Ayanna-Pressley

The midterm elections took place on Tuesday and one thing is for sure, y’all came through and voted. Voting turnout for this year’s midterms already exceeded expectations with 30 million voters opting in to cast their ballots early.If this Midterm Election is a referendum on anything, it is Trump and his policies. In an exit poll conducted by CNN, 40 percent of voters said their voting decision was decided in opposition to President Trump.This year we saw a high number of Black candidates running for office, especially Black women. They beat the odds against racist tactics targeted against them and the high claims of voter suppression and brought it home on election night.  Here’s a winners list of Black candidates:Ayanna Pressleyvia TwitterAyanna Pressley has become the first Black woman to be elected to Congress in the state of Massachusetts. Pressley was slated to win since challenging and defeating fellow incumbent Michael Capuano in the Democratic primary election in September. She will represent district 7, where her priority will be health care, gun control, and criminal justice.Illhan Omarvia TwitterIllhan Omar became the first Somali-American to be elected into congress. Omar, a former refugee who immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, defeated Republican Jennifer Zielinski solidifying her place in history as one of the many "first" candidates who won on Tuesday night's election. The Democrat campaigned on progressive policies like abolishing Immigration Custom Enforcement, medicare-for-all, and criminal justice reform will represent Minnesota's 5th district. Tish James via TwitterTish James, a Democrat, defeated Republican Keith Wofford and made history as the first Black women to hold state-wide office as well becoming the first Black person to be attorney general for the state of New York. Her platform focused on such policy issues as criminal justice reform, women's rights and reproductive rights. James, a former HBCU grad, made Trump, one of her focal matters throughout her campaign and promised to take him on if she was elected. Jahana Hayesvia Twitter Democrat Jahana Hayes beat out Republican Manny Santos in the congressional race to represent Connecticut's 5th District. She was named "national teacher of the year" by former President Barack Obama. Hayes made history Election night by becoming the first Black woman elected into the U.S. house of Representatives from Connecticut. Hayes campaigned on progressive issues like single-payer-system, gun control, and defending things like the DREAM Act which helps provide a pathway to citizenship to some undocumented immigrants who qualify. Lauren Underwoodvia TwitterLauren Underwood defeated Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren in Illinois traditionally red 14th district. Underwood, a registered nurse ran strongly against Hultgren for his vote to appeal former President Obama's healthcare reform policy, Obamacare. As one of the millennial candidates, Underwood was the youngest Black women to run for congress this year and the first Black person to represent the 14th district. She ran on progressive policies such as affordable childcare, public education, and focusing to improve Illinois infrastructure. Malcolm Kenyatta via TwitterMalcolm Kenyatta became the first openly gay Black state legislator to hold office in Pennsylvania. He ran on raising the minimum wage, universal heath care, protecting sanctuary cities. Juliana Strattonvia TwitterJuliana Stratton became the first Black woman to be elected lieutenant governor for the state of Illinois. She ran along J.B. Pritzker on health care, increase teacher pay, and gun safety. Keith Ellison via TwitterDespite allegations of abuse Keith Ellison was elected to be attorney general for the state of Minnesota. Ellison became the first Black and the first muslim to be elected attorney general for the state of Minnesota. He ran on progressive policies such as criminal justice reform, health care reform, and promoting a fair economy.  Kwame Raoul Kwame Raoul defeated Republican Ericka Harold to be Illinois's attorney general.  Raoul who is a Chicago native replaced Barack Obama's seat in the states senate. Raoul who is a strong advocate of affordable health care will have both Democratic governor and lieutenant governor to work with. Colin AllredColin Allred, a former NFL player, will now represent the 32nd district of Texas. Allred defeated Republican candidate Pete Session, in a race that was important to helping Democrats gain control of the house. As a congressional representative for a border state, Allred policies favors support for the DREAMER Act, a clear pathway to citizenship and holding employers who exploit undocumented workers. Antonio Delgado Former rapper Antonio Delgado won his bid to represent New York's 19th congressional district. Delgado who also graduated from Harvard Law, ran against Trump's tax policy, rebuilding New York's infrastructure and in support of the DREAM Act.   Steven Horsfordvia Twitter Steven Horsford is the new congressional representative for Nevada's 4th district. Horsford isn't new to elected office he was Nevada's first Black state senator majority leader. Horsford ran on issues like supporting DACA, equal pay for women, and raising the minimum wage in Nevada. Lucy McBathLucy McBath who became a staunched anti-gun activist after the killing of her son Jordan Davis, was elected to represent Georgia's 6th district. The Democrat also ran on issues such as, supporting the Affordable Care Act, protecting planned parenthood and increasing public funding for political elections.  Like this content? Check these out:7 Black Attorney General Candidates You Should Get Familiar WithThe 2018 Midterm Firsts: These Are The History-Making Winners You Should Know19 Black Women Won Judgeships In A Texas...

