WASHINGTON, D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has endorsed Michelle Vallejo for Congressional District 15.
So has the Communications Workers of America.
Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY’s List, issued this statement:
“EMILY’s List is proud to announce our support for Michelle Vallejo as she runs for election to represent the people of Texas’ 15th Congressional District. Vallejo has deep roots in her community and has demonstrated a commitment to fighting for health care access, raising the minimum wage, and expanding economic opportunities for people across this district.”
Butler, pictured above, said EMILY’s List particularly liked Vallejo’s position on healthcare.
“Vallejo has campaigned on the idea that no one should have to leave home to get quality and affordable medical care, and at EMILY’s List, we could not agree more. The people of Texas deserve to represented by someone who will fight for abortion to be accessible for everyone—not just those who can afford to travel to another state. We look forward to supporting Vallejo on her path to Congress,” Butler said.
Vallejo, a Democrat from Alton, Texas, said she was thrilled to get the EMILY’s List endorsement.
“I am immensely proud to have the endorsement of EMILY’s List,” Vallejo said. “Time and time again, our campaign has proven to be the strongest in this race, and the momentum we have shown in this first month of the runoff is only more evidence that we are set out to win – not only this May, but in November as well. I am ready to fight for affordable healthcare, good paying jobs, and a woman’s right to choose in South Texas. I know EMILY’s List will ensure that Texas-15 is a priority in Texas and nationwide. ¡Vamos Por Quince!”
EMILY’s List has raised over $700 million to elect Democratic pro-choice women candidates.The group has a grassroots community of over five million members.
“EMILY’s List helps Democratic women win competitive campaigns – across the country and up and down the ballot – by recruiting and training candidates, supporting and helping build strong campaigns, researching the issues that impact women and families, running nearly $50 million in independent expenditures in the last cycle alone, and turning out women voters and voters of color to the polls,” the group states, in a news release.
“Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect the country’s first woman as vice president, 159 women to the House, 26 to the Senate, 16 governors, and more than 1,300 women to state and local office. More than 40% of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color.”
After the 2016 election more than 60,000 women reached out to EMILY’s List about running for office laying the groundwork for the next decade of candidates for local, state, and national offices.
“In our effort to elect more women in offices across the country, we have created our Run to Win program, expanded our training program, including a Training Center online, and trained thousands of women,” the group stated, in a news release.
Communications Workers of America
The announcement that the Communications Workers of America was backing Vallejo came from Claude Cummings, CWA’s District 6 vice president.
“Michelle Vallejo has demonstrated that she will be a champion for working people and a strong ally for CWA in Congress,” Cummings said. “Vallejo is someone who will take bold action to address the challenges of our times and improve the lives of working people across the country. That is why CWA is proud to endorse Michelle Vallejo for Texas Congressional District 15.”
Vallejo, who has also been backed by the United Farm Workers, said she was honored to be backed by the CWA.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Communication Workers of America,” Vallejo said. “The reason I decided to run for office was to make sure our working families have a voice in Congress. By uniting forces, and taking our fight to Washington, we are reclaiming the power of workers in South Texas ¡Vamos Por Quince!”
Elect Democratic Women PAC
The Elect Democratic Women political action committee is also backing Vallejo. Elect Democratic Women PAC was formed in 2018 by Democratic members of Congress with the purpose of electing more Democratic women to Congress and higher office. The group says it is the only member-led political action committee dedicated to increasing the number of women in Congress.
“Elect Democratic Women is proud to endorse Michelle Vallejo for Texas’ 15th congressional district. Michelle is an impressive candidate who deeply understands the needs of this district and is committed to championing legislation that supports women and working families. She is the voice that South Texas needs in Congress, and we look forward to working with her,” said U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Florida.
Frankel chairs EDW.
Vallejo said she was grateful for EDW’s support.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of Elect Democratic Women,” Vallejo said. “With their support in my corner, we are making waves locally and nation-wide, proving that South Texas is a Democratic stronghold that is ready to fight for affordable healthcare, good paying jobs, and a woman’s right to choose. We are keeping this seat blue and making history by sending the first Latina from TX-15 to Congress. ¡Vamos Por Quince!”
In addition to the support of EMILY’s List, the Communications Workers of America, Elect Democratic Women, and the United Farm Workers, Vallejo has won the backing of LUPE Votes, former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston, U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso, U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of California, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, state Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez of Weslaco, state Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, the Working Families Party, and former Congressional District 15 candidate Eliza Alvarado.
Support for Ruben Ramirez
The other candidate running as a Democrat for Congressional District 15 is attorney, educator and veteran Ruben Ramirez.
Ramirez, a native of Edinburg, Texas, announced he has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barrágan of California.
“Ruben has dedicated his life to service to his community and to his country,” said Diaz Barrágan said. “With his work as a school teacher and as a decorated soldier, he has demonstrated the courage necessary to stand up, put country over party, work hard for real progress, and he’ll fight for South Texas in Congress. I am supporting Ruben because he will be a great partner in Congress to get things done for South Texas and our country. ”
Ramirez said he was honored to win the backing of Diaz Barrágan.
“Congresswoman Barragán and I are cut from the same cloth, and I am thrilled to have her endorsement,” Ramirez said. “Both Congresswoman Barragán and I have seen struggle in our lives, and those experiences guide us when we make tough decisions. We both came from humble beginnings, but our drive and commitment to our communities have led us down a path of service and success. I would be honored to serve alongside her in Congress.”
Ramirez also announced he has won the backing of U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal of California.
“I am proud to endorse Ruben Ramirez because I know that he has always stepped up to serve his country when called, and I know that he will do the same in Congress,” Carbajal said. “On everything from ensuring access to affordable health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, or ensuring everyone who works hard can live the American Dream – Ruben is the fighter I need with me in Congress.”
Ramirez said he was thrilled to win Carbajal’s endorsement.
“As someone who has spent his life serving his community and his country, I am truly excited to have Congressman Carbajal joining our team,” Ramirez said. “As veterans, we both recognize the importance of achieving our mission of making a better life for our community and all Americans.”
Other elected officials supporting Ramirez include U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, U.S. of Arizona, U.S. Rep. Lou Correa of California, and U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez of California.
The McAllen American Federation of Teachers are also backing Ramirez.
The runoff election between Ramirez and Vallejo takes place Day on May 24. Early voting runs May 16 to May 20.
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