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Press Release
NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Slate of Reproductive Freedom Champions for U.S. House of Representatives
For Immediate Release: July 10, 2020
Contact: [email protected]
Four Candidates Earn Endorsements from Nation’s Leading Pro-Choice Advocacy Group
NARAL Pro-Choice America today announced its endorsement of four Congressional candidates in Arkansas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia ahead of the November general election: state Sen. Joyce Elliott (AR-02), Quinn Nystrom (MN-08), Christina Finello (PA-01), and Dr. Cameron Webb (VA-05). All four candidates are seeking to flip seats currently held by anti-choice, anti-freedom Republicans.
“We know the stakes for reproductive freedom could not be higher in 2020, and holding onto our pro-choice majority in the House will be critical for safeguarding our most fundamental rights,” said Ilyse Hogue, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America. “NARAL is proud to endorse these candidates and we — along with our nearly 265,000 members in Arkansas, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — look forward to sending another four champions for reproductive freedom to Congress.”
Background on the candidates
- State Senator Joyce Elliott (AR-02) taught in public schools for 30 years and has served in the Arkansas Legislature for nearly 20 years. A tireless advocate for mothers and families, Joyce worked across the aisle to pass Medicaid Expansion and designed what became the first-in-the-nation Pre-K program. Her opponent, Republican incumbent French Hill, has consistently earned a 0% score from NARAL in the Congressional Record on Choice.
- Quinn Nystrom (MN-08) is a prominent healthcare advocate and was the youngest person to serve on the Baxter City Council. She is now seeking to unseat anti-freedom Republican incumbent Pete Stauber. Rep. Stauber earned a 0% score from NARAL in the 2019 Congressional Record on Choice.
- Christina Finello (PA-01) has a joint law degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has spent the last five years serving as Deputy Director of the Bucks County Department of Housing and Human Services. She is now seeking to unseat anti-freedom Republican incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick. Rep. Fitzpatrick earned a 10% score from NARAL in the 2019 Congressional Record on Choice.
- Dr. Cameron Webb (VA-05) is a practicing physician and former White House Fellow serving under President Obama. He will now face off against Republican nominee Bob Good, who defeated incumbent Rep. Denver Lee Riggleman III at the district’s nominating convention in June. Good opposes abortion even in cases of incest and rape, as well as in instances where the woman’s life is endangered.
“I’m humbled that NARAL is joining our passionate and growing movement. I will always support a woman or a family’s right to make their own healthcare decisions,” said Arkansas state Sen. Joyce Elliott. “Our campaign is bringing together a broad coalition to ensure we have a representative who works in the best interests of all Arkansans, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”
“A woman’s reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right and I’m honored to receive the endorsement of NARAL Pro-choice America.” said Quinn Nystrom. “I’ve been fighting for more affordable and accessible healthcare for over two decades and am proud to have them with me as we bring that fight to Washington.”
“As a mom who has spent her career working in human services, I know first hand the importance of accessible healthcare and protecting women’s rights to make their own healthcare decisions,” said Christina Finello. “We need a representative who will defend our reproductive freedoms and protect access to quality affordable healthcare. I’m honored to have the support of NARAL and look forward to working alongside them when I’m in Congress.”
“There are some healthcare decisions so intimate—so deeply personal—that the government has no business dictating them. That’s true of my patients’ decisions of when to accept, refuse or stop treatment. It is just as true of every woman’s right to decide if, when and with whom she wants to start or grow a family.” said Dr. Cameron Webb. “I am proud to receive the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice America, and will be a strong advocate for reproductive health, rights and justice from the halls of Congress.”
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NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates and chapters are dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom for all. For more than 50 years, NARAL has worked to guarantee that every woman has the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. Since 1969, NARAL has made history, grown to over 2.5 million members, and met the moments that have defined this fight with action, power, and freedom. In recognition of its work defending our constitutional right to choose, Fortune Magazine described NARAL as “one of the top 10 advocacy groups in America.”
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