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 Devin Pandy for Mayor of Gainesville, Georgia. 

Mr. Devin Pandy was born in Belize City, Belize and raised in New York by a nurturing mother and a strong father who served in Desert Storm as part of the U.S. Army. From a young age, Mr. Pandy knew that he too would like to serve his country and join the Army, and enlisted right after high school. 

After 21 years and five deployments, he retired as chief warrant officer II and a Wounded Warrior. Once retired, Mr. Pandy spent the next few years deciding where he would like to put down roots, and after spending some time in Gainesville, he knew that he wanted to call this city home. 

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

“The Collective PAC is proud to endorse Devin Pandy for Mayor of Gainesville, Georgia. Mr. Pandy served his country faithfully in the United States Army for 21 years and now would like to continue that service as mayor. He understands how wonderful the city of Gainesville is, but has also witnessed firsthand the untapped potential the current administration has left on the table. If elected mayor, Mr. Pandy will focus on more affordable housing, development and revitalization of underserved communities and ending the 278g immigration – law enforcement program. With a deep sense of honor, integrity and courage, The Collective PAC knows that Mr. Pandy will make a wonderful mayor for the people of Gainesville, Georgia.”

 

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.

 

 

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 nine congressional challengers: Jevin Hodge, Dr. Kermit Jones, Lourin Hubbard, Quaye Quartey, Brandon Mosely, Marcus Flowers, Michele Rayner, David Palmer and Eric Gash.  Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:

“The Collective PAC is proud to endorse Jevin Hodge, Dr. Kermit Jones, Lourin Hubbard, Quaye Quartey, Brandon Mosely, Marcus Flowers, Michele Rayner, David Palmer and Eric Gash for the U.S. House of Representatives. A commitment to public service is one of the most important qualities a candidate should possess as they campaign to represent their districts in Washington, and each of these astounding candidates share this quality. Their respective experiences as educators, veterans, pastors, doctors and community leaders will bring new perspectives and fresh ideas to Congress. The Collective PAC looks forward to supporting these candidates on the campaign trail as they work to progress their communities forward.” 

Jevin Hodge (AZ-06) was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona to a single mother, and saw firsthand how the government can help those in need. From a young age, Mr. Hodge found meaning in giving back and public service, and it is why he leads the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center — the longest running Head Start center in the state. Mr. Hodge understands the issues facing Arizona families and is running for Congress to ensure quality healthcare for everyone, address income inequality and fully fund public education in Arizona. 

Dr. Kermit Jones (CA-04) has served as a doctor for 15 years, first as a Navy flight surgeon and then as a civilian, to ensure all people receive personal and meaningful medical care. Dr. Jones then became a lawyer to advocate for the medical rights of all people. He grew up on a small farm in South Haven, Michigan, where his values, sense of responsibility and patriotism were born. These are the values that continue to guide Dr. Jones today and the reason he believes that no person should be deprived of their basic human right to equal and affordable healthcare.

Lourin Hubbard (CA-22) was born and raised in California’s Central Valley to a single mother who instilled in him the determination to always fight for what is right and what he believed in. Mr. Hubbard has been a public servant for most of his career, first in Fresno County Department of Social Services, where he worked to connect low-income families to community-based resources. Now, he is leading frontline conservation efforts, supporting family farms and combating droughts as an operations manager at the California Department of Water Resources. Mr. Hubbard is running for Congress to represent the people of Central Valley, as someone who shares the lived experiences of many families in his community and will put their interests first.

Quaye Quartey (CA-25) is a proud veteran, entrepreneur, son of an immigrant, husband and father. After earning a spot at the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Quartey began his two decades of active military service where he served as an intelligence officer in combat in Kosovo and Iraq while also supporting counterterrorism and cyberwarfare operations around the globe. After retiring honorably from the Navy at the rank of Commander, Mr. Quartey returned to California and earned a master’s degree in business management from Stanford University. After the January 6th insurrection of the nation’s capital, Mr. Quartey again felt the call to serve his nation and community at home and that is why he is running for Congress.  

Brandon Mosley (CA-42) is a proud teacher and chair of the Rancho Verde High School Social Science Department, where his work with ethnic studies led to the district adopting the subject as a graduation requirement. In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Mosley co-founded People United Servicing Hope (PUSH), a non-profit organization that helps disenfranchised communities throughout California’s Inland Empire. Mr. Moseley is a life-long resident of the Riverside County community and grew up the working-class son of a pastor and public school bus driver. He is running for Congress to build a better future for Riverside County that includes affordable healthcare, investment in job training and quality education.

