Vote Mama Monthly Newsletter
August 2023 Edition

Now that all of our candidate endorsements have been launched, we’re really digging in. We’ve got our eyes set on targeted seats and battleground races, and we have endorsed nearly 100 pro-choice Democratic moms for the 2023-2024 cycle. We have competitive races for seats in the Virginia state legislature, crucial red to blue targets in Congress, and high impact races at the School Board level. We’re pulling together our resources to help our mamas defeat extremism and win their elections. Here’s a recap of the month!

ENDORSEMENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Democrats need to flip just 3 seats to take back the Virginia House of Delegates. Virginia Republicans have vowed to push extremist policies like banning abortion and repealing the state’s red flag laws if they consolidate power in November. And since far-right Governor Glenn Youngkin is in power, it’s more critical than ever that we line the Virginia state legislature with Democratic mamas who can block his dangerous agenda.

That’s exactly why we’ve jumped into two key races that could determine whether Democrats can take control of the legislature:

• Kimberly Pope Adams is a lifelong Virginian and single mom who loves calling Dinwiddie County home. She is running in a district that flipped red in 2021 by only 500 votes. It’s going to be a tough battle, but Democrats can take back this seat.
• Susanna Gibson is a nurse practitioner and public health expert who decided to run for office after Roe v. Wade was overturned. She is running in a district that voted for Biden in 2020 but chose Youngkin in 2021, which makes this seat vulnerable to flip and a crucial pickup opportunity for Democrats.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Vote Mama alumna, New York State Senator Samra Brouk, is celebrating a big legislative win this month! Thanks to her tireless advocacy, New York will offer statewide access to doula care for people on Medicaid.

Among developed nations, the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate — and Black women are facing disproportionately high rates that are 3x higher than their white counterparts. A doula is a trained professional that provides physical and emotional support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas understand the physical, social, and emotional impacts of systemic racism and how it impacts maternal health, providing essential care to moms of color who might otherwise go without that support.

"This is a result of having mothers in positions of power and in the room and at the table where decisions are being made." — New York State Senator Samra Brouk

MOMS’ EQUAL PAY DAY:

August 15 was Moms’ Equal Pay Day, a time to raise awareness and shed light on the wage gap experienced by moms in the workplace and the impact of the “motherhood penalty” on our economic future. The wage gap for all working moms stands at 62 cents on the dollar compared to dads.

Vote Mama and other groups of advocates rallied and shared calls to action that focus on three critical pieces of federal legislation that can help close the wage gap and support working parents: Paycheck Fairness Act, Healthy Families Act, and FAMILY Act. If Democrats are able to take back the House, these crucial bills are more likely to pass. We are fighting to make sure our federal mamas make it across the finish line so that they can champion equal pay!

VOTE MAMA IN THE MEDIA:

We’re so proud to have our work recognized by Melinda French Gates in the Washington Post! Check out what she said about Vote Mama >>>
 

We’re thrilled that Pivotal Ventures, a Melinda French Gates company, is supporting our work to break down barriers and get more moms into office. Here’s to changing a broken system, transforming our political landscape, and building the political power of moms!

YOUR ACTION NEEDED:

Our movement goes far beyond just winning elections — because it’s the work that is accomplished after those victories that truly makes a difference. From supporting their campaigns to helping our mamas pass legislation once they are in office, Vote Mama helps our alumni make a huge impact across the country. Grassroots donors are an integral part of this work, and we’re counting on you to help. We’ve got some major races in front of us, and we can’t do this without you. Would you consider pitching in just $25 or any amount right now to help our mamas?

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Vote Mama is the first PAC in the country dedicated to increasing the political power of Democratic moms. We believe that our country needs more moms representing our neighborhoods, our communities, and our families because we know that they are dedicated to investing in equitable solutions for future generations to come. Vote Mama helps moms break barriers to running for office by disrupting the systems that hold women back through providing direct financial support, mentorship, and endorsements.

Pitch in today to help us elect more moms to be the voice of our communities and keep our families safe >>