Elected Officials

Mona Alvarado-Rios (she will appear on the ballot as Mona Rios) is the third generation of her family to be born and raised in National City. Her father is a long time aide to US Rep. Bob Filner, the representative for National City, and her mother serves on the National City School Board. Mona works as a Library Technician and is a member of SEIU. She wants to bring economic opportunity to National City while championing education and environmental issues.

Crisanta Duran, 30, is a native of Colorado. After graduating from law school, she went to work for UFCW Local 7 as their counsel. In this role, she fought for better contracts for their union members across the state. She has served on the board of directors of La Rasa, Democrats Work, Voto Latino and on Progressive Majority's Colorado Advisory Council. She served as president of the Colorado Young Democrats and as an Obama Delegate. Her race will be decided in the primary election, however, it is important for Progressive Majority's goal of ensuring equal representation for people of color. The seat is being vacated by the incumbent who is term limited.

Pete Lee has lived in Colorado Springs for over 34 years, and practiced law for 25 years, where he represented individuals and small business owners in commerical and real estate transactions. Pete has been active in the community, including serving on the boards of numerous community organizations. As a candidate, he is running to help fix Colorado's health care system and to strengthen environmental protections.

In 2006, John Morse ran and won in one of the most competitive State Senate districts in Colorado. He was the first Democrat to win in El Paso County since 1974. Now, he is running for re-election in a tougher environment. John has served as a police officer and as a Police Chief for nearly 20 years, worked four years as a CPA, worked as a paramedic in Denver, and ran a $3.3 million nonprofit organization that helps seniors age with dignity and remain independent. In the Legislature, John serves as Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the Finance and the Health and Human Services Committees. He has fought for improved public pensions and increased investment in health care.

Dan Pabon is a former staffer at the Office of White House Counsel who is running for House of Representatives in District 4. Dan worked with President Obama's top advisors creating and drafting the President's first Executive Order on Ethics. While a student at Colorado University, Dan helped create a recruitment and retention program for at risk students. As a young lawyer, Dan worked in a legal aid clinic helping economically disadvantaged clients obtain child support, alimony, and social security benefits. Dan recently won a tough primary against two other accomplished progressives. Dan is an outstanding progressive champion and will be a leader in the Colorado House of Representatives for many years.

Senator Gail Schwartz is running for re-election in the Colorado Senate District 5. Gail has lived in the Western Slope for 32 years. During that time, she has worked to serve the unique needs of the Western Slope in over a dozen nonprofit, government, and business organizations that focus on helping students graduate, providing rural health care services, and constructing affordable housing for working families. Prior to being elected to the Colorado Senate, Gail was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to be a member of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and was elected by the voters of the 3rd Congressional District to serve as a member and Vice-Chair of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Her current legislative focus is on re-energizing Colorado's economy by creating jobs and investing in the future of renewable energy.

Harvey Santana is running for State Representative in District 10. This Detroit district has crowded primary for the Democratic nomination in August. Harvey is a Navy veteran who stands out as a progressive leader. He completed the Michigan Political Leaders Program, Center for Progressive Leadership's Local Candidacy Training. Professionally, he is an urban planner and brings a unique perspective as to how to redevelop and revitalize Detroit, and urban areas across the state. Once elected, Harvey will focus on correction reform, job creation, and initiatives that help increase population in our core urban centers. At 37, Harvey will be among the youngest members in the legislature. When elected, Harvey will also be the only Puerto Rican serving in the state house and would increase the number of Latinos in the legislature.

Dian Slavens is running for reelection for State Representative in District 21 in Wayne County. With Dian as a candidate in 2008, Democrats surprisingly picked up this open seat. During her first term, she has been a strong progressive member of the Democratic Caucus in the Michigan House of Representatives. Before getting elected, Dian worked as a respiratory therapist for more than 20 years in Southeast Michigan hospitals; first at William Beaumont Hospital and later at Henry Ford Hospital. Her experience gave her a firsthand look at how families are hurt when they don't have access to affordable health care. Drawing on her many years as a respiratory therapist, where she witnessed the devastating and often fatal effects of secondhand smoke, Dian was also instrumental in banning smoking in most indoor places in Michigan, including bars and restaurants. Dian also is fighting for aggressive job creation strategies that take advantage of Michigan's manufacturing expertise and highly skilled workforce to help make the state a leader in advanced battery technology.

