Raphael Warnock was born in Savannah and raised in Kayton Homes. Warnock earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Morehouse College, and later a Master of Divinity, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy from Union Theological Seminary. In the past, he has worked as a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. He is the first African American US Senator elected from Georgia and has earned multiple awards, such as being on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Key Issues
Abortion
Warnock is pro-choice, and believes that everyone deserves access to birth control and contraceptives.
Criminal Justice Reform
Warnock wants to reform the criminal justice system in order to lower the incarceration rate. He is in support of police conduct and funding reform.
Voting Rights
Warnock opposes SB 202 and the gerrymandering done in Georgia. He also wants to re-establish the Voting Rights Act.
Infrastructure
Warnock has a plan in place for improving Georgia’s infrastructure. This plan is: spending $1.3 billion on public transit, $100 million on broadband, $135 million on electric vehicle charging stations, and $8.9 billion on fixing highways.
Jobs
Warnock wants to make sure that all people have decent jobs, and wants to keep wages fair. He opposes Washington tax breaks. Warnock is dedicated to helping small businesses.
Immigration
Warnock believes in comprehensive immigration reform, especially of ICE, to keep families together.
Healthcare
Warnock wants to make sure all Americans have affordable health care. He believes in early Medicare buy-in. He wants to combat rising prescription medication prices by having the government work with pharmacies to help lower prices for the elderly.
Endorsements
League of Conservation Voters, Fair Fight Action, Voter Protection Project, NARAL, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Munroe was born in Florida but has lived in many different places throughout her life due to her father being in the air force. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a nursing degree and started working as a Direct Commission Officer in the Army. Later, she earned her Master of Nursing and Midwifery through the Army and was deployed to Iraq. Currently, she is retired from the Army and resides in Coastal Georgia.
Key Issues
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights
Munroe wants to expand Medicaid in order to facilitate quality healthcare in rural communities. She believes this will lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
Substance Abuse
Munroe wants to destigmatize substance abuse so that victims will be able to get help easier and educate the public more on substance abuse.
Climate
Munroe wants to enact clean energy and protect coastal Georgia, its waters, and its aquatic life.
Wade Herring grew up in Macon, Georgia, and attended the University of Georgia for law school. After that, he was a judicial clerk in Georgia. He has worked on the Georgia Legal Services Board and Georgia Appleseed boards and was awarded the Robbie Robinson Award by The Savannah Bar Association.
Key Issues
Voting Rights
Herring wants to protect access to mail-in and early voting. He wants to re-establish the Voting Rights Act.
Healthcare
Herring wants to reinforce the Affordable Care Act so that healthcare is accessible for all.
Housing
Herring believes in making housing more affordable by investing in the Housing Trust Fund and growing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for cheaper homes.
Climate
Herring holds that climate change is a serious problem. He wants to use government funding to reduce storm and flooding damage by expanding infrastructure. Herring also wants to reduce CO2 emissions by creating more environmentally friendly jobs that have a lesser impact on the environment.
Endorsements
Edna Jackson, Dr. Otis Johnson, Jim Thomas, Al Williams, Derek Mallow, Regina Thomas, Aaron Whitely, Tanya Milton, Alderman Kurtis Purtee, Alderman Nick Palumbo, Pat Monahan, Dr. Bertice Berry, Dr. Billy Jamerson, Ken Boler, Dr. Carolyn Dowse, Rena Patton, Ann Crowder, Carolyn Blackshear
Adrian Fontes is a democratic candidate for Secretary of State. He attended Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver, graduating in 2000, and Arizona State University, graduating in 1998. Fontes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was on active duty from 1992 to 1996 [1]. In 2016, Fontes decided to run for Maricopa County Recorder, and became the first Democrat to hold this position in over 50 years. He also became the first Latino to hold an office in Arizona’s largest county [1]. He is a critic of the Senate’s effort to recount Maricopa County ballots and redictrict voting [2]. As County Recorder, Fontes has focused on rebuilding public trust in the Maricopa County election system. He wants to encourage all Maricopa County residents to vote, and wants to help ensure that all votes are fairly counted [3]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fontes worked to set up election infrastructure that led to a record turnout for the 2020 election, making Maricopa County the second-largest voting jurisdiction in the country [1].
Key Issues
Voting
Fontes wants to establish better and more easily accessible voting infrastructure to encourage citizens within Maricopa County to vote in all elections in which they are eligible to have a voice [1].
Government Confidence
Fontes believes that anti-democratic forces are fueling conspiracy theories and undermining public faith in the electoral process, and he wants to make a difference in these issues [1].
