Christina Hartman, Chris Rabb receive “People’s Action 22” designation, two of nation’s 22 rising progressive stars
[HARRISBURG, PA] Keystone Progress is excited to announce today that People’s Action, a national organization of more than a million people working with 48 local grassroots organizations across 29 states, is endorsing Christina Hartman for Congress CD-16, Lancaster) and Chris Rabb for State Representative (HD 200, Philadelphia).
The endorsement comes as People’s Action releases a national progressive slate of 22 candidates running for positions from local school boards to state legislative bodies to the U.S. Senate.
In endorsing Hartman and Rabb, People’s Action affirms that they have the leadership qualities, values, and vision needed to serve the people of Pennsylvania. As part of People’s Action 22, they will take her place alongside a slate of rising stars, building on the progressive political revolution ignited by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.
They will join with other local candidates who are committed to fighting for people instead of corporations; standing up for racial and gender justice; working for a fair economy, and climate justice.
“We thrilled that People’s Action has joined Keystone Progress in endorsing these two dynamic progressive leaders,” said Ritchie Tabachnick, the Chair of the Board of Keystone Progress. “We are part of a growing progressive movement with the power to win on our issues and to elect progressive champions who share our values in Pennsylvania.”
Other members of the People’s Action 22 include:
- Gina Melaragno, in Maine, who was inspired to run for state representative by her own experience with lack of health care access.
- Pramila Jayapal, a Washington state senator is a candidate for Congress, who founded Hate Free Zone (now OneAmerica) in response to hate and discrimination after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
- LaTonya Johnson, candidate for state senate in Wisconsin, owned and operated a child care center for 10 years, caring for Milwaukee’s poorest children and their parents, struggling to cover their basic needs.
- Zephyr Teachout, candidate for New York, U.S. House of Representatives, was the first executive director of the Sunlight Foundation, working for transparent government. She fought big banks and stopped fracking in New York.
“While the presidential election has often been dispiriting, there is tremendous hope down-ballot, with candidates from within our movement fighting for a just economy and a democracy that works for everyone,” said George Goehl, co-executive director of People’s Action.
“Each of these candidates represents the world we believe is possible, one where everyone has what they need to reach their full potential. With these down-ballot candidates, we have a start on creating the world as it should be,” said Goehl.
Complete List of People's Action 22: Our slate of 2016 endorsed candidates
Russ Feingold Wisconsin, U.S. Senate
Christina Hartman Pennsylvania, U.S. House of Representatives District 16
Pramila Jayapal Washington, U.S. House of Representatives, District 7
Zephyr Teachout New York, U.S. House of Representatives, District 19
Heidi Brooks Maine, State House of Representatives District 61
Mari Cordes Vermont, House of Representatives, Addison, District 4
Arturo Fierro New Mexico, State House of Representatives District 7
Lauren Freedman Michigan, Kalamazoo School Board
Kim Foxx Illinois, Cook County, State's Attorney
LaTonya Johnson Wisconsin, State Senate District 6
Denise Lopez Nevada, Sparks City Council Ward 1
Theresa Mah Illinois, State House of Representatives, District 2
Gina Melaragno Maine, State House of Representatives District 62
Sara Niccoli New York, State Senate, District 46
Ilhan Omar Minnesota, State House of Representatives District 60B
Chris Rabb Pennsylvania, State House of Representatives District 200
Jamie Raskin Maryland, Congressional District 8
Gustavo Rivera New York, State Senate District 33
J. Alejandro Urrutia New Hampshire, State House of Representatives District Hillsborough 37
Andru Volinsky New Hampshire, Executive Council Dist. 2
Mandy Wright Wisconsin, State Assembly, District 85
David Zuckerman Vermont, Lieutenant Governor
People’s Action is a powerful new force for democracy and economic fairness. From family farms to big cities, from coast to coast, we’re fighting for community over greed, justice over racism, and people and planet over big corporations.
Keystone Progress is Pennsylvania’s largest and most effective progressive organization. Combining cutting-edge communication strategies with old-school community organizing, Keystone Progress is organizing in communities across the commonwealth, building chapters that put people and planet first.