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Elections & Endorsements

We’re supporting progressive candidates in local, state, and national races
Photo courtesy of Declaration for American Democracy

We believe power belongs to we the people - not just the wealthy and the powerful

Upcoming elections are a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Across the country, MAGA Republicans are working to roll back our rights and undermine our democracy. That's why we're backing bold, progressive champions who will help us oppose Donald Trump and his dangerous MAGA agenda.

Elections 2025: State by State

Alabama

Randall Woodfin

Victory!

Randall Woodfin

Mayor of Birmingham

“Mayor Woodfin has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people of Birmingham," said People For President Svante Myrick. "As mayor, he’s championed public safety, revitalized the local area, and invested in community-based strategies to improve the lives of Birmingham residents. We’re confident his continued leadership will take Birmingham even further in the future.” 

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Arizona

Selina Barajas wearing a black dress and white hat.

 

Victory!

Selina Barajas 

Candidate for Tuscon City Council 

 

Georgia

Dr. Kaycee Brock

 

Victory!

Dr. Kaycee Brock

Candidate for Atlanta School Board

“I am honored to receive this endorsement and proud to represent Atlanta’s rich legacy of civil rights, justice, and continuous fight for educational opportunity. Serving on the school board is both a responsibility to uphold our city’s tradition of courageous leadership, and a challenge to be forward thinking and innovative.

Now more than ever, I am committed to equity, and I'm ready to ensure that Atlanta Public Schools prepare every student to thrive and pursue a life of choice and economic mobility. It can be done. I'm ready to do it.” - Dr. Kaycee Brock

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Iowa

Ashley Vanorny

Victory!

Ashley Varnorny

Candidate for Cedar Rapids City Council

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Massachusetts

Kati Cabral

Victory!

Kati Cabral

Candidate for Chelsea School Board

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Michigan

Mary Sheffield

Victory!

Mary Sheffield                               

Candidate for Mayor of Detroit 

“Mary Sheffield has a proud history of helping the people of Detroit. Her visionary leadership has helped shape policies focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, ensuring access to essential services, and much more,” said People For President Svante Myrick. ”From being the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council in 2013 to becoming the President of the same City Council, she’s most prepared to take her native Detroit to higher heights from the office of Mayor.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of People For the American Way. Their commitment to protecting our democracy, advancing justice, and ensuring that all voices are heard aligns with the values I fight for every day on behalf of Detroiters." – Mary Sheffield

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New Jersey

Mikie Sherrill

Victory!

Mikie Sherrill 

Candidate for Governor

“Mickie Sherrill has served the state of New Jersey with compassion and integrity in Congress since 2018, and will bring the same dedication to the office of Governor,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “Her history in the Navy and as a federal prosecutor has defined her life of service, both to New Jersey and to our nation. As Governor, she’ll take on forces who threaten our freedom and work to improve the lives of all New Jersey families.”

“I’ve spent my entire life fighting for this country as a pilot and a prosecutor. With Donald Trump threatening the constitutional rights of every New Jerseyan and attempting to dismantle our democracy, it’s critical that we have a strong governor to fight back against these abuses and keep New Jerseyans safe. That’s what I’ll do in Trenton, and I’m glad to have People for the American Way’s support,” said Mikie Sherrill.

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Dale Caldwell

Victory!

Dr. Dale Caldwell

Candidate for Lt. Governor

“Rev. Dr. Dale Caldwell has spent his life serving the people of New Jersey,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “As an educator, pastor, and public servant, he’s shown true leadership across the public and private sectors. As Lt. Governor, he’ll show the same commitment, speaking out for the people of New Jersey, working to expand opportunity and defending democracy in the Garden State.”

“My dad marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., to fight for equal rights, and those values were imparted to me that I strive to uphold every day. I’ve spent my life working with ‘the small’ — small churches, nonprofits, and businesses. As lieutenant governor, I’ll continue to do that to ensure all New Jerseyans’ rights are protected,” said Dr. Dale Caldwell.

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Mussab Ali wearing a pink jacket and standing on the sidewalk

Mussab Ali

Candidate for Mayor of Jersey City

“Mussab Ali is a dedicated and enthusiastic champion for the people of Jersey City,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “From being the youngest elected official in Jersey City’s history to becoming President of the Jersey City Board of Education, he’s led initiatives to improve the lives of teachers and give students a direct voice in improving their schools. He’ll take that energetic, collaborative, equity-focused style of leadership to the Mayor’s office.”

"I’m honored to receive the endorsement of People For the American Way. Their long history of fighting for justice, equality, and democracy inspires the work we’re doing here in Jersey City. Together, we’re building a city where every family can thrive, with affordable housing, reliable public transit, and a government that puts people before special interests." – Mussab Ali

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Joanne Famularo

Joanne Famularo

Candidate for State Assembly

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New York

Dorcey Applyrs

Victory!

Dorcey Applyrs

Candidate for Mayor of Albany

“Dorcey Applyrs will be a transformative Mayor for the city of Albany,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “Her values of service, responsibility, and community that she has demonstrated in multiple public service roles prove that she has what it takes to make a difference for the people of Albany. We look forward to seeing her excel as Albany’s Mayor for many years to come.”

“I’m honored to have the support of People for the American Way, an organization that shares my belief that real leadership means protecting democracy, expanding opportunity, and putting people first. Together, we’re building a safer, fairer, more inclusive Albany.” – Dorcey Applyrs

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Zohran Mamdani smiling in front of a blue background and American flag.

Victory!