Lisa Brown is running for re-election for State Representative in District 43. Lisa is the first Democrat to ever represent this area which has a less than 50% DPI. Located in Oakland County, a Progressive Majority targeted county, Lisa's seat is a strategic pathway to increasing seats in the state senate down the line. Her re-election is crucial to increasing the progressivity of the state house. As a state legislator, Lisa has been a tireless advocate for public education, protecting a woman's right to choose, and prompting stem cell research.

In Wayne County, MI, Hoon-Yung Hopgood is running for the Michigan State Senate in District 8. Hoon-Yung, a former state representative, will be the only Korean American in the state legislature and the first to serve in the state senate. With at least 30 of the 38 members of the senate being new next year, Hoon-Yung will be a progressive leader with the experience to take on a leadership role and be a champion for the community. At 35, Hoon-Yung is a pipeline leader who not only leads with his values, but is committed to helping elect other progressives to office.

Jim is a first time candidate for state representative in District 26 in Oakland County. This seat is open due to term limits. This legislative seat has a history of being fiercely competitive when there is no incumbent running. Having prevailed in a string progressive Democratic Primarily, Jim goes into November prepared to face off against a strong conservative. Jim embodies the type of progressive leadership Lansing needs. Jim is currently the Executive Director of the Tourism Economic Development Council leading economic development in Metro Detroit. Prior to his current role, he created the Michigan Suburban Alliance non-profit organization devoted to revitalizing and reinventing Detroit's surrounding communities. This seat is critical to Democrats controlling the state house next year.

Becky Fink is lifelong Anoka County resident and has been an anti-homelessness advocate, DFL activist and volunteer for more than 30 years. Becky is running for Anoka County Board in 2010. Becky is running to replace conservative incumbent Scott LeDoux - who has resigned his post due to progressive ALS. Becky has a terrific vision to ensure that everyone in Anoka County can thrive and would be an outstanding addition to the Anoka County Board.

Rena Moran is a community organizer and dynamic progressive. If elected she will become the only African-American woman in the legislature. Rena has been at the forefront of organizing in the African-American community in St. Paul and the immediate suburbs. She is a former Wellstone Organizing Fellow and a graduate of the Organizing Apprenticeship Project. She is a true grassroots leader in her community and faces both primary and general election challenges from moderates of both parties.Rena has a remarkable life story and an unrivaled commitment to grassroots organizing. If she wins, she would be the only woman of color in the 134 member Minnesota House.

Hussein Samatar is a banker and community organizer and the founder and executive director of the African Development Center (ADC). ADC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that works with the African communities in Minnesota to start and sustain businesses, build wealth, and promote community reinvestment. Hussein formerly served on the now defunct Minneapolis Library Board and is a leader in Minneapolis. If elected, he will become the first Somali-American to serve on a Minnesota school board.

Eric Peterson is an artist, web designer, and real estate agent in Wyoming, MN. He has decided to run for Mayor because he believes that Wyoming has lacked leaders who actually listen to the needs and concerns of residents. Eric has been one of the leading progressives in his community for many years, and this race presents an important opportunity to bring new leadership in this northern suburban city.

Doug Schroeder is a union member and a pro-labor progressive running for City Council in Otsego, MN. Doug is a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union, and currently serves as their Business Representative. Doug has been extremely involved locally in his community, helping with numerous local projects and building a strong reputation as a community leader.

Rep. Mike Skindell currently represents District 13 in the Ohio House. Rep. Skindell served the city of Lakewood as the Councilman At Large and was first elected to the Ohio House in 2002. He is a well-known consumer advocate and environmental leader in the Ohio House, and is a Board member of the Single Payer Action Network Ohio. Rep. Skindell won a tough May primary over two opponents (47% to 28% to 25%). Rep. Skindell has strong support from the Ohio Association of Justice and would be an outstanding addition to the Ohio Senate.

Rep. Sandra Williams has served in the State House for the past three years. She represents a part of the City of Cleveland, as well as inner ring suburbs Brooklyn Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, and Newburgh Heights. Prior to her election to the Ohio House, Sandra worked in the criminal justice system as a probation officer and a parole officer. In these positions, she gained a deep appreciation for the state's role in maintaining a just society. She has worked to achieve social justice as a State Representative. With Progressive Majority's assistance, Sandra has crafted a strong campaign plan, developed an effective fundraising strategy, and dramatically improved her ability to deliver a strong stump speech. This is an important race as we work to protect the majority that we won in 2008.

Edna Brown currently represents District 48 in the Ohio House. Rep. Brown is a lifelong resident of Toledo and one of its most trusted leaders. She was involved in the founding of the Greater Toledo Urban League and currently serves as the First Vice President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. Rep. Brown won the May primary over Toledo City Council Member Joe McNamara (56% to 44%) and now faces another Toledo City Council member, Tom Waniewski, in the November general election. Rep. Brown is a courageous progressive and will be an immediate leader in the Ohio Senate.

