Hello John,

The fight to protect our reproductive rights is ongoing. We need leaders ready to fight to expand access at every level of elected office.

Today, we are proud to endorse a remarkable group of candidates who embody our mission of reproductive justice. These candidates are committed to protecting and expanding abortion access, and we're thrilled to have them on board.

Introducing our endorsed candidates for 2023 (*Incumbent):

Anika Bowie - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 1 

Anika Bowie, a social entrepreneur, community organizer, and policy strategist, is a dedicated candidate running for Saint Paul City Council Ward 1. With a deep-rooted connection to the community and a passion for civic engagement, Anika aims to bring positive change through public servant leadership. Having experienced adversity and overcome personal challenges, she approaches problem-solving with an equity lens and compassion for all. Anika's candidacy is driven by a commitment to address community safety, access to government services, healing arts, and building community wealth. She aspires to amplify the voices and concerns of Ward 1 residents, working towards a brighter future and securing the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) endorsement.

Robin Wonsley - Minneapolis City Council, Ward 2* 

Robin Wonsley, Minneapolis's first Black Democratic Socialist City Council Member, is dedicated to serving Ward 2, which includes the Cedar-Riverside, Como, University, Prospect Park, and Seward neighborhoods. With a background as a renter, labor organizer, and former UMTC grad student, Robin has been actively involved in various movements for racial justice, housing, education, and labor rights. She has made significant contributions by expanding restorative justice programs, leading successful campaigns for a $15 minimum wage and full-service community schools, and coordinating food distribution efforts in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. Robin's commitment to building a more just world is further exemplified by her educational pursuits, including a PhD program in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Minnesota. As a passionate advocate for social change, Robin strives to create a community-centered model of public safety and address the effects of racism, capitalism, and sexism on marginalized communities.

Rebecca Noecker - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 2* 

Rebecca Noecker is a Saint Paul City Council member running for re-election to represent Ward 2, which includes the West Side, Downtown Saint Paul, and portions of West 7th, Railroad Island, and the Summit Hill neighborhoods. Rebecca grew up in Saint Louis Park and is a graduate of Harvard College. She dedicated her early career to educational equity, as a middle school science teacher with Teach For America in Baton Rouge, a program officer at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Teach For India, and as director of community engagement at AchieveMpls. In 2015, Rebecca was elected to be the first woman to represent Ward 2 on the Saint Paul City Council. Her priorities are equity, economic development and creating opportunities for young people.

Saura Jost - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 3 

Saura Jost, a community leader, engineer, and devoted mother, is running for St. Paul City Council in Ward 3, driven by the ambition to achieve the collective dreams for the city. With a background in civil engineering, Saura has dedicated her career to building a better Minnesota by designing inclusive and long-lasting infrastructure that benefits all. Having lived in St. Paul for most of her life and actively engaged in civic affairs, she has stood up for reproductive rights, organized youth Democrats, and campaigned for various political leaders. Saura's commitment to her community extends beyond her STEM expertise, as she envisions a Ward 3 that embraces everyone and addresses challenges comprehensively. From safe and affordable housing to sustainable transportation, from reliable infrastructure to a thriving and diverse business community, Saura aims to lead with empathy, hope, and determination. Join her in building a brighter future for Ward 3 and supporting her campaign to make a lasting impact.

Mitra Jalali - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 4* 

Mitra Jalali, a former social studies teacher, organizer, and policy aide, is running for re-election as Councilmember for Ward 4, aiming to continue leading progress for everyone in Saint Paul. Over the past four years, Mitra has been a dedicated advocate for positive change, working closely with the community to implement policies and investments that ensure inclusivity and true accessibility for all residents. Her commitment to making the "All Are Welcome" ethos a reality for every individual in the city has been a driving force behind her work. With a strong track record of leadership and a passion for serving the community, Mitra seeks another term to continue advancing the interests and well-being of the people of Saint Paul.

Hwa Jeong Kim - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 5 

Hwa Jeong Kim is an organizer, non-profit executive director, former Legislative Aide, and proud North End resident. She came to Saint Paul to attend Hamline University and has served Ward 5 on the Saint Paul Planning Commission and its Zoning Committee, as well as a Legislative Aid for the city. She currently works as the executive director of Minnesota Voice, a non-profit focused on voting rights, voting access, civic engagement and education. She’s running to represent Ward 5 because she believes in a Saint Paul with healthy homes, neighborhood jobs, clean air, community safety, and transportation options that meet our changing needs.

Nelsie Yang - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 6* 

Nelsie Yang is the current City Councilor for Saint Paul Ward 6, and was first sworn in to office in January 2020. She is the youngest and first Hmong American woman elected as council member in the history of Saint Paul. Nelsie is a daughter of Hmong refugees and the youngest of five children. She has a background in social work and social justice activism. Nelsie was inspired to get involved in political organizing to make change based on her lived experiences growing up in systemic poverty and racism. She is co-governing alongside people, labor unions, and organizations to build toward a society united across race, class, and gender, where working families live lives that are long, fulfilled, and joyful. As a council member, Nelsie continues to champion these issues to ensure we live in a community where everyone is in and no one is out—no exceptions

Cheniqua Johnson - Saint Paul City Council, Ward 7 

Cheniqua Johnson, a lifelong Minnesotan and proud first-generation homeowner in Dayton's Bluff, is running to be the next council member for Ward 7, with a strong focus on advocating for the well-being of families, neighbors, businesses, and workers in the community. Grounded in the values instilled by her hardworking parents, Cheniqua has dedicated her life to organizing and advocating for a better Minnesota. With experience in constituent services and policy, she has helped residents navigate government systems and find solutions to their challenges. As a Program Officer, she has brought valuable resources to the community, fostering health and wellness. Cheniqua's priorities as council member encompass safe and stable homes for all, climate action, economic justice, comprehensive public safety, and strong city services. With a commitment to uplifting the voices of diverse communities, partnering with local businesses, and addressing the needs of young families, Cheniqua seeks to be a capable and community-focused leader who will work tirelessly for a shared future on the East Side.

Katie Cashman - Minneapolis City Council, Ward 7 

Katie is a sustainability leader, a renter, and a community organizer, who is running to be the next City Council member to represent Ward 7 in Minneapolis. Katie has spent her career fighting for environmental justice both in Minnesota and across the world. While working at the United Nations, she focused on helping cities make implementable policies to improve urban health and environmental standards. Katie founded Climate Action Academy to implement climate education in schools and teach leadership skills across the world. Currently she works at the Minnesota Center of Environmental Advocacy, where she works in partnership to uphold the laws and regulations that keep our water and air clean for all. Katie is committed to leading Minneapolis through its green transition to a safer, healthier, more vibrant place to live and work.

Andrea Jenkins - Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8*

Andrea Jenkins made history in 2017 as the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States. Now serving as Council President from Ward 8, she is also a writer, performance artist, poet and transgender activist. Andrea moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota in 1979. She worked as a Vocational Counselor for Hennepin County, as well as a staff member on the Minneapolis City Council for 12 years before beginning work as curator of the Transgender Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota's Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies. She holds a master’s degree in Community Development from Southern New Hampshire University, a MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University and a Bachelor’s Degrees in Human Services from Metropolitan State University.

These candidates are dedicated to ensuring reproductive justice for all. Their commitment to reproductive health and care aligns with our vision for a more equitable future.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to electing leaders who will protect and expand abortion access for everyone. Together, we can make a lasting impact on reproductive rights and create a more equitable society.

With gratitude,

Team Women Winning