People For the American Way

PFAW’s Next Up Victory Fund Endorses Summer Lee for Pennsylvania State House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2018

Contact: Drew Courtney at People For the American Way

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 202-467-4999

PFAW Political Director Lizet Ocampo: “Summer Lee is a powerful and effective progressive advocate.”

People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund today announced its endorsement of Summer Lee for state House District 34 representative in Pennsylvania.

Statement from People For the American Way President Michael Keegan:

“Summer Lee is a progressive champion who is urgently needed in the Pennsylvania State House. We don’t often endorse in primary races, but Summer is a remarkable candidate who has the vision and the tenacity to make a real change in Harrisburg. Summer Lee has fought tirelessly for equal justice by keeping racial and economic equity at the forefront of her work. We are excited to endorse her campaign to become state representative.”

Statement from People For the American Way Political Director Lizet Ocampo:

“People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund helps strong progressive candidates age 40 and under win critical local and state races across the country. And in the process, we’re building a diverse bench of fierce progressives who will be national leaders in the years to come. In Pennsylvania’s 34th House District, Summer Lee has proved herself to be an exceptional force for much-needed change. She’d be the first African American woman to represent House District 34. Lee is a staunch advocate for underrepresented groups and is using her voice to uplift Pennsylvania’s communities of color and religious minorities. Summer Lee is a powerful and effective progressive advocate, and we are thrilled to back her with our resources, connections and support.”

Statement from Summer Lee on the endorsement:

“It is an honor to receive an endorsement from People For the American Way. In Pennsylvania, we need equity in every community and that means covering the basics including universal healthcare and clean air and water. It is time we show the influence that true progressive politics can have on a local level across the United States.”

Note to press: Summer Lee and PFAW spokespeople are available for interviews on this historic race. To schedule, please contact Inarú Melendez, [email protected], 413-331-9530.

People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund helps young progressive candidates age 40 and under win races for state and local offices across the country. The goal of Next Up is to build 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. We’re committed to winning the elections that will lead to progressive outcomes that reflect our true American values and the American Way.

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

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