Washington, DC — Today, People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund announced its endorsement of Stephanie Morales for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Next Up Victory Fund helps young progressive candidates win races for state and local offices across the country.
“I am excited to receive the endorsement from People For the American Way,” said Morales. “Having an endorsement from an organization that is firmly grounded in its mission to build a democracy that implements the ideals of opportunity and justice for all encourages me to keep fighting for all people.”
“People For the American Way is proud to endorse Stephanie Morales for Commonwealth’s Attorney in Portsmouth, Virginia,” said People For President Ben Jealous. “Ms. Morales is a proven champion for justice and a longtime friend of People For who has been recognized several times by our Next Up Victory Fund for her commitment to policing accountability measures that keep all communities safe and improve the lives of Virginia’s families.”
In 2015, Morales was the first woman to be elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in Portsmouth and has engaged more than 150 youth under her “Future Leaders Initiative.” Three months into her first term, an officer in her city killed an unarmed teen. Morales secured an indictment and led the prosecution at jury trial, leading to a voluntary manslaughter conviction of the officer. People For’s Next Up previously endorsed Morales in 2017.
“Over the course of three terms in office, Ms. Morales made essential changes to the criminal justice system in Portsmouth and worked to build a public safety system that works for everyone,” Jealous continued. “She is an example of the progress we can make by electing progressive officials who utilize creative thinking, community collaboration, and political courage to reimagine public safety. We are so proud of the work Ms. Morales has done and we look forward to seeing the progress she makes in her next term. We look forward to doing everything we can to ensure Stephanie’s victory in November.”
Since 2017, PFAW’s Next Up Victory Fund has helped elect over 260 young progressives to state and local office. Endorsements include St. Louis Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Stacey Abrams.
About the Next Up Victory Fund
PFAW’s Next Up Victory Fund helps young progressive candidates age 40 and under win races for state and local offices across the country. Next Up is building a deep bench of progressive candidates well positioned to control state legislatures, win statewide, and run for federal offices in the years and decades to come. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org/next-up-victory-fund.
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.
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