Andrew Gillum, Ayanna Pressley and other candidates of color have launched strong political efforts to fight inequality and have won massive support along the campaign trail.
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Many Black women have received a lot of love with their campaigns, especially considering the record number of women running across the nation. There are more than 100 Black women who have entered a race this year, with the #BlackWomenLead campaign highlighting each and every one of them. Some are running for Congress, including Pressley, Jahana Hayes and Lucy McBath, the mother of 17-year-old shooting victim Jordan Davis who was killed in 2012. Stacey Abrams, Georgia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is looking to make history as the nation’s first Black female governor.
As for Black men, Gillum’s race for Florida governor has gotten much attention. Gillum, who is the Tallahassee mayor, had a noteworthy performance in his CNN debate on Sunday night. Ben Jealous, Maryland’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has been sharing his plans for the state, including its HBCUs, which have struggled with funding and academic programming.
Here’s a look at some of the candidates of color who have made a name on the campaign trail this year.
Andrew Gillum, Ayanna Pressley: Candidates Of Color On The Campaign Trail was originally published on newsone.com
1. Andrew Gillum
Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum debated his Republican challenger Ron DeSantis.
2. Stacey Abrams
After her historic win in Georgia’s gubernatorial primary, Abrams may become the nation’s first Black female governor.
3. Ben Jealous
Jealous, Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has a plan to help the state’s struggling HBCUs.
4. Ayanna Pressley
Pressley, a Congressional Democratic candidate in Massachusetts 7th District race, upset 10-term incumbent Michael Capuano during the primary.
5. Lucy McBath
McBath, a Congressional candidate for Georgia’s 6th District, shared how her son Jordan Davis’ shooting death in 2012 and gun violence motivated her to enter the race.
6. Ilhan Omar
Omar, the Democratic congressional candidate for Minnesota looking to replace Keith Ellison, is a Somali-American state legislator who is on track to become one of the first female Muslim members of the US House of Representatives.
7. Jahana Hayes
Obama honored Hayes, who is running as a Democrat for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional seat, with the 2016 National Teacher Of the Year award.
8. Vangie Williams
Williams is the Democratic candidate for the 1st congressional district of Virginia.
9. Mandela Barnes
Barnes is the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.
10. Lauren Underwood
Underwood, a registered nurse and an appointee in Obama’s administration, is the Democratic candidate for Congress representing the Illinois 14th district.