Marcus Flowers (GA-14) is a proud veteran that has spent his entire career defending the United States. After retiring as an active duty member of the U.S. Army, Mr. Flowers worked as a contractor or official for the United States State Department and the Department of Defense. Mr. Flowers shares the values of his district: loyalty, duty, honor, respect, service and a fierce love of country, which led him to run for office against freshman Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green. He believes deeply in bipartisanship and bridge-building and not in vilifying political opponents. Mr. Flowers is running for Congress to ensure that GA-14 is represented by someone who cares about the district and the issues with which Americans fundamentally agree. 

Michele Rayner (FL-13) is a civil rights and social justice attorney who made history in 2020 when she became the first openly queer Black member of the Florida legislature. After taking office she established herself as one of the strongest advocates for underserved communities. Before becoming a  State Representative, Ms. Rayner began her career after law school as a public defender for Hillsborough County. After serving as a public defender, Ms. Rayner was called to represent the family of Markeis McGlockton who was killed in a “Stand Your Ground” related altercation, alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, resulting in a guilty verdict of the killer. As a congresswoman, Ms. Rayner wants to continue to serve her community as a leader ensuring equitable recovery from COVID, protecting voting rights and demanding real justice for the underserved.

David Palmer (IL-13) is running for Congress to serve his community and all residents of his district. After retiring from playing professional basketball, Mr. Palmer became a retirement planning advisor with Bloomington-based Country Financial. His work has given him insight into the issues facing local farmers and small business owners who are struggling to get the resources they need. If elected to Congress, Mr. Palmer would focus on policies that directly affect members of his community like securing significant investments to bring in high paying jobs and green infrastructure, affordable healthcare and lessening the burden of student loan debt. 

Eric Gash (NC-11) was born and raised in Hendersonville, North Carolina and has spent his entire life getting things done for his community by building bridges. As a pastor and community leader, Mr. Gash has helped bring together residents of his community from all across his district, and he wants to bring that spirit of cooperation to Washington as a congressman. As a principal during the height of the pandemic, he led students, teachers and staff through a devastating shutdown. Mr. Gash understands that Hendersonville needs a representative who will work hard to serve the community and put North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District ahead of partisan politics. 

 

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.

 

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 Alicia D. Smith for Parks Commissioner in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Mrs. Alicia D. Smith knows firsthand how important neighborhood parks are to families and a community’s success. As a mother of two boys and the daughter of a single mother, the programs offered by the city’s parks and recreation department have been an integral part of Mrs. Smith’s life; inspiring her candidacy for an at-large seat on the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. 

Mrs. Smith currently serves as the executive director of the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization which started over 40 years ago as a neighborhood effort to establish Corcoran Park on the site of a closed school.

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

“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Alicia D. Smith for Parks Commissioner in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mrs. Smith has spent the majority of her career working to address the issues of youth mentorship, food justice and fighting for equality of all people. She believes that Minneapolis residents deserve better and fairer recreational options and better neighborhood parks, and has a plan to address both of those issues if elected. As a non-partisan advocate for the community on civic affairs, Mrs. Smith plans to work in partnership with the community to ensure that the city’s parks and recreation policy solutions work for everyone.”

 

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.

 

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 Amber Sellers for City Commission in Lawrence, Kansas. 

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Amber Sellers currently works for the Kansas Department of Health & Environment in the office of Public Health and Policy. Additionally, she serves as chair of the county’s Human Relations Commission which advocates for the community by educating residents about their rights in matters of discrimination. Ms. Sellers is committed to improving the relationship between policy leaders and the community by putting residents at the center of public policy decisions. She believes her voice can be a catalyst for social change by using her knowledge and passion for civic engagement to strengthen the community.

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

“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Amber Sellers for City Commission in Lawrence, Kansas. Ms. Sellers is an experienced public health professional with a decade of experience in operations, community outreach and administration. She believes it’s imperative that Lawrence residents see themselves reflected in their elected representatives to achieve racial equity in the community. The Collective PAC is thrilled to endorse an individual who believes in the power of community and equity and we look forward to helping Ms. Sellers progress Lawrence forward.” 

 

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.

 

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 Kristina Michele Martens for City Council At-Large in Bellingham, Washington.

Kristina Michele Martens, a popular media figure in Bellingham, hosts “Thursdays with Kristina” on KZAX-LP and Mission Accomplished on KPNW-DB, generating access to news and information for the local community. Inspired by her work organizing racial justice rallies, she recently founded the Whatcom County Racial Equity Commission and believes the first step in achieving racial equity is electing city officials that represent the community. 

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

“The Collective PAC is proud to endorse Kirstina Michele Martens for City Council At-Large in Bellingham, Washington. As a community organizer and local radio personality, Ms. Martens understands the value of service and the power of the community. She founded the Whatcom County Racial Equity Commission to mobilize local officials and community stakeholders to create policies that achieve racial equity in Whatcom County. The Collective PAC looks forward to supporting Ms. Martens as she works to progress the city of Bellingham forward.” 

 

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.