WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC — the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power across all levels of government — has endorsed Deidre DeJear for Governor of Iowa: 

• Deidre DeJear is a devoted advocate for education; while in college she co-founded Back to School Iowa, a nonprofit organization that supplies thousands of Des Moines students with school supplies. Current CEO and founder of Caleo Enterprises, she has uplifted and empowered over 1000 small businesses; recently about 120 small business owners were able to gain access to funding and resources during the pandemic. Mrs. DeJear believes in protecting voting rights, uplifting education, and creating economic opportunities for all Iowans. 

Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:

“We are proud to endorse Deidre DeJear on her historic bid for Governor of Iowa. Mrs. DeJear has now joined the impressive and impactful slate of Black women that we have endorsed for governorship. Deidre DeJear is dedicated to building Iowa into a thriving and progressive state that represents all lifestyles; while building economic development and educational opportunities. If elected this November, she will make history by becoming Iowa’s first Black Governor. She is eagerly anticipating the fight for this election season, and we are excited to have partnered with an advocate who believes in tirelessly working and advocating for the underprivileged.”

 

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state, and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.

Over the past five years, The Collective PAC has successfully helped 300 Black candidates win elections across the United States.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC — the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power across all levels of government — endorsed  Dwight Evans for re-election in Pennsylvania for the United States Congress.

For the past 30 years, Congressman Dwight Evans has been a dedicated public servant for the communities in Pennsylvania. Congressman Evans began his political career in 1980 as the State Representative for the 203rd Legislative District. Currently, he represents Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, where he has been a passionate advocate for creating jobs and stimulating economic growth; from founding the West Oak Charter School to leading Pennsylvania’s Fresh Food Initiative, which created more accessible grocery stores in underfunded areas. Recently, Rep. Evans secured $6.3 million dollars in federal aid for eight Philadelphia community projects, including the Allegheny West Foundation, a non-profit committed to improving North Philadelphia through affordable housing and business development. He is committed to investing in education, creating job opportunities, and fostering stronger communities throughout Pennsylvania. 

Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement: 

“The Collective PAC proudly endorses Congressman Dwight Evans for re-election in Pennsylvania. Throughout Congressman Evans’ career, he has constantly advocated for the betterment of Philadelphia on behalf of the disadvantaged. He is committed to rebuilding each community one block at a time. During his career, he has strongly advocated for protecting healthcare and reducing health disparities, gun reform, criminal justice reform, and economic development. As Congressman Evans continues to advance the quality of life in Pennsylvania, the Collective PAC is excited to help him win this re-election.” 

 

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state, and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.

Over the past five years, The Collective PAC has successfully helped 300 Black candidates win elections across the United States.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC — the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power across all levels of government — has endorsed  Marcus Jones for Edmond School Board in Oklahoma: 

• Marcus Jones is a proud graduate of Edmond Public Schools and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Oklahoma State University.  He is dedicated to enriching and empowering the students’ experiences, strengthening the sense of community, and upholding the support for public education.

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state, and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.

Over the past five years, The Collective PAC has successfully helped 300 Black candidates win elections across the United States.

 

Throughout 2022, The Collective PAC will provide pertinent updates every month on Black candidates running nationwide, results of key research projects and groundbreaking initiatives we’ll be undertaking as we increase Black political engagement, representation and power across all levels of government. 

Groundbreaking Candidates

As state legislatures around the country enact restrictive laws to gut voting rights, promote radical policies impacting schools and public health, and Congress continues to stall on enacting meaningful policies to progress our country forward,  it has never been more evident this is the time to elect leaders who are ready to take action through powerful policy decisions. To this end, The Collective PAC – the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power – is working to close the representation gap of Black people at all levels of government.  Since our founding in 2016, the Collective has supported the election of 300 Black leaders to local, state and federal positions.  