Zohran Mamdani

Candidate for Mayor of New York City

“Zohran Mamdani is the progressive candidate New Yorkers need,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “From fighting for working families in the state assembly to his bold plans for making New Yorkers’ everyday lives more affordable, Mamdani embodies the progressive values that will drive New York City forward in these trying times. Those values that make him stand out from his field of competitors will make him a truly outstanding Mayor.” 

“People For the American Way has fought for freedom, justice and democracy for decades. Their vision of a vibrant, more equal America has inspired generations of New Yorkers. I am deeply honored to have received their endorsement and looking forward to working with them to build a New York that works for all of us.” - Zohran Mamdani

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North Carolina

Leo Williams

Victory!

Leo Williams

Candidate for Mayor of Durham

“Mayor Leo Williams has demonstrated his dedication and ability to serve  the people of Durham since first taking office in 2023,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “His years in the classroom and his commitment to addressing our deepest social and economic divides have made him an outstanding Mayor and will continue to help serve the people of Durham in his next term.” 

"I'm so honored to have the support of an organization whose living purpose is to realign dignity in the public square of politics. In these turbulent times, our best selves must be reflected in every ounce of contribution toward a better tomorrow." – Mayor Leonardo Williams 

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Kimberley Owens

Victory!

Kimberley Owens

Candidate for Charlotte City Council

Website

Ohio

Justin Bibb wearing a dark blue suit

Victory!

Justin Bibb

Candidate for Mayor of Cleveland

“Mayor Justin Bibb has proven himself to be a visionary leader for the city of Cleveland,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “He’s been a true champion for public safety and for the revitalization of Cleveland’s city services. Mayor Bibb is a dedicated fighter for the people of Cleveland and will continue to make the city safer and its communities stronger in his next term as Mayor.”

“When people have faith that their government works for them and not just the powerful few – our entire nation is stronger. That work starts locally. Since taking office, my administration has been on a mission to make Cleveland’s government better serve the people of Cleveland. We’ve done that by improving city services, leveraging public and private funds to revitalize under-resourced neighborhoods, and building safer communities through youth programs and better, more accountable policing. I’m proud to have the support of People For the American Way in our fight to deliver the full substance of freedom, justice, and democracy to every Clevelander.” – Mayor Justin Bibb

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Tennessee

Aftyn Behn

Aftyn Behn

Candidate for US House of Representatives

Election date: December 2, 2025

Website

Texas

Christian Menefee

Victory!-Advanced to runoff election

Christian Menefee

Candidate for US House of Representatives

Website

Virginia

Jay Jones

Victory!

Jay Jones

Candidate for Attorney General

“Jay Jones is the right candidate to fight for the people of Virginia,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “As a member of the House of Delegates, Jay helped protect abortion rights, expanded Medicaid, and improved the lives of teachers. And when serving as Assistant Attorney General, he took on the gun lobby to keep Virginia families safe. Jay is a tireless advocate who will protect the life and liberty of every Virginian as Attorney General.”

“I’m proud to have the support of People For the American Way. I’ve spent my career fighting to protect and defend Virginians’ freedoms towards a fairer and more just democracy – and as Attorney General, I’ll stand up to any and all attacks against Virginians’ fundamental civil rights and fight for justice for everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful.” - Jay Jones

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Stephanie Morales wearing a blue outfit

Victory!

Stephanie Morales

Candidate for Commonwealth's Attorney

“Stephanie Morales is a true public servant, a fierce advocate for justice,” said People For President Svante Myrick. “Throughout her time as Commonwealth’s Attorney, she’s created sustainable programming aimed at transforming the criminal justice system, including working with youth in her Future Leaders Initiative. Her experience and drive have made her a dedicated Commonwealth’s Attorney and will continue to serve her in her next term.” 

“For the past decade, it has been my priority to fight at every turn for the safety and strength of our communities. I am committed to another term of seeking justice while reducing harm and prioritizing fairness. Since the start of my elected service to the City of Portsmouth, People For has been a partner in our work and champion for our values. I’m proud to have their endorsement once again. Let's keep building on our progress, our community, and our future.” – Commonwealth’s Attorney Morales  

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Lily Franklin

Victory!

Lily Franklin

Candidate for State House of Delegates

I grew up in a working-class family and became a teacher in rural Appalachia. I saw firsthand how many of my students were struggling—just like I had seen my neighbors struggle growing up—and I knew I had to do something to help.

I'm running for office because I care deeply about our community and our neighbors. I know how to get things done in Richmond, and I’ll never stop fighting for my home.” - Lily Franklin

Website

 

 

Jessica Anderson

Victory!

Jessica Anderson

Candidate for State House of Delegates

"I'm grateful to People For the American Way for endorsing my campaign for Virginia's 71st District. As Delegate, I'll fight to protect our freedoms, advocate for a justice system that treats every person fairly, and defend our democracy from voter suppression.

We need bold, progressive leadership that is ready to rise to the moment and deliver results. I'm looking forward to being that voice for my community." - Jessica Anderson

Website

 

 

Joshua Cole

 

Victory!

Joshua Cole

Candidate for State House of Delegates

"It is an honor to be in the fight again with People For the American Way. As someone raised in the district I represent, this election is personal. This November is our chance to solidify Virginia as a stronghold for democracy and protect fundamental rights." - Joshua Cole

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April Moore Chandler

Victory!

April Moore Chandler

Candidate for Algonkian School Board

“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of People for the American Way for the second time as I seek reelection for Loudoun County School Board. I have fought to protect public education, defended against attacks on critical programs that promote equity and belonging, and worked to ensure that every student feels safe, seen and respected.

I will continue to fight for public education and to preserve the freedom to learn for all students.” - April Moore Chandler

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