Washington, DC —As a widely predicted midterm “Red Wave” failed to materialize on Election Day, and votes continued to be counted in key races, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous and People For the American Way Executive Director Svante Myrick released the following statements:

“Voters powered through and prevailed in this election,” said President of People For the American Way Ben Jealous. “Millions of people across America cast votes even in the face of a massive wave of voter suppression laws and threats of violence and intimidation from the Far Right. Young voters’ turnout was strong, reproductive freedom was upheld in state after state, and some of the country’s most extreme election-deniers were shut out of offices. In the states where results are still coming in, we now need to be patient and count every vote. While we hope to maintain progressive leadership of Congress, we know that the values we fought for in this election – of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all – will not change, whatever the outcome. And we will continue to fight for those values today, tomorrow and every day in the future.”

“While this election isn’t over yet, it’s clear that we as a nation chose to keep fighting for democracy and progressive values,” said People For the American Executive Director Svante Myrick. “Voters turned out in spite of numerous hardships, and young progressives, in particular, won key victories that sent a clear message to those who want to attack reproductive freedom, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and the environment. They also sent a clear message that now is the time to invest in preparing the next generation of young, progressive leaders who will be our future. I’m excited to see what this rising generation will accomplish next.”

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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