Friends,

As November 5th approaches, we've got our eyes on 15 races in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. We're working hard to flip the VA House of Delegates after getting agonizingly close to a majority in 2017 -- and in TX and PA, we have much at stake in local elections that will help lay the groundwork to make gains in their State Houses in 2020.

Today, we’d like to highlight three of our incredible endorsees from those states:

Delegate Hala Ayala, Virginia: Candidates are most vulnerable throughout their careers during their first-term re-election. To that end, we continue to rally behind individuals like Delegate Hala Ayala, representing Virginia’s House District 51. After her first race in 2017, which Ascend endorsed her in, Hala is being challenged by the 4-term incumbent she unseated last cycle. Professionally, Hala is a career cybersecurity specialist, proud single mother, and Founder of the Prince William County chapter National Organization for Women. She incorporates a professional focus in women’s rights and the well being of Virginia families through efforts to expand Medicare, ensure equal pay for equal work, and enhance access to quality public education. Hala has done incredible things over the last two years, and we want to ensure she can keep fighting on behalf of families in Virginia for years to come.

Isabel Longoria, Texas: She’s currently running for Houston City Council District H, but Isabel Longoria’s career reflects a lifelong passion for public service statewide. She serves on the City of Houston Planning Commission, the New Leaders Council Board of Directors, and as Co-Coordinator for the Houston Chapter of her graduate school’s Alumni Association. In the next year, Democrats across the state will be working to flip Texas. Long term, the only way it flips and stays blue is with dedicated public servants like Isabel. Her tenacity is unparalleled and her sights are set high for continuing to serve her community -- Isabel only needs support from folks like us to continue moving onwards and upwards.

Dr. Monica Taylor, Pennsylvania: Monica serves on the Upper Darby School Board and is running for a seat on the Delaware County Council, in a bid to flip the Council to majority-Democrat for the first time since before the Civil War. Working to turn Pennsylvania’s Trump territory blue, her platform focuses on local issues that improve quality of life for everyone. Monica’s track record is extraordinary, helping her community expand access to free or reduced priced meals for students and providing alternative career paths for students interested in the trades and technical fields. If elected to County Council, Monica’s goals include de-privatization of a local for-profit prison, expansion of quality healthcare within the community, and continuing her work to support public education in Pennsylvania.

We're so excited for November 5th, but we need your help to be sure we can continue supporting folks like Isabel, Monica, and Hala. Can you chip in today to help?

Hannah Beck

Managing Director
Ascend PAC

P.S. We're helping boost our endorsees' messaging online as we approach Election Day -- so be sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get more updates in these races!

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Ascend PAC is a 527 political action committee aimed at identifying and providing financial support to emerging Democratic candidates running for local office, including school board, city council, mayor, and state legislature. Contributions or gifts to Ascend PAC are not tax deductible.