Redistricting
Fontes does not believe that Maricopa County should be subject to redistricting, and does not believe that ballots in Maricopa County from the 2020 election should be recounted [2].
Ballot Counting
Fontes wants to work to make sure that all ballots are counted in every election [3].
Student Voice
Fontes encourages students and younger individuals to take on political activism and make their voices heard by talking to their friends and families about the preservation of democracy in society [4].
Endorsements
Fontes has received endorsements from Fontes for AZ, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Marlene Woods, former member of the Flagstaff City Council Mel Hannah, Former State Representative Steve Farley, David Lucier, VoteVets , Latino Victory Fund, Carpenters Local 1912, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and Communications Workers of America, Roadmap for Progress.
Reginald Bolding is a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, and has been serving Arizona’s District 27 since January 5, 2015. He attended the University of Cincinnati from 2004-2008 as a first generation college graduate, earning an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and International Studies [2]. He now serves as the ranking member of the Arizona House of Representatives Education Committee. He also sits on the Ways & Means Committee. Bolding first became interested in politics after meeting President Barack Obama, and he became an organizer for the Obama campaign. He then became a Special Education math teacher in an underserved Arizona neighborhood. Bolding is the founder of the largest Black-led voting rights and community engagement organization in Arizona [1]. At the age of 28, Reginald Bolding was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives to represent downtown Phoenix, South Phoenix, Laveen, Tempe, and the Gila River Indian Community [2]. Bolding is the founder and Co-Executive Director at Our Voice, Our Vote – Arizona (OVOV) and the Arizona Coalition for Change (C4C) [3]. Bolding and his wife Cymone live in the South Mountain/Laveen community in Arizona [2].
Key Issues
Veterans Affairs
Bolding helped launch Veterans Reach to Teach in 2016. This initiative gives veterans the opportunity to serve as teachers in Arizona classrooms [2].
Education
While serving Arizona as a teacher, Bolding saw an education system in which students of color and those who came from low-income households and communities were systematically disadvantaged. He wants to implement policy to combat these issues in Arizona communities [4].
Community
Bolding sits on the boards at The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Leading for Change, and The State of Black Arizona. He aims to make a difference in these community-based organizations [2].
Criminal Justice
Bolding led a criminal justice reform agenda to introduce bills requiring that law enforcement officers wear cameras while serving. He also aims to implement sentencing reform and reduce private prison contracts [2].
Power Building Groups
Bolding launched Our Voice, Our Vote – Arizona (OVOV) and the Arizona Coalition for Change (C4C). These groups have taken measures to increase minimum wage in Arizona, and provide $300 million in school funding [4].
Women’s Rights
Bolding’s power building groups aided in the election for the first woman United States Senator in Arizona’s history (Kyrsten Sinema) [4].
Post-Secondary Education
Bolding wants to introduce legislation to create tuition free higher education options and is working to develop job training programs for those who choose not to attend college or university options [2].
Endorsements
Friends of Reginald Bolding, UFCW Local 99, LUCHA – Living United for Change in Arizona, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and Congressman Ron Barber, Way to Lead PAC
Renitta Shannon grew up in Florida and obtained a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Florida. Currently, she is a part of 9 to 5 Working Women Atlanta, Fight for $15 Campaign, and is the Executive Vice President (Georgia State Chapter) of the National Organization for Women. She is also on the House Governmental Affairs Committee, House Insurance Committee, House Small Business and Development Committee, and House State Planning and Community Affairs Committee.
Key Issues
Healthcare
Shannon wants to expand Medicaid to everyone and make it easily accessible so that everyone has access to healthcare. She is also is pro-choice, and believes abortions and contraceptives should be readily available.
Criminal Justice System
Shannon wants to reform the criminal justice system as she believes there is a racial disparity and bias in the system. She wants to reform the police officer system as well.
Education
Shannon wants to comprehensively fund the education system for poorer students to improve education as well.
Workers' Rights
Shannon wants to make sure workers have decent wages to live on. She also wants to improve the conditions of workers.
Laura Marquez earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Márquez spent seven years as a special education paraprofessional in an Illinois school district before earning a master’s degree in social work from UTEP. She works with the nonprofit Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center, serving children with disabilities.
Key Issues
State Curriculum
Márquez believes that curriculum should be inclusive and representative of all groups — of race, ethnicity and ability. She intends to approach state education policy discussions through a disability lens. With her experience in promoting the voices of minorities, she wishes to set new goals for state curriculum based in equality.
Charter Schools
Márquez opposes the expansion of charter schools, including efforts backed by the Charter Schools Now PAC, on the basis of the lack of accountability in a publicly-funded, privately-operated industry. She intends to mitigate the influence of donors such as the Walmart Family Foundation and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.
