THE CHAMPIONS WE NEED
Who to vote for in the August primary elections.
No matter where we come from or the color of our skin, we all want the freedom to provide for our families and feel safe in our communities, and we deserve elected officials who will deliver those dreams so that all Tennesseans can thrive, no exceptions. That’s why we’re endorsing these powerful champions who promise to fight for the healthcare, schools, and jobs we deserve. This is our first round of endorsements this election season, and we’ll endorse more powerful champions after the August 1 primary.
Luis Mata - House of Representatives District 49
Before becoming a US citizen, Luis Mata saw firsthand how exclusionary policies deprive Tennessee families of opportunities to thrive. If elected, Luis 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 a Mexican immigrant, he would be the first Latino elected to the Tennessee State Legislature. Luis is ready to step into the state legislature and fight for our communities on day one. 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.
Gabby Salinas - House of Representatives District 96
Gabby 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, she will be the first progressive Latina elected to the Tennessee State Legislature. Gabby 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 - and she's the kind of champion we need on Capitol Hill.
Shaundelle Brooks - House of Representatives District 60
A Guyanese immigrant, Shaundelle 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. Shaundelle is a powerful advocate for the type of change we deeply need in Tennessee. From gun safety to living wages, we need leaders like Shaundelle who will relentlessly pursue policies that give every Tennessean the opportunity to thrive.
Allie Phillips - House of Representatives District 75
A Tennessee native raised in Ashland City, Allie 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, she has pledged to fight for fully funded, safe public schools and LGBTQ rights. We need Allie fighting for Tennessee families in the state legislature. From fighting for reproductive rights to fully funding our public schools, Allie promises to be a force for change for all Tennesseans.