Nancy Garland's election in 2008 was widely considered one of the great progressive triumphs in Ohio when she won with Progressive Majority's support. Despite her strength, however, Nancy represents a very marginal district near Columbus and her race is one of the GOP's top targets to ''take back.'' Nancy has been a dynamic progressive leader in the legislature and it is vital that we protect this seat. As well, she has won the endorsements of all major unions, choice groups, environmental groups and other partners. Progressive Majority staff continues to advise Nancy on her campaign strategy and targeting, and she is well-placed to continue to lead within the progressive caucus in the Ohio House.

Dan Ramos is a young progressive leader in Ohio. For the past five years, he has worked as the senior policy analyst in the House majority to Speaker Budish, concentrating on healthcare and higher education funding. Dan worked on continuing a tuition freeze at all public colleges and universities, and providing health coverage parity to those suffering from diabetes and autism. As an aide, he has gained invaluable experience serving constituents and pushing for progressive reforms. If elected, Dan would become the first Latino Democrat elected to the Ohio Legislature, and would be one of the youngest to serve. Progressive Majority staff have helped Dan create a strong campaign plan, implement improved fundraising strategies and developed a strong targeting approach. His district is in a swing area where we have an opportunity to elect a more progressive Democrat than had previously served.

Connie Pillich is running in a district that includes the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. Connie is a general practice attorney representing families, small businesses and consumers. Connie has been an outstanding leader in the Ohio House of Representatives and is a committed progressive and a talented and tough campaigner.

Debbie and her committed volunteers knock on thousands of doors every election cycle. She has been a great legislator and she has demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of average Ohioans. She has won critical endorsements from Ohio educators, electrical workers and service workers.

Rep. Jay Goyal was re-elected in 2008 to the Ohio House of Representatives' 73rd District, an area that includes rural/exurban Richland County. Jay is a 29 year old legislator, engineer and vice president of a manufacturing company. He was the first Asian-American to serve in the Ohio General Assembly and has been an outstanding leader in the House.

Jeffrey Mims, Jr. is a candidate for Ohio State School Board, District 3. Jeff is a former teacher and administrator, a member of the Ohio Education Association, and is currently the President of the Dayton School Board. He retired from the Dayton Public Schools with more than 35 years of service. His legislative efforts helped to pave the way for Ohio's School Facilities Program. Jeff is an Executive Board Member for the Council of the Great City Schools, Chairperson for the Urban 21 Ohio School Board Coalition, and will be a great addition to the Ohio State Board of Education.

State Representative Vanessa Lowery Brown is a long-time community advocate, civic activist and volunteer running for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. As a community organizer, Rep. Brown recruited parents to volunteer in their children's schools and assisted with parent training, including developing and coordinating training on financial literacy. She worked as the community outreach specialist at a shelter for homeless women and children and was a representative for the National Campaign for Jobs and Income Support. In the House, Brown has championed utility independence and energy equity, held a rally to support increased day-care center funding, and voted to expand health insurance programs for the uninsured.

Pam DeLissio, a long term adult care consultant, is a candidate for Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Pam is recognized for her strong leadership skills and has volunteered in various capacities for professional associations and community organizations. Pam is running to improve the quality and accessibility of health care, protect a woman's right to choose, and achieve marriage equality. Pam won a hotly contested primary and is well-placed to be a leader in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Andy Billig is President and part-owner of the Spokane Indians Baseball Club. He is proud to have worked with the Spokane Tribe of Indians on the team's logo design in 2006, which is a rare instance of cultural sensitivity in professional sports. A recognized business leader with a self-stated "commitment to progressive values like equality, justice and prosperity," Andy should do well in the 3rd district which has a 59.4% democratic performance. Andy graduated cum laude with a degree in government from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and is the leading candidate in the race. Electing Andy ensures we retain a strong, progressive voice representing the most left-leaning district in Eastern Washington.