The Collective PAC’s Investment and Impact

In 2021, The Collective PAC provided more than $507,000 in direct contributions to our endorsed candidates with $158,000 of that amount contributed to candidates on the ballot in 2022.  The investment was given directly to the campaigns so they can establish and grow their voter outreach and engagement initiatives. Additionally, we’ve highlighted the various campaigns through our email and social media platforms and will promote volunteer opportunities to support  our candidates’ campaigns on our new Volunteer Board. 

January in Review

This January we had the historic inaugurations of Ed Gainey as mayor of Pittsburgh, PA, Ken Welch as mayor of St. Petersburg, FL and Sharetta Smith as mayor of Lima, OH who all became the first Black mayors of their respective cities. January also saw the inauguration of Justin Bibb as Mayor of Cleveland, OH, Eric Adams as Mayor of New York, and Alvin Bragg as New York County District Attorney. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) was seated in the US House of Representatives after winning the special election to complete the term of Alcee Hastings.  Judge Holly A. Thomas was confirmed as United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

The Work Ahead

So far this cycle, The Collective PAC has endorsed 47 candidates for local, state and federal offices, with an ultimate goal of endorsing 250 leaders in 2022. Our top priorities this year are to elect Black women to the U.S. Senate and Governors’ offices, expand the Democratic majority in both chambers of Congress, and expand Black representation across all levels of government. 

Specifically, our in-state work will be focused on 7 priority states: Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin; a combination of traditional battleground states with large Black voter populations, states that present the best opportunities to elect Black candidates to the U.S. Senate and statewide offices, as well as help maintain Democratic majorities in Congress.

We will also be active participants in the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation process of the country’s first Black woman Justice.

The Collective PAC’s 2022 Endorsed Candidates 

(as of 1/31/2022)

U.S. Senate         

• Cheri Beasley, NC
• Charles Booker, KY
• Malcolm Kenyatta, PA
• Mandela Barnes, WI
• Morgan Harper, OH
• Raphael Warnock, GA
• Val Demings,  FL

Congressional Incumbents 

• Antonio Delgado, NY – 19
• Colin Allred, TX – 32
• Jahana Hayes, CT – 05
• Lauren Underwood, IL – 14
• Lucy McBath, GA – 06
• Steven Horsford, NV – 04

Congressional Challengers 

• Attica Scott, KY –  03
• Alisha Shelton, NE – 02
• Brandon Mosley, CA – 41
• David Palmer, IL – 13
• Eric Gash, NC – 11
• Jackie Gordon, NY – 02
• Jevin Hodge, AZ – 01
• Kermit Jones, CA – 03
• Litesa Wallace, IL – 17
• Loretta Smith, OR – 06
• Lourin Hubbard, CA – 22
• Marcus Flowers, GA – 14
• Michele Rayner, FL – 13
• Odessa Kelly, TN – 05
• Quaye Quartey, CA -27
• Tim Alexander, NJ – 02
• Valerie Foushee, NC – 06
  

Statewide

• Aaron Ford, Attorney General – NV
• Anthony Brown, Attorney General – MD
• Carla Brailey, Lieutenant Governor – TX 
• Chris Jones, Governor – AR
• Danielle Allen, Governor – MA
• Keith Ellison, Attorney General – MN
• Lee Meritt, Attorney General – TX
• Letitia James, Attorney General – NY
• Mia McLeod, Governor – SC
• Reginald Bolding, Secretary of State – AZ
• Stacey Abrams, Governor – GA
  

State and Local 

• Bredetta Hodge, City Council- Tempe, AZ
• Cecil Rhambo, County Sheriff – Los, Angeles, CA
• DaSean Jones, Criminal Court (108th District)- Harris County, TX
• Karen Bass, Mayor – Los Angeles, CA
• Lydia Edwards, Massachusetts State Senate – 1st Suffolk and Middlesex District
• Mike Gipson, California General Assembly- 64th District
  

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward. Over the past five years, The Collective PAC has successfully helped 300 Black candidates win elections across the United States.