John, this is a difficult moment for our country. There is no way around that. But there is a solution:
Electing a new generation of bold progressives, young leaders who aren’t afraid to fight back and do the work of building a better future for all of us.
Today, Leaders We Deserve is proud to announce four new endorsements:
Akbar Ali (GA HD-106 – Atlanta)
Akbar Ali, 21, is a small business owner, KSU graduate, and First Vice Chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party running for Georgia’s 106th State House District. A lifelong community leader, he’s organized student marches, served on the Citizens Transit Advisory Board, and stayed active with PTAs, the Gwinnett NAACP, and grassroots groups. Akbar’s campaign focuses on lowering costs for families, protecting public schools, and defending constitutional rights. Endorsed by outgoing Rep. Shelly Hutchinson and others, he would be the youngest member of the Georgia General Assembly if elected.
Donavan McKinney (MI-13 – Detroit)
Donavan McKinney is a lifelong Detroiter, husband, and father of two who rose from poverty in northeast Detroit to become the first in his family to graduate college. Now serving in the Michigan State House, he has championed clean water, affordable utilities, and free pre-K, while leading efforts to secure hundreds of millions for schools, rec centers, and lead pipe replacement. A longtime advocate for environmental justice, he played a key role on Governor Whitmer’s Environmental Justice Council and helped launch the state’s first community violence intervention program. McKinney is committed to bold progressive change, from criminal justice reform to strengthening workers’ rights, always centering the needs of Michigan’s poorest district.
Christian Menefee (TX-18 – Houston)
Christian Menefee, the son of two military parents and a product of Houston public schools, made history in 2020 as the youngest and first Black person elected Harris County Attorney. He has taken on Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott in court — and won — defending voting rights, reproductive freedom, healthcare, and clean air and water. Leading a 300-person public law office in the nation’s third-largest county, Menefee has proven himself a fighter for working families and democracy. Now, he’s ready to bring that same record of bold leadership and results to Congress.
Randy Villegas (CA-22 – Bakersfield)
Randy Villegas is running for Congress in California’s 22nd Congressional District. An educator, auto repair shop owner, and a proud son of Mexican immigrants, Randy is running to serve his home — California's Central Valley. He grew up on Medicaid, food assistance, and school lunches; the very programs Republicans like David Valadao have gutted. While his opponents are raking in big money from the very corporations ripping us off, Randy is refusing corporate checks. His mom used to tell him, "Tell me who you're with, and I'll tell you who you are." Randy is with the people, fighting to lower costs, deliver Medicare for All, and protect the rights of his neighbors in the Valley.
John, I’m pumped about these candidates — and I know you will be, too, once you get to know them and what they are all about. They are the epitome of the kinds of young leaders we need fighting for us in state legislatures and Congress.
Will you make a split $5 contribution now to stand with us and our endorsees?
Thank you for your support,
David Hogg
Leaders We Deserve
P.S. We’ve got more endorsements on the way! Donate $5 to help us keep supporting candidates across the country.
