RELEASE: TIRRC VOTES ANNOUNCES STATE HOUSE ENDORSEMENTS
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2024
CONTACT
media@tirrcvotes.org
RELEASE: TIRRC VOTES ANNOUNCES STATE HOUSE ENDORSEMENTS
Group announces endorsements in four State House districts.
NASHVILLE — Today TIRRC Votes, an organization dedicated to expanding democracy by building power in immigrant and refugee communities, announced endorsements in four districts in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Luis Mata - HD49
Gabby Salinas - HD96
Shaundelle Brooks - HD60
Allie Phillips - HD75
“These four candidates represent the best of Tennessee, and they promise to be powerful advocates for Black and brown communities, reproductive rights, and working-class families,” said Judith Clerjeune, Policy and Advocacy Director at TIRRC Votes. “It's time our state legislature truly represents the communities it serves, and we're proud to endorse these champions and get out the vote to ensure they win their elections in August and November.”
In District 49, which includes Eastern Nolensville, Southern La Vergne, Northern Smyrna & Northern Murfreesboro, TIRRC Votes has endorsed Luis Mata.
“Luis Mata is ready to step into the state legislature and fight for our communities on day one,” said Clerjeune. “As an immigrant himself, Luis knows firsthand the barriers our communities face, and he is ready to fight for a Tennessee where everyone can thrive, no matter who you are or where you come from.”
Before becoming a US citizen, Mata saw firsthand how exclusionary policies deprive Tennessee families of opportunities to thrive. If elected, Mata promises to fight for immigrant rights, gun violence prevention, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ rights in order to build a Tennessee where all can belong. The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Mata would be the first Latino elected to the Tennessee State Legislature.
TIRRC Votes adds its endorsement to a growing list of support for Mata from notable groups:
Nashville Young Democrats
Tennessee High School Democrats
Received Gun Sense Candidate distinction by Moms Demand Action
Endorsed by The Equity Alliance Fund
Tennessee Advocate for Planned Parenthood
SEIU TN
In District 96, which includes Cordova, and parts of Sylvan Heights and Elmore Park, TIRRC Votes has endorsed Gabby Salinas.
“Gabby Salinas is a testament to what's possible when we invest in giving people opportunities - opportunities to migrate, to seek care, to learn, and to thrive,” said Clerjeune. “She's the kind of champion we need on Capitol Hill, and we know she will fight to provide opportunities for all Memphians when she's elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives.”
Salinas immigrated to Memphis from Bolivia as a young girl to receive life saving cancer treatment at Saint Jude's. Now a research scientist, she is a fierce advocate for Medicaid expansion and accessible healthcare, public education, livable wages, and safe communities. If elected, Salinas will be the first progressive Latina elected to the Tennessee state legislature.
TIRRC Votes adds its endorsement to a growing list of support for SalinasSure from notable groups:
Run For Something
ChangeTN
3.14 Action Fund
Rep. Dwayne Thompson, incumbent
LPAC
Memphis & West TN Labor Council
L!UNA Southeast
In District 60, which includes Hermitage, Donelson, and Northeast Old Hickory, TIRRC Votes has endorsed Shaundelle Brooks.
“Shaundelle Brooks is a powerful advocate for the type of change we deeply need in Tennessee,” said Clerjeune. “From gun safety to living wages, we need leaders like Shaundelle who will relentlessly pursue policies that give every Tennessean the opportunity to thrive.”
A Guyanese immigrant, Brooks became a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention after her son, Akilah DaSilva, was tragically killed in the Antioch Waffle House mass shooting in 2018. If elected, she will bring her powerful advocacy for gun violence prevention to the halls of the State Capitol, including red flag laws, waiting periods, enhanced background checks, and a ban on assault weapons.
TIRRC Votes adds its endorsement to a growing list of support for Brooks from notable groups and individuals:
Brady PAC
Rep. Gloria Johnson
Change TN
National Women’s Political Caucus TN
Rep. Justin Jones
The Equity Alliance Fund
Sen. London Lamar
Rep. Vincent Dixie
Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood
Sen. Heidi Campbell
In District 75, which includes West Clarksville and part of Cumberland City, TIRRC Votes has endorsed Allie Phillips.
“We need Allie Phillips fighting for Tennessee families in the state legislature,” said Judith Clerjeune, Policy and Advocacy Director at TIRRC Votes. “From fighting for reproductive rights to fully funding our public schools, Allie promises to be a force for change for all Tennesseans.”
A Tennessee native raised in Ashland City, Phillips has become a powerful advocate for reproductive rights in the wake of sharing her own story of having to seek an out-of-state abortion for a non-viable pregnancy after the Supreme Court struck down healthcare protections enshrined in Roe vs. Wade. Along with access to reproductive healthcare, Phillips has pledged to fight for fully funded, safe public schools and LGBTQ rights.
TIRRC Votes adds its endorsement to a growing list of support for Phillips from notable groups:
ChangeTN
Run for Something
Tennessee High School Democrats
Vote Mama PAC
The Next 50
Her Bold Move
Nashville Young Democrats
Tennessee Young Democrats
National Women’s Political Caucus
The Equity Alliance Fund
Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood
SEIU TN
TIRRC Votes is the leading organization in Tennessee capable of building a new electorate and mobilizing the state’s progressive base voters, creating a model for effective, immigrant-led political organizations in the Southeast. Since 2018, TIRRC Votes has engaged immigrants, refugees, their children, and allies to imagine a democracy that works for all, and has provided our communities with the tools to build democratic institutions that represent the majority. This election cycle, TIRRC Votes is once again poised to run some of the largest civic engagement and electoral operations in the state. By mobilizing a diverse team of canvassers to engage immigrant and refugee voters and mobilize low-propensity progressive voters, we are expanding the electorate, electing champions for our communities, and building Tennessee's progressive political infrastructure for years to come.
TIRRC Votes will release additional endorsements after the August 1 primary elections.
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TIRRC Votes was launched in 2018 to strengthen and expand our democracy by building power in immigrant and refugee communities and advocating for equitable and inclusive public policy.
Paid for by TIRRC Votes PAC. Pratik Dash, Treasurer. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. P.O. Box 17149, Nashville, TN 37217.