Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC Celebrates Historic Victory: New York State Senate Flips to a Solid Pro-Sexual and Reproductive Rights Majority for the First Time in Decades
For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2018 (Updated: Nov. 6, 2018, midnight)
Contact: Carrie Mumah, [email protected], 212-274-7294
NEW YORK - Tonight Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC is celebrating the historic victory that New Yorkers have been waiting for—we have secured a solid sexual and reproductive health and rights majority in the New York State Senate for the first time in decades, accompanied by four state-wide wins. PPNYC Votes PAC congratulates New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and all of its endorsed candidates, who each championed sexual and reproductive rights throughout their campaigns.
Notably, Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC congratulates State Senator-Elect Andrew Gounardes in his groundbreaking victory in Brooklyn against one of the few remaining anti-sexual and reproductive health State Senators in New York City, Marty Golden, and Max Rose in New York’s Congressional District 11, who inspired and galvanized the groundswell of progressive voices in Staten Island and South Brooklyn to defeat Rep. Dan Donovan. Rose campaigned on health care access and economic opportunities for all and we look forward to working with him in Washington, D.C.
Nationally, Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Max Rose here in New York City, took back control of the House of Representatives, reflecting the commitment to a nation grounded in respect, compassion, and equity for all.
“Election day 2018 was an extraordinary day--turnout was unprecedented for a midterm election. Voters in New York and nationwide used the power of the ballot box to reclaim a world that values compassion, respect, and equity for all. After years of blocking essential legislation and the ongoing attacks on our communities, we now have the leaders in place who will stand up for New Yorkers’ values," said Laura McQuade, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC. “Our investments and work over this primary and general election cycle have paid off. We now have a New York State Senate that will work to expand access to sexual and reproductive health care for all New Yorkers, and finally be a true leader and example against the cruel and destructive policies and attacks coming from Washington.”
Come January 2019, Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC looks forward to swift passage of the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act (CCCA). These two bills will ensure that New Yorkers have access to the reproductive and sexual health care they deserve.
PPNYC Votes PAC congratulates candidates endorsed by Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes PAC:
Governor: Andrew Cuomo
Lieutenant Governor: Kathy Hochul
Attorney General: Letitia “Tish” James
Comptroller: Tom DiNapoli
New York State Senate: Andrew Gounardes; Alessandra Biaggi, Robert Jackson, Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, who will join the Democratic Conference after their victories over former IDC members; and reproductive rights stalwart incumbents Michael Gianaris, Brad Hoylman, Liz Krueger, Velmanette Montgomery, Kevin Parker, Roxanne Persaud, Gustavo Rivera, and Toby Ann Stavisky.
New York State Assembly: Carl Heastie, Michael Blake, Harvey Epstein, Deborah Glick, Richard Gottfried, Catherine Nolan, Daniel O’Donnell, Linda Rosenthal, Nily Rozik, Rebecca Seawright, Jo Anne Simon, Michele Titus, and Helene Weinstein.
“Here in New York City, PPNYC Votes PAC endorsed and fought for a candidates who not only understand the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights, but who also see the intersections of these issues with housing, economic justice, LGBTQ rights, education, and immigration rights,” said McQuade. “Across the nation today, from New York to Michigan to Kansas to Illinois, Americans made their voices heard and fought for the nation they want to see. This is a critical moment in our nation’s history, and we look forward to the work and collaboration to come.”
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Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC is a political action committee that works to elect candidates who support our communities and the full range of sexual and reproductive health care services. PPNYC Votes PAC engages in electoral activity at the state and local level, including candidate endorsements, canvassing and phone banking in support of candidates, voter education, and grassroots organizing.
Paid for by Planned Parenthood NYC Votes PAC.