Dear John,

 

The last few months have reinforced the importance of the work ahead to protect reproductive rights. 

 

First, Texas passed a 6-week abortion ban into law that will be enforced by private citizens for rewards of up to $10,000 -- in other words, a bounty. The Supreme Court allowed it to go into effect, essentially overturning Roe in one of the largest states in the nation. All of this was legal: a bill introduced in the state legislature, signed into law by the Governor, and currently upheld by the Supreme Court.

 

Then, a Minnesota legislator, Rep. Tim Miller, vowed to introduce that Texas bill in our state next session. Since we lost the majority in the Minnesota Senate years ago, anti-choice bills have passed on the floor -- in other words, there is already an appetite for this. These laws disproportionately impact people of color, young people, low income people, and rural people. In a state with so many disparities already, we cannot allow this to happen in Minnesota. We must be a beacon for prosperity.

 

And now, the anti-choice Supreme Court will hear an abortion rights case on December 1st. With their recent track record, we aren’t hopeful that this higher power will prevail. If the Supreme Court guts Roe v. Wade, the legality of abortion rights will be determined by state legislators, governors, and lieutenant governors. We need as many as possible pro-choice women -- our best advocates -- running strong campaigns for elected office.

 

That’s why 2022 is so crucial. This election will determine reproductive rights for generations of Minnesotans to come.

And it’s why our team has been hard at work laying the groundwork.

 

This summer we traveled the state, from Rochester to St. Cloud (and we'll be in Duluth and Northeastern Minnesota later this year!) to recruit pro-choice women candidates and the people who will support their campaigns. We met over 100 pro-choice women ready to do the work. This is the energy we are bringing into the next 12 months.

Over the last few months, we’ve also hosted three robust FREE trainings for pro-choice women candidates and staffers -- training teams on how to announce, engage their communities, and garner early support, all amidst redistricting. And we continue to meet with pro-choice women candidates everyday for 1:1 coaching and planning sessions, focusing on making sure they are prepared for the milestones ahead. 

 

Our opposition has lost significant ground because of pro-choice women (ahem, us) the past two election cycles. So, it's understandable that they are galvanized. But right now, they -- the anti-choice minority -- are ruling for the pro-choice majority. And we can’t let that happen. We need pro-choice women running for office, so we can -- together -- elect a more equitable and representative government.

We are thrilled to introduce you to two new members of our political team -- Alyse Maye Quade, our Political Director, and Emma McBride, our Deputy Political Director. This team is already hard at work meeting with pro-choice women candidates one-on-one, putting together trainings for candidates and their staff, and making sure that pro-choice women have what they need to run and WIN in 2022. You can meet the rest of the Women Winning Team here!

The 2022 Midterm Election is going to be tough. But our coalition is smart, focused, and motivated. And we aren’t taking anything for granted.

 

We are focused on protecting the Minnesota House and returning it to a pro-choice majority, flipping the Minnesota Senate, ensuring Lt. Governor Flanagan and Governor Walz continue to occupy Minnesota’s Executive office. 

 

If you are a pro-choice woman running for office or considering the next step on your political journey, we want and are here to support you. Sign up here to learn more about our upcoming trainings and connect with a member of our political team! Or sign up here to stay up to date on Women Winning events and volunteer opportunities!

Women Winning is a Minnesota non-profit corporation that is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) organization. Contributions are not tax-deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Women Winning
2233 University Avenue West
Suite 310
Saint Paul, MN 55114
United States

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