Pro-choice women candidates across Minnesota had decisive victories in the 2022 Primary Election. 86% of Women Winning-endorsed candidates who faced primary elections will move onto the General Election on November 8th.
“Minnesotans cast their ballots and they are decisively behind pro-choice women. We are proud that 86% of Women Winning-endorsed candidates will move on to the General Election in November. The results of the Primary Election are clear: Minnesotans want to elect pro-choice leaders who will protect the right to a safe, legal abortion,” said Emma McBride, Women Winning Political Director. “Now, our work continues to make sure pro-choice women are victorious on November 8th. This fight will not be easy — but it is a righteous fight and Women Winning is organized, ready to elect champions for our rights, our communities, and our state.”
Minnesotans decidedly supported pro-choice women leading the ballot. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Governor Tim Walz won their primary handedly, demonstrating strength as they face an anti-abortion ticket in November. U.S. Representative Betty McCollum (Congressional District 4) secured 83% of the vote, returning a long-time champion for reproductive justice to Congress. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (Congressional District 5) defeated a well-funded male challenger and will continue to be a fierce advocate for abortion rights in Congress.
With abortion rights at stake, pro-choice women are preparing for historic representation. With their Primary Election wins, Erin Maye Quade (Senate District 56) and Zaynab Mohamed (Senate District 63) will join Clare Oumou Verbeten (Senate District 66) in becoming the first Black women elected to the Minnesota Senate with victories in November. Erin is also set to become the first out lesbian elected to the Minnesota State Senate. After earning 63% of the vote, Leigh Finke (House District 66A) will move onto the General Election to become the first out trans person elected to the Minnesota Legislature.
Women Winning is proud to have endorsed 119 pro-choice women who will be on the ballot in November for federal, state, or local office in Minnesota. The organization’s targeted endorsement program centers on pro-choice women candidates with the goal of electing a truly representative government and creating a more equitable Minnesota.
Women Winning’s 2022 electoral goals include protecting Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, U.S. Representative Angie Craig, and Auditor Julie Blaha; flipping the anti-choice Minnesota Senate; and electing a pro-choice majority to the Minnesota House. Women Winning will make additional endorsements in 2022 and will continue organizing to ensure reproductive rights are protected by electing pro-choice women up and down the ballot in the November 8th General Election.
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About Women Winning
Women Winning was established in 1982 by a multi-partisan group of 25 women determined to increase the number of pro-choice women in public office. With more than 19,000 statewide members, Women Winning is Minnesota’s largest women’s political organization.
Women Winning’s mission is to recruit, train, and elect pro-choice women to all levels of public office. The organization runs a smart, strategic, and targeted political program focused on competitive districts for pro-choice women candidates with the goal of increasing the number of pro-choice women serving in public office. Women Winning offers robust, formal training, mentorship, and support from the time a pro-choice woman first considers a run for office to election day.
