Primary Election Day is May 17th: This primary will decide the fate of Pennsylvania—and the nation.
Polling Place: Action Karate, 11 West Mount Airy Ave
Dear Democratic Voter:
With a crucial US Senate seat and the Governor’s mansion in the balance, we urge you to go to the polls on May 17. While the PA GOP tramples democracy, voting rights, women’s reproductive freedom, racial equity and social justice, and efforts to clean up our air and water, we Democrats need to fight back. We must elect Democrats who will stand up for the right to a fair minimum wage, LGBTQ+ rights, the right to healthcare, and action to halt global warming.
US SENATE PA holds the key to control of the US Senate in 2022. After eight long years of “representation” by an arch-conservative Republican, we have the responsibility to reclaim a Senate seat— not just for our Commonwealth but for our country. In an evenly split chamber, the next US Senator from PA will be casting the deciding votes on every single piece of legislation on the Biden administration’s agenda, as well as on judicial nominees up to and possibly including the Supreme Court. We believe Conor Lamb has the electoral experience, energy, and integrity to be that senator. Over his four years as a Congressman, Lamb has been an advocate for veterans’ services, women’s reproductive rights, raising the minimum wage, and expanding Medicare. Lamb stood up to the mob attacking the Capitol on Jan. 6, and has been a fierce proponent of accountability for those conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election. Lamb has voted 100 percent of the time in accordance with President’s Biden ambitious legislative agenda. Endorsed by groups ranging from PA NOW to Philly’s Black Clergy, Lamb will build bridges across the commonwealth and finally give us the representation we deserve. The 9th Ward strongly endorses Conor Lamb to be the next US Senator from PA.
The Ward committee voted strongly in favor of Lamb, but we recognize there are different opinions in this race. While Susan supports Lamb, Ken feels strongly that Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is the better choice. Fetterman was a powerful and vocal opponent of the Trump administration, and has a staunchly progressive record of pushing back against the PA Republican-controlled legislature. We believe either of these candidates is well positioned to win this race in November. Ken & Susan are happy to answer questions about this endorsement and look forward to the conversation.
PA GOVERNOR Democrats have had to rely on the power of Gov. Wolf’s veto pen to strike down the reactionary bills of the GOP-controlled legislature. Without the veto power of the governor, nefarious GOP bills restricting abortion, LGBTQ rights, access to the ballot, and even a teacher’s right to teach students without fear of prosecution will become the laws of the commonwealth. Josh Shapiro is the most eminently qualified candidate to make sure this critical office remains in Democratic hands. Having served as a state rep, a county commissioner, and PA’s Attorney General, Josh has proven that he has the vision, progressive track record, and focus to lead our commonwealth in these very uncertain times. The 9th Ward strongly and unanimously endorses Josh Shapiro to be the next governor of Pennsylvania.
PA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR The lieutenant governor oversees the parole board, presides over the PA Senate, and is a vital partner in assisting the governor in the day-to-day functions of the state. The 9th Ward strongly endorses Josh Shapiro’s chosen running mate, Mon Valley State Rep. Austin Davis, to be PA’s next lieutenant governor.
US CONGRESS In his six years in office,Congressman Dwight Evanshas advocated for healthcare for children, seniors, and veterans; fought for tax fairness, civil rights, better housing, and the revitalization of our neighborhoods. The 9th Ward strongly endorses the reelection of Rep. Dwight Evans to the US Congress.
PA SENATE State Sen. Art Haywood has been a steadfast advocate for public education, raising the minimum wage, restricting access to guns, and fighting for solutions to the scourge of gun violence.The 9th Ward strongly and unanimously endorses the reelection of Sen. Art Haywood to the PA State Senate.
PA STATE HOUSE State Rep Chris Rabb has been an impassioned, visible, quintessentially progressive, and tireless advocate for criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, social justice, racial equity, public education, workers’ rights, and youth services. He has been a staunch supporter of access to healthcare for all Pennsylvanians, and has provided robust, innovative, and energetic constituent services throughout the 200th District. The 9th Ward strongly endorses the reelection of the 9th Ward’s own Rep. Chris Rabb to the PA State House for the 200th District.
DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEE The 9th Ward unanimously endorses Nina Ahmad and Ahsan Nasratullah to serve on the PA Democratic State Committee.
9th WARD COMMITTEE We endorse reelecting your division’s Democratic committee people, Kenneth Espejo and Susan Miller, to a 4-year term in the 9th Ward. We appreciate your support!
CHARTER CHANGE BALLOT QUESTIONS The 9th Ward recommends “yes” votes on all four ballot initiatives: (1) amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to increase the number of mayoral appointees to the Zoning Board of Adjustment from five to seven; (2) amending the Charter to remove all gender-based references; (3) amending the Educational Supplement to the Charter to remove all gender-based references; (4) amending the Charter to establish the Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission to adjudicate unfair rental practices and issues concerning landlord and tenant relationships.
9TH Ward Democratic Committee – Ken Espejo & Susan Miller
