Fighting for Equal Representation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation and power across all levels of government, endorsed eight candidates for election and reelection to state and local offices in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and Virginia. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“The Collective PAC’s mission to build Black political power and change the face of leadership starts at the local level and we’re thrilled to endorse these eight progressive champions for office today. From the school committee to the city council to the state legislature, each of these leaders are committed to playing a direct, active, and crucial role in shaping the future of their communities and bettering the lives of working families. Their leadership and innovative solutions to their cities’ respective challenges will serve as an example to leaders across the country of the power of championing justice, equity, and dignity for all. We’re excited to stand with this group of experienced and passionate changemakers and look forward to supporting them on the campaign trail.”
Del. Candi King (Virginia House of Delegates, District 2) has been a steadfast advocate for education in the legislature, working to support students with disabilities and deliver equitable funding for HBCUs. If reelected, she will continue working to help her district recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, improve transportation infrastructure, and champion police accountability.
Del. Joshua G. Cole (Virginia House of Delegates, District 28) is a vocal advocate for protecting reproductive freedom, expanding economic justice, and improving infrastructure across the Commonwealth’s 28th District. Josh is also a pastor, the former president of the Stafford County NAACP, and has held many positions in the Virginia House of Delegates prior to taking office.
Councilmember Andrea Jenkins (Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8 – MN) serves as the vice president of the Minneapolis City Council and brought historic leadership to the council as the first Black, openly transgender woman elected to any office in the United States. Andrea is dedicated to reimagining law enforcement and policing, increasing accessible and affordable housing across Minneapolis, and sustainably rebuilding the city and its infrastructure.
Councilmember Sandra Washington (Lincoln City Council, Member at Large – NE) has served the people of Nebraska for 35 years. On the city council, she is focused on increasing access to affordable housing, building policies that center racial equity, and ensuring that Lincoln is ready to address the climate crisis. Sandra was previously a Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commissioner and was appointed to the council in 2019.
Councilmember Jeremy Blake (Newark City Council, Ward 2 – OH) made history in 2014 when he became the council’s first openly LGBTQ+ member. He has spent more than twenty years in public service advocating for equitable education, robust infrastructure investments, an increase in public safety, and better accountability for public officials in Newark. Jeremy currently serves as chair of the Rules Committee and minority leader on the city council.
Councilmember John Chapman (Alexandria City Council, VA) is a fourth-generation Alexandrian, small business owner, and educator. He is running for a third term on the Alexandria City Council, where he’s worked to address issues like public safety, fair housing, and stormwater management. John is also a Community Use Program Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools and owner of the Manumission Tour Company which specializes in African American history and stories.
Alyia Gaskins (Candidate for Alexandria City Council, VA) has spent her career working in both the non-profit sector and for city government. With a commitment to neighborhood engagement, affordable housing, and child success, Alyia is ready to bring equity and community to the forefront once she’s elected to the Alexandria City Council. She has served on the Transportation Commission and serves on the steering committee for Hunger Free Alexandria.
Committee Member Ayesha Wilson (Cambridge School Committee Member – MA) is an alum of Cambridge Public Schools, who understands the importance of investing in future generations and empowering students. Through her work as a committee member, she is focused on increasing cultural competency training for educators, closing the achievement gap, and offering universal pre-K. Ayesha is also Secretary of the NAACP Cambridge Branch and a member of the YWCA Board of Trustees.
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.