Many of the results from the 2018 midterm elections were announced on Tuesday. Despite if the candidate you were rooting for secured their election or not, there’s plenty to feel excited and victorious about.These midterms saw a number of history making wins. Here are a few:  Ayanna PressleyIn Massachusetts, Democrat Ayanna Pressley has secured her seat to become the state’s first Black woman elected to Congress. Under the slogan “Change Can’t Wait,” Pressley unseated incumbent Rep. Mike Capuano in the 7th District Democratic Primary in a surprise victory. Running unopposed, she was a shoo-in.                                                                                     Jahana HayesJahana Hayes first entered the public limelight when Barack Obama awarded her the National Teacher of The Year title in 2016. Just two years later, a Tuesday night victory would lead her to become the first Black congresswoman to represent Connecticut as a U.S.Representative-elect. “People have said to me, she doesn’t have what it takes, she’s not built for this. Not only am I built for this, I’m Brass City built for this,” Hayes said in her speech on Tuesday. Rashida TlaibIn Michigan, Rashida Tlaib has become the first Muslim woman ever elected to Congress on the Democratic ticket representing the 13th district. Born to Palestinian immigrants, the 43-year-old Detroit Native minced no words when asked what was the motivation behind her campaign stating, "I think this is about electing the jury that will impeach him, and I would be a heck of a juror!"Ilhan OmarIlhan Omar has become the first Somali-American ever elected to Congress, representing Minnesota's fifth district. Omar is a Democrat and a refugee who immigrated to the US at 12 years old -- and she hasn’t been afraid to speak out about Trump’s xenophobic immigration policies.Letitita James The first Black woman elected to a New York citywide office became the first to win a statewide office as well in the 2018 midterms. Sixty-year-old New York City Public Advocate became the state's first black state attorney general on Tuesday in a 59.7% to 34.3% victory against opponent Keith Wofford. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez At 29 years old, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, securing the House seat in New York’s 14th District. A self-promoted Socialist Democrat, Oscascio-Cortez ran a campaign that mobilized the Hispanic community, persons of color, women and progressives to execute an almost feverish campaign that was anchored by a call for minimum wage raises and affordable health care. Sharice DavidsSharice Davids just shattered a few glass ceilings. The daughter of a single mother Army veteran, Kansas elected Davids as the first Native American woman to serve in Congress and the first lesbian to represent the state. A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Davids unseated Republican incumbent Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder to take Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District. Davids is a community college graduate who then attended las school at Cornell. Her campaign pushed for affordable health care and quality education for all children.Lauren UnderwoodOver in Illinois, Lauren Underwood first made waves when she took first place to six white male contenders aiming to represent the 14th district of Illinois in the state's March primaries. On Tuesday, the registered nurse and former Department of Health and Human Services senior adviser became the first black woman elected to represent the district. Juliana Stratton State representative Juliana Stratton worked as a professional mediator before making herstory on Tuesday as she was elected Illinois' first black female Lieutenant Governor. She will serve as second in-command to the state's gubernatorial-elect J.B. Pritzker. Veronica EscobarTexas has a large Hispanic population, 40% to be exact, but it wasn’t until Tuesday night that the state elected a Latina to Congress. Two, in fact. Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia (both Democrats) have won their  seats in the 16th and 29th District, respectfully. Escobar formerly served as an El Paso County Judge and was direct about the message she was trying to send with her campaign. “We want to send a very powerful message to Washington, D.C. that the border [community] will not sit on the sidelines during an era of unprecedented racism,” she said.Safiya WazirSafiya Wazir not only became New Hampshire's first state legislator to have been a former refugee, she also escaped the Taliban regime. The mother of two became a U.S. citizen five years ago. Sylvia GarciaMeanwhile, Houston Democrat Sylvia Garcia defeated Republican challenger Phillip Aronoff. Garcia is a former social worker and lawyer and once tweeted:I've dedicated my life to my community and public service, and want to take my fight for working families, immigrant justice, women's rights, and equity for all to Washington. Join #TeamSylvia's progressive grassroots movement in CD29 today by donating at https://t.co/uFMfoh4wKq pic.twitter.com/7pCwvfdywD— Sylvia R. Garcia (@SenatorSylvia) January 18, 2018Jared PolisColorado has just elected the nation’s first openly gay Governor. Democratic US Rep. Jared Polis defeated his Republican opponent, Colorado Treasurer Walker Stapleton to secure the governor’s mansion. He promotes a robust Medicare system, repeal of the death penalty, universal full-day preschool and kindergarten for his state. Making no secret of his sexual orientation, he said of his campaign: “I think it really gives Colorado an opportunity to stick a thumb in the eye of Mike Pence, whose view of America is not as inclusive as where America is today.”Join the Blavity: Politics daily email and follow our coverage...

Ayanna Pressley has officially made history by becoming the first black woman elected to the Massachusetts delegation as a representative for Boston’s 7th Congressional District. Pressley’s win is not only trailblazing, but also serves as a demonstration of her enduring work. The former councilwoman’s resume is expansive, including working for Rep. Joe Kennedy and later Sen. John Kerry. She also previously made history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a seat on the city’s council. “It is all very surreal, and the historical significance of my win is certainly not lost on me,” Pressley told WGBH News before the election. “It’s hard to believe, in a 230-year history of our Commonwealth, we never had a person of color to represent us in the House of Representatives.”According to WGBH, Pressley’s first order of business will center around House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s longevity in her role. While the newly appointed congresswoman has yet to publicly announce where her decision may fall, she has urged that her attentions lay first with her district. Gun violence, criminal justice and healthcare are amongst her top priorities. “Change can’t wait,” Pressley’s campaign slogan proclaimed, and voters appealed to her commitment to community communication in mass. Pressley spoke to Blavity in September about her campaign agenda and the initiatives she believes are most important.“Whether it is income inequality, educational opportunities, access to quality health care or transit equity, the inequalities facing the people of the 7th District are displayed across numerous social outcomes,” Pressley told Blavity. “I believe that solutions live in the lives of those most impacted… I will govern in partnership with the community to change these disparate outcomes.”Congrats to her! Now, check these out:From Her Favorite Hip-Hop Hit To Tackling Crisis, Get To Know Boston’s Ayanna Pressley Who Is Poised To Make Political History (Twice)House Hopeful Ayanna Pressley Shares Her #MeToo Story In Support Of Other Assault SurvivorsObama Endorses Over 200 Democrats Ahead Of November Midterms, Including Ayanna Pressley and Andrew...

