Fighting for Equal Representation
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 — celebrated big gains for Black candidates on Election Day 2021. More than half of the PAC’s 78 endorsed candidates finished the night victorious, with two candidates qualifying for runoff elections — building on the four additional victories from earlier this year.
Among the 41 election night victories, history makers included the first Black mayors of Pittsburgh (PA), Lima (OH), and St. Petersburg (FL). In addition, Justin Bibb was elected the second youngest mayor in Cleveland’s (OH) history while Tameika Isaac Devine in Columbia (SC) and Amara Andrews in Cedar Rapids (IA) are poised to become the first Black woman and first Black mayors of their cities, if they win their runoff elections in November and December, respectively.
Throughout the 2021 election cycle, The Collective PAC endorsed 104 candidates across the country, including in primaries, and invested over $350,000 in these races. The Collective PAC also sent over 18,000 GOTV texts on Election Day in support of candidates across four states.
Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“The Collective PAC helped make history in cities and states across the country. We are seeing a new generation of Black leaders enter public office at a time when their voices and lived experiences can help shape public policy that will improve the lives of all Americans. When we have elected officials who reflect and respect the diversity of our communities, we have a government that is more effective and more responsive to the needs of their constituents. We are proud to have helped elect 45 candidates, many of whom are the first Black person or Black woman to hold their office.
The Collective PAC is strategically focused on creating an equitable democracy by closing the representation gap in Black elected leadership at all levels of government. To this end, we’re proud to celebrate a slate of dedicated and experienced leaders ready to progress their communities and our country forward. Black voters across the country continue to step up and do our part in helping to maintain and strengthen democracy in this nation. Once again, The Collective PAC’s belief in investing early and often in Black voters, Black communities and Black candidates leads to a more engaged electorate and the progress necessary to make this country the best it can be.”
Virginia Victories:
Justice For All Initiative Victories (The Collective’s program focused on recruiting and supporting Black candidates committed to unapologetically pursuing justice and progressive criminal justice reform)
Mayoral Victories:
City Council & Commissioner Victories:
Municipal Victories:
November & December Runoff Elections:
Not Yet Called:
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.