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 Michael Hepburn for Miami City Commissioner. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement: 

“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Michael Hepburn for Miami City Commissioner. His campaign is centered on a pledge to provide inner city children with access to systems and programs that will enable them to achieve success. He is working to advance Miami City by putting the community first, by advocating for affordable housing and sustainable neighborhoods.  The Collective PAC is thrilled to work with an individual who is dedicated to empowering the community and is ready to help Mr. Hepburn progress Miami City forward.” 

Michael Hepburn is a graduate of the Black Campaign School, an initiative created by The Collective in partnership with Three Point Strategies, which teaches Black candidates how to excel on their campaigns. Having co-founded the neighborhood association, volunteered as a Citizen-on-Patrol with the Miami Police Department and committed hundreds of hours to mentoring youth, Mr. Hepburn knows the value of maintaining safety and community relations. Mr. Hepburn continues to nurture the community that once nurtured him by coordinating the Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy at Miami Dade College.

 

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 Florida leaders Ken Welch for Mayor of St. Petersburg and Caprice Edmond for Pinellas School Board. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement: 

“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Ken Welch for Mayor of St. Petersburg and Caprice Edmond for Pinellas School Board. Ken Welch currently serves as a member of the Pinellas County Commission, and for the past 20 years, he has brought focus to the issues of economic development, transportation, equity, housing, criminal justice reform and fighting poverty. If elected Mayor St. Petersburg, Commissioner Welch will lead the city forward through principled progress. 

Caprice Edmond is running to remain on the Pinellas School Board representing District 7. If elected, she will continue to work towards equity in education, academic success, school safety and recruit and retain educators. The Collective PAC is ready to support Ken Welch and Caprice Edmond as they work to bring progress to every neighborhood and school in their community.” 

Ken Welch has deep roots in the St. Petersburg area as a third-generation resident. From working on his grandfather’s woodyard that was displaced by the construction of an interstate highway to learning from his father who was a city council member, Commissioner Welch saw firsthand the challenges and successes the city of St. Petersburg has faced. Before becoming a Pinellas County Commissioner, Mr. Welch worked as an accountant for Florida Power Corporation and served as Technology Manager for his father’s accounting firm. Ken Welch has the experience and dedication to St. Petersburg to make government more accountable and responsive. 

Caprice Edmond is a lifelong resident of St. Petersburg and a proud graduate of the University of South Florida where she received her Master of Educational Leadership and Certification in Infant Family Mental Health. Before her election to the school board, Ms. Edmond worked within the foster care system and advocated for and championed children at school, in court and at their group home. Her work with children in foster care led to her passion for education and the need to break down barriers to success. Ms. Edmond not only has also worked as a teacher and science coach in Pinellas County Schools, but is also a parent of children attending Pinellas County Schools. 

 

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 power, engagement, representation across all levels of government — endorsed six frontline congressional candidates, including Reps. Colin Allred, Antonio Delgado, Jahana Hayes, Steve Horsford, Lucy McBath and Lauren Underwood.  

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

“The Collective PAC is excited to endorse Colin Allred, Antonio Delgado, Jahana Hayes, Steve Horsford, Lucy McBath and Lauren Underwood for the U.S. House of Representatives. These dynamic representatives have been committed to advancing equitable policies that will strengthen our healthcare system, paid family leave, education and address the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience and passion continue to make them the best leaders to represent their congressional districts in Washington. We look forward to supporting these representatives on their campaign trails.” 

Representative Colin Allred (TX – 32) has spent the past four years representing the district where he was born and raised. During his first term in office, Rep. Allred worked across the aisle tackling issues confronting the residents of North Texas, including championing a bipartisan paid family leave bill and securing the Garland VA Medical Center to help serve thousands of veterans in the area.

Representative Antonio Delgado (NY – 19) was born and raised in Upstate New York and chose to run for Congress because he was tired of leaders in Washington failing to give voice to working families struggling to achieve the American dream. During his first term, Rep. Delgado introduced 46 bills, over half of which were bipartisan; 10 were signed into law. During his second term, Rep. Delgado has maintained his commitment to bipartisan lawmaking with a focus on fighting for family farms, advocating for affordable, universal healthcare, and bringing broadband access to rural communities.

Representative Jahana Hayes (CT – 5) became the first Black Congresswoman from Connecticut when she was elected in November 2018. During her first two terms in office, Rep. Hayes has become a proven leader and champion of immigration reform, gun violence prevention, veteran issues, social justice, transportation and education. As she strives to achieve these goals she works in a bipartisan way to bring about positive change to the lives of her constituents.  

Representative Steve Horsford (NV – 4) was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and in 2012 he became the first Black person to represent the state in Congress. From the moment he got to Washington, Rep. Horsford has worked tirelessly to expand affordable healthcare, as well as economic opportunities and job programs that will help get Americans back on their feet. During this past year, he has worked hard to stop COVID-19 in its tracks and helped to pass the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan that brought direct relief to his community. 

Representative Lucy McBath (GA – 6) is first and foremost a mother. In 2012, her son Jordan was senselessly shot and killed at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida. After suffering this devastating loss, Rep. McBath began working with Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action lobbying elected officials to enact gun reform legislation. When she saw that lawmakers were reluctant to make a move, she decided to run for office herself. Since her first term, Rep. McBath is proud to have worked on numerous pieces of legislation which have been passed through the House, including universal background checks for all gun sales and Red Flag Laws to limit access to firearms for those who are potentially dangerous.

Representative Lauren Underwood (IL – 14) is the first woman to hold this particular seat and at 34, became the youngest Black woman ever to be elected to Congress. As a registered nurse and health policy expert, Rep. Underwood brings hands-on experience to her role in Washington. During her first term in office, Rep. Underwood personally introduced 42 pieces of legislation, passed 15 out of the House and had four bipartisan pieces of legislation signed into law. 

 

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.