Election Day is just around the corner, and it's crucial to make sure you're knowledgeable on what you're voting before you show up to the polls. That's why we created a voter guide that does everything from highlighting Black candidates that are running this midterm election to issues that are important to our community like prison reform. Here's our comprehensive guide which includes links to stories we and others have published that can help you to understand better the candidates and the issues they're advocating for as well as other vital information before you head to the polls on Tuesday:Candidates to Watch:Governors:Stacey Abrams (D-Georgia)Andrew Gillum (D-Florida)Ben Jealous (D-Maryland)Lieutenant Governors:Mandela Barnes (D-Wisconsin)Juliana Stratton (D-Illinois)Attorney General: Sean Shaw (D-Florida)Kwame Raoul (D-Illinois)Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota)Aaron  Ford (D-Nevada)Letitia James (D-New York)Mark Myles (D-Oklahoma)Karl Racine (D-Washington, D.C.)Congressional races: Jeramey Anderson, Mississippi, District 4Colin Allred, Texas, Congressional District 32Adrienne Bell, Texas, Congressional District 14Linda Coleman, North Carolina, Congressional District 2Erica Crawley, Ohio, Congressional District 26Tavia Galonski, Ohio, Congressional District 35Johana Hayes, Connecticut, Congressional District 5Shelly Hutchinson, Georgia, Congressional District 107Lucy McBath, Georgia, Congressional District 6Ilhan Omar, Minnesota, Congressional District 5Ayanna Pressley, Massachusetts, Congressional District 7Stephany Rose Spaulding, Colorado, Congressional District 5Lauren Underwood, Illinois, Congressional District 14Vangie Williams, Virginia, Congressional District 1Senate races: Mike Espy (D-Mississippi)Secretary of State races:Gwen Collins-Greenup (D-Louisiana)Deirdre Dejear (D-Iowa)James Byrd Jr. (D-Wyoming)Melvin Whittenberg (D-South Carolina)Now that you’re more familiar with which candidates to watch closely, we’ve also prepared a more extensive guide and breakdown of other essential items to note as you scan your ballot. Still not feeling the whole “voting” thing? Curious about the issues on the ballot? Or want to be more convinced your voice is represented? We’ve got you covered.Need help getting your friends out to vote? Not sure for which candidate to vote? Or just feeling blah about elections overall? These pieces can help:Here Are 7 Ways To Make Sure Your Friends Get Out And Vote5 Ways To Properly Vet A Political Candidate5 Things To Do If You’ve Lost Confidence In The Political System Know which states are prioritizing the issues that may matter most to you:These States Have Marijuana On The BallotAmendment 4 could restore voting rights to 1.4 million people by restoring voting rights to some  formerly incarcerated peopleStudents managed to make prison reform a major priority in OhioAnd if none of the above matter to you, consider these other reasons you might want to cast your vote.Georgia could potentially vote in a Black superintendent. Learn about his plans for the education system.These candidates are heating up the competition this midterm election:Here’s What 2019 Could Look Like With Three Black Governors These 7 states could potentially elect Black attorney generalsAnd these 3 states might gain Black secretaries of stateAyanna Pressley could become Massachusetts’ first black woman in CongressThe youngest person to be elected to Mississippi’s state legislature at 22, is now 27, and hoping represent Mississippi's 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House.Wanna know who your faves are supporting?Here’s a list of the 200 Democratic candidates President Obama endorsed. Oprah took a trip to Georgia and canvassed door-to-door in support of Stacey Abrams. Yes, Oprah.Still want more information?This 107-year-old plans to cast her ballot. If she can, you can too.There are also some folks who simply cannot exercise their right to vote due to unfair voter laws. You can.Also, check out this quick video on why midterms matter -- and click the image below to sign up for our newsletter and stay engaged!  Now, check these out:Ben Jealous On His Progressive Plans As Governor For Maryland And Love Of 'Drunk History'After The Strike: Here Is How Prison Reform Is Showing Up In The Midterm Elections'You Get A Vote, You Get A Vote:' Oprah Takes Us Back To 2007 While Stumping For Stacey...