Laurie Jinkins is running for State Representative in the 27th district in Tacoma. Electing Laurie ensures we retain strong, progressive representation in one the most left-leaning districts in the state (democratic performance of 63.7%) and would give voice to a totally unrepresented group. Laurie would be the first and only openly lesbian member of the Washington State Legislature if elected. Laurie has been a human and civil rights advocate for more than 20 years and co-chaired last year's successful ballot initiative to affirm domestic partnership rights for the state's gay and lesbian couples. Laurie is a respected public health expert, having served as Deputy Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and worked for the Department of Health in the state capital for 13 years. She worked with Governors Gregoire and Locke to assist in developing the state's healthcare budget and is credited with transforming Washington's regulation of the healthcare system to one that proactively protects the public. As Washington moves to implement recent federal healthcare legislation, Laurie's skills will be a tremendous asset in the state capital. Likewise, Laurie is an education leader, having served as a Tacoma Community College Trustee for over a decade. Her focus on job creation, worker retraining and college readiness will be a strong asset for Washington's Legislature.

Cindy Ryu, a Korean-American, is running for the open House seat in the 32nd district in North King County and South Snohomish County. Cindy holds a MBA from the University of Washington and is active in a number of local community activities, including the local and state Democratic Party organizations, the Asian/Pacific Islander Community and the local business community. We helped Cindy in her race for Shoreline City Council in 2005, where she later became the first Korean-American mayor in the country when she was elected Mayor of Shoreline. Electing Cindy ensures we retain strong, progressive representation in one the most left-leaning districts in the state (democratic performance of 62.9%). She faces one Democrat and one Republican in the primary.

Tami Green is running for re-election in Pierce County's 28th District. A registered nurse, Tami has championed health care and worker's issues since her election in 2004. Since then she's helped organize the Labor Caucus of her peers, and has been one of the driving forces behind the Blue/Green Alliance, the progressive caucus within the State House. She faces a tough challenge in this swing district, and is the #1 target for the House Republicans in 2010.

Luis Moscoso is running to defend an open seat in the 1st legislative district, located on the King-Snohomish county line, a community that tends to elect Democrats (55.5% democratic performance). Luis has decades of experience as an activist for social and economic justice. His extensive work with communities of color and labor organizations endeared him to the local party organization and the activist community. Luis recently acquired the endorsement of the Washington State Labor Council and has been endorsed by many individual unions. Luis has demonstrated his commitment to progressive values by "walking the talk." He has been the Secretary of the Washington State Democratic Party since 2005.

Sharon Nelson is a Washington State Representative running for the open state Senate seat in the 34th district in Seattle. Sharon has been a strong progressive leader in the state legislature, serving as a member of the Blue/Green Alliance in the House. Sharon has long been a champion of environmental issues, working closely with Preserve our Islands to protect Vashon and Maury Islands, which are part of the 34th District and are critical to the future of the Puget Sound. If elected to the state senate, Sharon would continue to provide the energy needed to advocate for a progressive agenda in the Senate. She will continue to be a champion on consumer protection, protecting working families and, of course, on environmental issues, fighting a proposed barge loading facility that would negatively impact Maury Island.

Joe Fitzgibbon is running for State Representative in the 34th district in West Seattle and Burien. Electing Joe ensures we retain strong, progressive representation in one the most left-leaning districts in the state (democratic performance of 71.3%) and would give voice to a largely underrepresented group: young people. At 23 years old, Joe would be the youngest member currently serving in the state legislature and nearly the youngest ever to be elected. Joe grew up in his district and is now a homeowner. For the past three years, Joe has served as the legislative assistant to the House member he seeks to replace: Sharon Nelson, a Progressive Majority endorsed candidate now seeking election to the State Senate. Joe will be an effective member of the Blue/Green Alliance, the progressive caucus in the State House. Joe is in a tough primary with two other Democrats and an Independent.

Joe McDermott is a Washington State Senator running for an open seat on the King County Council, the state's biggest population center. Joe has been a strong advocate for education, elections, the environment and civil rights during his 10 years in the state legislature, where he is one of six openly gay legislators. If elected to the King County Council, however, Joe would be the first openly gay member of this body, ensuring that key decisions made at the county are inclusive of the many LGBT individuals and families living in Seattle and beyond. Joe would like to see the county extend services to include human services and enhanced public health. He intends to leverage his experience and relationships in the state capital to advocate that the legislature open up new funding sources and lift restrictions on existing ones to allow the county to do so.

Nick Harper is challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Jean Berkey. A strong democratic district (58.1% Democratic performance), the 38th District should be home to one of the most progressive voices in the state and instead is represented by a Senator that has been a bad vote on a range of progressive issues from labor to education to the environment. The progressive community is united in their dissatisfaction with Senator Berkey. Nick, 31, and his wife Lacey live in Everett, where Nick serves as the Snohomish County Conservation Director for Cascade Land Conservancy. Nick has a strong interest in conservation and land use management, which he has worked on locally and in the state capital through his current role and his past work with the Realtors. Harper jumped in the race with the endorsement and support of several local elected officials, including his potential seatmate State Representative John McCoy.

