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, endorsed ten candidates for election and reelection to state and local offices in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“From sheriffs and judges to city councilmembers and state legislators, each of these progressive champions is committed to playing a direct role in shaping the future of their communities. The Collective PAC’s mission to build Black political power and change the face of leadership starts at the local and state levels, and we are thrilled to stand with this group of changemakers dedicated to improving the lives of Black people and all within their communities.”
Sherlyna Hanna (Hyattsville City Council, Ward 3 — MD) has served the Hyattsville community as a social worker, philanthropist and community advocate. If elected, she will ensure inclusivity in community public safety, prioritize sustainability and environmental justice and develop programs to improve residents’ quality of life.
Councilmember DeDreana Freeman (Durham City Council, Ward 1 — NC) has been a dedicated advocate for creating policies that foster economic growth and stability for all neighborhoods in Durham and developing land use policies that support equitable development and environmental justice. If reelected, she will continue working to be a community representative who cultivates change.
Mark Lomax (Bucks County Sheriff — PA) is a former Pennsylvania State Police officer who retired as Director of the Bureau of Training and Education in 2008 after serving 27 years on the police force. Mark currently serves on the Warrington Township Board of Supervisorsand will bring more than 30 years of experience in leadership and management to the Sheriff’s office.
Tinu Moss (Court of Common Pleas Judge, Delaware County — PA) has spent the last 10 years practicing family, criminal and civil law and helping people navigate Delaware County courts. She knows firsthand that having a judge who is experienced and compassionate is vital to ensuring justice in decision-making.
Tiffany Thomas-Smith (Court of Common Pleas Judge, Bucks County — PA) has two decades worth of trial experience and is the owner and managing partner of The Thomas-Smith Firm P.C. She has worked hard throughout her career to advocate with compassion and negotiate with integrity on behalf of her clients. As a Judge, Tiffany will continue to foster and strengthen relationships between the courts, law enforcement and the community.
Tierra D. Williams (Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors — PA) has been a dedicated community advocate engaging in local issues that disproportionately impact marginalized communities in her region. If elected, she will bring transparency, equity and accountability to the Township Board of Supervisors.
Cydnei Drake (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD School Board of Trustees – TX) is a nonprofit leader and lifelong Texan who understands firsthand the opportunities that come from having a quality education. Once elected, her top priorities are ensuring all students can receive a good education regardless of their background and increasing the support teachers and staff members receive at their schools.
Jen Sarduy (Fort Worth City Council, District 2 — TX) has spent the majority of her career working on behalf of underserved communities in the Fort Worth area. From working with the National Harm Reduction Coalition to co-founding Re+Birth Equity Alliance, Jen has dedicated her life to ensuring her community is equitably resourced and connected. If elected, Jen will bring that same passion to the City Council.
Rev. Linwood Blizzard (Virginia House of Delegates, District 99) is a dedicated community member that serves the 99th district through his engagement in community-based organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Neck, Macedonia Community Development Corporation and the Northumberland County Branch of the NAACP. If elected to the House of Delegates, Linwood will fight to protect jobs, expand access to broadband internet and champion criminal justice reform.
Michelle Maldonado (Virginia House of Delegates, District 50) is a former attorney and small business owner, who comes from a family of groundbreakers dedicated to serving others. If elected she will focus on civil discourse while growing jobs, improving infrastructure and creating equity and inclusion for all.
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.