Endorsements
Texas Rep. Mary González (D-Clint)
Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers
Melissa Ortega earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a master’s degree in education, and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Ortega teaches Introduction to Women’s Studies and Global Feminisms courses in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department and has previously taught Science Education courses in the College of Education. She also works for the El Paso Independent School District as the Assistant Director of Staff Development.
Dr. Ortega is the recipient of the Distinguished Leadership award in 2018, the InterGender Research School in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies Scholarship in 2011, and the Graduate Student Instructor Teaching Portfolio Award in 2010.
Her work has appeared in journals such as the American Institute for Higher Education, Society for Informational Technology and Teacher Education, and i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology.
Key Issues
State Curriculum
Dr. Ortega wishes to emphasize the role of STEM education in the state curriculum, establishing a practical and methodological background for students. She intends to continue facilitating curriculum writing, district testing and accountability, and the district science fair.
Testing
Dr. Ortega believes that local school districts should be the only people who receive State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness data and use it for internal diagnostic processes only. She wishes to identify the strengths and areas for improvement for teachers.
Teachers
Dr. Ortega supports measures to ensure that teachers are highly qualified SBEC certified. She believes that Texan teachers should undergo the rigorous process of completing an approved Texas Educator Preparation Program sanctioned by the state of Texas.
Teacher-Student Ratios
Dr. Ortega supports low teacher-student ratios to enhance the learning experience. She wishes to cultivate a more positive class culture through small class sizes to help students focus, allow teachers to provide deeper, more robust instruction, with more one-on-one attention, more personalized feedback.
Endorsements
Georgina Perez, Current TX State Board of Education District 1 Representative
Collier graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984 where he received his MBA. Since then, he has worked as a CPA and auditor at PriceWaterHouseCoopers. In 2018, he founded the Energy and Renewables Transaction Advisory practice, where he works with corporations and private equity funds investing responsibly in the future of renewable energy.
Key Issues
Funding Public Schools
Collier wants to increase funding for public schools, increase pay for educators, and end budget cuts for education. His stance is purely in support of public education – not for charter schools or vouchers.
Fix the Power Grid
Collier seeks to invest in our critical infrastructure in a way that benefits Texas families as opposed to large corporations. Furthermore, Collier believes in investing in renewable energy and preparing our grid for future climate catastrophes.
Climate Change
Mike Collier aims to set Texas as a leader in the fight against Climate Change through investments in smart grid technology, renewables and low carbon processes. Furthermore, he supports policies that would reduce methane releases and flaring.
Criminal Justice Reform
Collier supports the legalization of Marijuana so that more Texans can get back to work as opposed to serving time for nonviolent, minor crimes. Furthermore, he also supports red flag laws and ending permitless carry.
Abortion
Collier believes that women should be in charge of making choices for their own health and destinies as per their constitutional rights.
Taxes
Collier wants to hold the line of property tax and sales tax increases and instead make corporations responsible for paying their fair share. He also aims to end loopholes that shift the tax burden from corporations to Texan families.
Endorsements
James Talarico, state representative from the 52nd district
John Bucy III, state representative from the 136th district
Gene Wu, state representative from the 137th district
Donna Howard, state representative from the 48th district
Terry Canales, state representative from the 40th district
Enrique Rodriguez, state representative from the 51st district
Wendy Davis, former state senator from the 10th district
Alex Dominguez, state representative from the 37th district
Max Steiner was raised in Sacramento, California, and is a fifth-generation Californian. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Sadr City, Western Baghdad, and Kirkuk. He served as an infantryman in Iraq for 2 years and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree. In 2012, he joined the Foreign Service as an economic generalist. In Washington, DC, he worked with the USDA and USAID on food security support for the UN; in 2019, he started working towards obtaining a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis in RAND. Steiner currently lives in Chico with his wife.
Key Issues
Environment
Steiner wants to allocate 8 billion federal dollars to forestry and water projects in California. He wants to manage forests by altering the NEPA process to allow large-scale forest management plans.
Business
Steiner wants to spend $1 billion a year to help the timber industry by subsidizing start-up costs.
Water
Steiner wants to fund more dams to help with California’s water crisis. He wants to shift focus to ground water and he supports the federal government’s involvement in California state efforts to balance groundwater use.
Agriculture
Steiner wants to support farmers overcome bureaucratic red-tape. He proposes an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow Foreign Agricultural Service officers to revoke visas from foreign nationals who impede the sale of overseas agricultural products from the US.