Derek Stanford is running for one of two open seats in the suburban 1st district, which straddles the King and Snohomish county line. Derek works in the telecommunications industry, and is a member of WashTech, Local 37083 of the Communication Workers of America. He is running to fill the seat opened by the retirement of Al O'Brien, and plans on making job growth and education his top priorities. Electing a champion for working families like Derek will help tilt the balance of power in Olympia.

Sherry Appleton has been a leader in the House of Representatives since we helped elect her in 2004. A former city council member and active voice for women's rights, Sherry brings a diverse background to the House, and is a progressive voice we can't afford to lose. The 23rd district has a democratic performance of 55.5%, but her opponent this year is a moderate republican who also serves on the Kingston Port Commission and has pledged to stay on the commission if elected to the House. After a long session, Republicans think they can catch Sherry off-guard, but we want to make sure we keep her progressive voice in the Legislature.

Steve is a three-term Clallam County Commissioner, and has been a small business owner and an active community member for over 30 years. Steve grew up in a large family - one of seven children - and his values in public service of economic, social and environmental justice stem from his childhood. Steve will make an excellent seatmate for Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, who we helped elect in 2006. The retiring Democrat Steve seeks to replace was a moderate, making electing him a key part of our strategy to flip four seats to a progressive Democrat.

After being appointed in 2004, elected to serve out that term in 2005 and being elected for a full term in 2006, Steve Stuart is now the lone Democrat on the Clark County Board of Commissioners. With our support four years ago, Steve was able to stand up for the values he's had since he grew up in Clark County - now one of Washington's fastest growing and most populated counties. Prior to his service as County Commissioner, Steve worked as a lobbyist and executive director for an environmental group that promotes smart growth. Steve now faces a tough fight against the usual suspects: developers with deep pockets.

Julie Anderson is a former Tacoma City Council member and the current Pierce County Auditor. We helped Julie in her successful challenge to the Republican appointed auditor after Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy was elected in 2008, and Julie is finishing out the remainder of the short term. Now Julie is running for a full term, and it's critical that we keep her in office. Prior to serving as Auditor, Julie was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Washington Department of Commerce and the executive director of the YWCA of Pierce County. Her office oversees elections in the second most populated county in Washington.

With progressive champion Brendan Williams retiring this year, Chris Reykdal is running to take his place as the progressive voice for the 22nd district. Chris is a Tumwater School Board member, and currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges. His experience working with the legislature has prepared Chris to be one of the House's most effective members, particularly for improving Washington's schools. Chris' campaign centers around one of the most critical issues facing Washington: reforming the state's regressive tax structure. Chris emerged as the top Democrat after the August primary, and faces conservative Republican Jason Hearn in November.

After the retirement of Rep. Dave Quall in the rural 40th district, nine candidates filed to run for his seat. Kris Lytton emerged out of the crowded August primary field. Kris is the president of the Anacortes School Board, and spent years working in the private sector handling business budgets. Kris won the most votes in the primary, and in the general she'll face Republican Mike Newman, a real estate agent from Mount Vernon.

Brett Hulsey is a dynamic progressive, a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and a candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly. Brett is running for a strong public education system, environmental conservation, human and civil rights, health care for all, and the promotion of labor. Brett recently won a tough, five-way primary and now he faces a three-way general against a Green Party candidate and a Ron Paul-style Republican.

Sandy Pasch is running for re-election to the Wisconsin Assembly in District 22. The 22nd is a seat that Democrats must protect. Sandy Pasch entered the race early and has been campaigning aggressively. Sandy is a registered nurse and 23-year resident of the 22nd district. She is married and has raised three grown children. As a second job, Sandy teaches ethics, mental health, and community nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. She also serves on numerous community boards and works with the Milwaukee Police Department conducting training on how to effectively deal with people living with mental illness.

Nick Milroy is running for re-election to the Wisconsin Assembly. Nick is a 36 year-old fisheries biologist who was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal and a Letter of Commendation for his service in the Navy. Nick serves as an international representative to the Lake Superior Binational Forum, a partnership of government, industry, universities, native organizations, and environmental groups from both Canada and the U.S. dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Lake Superior Basin.

Mark Radcliffe is seeking re-election to the Wisconsin Assembly in district 92. Mark is a life-long resident of Black River Falls and was a first-time candidate in 2008. Mark is a lawyer in private practice and has worked to provide free legal service for local organizations, such as the shelter for battered women and the Boys and Girls Club. One of Mark's core issues is equal pay for equal work.