Our Voice, Our Vote Endorses Change-Focused Candidates in Competitive AZ Races

PHOENIX — Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona — a non-profit that is executing the largest Black-led voter movement and Political Action Committee in state history — today added 17 legislative candidates and two Maricopa County Supervisor candidates to its list of 2020 endorsements.

“We are excited to endorse candidates up and down the ballot who we believe will change the future of Arizona and will uplift our diverse and underrepresented voices within our communities across the state,” said OVOV Co-Executive Director Reginald Bolding. “This is the most important election in our lifetimes, and we must elect competent and fearless leaders into office to represent us and reflect the values of the population they serve. Fortunately, Arizona has several excellent candidates, from the U.S. Senate on down, who will fight for a democratic society, racial justice and equality for all.”

The endorsements include three House candidates whose victories would help make history by flipping the chamber from Republcian to Democratic for the first time in more than 50 years. OVOV strongly endorses Flagstaff Mayor (the first Black mayor in the city’s history) Coral Evans in LD 6, longtime teacher and small-business owner Judy Schwiebert in LD 20, and education leader for former President of the Peoria Unified School Board Kathy Knecht.

OVOV is also working to create more inclusive and people-focused leadership on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors by endorsing two fast-rising young Black candidates — community leader Jevin Hodge in District 1 and non-profit leader Whitney Walker in District 3.

Additional Legislative endorsements include:

• Kirsten Engel (Senate – LD10)
• Lynsey Robinson (Senate – LD12)
• AJ Kurdoglu (Senate – LD17)
• Doug Ervin (Senate – LD20)
• Sarah Tyree (Senate – LD22)
• Charlene Fernandez (incumbent, House – LD4)
• Dr. Geraldine Peten (incumbent, House – LD4)
• Coral Evans (House – LD6)
• Sharon Girard (House – LD8)
• Pam Powers Hannley (incumbent, House – LD9)
• Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (House – LD10)
• Jennifer Pawlik (incumbent, House – LD17)
• Jennifer Jermaine (incumbent, House – LD18)
• Judy Schwiebert (House – LD20)
• Kathy Knecht (House – LD 21)
• Aaron Lieberman (incumbent, House – LD28)
• Raquel Terán (incumbent, House – LD30)

OVOV has previously endorsed:

• Juan Mendez (incumbent, Senate – LD26)
• Andrés Cano (incumbent, House – LD3)
• Domingo DeGrazia (incumbent, House – LD10)
• Athena Salman (incumbent, House – LD26)
• Melody Hernandez (House – LD26)
• Diego Rodriguez (incumbent, House – LD27)

“We must do all we can to get strong progressive candidates into office – from Mark Kelly in the U.S. Senate, Joe Biden & Kamala Harris in the White House, to other local positions that impact the lives of under-represented Arizonans every day,” Bolding added. “We are supporting candidates devoted to the fight for change, to create a future that works for everyone, and we are committed to holding them accountable after victory.”