Fighting for Equal Representation
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.