Press Release

The Collective PAC Endorses Six Candidates for Election in Ohio

Friday, October 8th, 2021

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 Shayla L. Davis for Mayor of Garfield Heights, Council President Shannon Hardin for re-election for City Council in Columbus, State Representative Stephanie Howse for City Council in Cleveland, Brandon Craig, Dr. Kareem Moffett and Mary Wineberg for Public School Board in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Shayla L. Davis is a Garfield Heights native aiming to shift the culture of the local government. Council President Shannon Hardin has made Columbus a more inclusive city for LGBTQ residents and has led the city’s “My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.” State Representative Stephanie Howse aspires to bring her vast experience as a state representative to local government. Brandon Craig and Dr. Kareem Moffett are both Ohio natives that believe our children are the future, and uplifting the community starts in the classroom. The dedication that Mary Wineberg displayed to win the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, has now translated into motivating students and serving as a voice for them. 

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

“The Collective PAC is thrilled to endorse Shayla L. Davis for Mayor of Garfield Heights, Council President Shannon Hardin for re-election for City Council in Columbus, State Representative Stephanie Howse for City Council in Cleveland, Brandon Craig, Dr. Kareem Moffett and Mary Wineberg for Cincinnati Public School Board in Ohio. Each candidate advocates for empowering their neighborhoods through community engagement, transparency within the government and improving each resident’s quality of life. Assisting these candidates to fulfill their maximum potential is why The Collective PAC was founded, and we are excited to see everyone continue their legacy of leadership.”

Shayla L. Davis (Candidate for Mayor in Garfield Heights) is a Garfield Heights native and before serving on the city council, worked for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, US Postal Service and Cleveland State University. Ms. Davis is an advocate for transparency in the relationship between government and community. She believes that an engaged community is a strong community, and has championed free community CPR classes, covid safe citywide civic engagement events and uplifting police outreach with the community. Ms. Davis wants to empower and uplift the citizens of Garfield Heights and propel the community forward with economic development and updated infrastructure. If elected, she would make history the first Black mayor of Garfield Heights.  

Council President Shannon Hardin (Candidate for Columbus City Council) is a Southfield, Ohio native and graduate of Morehouse College. During his tenure, he has cultivated an inclusive economy through building mass transit, affordable housing and empowering small and minority businesses. As the Chair of the Small Business Committee, Council President Hardin was able to adopt the Columbus Disparity Study; which prioritizes minority and female-owned businesses in the community. If re-elected, Council President Hardin plans to continue to make Columbus more equitable and inclusive for all. 

State Representative Stephanie Howse (Candidate for Cleveland City Council) is a voice and champion for women and families throughout the community. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a degree in Civil Environmental Engineering and received her Master’s of Arts degree from Cleveland State University in Environmental Studies. Representative Stephanie Howse’s passion for people and commitment to serve led her to create “Footprints,” a leadership and mentorship program for girls. If elected, she plans to heal and restore Ward 7 through community building, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Brandon Craig (Candidate for Cincinnati School Board) is a proud product of the Cincinnati public school system. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Mr. Craig currently serves as the Assistant Director for the University of Cincinnati’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. He is a champion of equity and inclusion for students daily and has appeared before the Ohio House and Senate to advocate for civil rights. Brandon Craig aspires to be a voice for the community and help every student reach their full potential. 

Dr. Kareem Moffett (Candidate for Cincinnati School Board) is a strong advocate for education and believes that a strong school system and strong community support create strong students. Dr. Moffett is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and has several degrees in Chemical Engineering Technology, Natural Sciences, a Masters of Arts Remedial Education in Higher Education and a Ph.D. in Education. Currently, she serves as a math teacher at Cincinnati State Community College. Dr. Moffett aims to put students at the forefront of education, by assisting students recovering from the academic and mental health inequities that occurred due to the pandemic.  

Mary Wineberg (Candidate for Cincinnati School Board) is a proud graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools, a parent of two, and a current teacher. Having seen how students’ academics have been affected due to circumstances outside of their influence, such as COVID-19, she stepped into action and decided to run for office. If elected, Ms. Wineberg plans to use her inclusive platform as a former Olympic gold medalist and educator to be a force of change in the district, and help provide all students with the world-class education they deserve.

 

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.