Today, Women Winning, Minnesota’s largest women’s political organization, announced the endorsement of five pro-choice women running for re-election across Minnesota: Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, State Auditor Julie Blaha, U.S. Representative Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District, U.S. Representative Betty McCollum in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District, and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District.
“The 2022 Election will determine reproductive rights for generations to come. Women Winning is proud to take early action in these critical races to ensure these pro-choice women leaders are re-elected and that reproductive rights are protected in our highest offices,” said Alyse Maye Quade, Political Director of Women Winning. “Women Winning is proud to endorse Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, State Auditor Blaha, U.S. Representative Craig, U.S. Representative McCollum, and U.S. Representative Omar for re-election. Minnesota has dedicated pro-choice women leaders, working tirelessly for the people of our state. We look forward to partnering with them, as we elect pro-choice women leaders next November ready to protect reproductive rights for generations to come.”
“I know that Women Winning has my back and the backs of so many women across the state of Minnesota. I’m proud to earn their endorsement. And I’m proud of the progress we’ve made for children, working families, communities of color and Indigenous people to move Minnesota forward. I’m excited to continue this work with Women Winning. I promise as long as I am in office, I will protect Minnesotans’ reproductive rights and access to abortion,” said Flanagan.
In 2018, Peggy Flanagan made history by becoming the highest-ranking Native woman to be elected to executive office in the country. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan has been a leader for Minnesotans, including working to end the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit relatives, expanding quality, affordable childcare, and making sure Minnesotans have access to paid family and medical leave.
“Women Winning has been there for me every step of the way and I am proud to have their endorsement in my re-election. We have to protect the good work our communities are doing and I am committed to fighting for the local solutions, including access to good healthcare and reproductive healthcare, that unite us,” said Blaha.
Julie Blaha was first elected to be Minnesota’s state auditor in 2018. From her time as a math teacher and labor leader, Auditor Blaha prioritizes transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in her work serving Minnesotans.
“We have an opportunity to make life better for Minnesotans and, with Women Winning’s support, I am honored to be doing that for the Second Congressional District,” said Craig. “To have the support of Women Winning and their members — all the way across the finish line — means the world to me.”
Angie Craig was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, winning one of the most competitive congressional races in the nation, and became the first woman elected to serve Minnesota’s Second Congressional District. During her time in Congress, Representative Craig has worked hard to help Minnesota families, including passing the Equality Act, advocating for broadband needs, and lowering the cost of healthcare.
“As I fight to protect our democracy and defend reproductive rights from extremist attacks, I am proud to have the support of Women Winning in my re-election to Congress. My constituents and communities throughout the Fourth Congressional District want their member of Congress to fight for their rights and I am proud to lead that fight. The support of Women Winning for my re-election to Congress is deeply appreciated and I value it greatly,” said McCollum.
Betty McCollum was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, becoming the second woman in Minnesota’s history elected to Congress. Representative McCollum has been a champion for Minnesotans and leader in the fight for reproductive freedom, environmental justice, and workers’ rights.
“I ran for Congress to ensure the promise of America — that we are a country where everyone is able to thrive, and that includes the pursuit of reproductive justice,” said Omar. “I am proud to have the support of Women Winning in my re-election, as we continue fighting together to protect reproductive rights.”
In 2018, Ilhan Omar was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and became the first Somali-American elected to Congress. Representative Omar fights for the issues that matter to Minnesotans — from canceling student loan debt to affordable housing to action on climate change.
Women Winning has been working for more than 39 years to elect pro-choice women to all levels of public office, from park board to President of the United States. In that time, Women Winning has raised and contributed millions of dollars to pro-choice women’s campaigns, endorsed thousands of candidates, and has more than tripled the number of pro-choice women elected officials in Minnesota. The organization’s targeted endorsement program centers on competitive districts for 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, State Auditor Julie Blaha, and U.S. Representative Angie Craig; protecting and expanding hard-fought 2018 and 2020 wins in the Minnesota House of Representatives; 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 win up and down the ballot in the August 9th Primary and the November 8th General Elections.