Is it just me, or does everyone else hear Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before” in the back of their minds, when listening to promises rattled off within campaign commercials?If there is one word to describe how most voters feel after 2016 elections, it would likely be “traumatized.” As the midterm elections continue to unfold, many voters are giving a few promising candidates on their ballot some major side-eye. After all, it’s frustrating to receive daily news updates without being concerned about the ways in which our communities are being governed.According to a national survey conducted by the NAACP, 62 percent of Black voters believed it’s more important to vote in 2018 midterms than 2014, while 82 percent of Black voters felt disrespected by something Trump said or did. This has heightened awareness during  election season. Furthermore, political discourse has motivated people to turnout in historic numbers, which has helped nominate candidates like Ayanna Pressley, Andrew Gilliam and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.However, as voters head out to polls this election, how can they vet all the candidates, who promise change? How can we elect individuals that are capable of counteracting  the effort to further disenfranchise and marginalize certain communities?1.) Read Candidates’ Campaign PlatformsCampaign websites are the best place to learn about a  candidate’s background and campaign platform. Most of these sites  have an “issues” page for viewers to read about a particular candidate’s   position on certain issues.Be mindful about the issues they take positions on, and the issues they don’t. For example, if reproductive freedom is important to you and a candidate doesn’t mention their position on this  on their website, this can be a red flag.Candidates and campaigns are strategic about their messaging, and — to be fair — not everything can live on a website. If you’re impressed by a site or simply would like to learn more about the candidate, sign up to receive updates from the campaign by sharing your email.  By signing up to receive emails and updates from the campaign, you’ll be able to stay informed about various messages, policy plans and efforts.2.) Check Endorsements  A great way to vet a candidate's position on issues is to review their endorsements. There are numerous organizations that serve and protect special interests, like healthcare, jobs, transportation and so on by engaging in elections.If an organization has decided to endorse a campaign, it signifies an investment and validates a candidate on an issue. For example, if you value public education, checking to see if a candidate has been endorsed by a national or local teachers union or education organization is worth looking into. On the contrary, if gun reform is an important issue for you, finding out if a particular candidate has a passing score with the NRA would l inform you about where they stand.It’s important to evaluate the support of both candidates on your ballot regardless of if you’ve determined who you plan to support, because it will inform about about what your candidate of choice is up against. In the unfortunate case that your desired candidate loses the election, you’ll understand where their opponent stands and the level of support he/she may have to implement their position into action upon becoming elected.3.) Review Voting RecordsVoting records are the real receipts for any candidate who's previously held public office. These records are public and can be accessed online. If a candidate is running for State Senate after formerly serving as a City Council member, you can check their voting history to see where they stood on important issues like transportation, policing, budgets and the environment. Understanding the political habits of a candidate will inform you about the way they will serve if elected into higher office.4.) Pay Attention to Earned MediaEarned media is the unsolicited promotion of a particular campaign and candidate. Unlike commercials and radio ads, earned media is an unbiased perspective about the candidate that isn’t confined to the campaigns messaging and agenda.To find earned media about a candidate, type their  name into a search engine and see what stories come up. Earned media could be good or bad, so it’s important to be make sure it’s coming from a credible source. Paying attention to how a campaign is highlighted in media is important to gain an understanding of how the campaign is engaging in the community and how that engagement is being received publicly.5.) Get InvolvedOne of the most effective ways to vet a candidate is to get involved with their campaign by volunteering, attending events and asking questions. In getting involved, you’ll learn firsthand about the type of team they trust to support them,  their vision, how they prioritize their resources, and how they’re working to earn support on Election Day. Hearing directly from a candidate can help settle any doubts or concerns you may have, and might even allow the opportunity to ask questions. If you’re unable to get directly involved, try engaging with the campaign online. There’s nothing wrong with sending an email, calling or even tagging them in a tweet.With so much on the line this year, we should feel empowered to demand solutions and solidarity from those hoping to represent us. As we prepare to vote on November 6, try pulling a sample ballot from your Secretary of State website or local elections board. Your sample ballot will outline each candidate and ballot measure you’ll be voting on this election, giving you the opportunity to research and make an informed decision about who you plan to support. As voters, we have the collective power to determine who the decision makers will be, when our own lives and best interest and lives are put on the line. History has taught us time and time again that elections have consequences. Let’s make sure that this year, we aren't caught slipping.To learn more about how you can be properly prepare for midterm elections, click here....

