SEATTLE (Diya TV) — Sen. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, has been endorsed by EMILY’s List, an influential national group that raises and bundles donations to Democratic women candidates, in her race to succeed retiring Seattle Congressman Jim McDermott.
The group has successfully seeded the campaigns and elections of several holders of public office in Washington, including Sen. Patty Murray, two-term Gov. Chris Gregoire, then-U.S. Rep. (now Sen.) Maria Cantwell, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, and former U.S. Rep. Jolene Unsoeld.
“Our country has never before elected an Indian-American woman to Congress, but Pramila is poised to be the first — and the EMILY’s List community is proud to endorse her historic campaign for Washington State working families,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List.
“As a first generation American whose parents made huge sacrifices to give her every opportunity they could, Pramila is a tireless fighter for common sense immigration reform to keep families together, grow our economy and strengthen our communities.”
Jayapal is currently deadlocked in a three-way race for the outgoing McDermott’s seat — state Rep. Brady Walkinshaw and King County Council President Joe McDermott (no relation to the outgoing) are the other two candidates. Jayapal has garnered national attention for her stances on immigration issues, resulting in several national endorsements, and the White House issuing a statement opining her as a “champion of change.”
While Jayapal’s celebrity is being recognized nationally, her opponent Joe McDermott is garnering the local attention, where the voting populous exists. The most recent list of McDermott backers includes three mayors — Dave Kaplan from Des Moines, Amy Alen from Kirkland and John Marchione from Redmond — as well as County Council colleagues Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Dave Upthegrove.
“Day-in, day-out, Joe McDermott delivers results for the people of Seattle and King County and we need him to continue that work in Congress,” said Seattle City Council member Rob Johnson, another McDermott endorser.
Johnson credits McDermott for his steadfast efforts in championing “more bus service and expanding light rail,” and that he “advocated for fixing our deteriorating roadway infrastructure.”
Regardless, Jayapal’s association with EMILY’s List, which is an acronym for “Early money is like yeast,” bodes well for her campaign. The group has raised more than $400 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates.
SEATTLE (Diya TV) — Sen. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, has been endorsed by EMILY’s List, an influential national group that raises and bundles donations to Democratic women candidates, in her race to succeed retiring Seattle Congressman Jim McDermott.
