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 Ed Gainey for Mayor of Pittsburgh, PA; Ce-Ce Gerlach for Mayor of Allentown, PA; and Cecil Thomas for Mayor of Cincinnati, OH. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“The Collective PAC is proud to endorse these three mayoral candidates who will bring critical action and progress to their respective cities. As our nation continues to deal with the economic and health challenges caused by COVID-19, now more than ever working families in Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Cincinnati deserve leaders who will bring pragmatic solutions and innovative leadership to their respective city halls. From the city council and the school board to the state house and the state senate, Ed Gainey, Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Cecil Thomas have a demonstrated track record as public servants committed to making their communities safer, more equitable, and more prosperous for all residents. Voters can trust that these leaders will bring that same dedication to city hall and The Collective PAC is committed to ensuring they become their next mayors of Pittsburgh, Allentown and Cincinnati.”
Ed Gainey (Candidate for Mayor of Pittsburgh, PA) has represented Pennsylvania’s 24th Legislative District in the state house since 2013. A champion for vulnerable communities, Ed co-sponsored a bill to create a statewide moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and previously introduced police reform legislation following the acquittal of an officer who murdered an unarmed Black teenager. Once in office, Ed is committed to building an inclusive economy that supports all families, rethinking public safety, and increasing investments in affordable housing.
Ce-Ce Gerlach (Candidate for Mayor of Allentown, PA) is a longtime community activist and former school board member currently serving in her first term on the Allentown City Council. As a first-generation college graduate with a background in education, Ce-Ce has spent her decade-long career in public service working to close the opportunity and achievement gap. Once in office, Ce-Ce will prioritize helping Allentown’s most vulnerable populations through plans that will tackle homelessness, public safety, economic justice and education. If elected, she will be the first Black person and first woman to serve as Allentown’s mayor.
Cecil Thomas (Candidate for Mayor of Cincinnati, OH) represents Ohio’s 5th Senate District and currently serves as Assistant Minority Leader. He has been a longtime champion of criminal justice reform, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and common sense gun reform. Cecil has worked in public service for more than forty years as a police officer, member of the Cincinnati City Council and executive director of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.
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.