevada’s 4th District
“Since being elected to the Nevada State Senate in 2004, to becoming the youngest and first African American Majority Leader in Nevada history in 2008, to being elected to Congress for the first time in 2012, Steven Horsford has proven himself to be a true progressive leader,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “When he’s elected again, we know he’ll continue to help pass landmark legislation and improve the lives of people in Nevada and around the country.”
Sue Altman, New Jersey’s 7th District
“Sue Altman is a dedicated opponent of political corruption, and it shows in her pledge to never accept any donations from corporate PACs,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “She’s also a staunch defender of women’s rights and abortion access. As conservative extremists attempt to further erode reproductive rights, we believe she’ll fight back in Congress and protect access to contraception, reproductive freedom, and women’s health.”
Greg Landsman, Ohio’s 1st District
“Greg Landsman has a history of fighting for working families, and that’s exactly what we need in Congress,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “He’s a defender of reproductive freedom, he cosponsored the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and, as a former teacher, he’s seen firsthand the importance of quality public education. He’s proven in his first term how committed he is to representing Ohio, and we’re excited to see him do it again."
Shomari Figures, Alabama’s 2nd District
“Shomari Figures is a product of Montgomery’s deep civil rights legacy and has proven progressive values as the Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel in the Obama White House, White House Liaison at the Department of Justice, a Counsel in Congress, and much more,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “He also worked on the Biden-Harris transition team. His resume shows what an asset he’ll be in Congress, and we can’t wait to see him there.”
U.S. Senate:
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, U.S. Senate candidate for Florida
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is a genuine fighter for the environment, safe communities, Medicare, and everyone’s access to quality, affordable healthcare, and that’s exactly the kind of progressive we need in the Senate,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “She’s the right person to take on Rick Scott in Florida and show that Florida values are progressive values.”
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senate candidate for Michigan
“Elissa Slotkin is a hard-working community servant, and she’ll bring a people focused agenda to the Senate,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “She has dedicated her life to serving our country, working in the CIA where she served three tours in Iraq alongside the U.S. military and later at the White House, State Department, and the Pentagon. In Congress, she’s worked to address the cost of prescription drugs, create jobs, and get money out of politics. We know she’ll do the same in the Senate.”
Dan Osborn, U.S. Senate candidate for Nebraska
“Dan Osborn is a strong defender of workers, farmers, and families,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “As a union president, he led the successful 2021 Kellogg’s strike in Omaha, fighting for the rights of workers everywhere. He’s the right person to take on corporate interests in Washington, push for term limits for Congress, and ensure working people have their voices heard."
Find out more about People’s elections and endorsements work, including a full list of our federal endorsees here: https://www.peoplefor.org/elections-endorsements
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About Us
People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of America real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more: http://www.peoplefor.org
