November 19, 2018

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Endorsements for Caucus Chair

Including NARAL, Feminist Majority, and Congressman John Lewis

Washington, D.C. – In July, Congresswoman Barbara Lee announced her bid for Democratic Caucus Chair. Below are several recent endorsements of her candidacy.

NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue issued the following statement on the organization’s endorsement of Barbara Lee for Democratic Caucus Chair:

“Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a fierce, tireless, and highly effective champion for women and families. At a time when our most fundamental rights and freedoms are under attack daily from Donald Trump and his allies in Congress, it is vital to have a champion like Barbara Lee leading the Democratic Caucus. From the moment she stepped foot in Congress, twenty years ago, she has worked every day to fight for and advance policies that uplift all women and families, cosponsoring bills and spending time with advocates strategizing about how to advance our collective human rights. She is a proven leader and we’re thrilled to support her. We look forward to working with her as she helps lead Democrats in the next Congress and beyond.”

On Thursday, Feminist Majority President Eleanor Smeal announced their endorsement:

“Congresswoman Barbara Lee, long considered the conscience of the House, has a strong track record of finding common ground to move forward. In this historic moment, Barbara Lee is the clear choice for House Democratic Caucus Chair.

“Barbara Lee is the perfect person to cohesively bring together the ideas and goals of the diverse Democratic caucus. Her passion for women’s rights, civil rights, human rights, and the elimination of poverty underline every challenge she seeks to solve.

“Women of color are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and it’s past time for House leadership to reflect that commitment. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Barbara Lee to serve as House Democratic Caucus Chair for the 116th Congress.”

                                        

Congresswoman Lee has also welcomed the support of many of her colleagues, including Congressman John Lewis. Congressman Lewis said:

“Rep. Barbara Lee has been a tireless fighter for justice, civil rights, and equality and an outspoken advocate for the most vulnerable in our society. Across her years of service, Rep. Lee has worked to uplift, not only the Congressional Black Caucus, but also to bring together members of our party from diverse backgrounds. Now, more than ever, we need effective leaders who can help our caucus find common ground.

“There has never been an African American woman in an elected-leadership role in our caucus, even though they have played a foundational role in our party. It is time to send a powerful message that Black women are not just voters—they are leaders too. I believe Rep. Lee can unify and strengthen our caucus, and I have given her my support in the race for Democratic Caucus Chair.”

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