May Democratic Primaries

The May Democratic primaries saw victories by a group of female diversity candidates, adding to the momentum that the Diversity Declaration is working to encourage.  All these candidates face significant challenges and need exceptional mobilization of support to win.

Georgia: Stacey Abrams, 44, is the first African-American to win a primary for governor.  If elected, she would be the state’s first woman governor and the first African-American woman governor in the U.S.  Georgia hasn’t had a Democratic governor in 20 years. Abrams’ opponent will be one of two Trump-style Republicans; Trump won Georgia by a five percent margin in 2016.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/stacey-abrams-wins-democratic-nomination-for-governor_us_5b045d41e4b003dc7e471586)

 

Idaho: Paulette Jordan, 38, is waging an uphill battle be the nation’s first Native American governor, in a staunchly conservative, Republican state.

https://www.vox.com/2018/5/16/17357906/idaho-governor-results-paulette-jordan-democratic-primary

 

Texas: Lupe Valdez, 70, won the primary as the first Latina and openly gay person nominated by a major party in the race for governor of Texas.  The Republican incumbent governor is favored to win in November, and Republicans have long controlled the state, but Valdez has a history of overcoming long odds.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lupe-valdez-win-texas-democratic-primary-governor_us_5afcac91e4b06a3fb50d613c?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_source=main_fb

 

Gina Ortiz Jones, 37, won the primary for a House seat. If elected, she would be the first lesbian, Iraq War veteran and Filipina-American to represent Texas in Congress. Her district leans Republican and her two-term incumbent opponent has a much larger war chest so far.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gina-ortiz-jones-congress-texas_us_5b043424e4b003dc7e46b984

 

Do you like hearing about candidates like these inspiring women?  Do you want to help us others like them elected?  It's easy and fun!  We are tracking several Congressional races closely, and will be focusing on some key races in 'swing' districts within the next few weeks.  We'd love to hear from you on any races YOU are tracking, and will cross-post information so please follow our Facebook page and e-mail or message us with your thoughts!