Ayanna Pressley is many things: an at-large Boston city councilor, a sexual assault survivor and the favorite to win the House seat in the 7th Congressional District. Should she win, she would make history as the first black woman to head to Congress representing the state. Pressley has something in common with New York 14th Congressional District hopeful Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, as all three candidates of color beat the odds and won the primary in their respective local elections. As Bay State Banner mentions, Pressley beat incumbent Michael Capuano by engaging with non-traditional voters, who are often ignored by the Democratic Party. “I hope that we’ve ushered in a new paradigm shift about how to run and win campaigns,” said Pressley. “We have challenged assumptions about who is a likely primary voter. We have challenged assumptions about who deserves to have a seat at the table of democracy, or who wants to. Every single constituency that pundits considered to be unlikely showed up and turned out in this race: millennials, immigrants, people of color.”With a vote on Brett Kavanaugh expected Friday, many minds are on sexual assault. Pressley spoke of her sexual assault experience to WBUR in 2011 and has since spoken out in support of Christine Blasey Ford throughout the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. TY @AyannaPressley and @Ocasio2018 for your beautiful, beautiful rage #BelieveSurvivors #StopKavanaugh pic.twitter.com/dAzRyyh3d9— Nikki Goldschein (@nikki__claire) October 1, 2018Ahead of the vote, Pressley called for Kavanaugh to step aside if he has "an iota of decency,” BuzzFeed News reports. She also reiterated her support for Ford, who the House hopeful said has lived a “lifetime of trauma and shame.”Pressley first spoke publicly about her assault at a Boston city council meeting and talked more about her advocacy for survivors in a new interview with BuzzFeed. "The reason I tell my story is to create space and dignity for survivors to let them know that they are seen, that they are not alone, and that I am going to be vigilant in this moment for their healing and justice," she said. “That is truly the disgrace to our nation, that survivors are never given the justice they are deserved.”One way to do this, Pressley said, is to put an end to divisive politics.“Everyone keeps talking about the division and tribalism in our country,” the candidate said. “I hope we can appeal to a greater tribe and affirm the humanity and dignity of survivors, and get justice they deserve. I would like to think about the same tribalism in our country having the ability to affirm our collective humanity in these instances by honoring the voices and stories of survivors and lived experience.”Now, check these out: Boston City Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley Moves Closer Toward Becoming Massachusetts’ First Black Female U.S. Representative#MeToo Is Not Just Hollywood's ProblemAnita Hill Doesn't Believe The Upcoming Brett Kavanaugh Hearing Will Be 'Fair And...

The nationwide call for political change continues in Boston as Ayanna Pressley triumphed over 10-year Representative Michael Capuano, winning the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her victory aligns with that of fellow young and diverse political underdogs across the nation ready to make history this election season.The city councilwoman ran on the slogan "change can't wait," a truth that has proved to be evident throughout the Trump era. However, despite the political unrest that 45 has caused in the U.S., many politicians advised Pressley it was in her best interest not to run against Capuano, who had not faced a primary challenger since he was first elected in 1998. Despite the 66-year-old’s endorsement by almost every major political figure, Pressley decided to follow her path. After all, well-behaved women rarely make history, which Pressley first achieved in 2009 as the first black woman elected to the Boston City Council. Now, she is poised to make history as the first black woman with a seat representing Massachusetts in Congress.Pressley beat Capuano by a 59-41 margin, although he conceded with barely 13 percent of the votes counted.“I’m sorry it didn’t work out, but this is life, and this is OK," Capuano said of Pressley's victory. "America’s going to be OK. Ayanna Pressley is going to be a good congresswoman, and I will tell you that Massachusetts will be well served.” The moment when @AyannaPressley learned she won. No commentary needed. 💜 #ChangeCantWait #mapoli #ma7 #electwomen #electionday pic.twitter.com/SLLlQTI1Sj— Jesse Mermell (@jessemermell) September 5, 2018 “People who feel seen and heard for the first time in their lives, a stakehold in democracy and a promise for our future,” Pressley said following her win. “That is the real victory, that is bigger than any electoral victory. And I want to thank you all for being foot soldiers in this movement and for ushering in this change.”The 44-year-old Chicago native also wasted no time solidifying her stance against Donald Trump. "Our president is a racist, misogynistic, truly empathy-bankrupt man," she continued. "It is time to show Washington, D.C., both my fellow Democrats, who I hope will stand with us and Republicans who may stand in our way...change is coming and the future belongs to all of us."Pressley joins the ranks of fellow women and minorities who are killing the primaries this year including Andrew Gillum of Florida. “This is a big wake-up call to any incumbent on the ballot in November,” Boston-based Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh said. “We’ve been in a change election cycle for years. But Trump may have opened the door for all these young candidates, women, people of color, because voters want the antithesis of him.”Although there is no Republican on the November ballot in Pressley's Boston-based district, these victories in the primaries are a reminder of how necessary our votes are. Now, check these out:Every Generation Is Defined By A Struggle: Why You Must Be At The Polls On November 6London Breed Is Elected As San Francisco's First Black Female Mayor9 Inspiring Black Politicians To Watch For In...