CHICAGO—The boards of directors for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action (PPGR Action), the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, proudly announces their final endorsements for the March 17 primary election. Candidates were selected based on their sexual and reproductive health care policies and their commitment to protecting the health and rights of all Illinoisans. The full list of endorsements and more information is available at ppiaction.org.
“This year’s March primary is critical because our rights are on the line,” said Alex Ensign, PPIA Board Chair. “Bodily autonomy is under constant threat, which is why Illinois must remain a haven for sexual and reproductive rights. On March 17, voters have a clear choice: use the power of the ballot to elect leaders who will continue fighting in Springfield for the full spectrum of reproductive freedom. Everyone deserves the right to make their own health care decisions without interference from politicians or government.”
The PPGR Action Board supports the endorsement decisions of the PPIA Board and is issuing endorsements in two races within its jurisdiction.
“As politicians across the country work to strip away reproductive rights, Illinois must stand strong,” said Jessica Backman-Levy, PPGR Action Board Chair. “We are grateful for elected officials in the Metro East who are fighting to protect the freedoms Illinoisans deserve. On March 17, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action is calling on voters to show up and vote for candidates who believe health care decisions belong to patients — not politicians — and who will take bold action to protect access to essential care.”
The PPGRA Board of Directors endorsements include: For Illinois Senate, Senator Chris Belt (D-57), and for the Illinois State house Rep. Katie Stuart (HD-112).
The PPIA Board of Directors endorsements include:
Illinois Senate:
Senator Omar Aquino (D-2), Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3), Senator Lakesia Collins (D-5), Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-6), Senator Ram Villavalam (D-8), Patrick Hanley (D-9), Rachel Ruttenberg (D-9), Senator Celina Villanueva (D-12), Senator Sims Jr., Elgie (D-17), Frances “Fran” Ann Hurley (D-18), Senator Graciela Guzman (D-20), Senator Laura Ellman (D-21), Senator Suzanne Glowiak Hilton (D-23), Nabeela Syed (D-26), Carina Santa Maria (D-27), Senator Julie Morrison (D-29), Senator Adriane Johnson (D-30), Karen Battaglia (D-32), Michele Clark (D-33), Sarah Mertens (D-35), Senator Michael Halpin (D-36), Ernie Marcelain (D-38), Senator Don Harmon (D-39), Senator Linda Holmes (D-42), Senator Doris Turner (D-48), Marsia Geldert-Murphy (D-56), Kevin Hall (D-56).
Illinois State House:
Rep. Aaron Ortiz (HD-1), Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez (HD-2), Rep. Lilian “Lily” Jimenez (HD-4), Rep. Kimberley De Buclet (HD-5), Rep. Sonya Harper (HD-6), Rep. Emanuel (Chris) Welch (HD-7), Jill Bush (HD-8), Shantel Franklin (HD-8), Latonya Mitts (HD-8), Rep. Ann M. Williams (HD-11), Paul Kendrick (HD-12), Litcy Kurisinkal (HD-12), Karim Lakhani (HD-12), Mac LeBuhn (HD-12), Sunjay Kumar (HD-13), James O’Brien (HD-13), Demi Palecek (HD-13), Rep. Kelly Cassidy (HD-14), Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (HD-17), Rep. Robyn Gabel (HD-18), Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (HD-19), Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (HD-21), Rep. William “Will” Davis (HD-30), Cleopatra Cowley (HD-34), Aja Kearney (HD-34), Rep. Will Guzzardi (HD-39), Rep. Jaime Andrade (HD-40), Rep. Anna Moeller (HD-43), Rep. Martha Deuter (HD-45), Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (HD-46), Jenny Levin (HD-51), Erin Chan Ding (HD-52), Maria Peterson (HD-52), Nicole Grasse (HD-53), Rep. Mary Beth Canty (HD-54), Rep. Michelle Mussman (HD-56), Rep. Daniel Didech (HD-59), Rep. Rita Mayfield (HD-60), Rep. Laura Faver Dias (HD-62), Ricky Rivard (HD-65), Rep. Suzanne Ness (HD-66), Peter Janko (HD-69), Gregg Johnson (HD-72), Nicole Dopler (HD-73), Nolan Kemp (HD-74), Caroline McCree (HD-75), Rep. Amy Murri Briel (HD-76), Rep. Camille Lilly (HD-78), Rep. Matt Hanson (HD-83), Saba Haider (HD-84), Jared Plogger (HD-84), Zoey Carter (HD-93), Mary Catherine Roberson (HD-104), Rep. Rosetta Brown (HD-111).
Federal Races
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund makes endorsements on national races for Senate and Congressional seats. Early voting begins Feb. 5 and the primary is March 17.