National group endorses robust slate eligible for up to $250,000 staff investment as part of effort to rally Democrats to vote
For Immediate Release
August 3, 2022
CHICAGO–Progressive Turnout Project is proud to announce the endorsement of 73 state legislative candidates across Iowa. These candidates are essential to gaining Democratic seats and standing against the Republicans’ extreme agenda for the state.
These endorsed candidates will be eligible to participate in Progressive Turnout Project’s Campaign Fellows Program, which will bring an investment of up to $250,000 to selected Iowa candidates by directly supporting campaigns with a paid staff member dedicated to voter contact. Adding just one full-time staff member can make all the difference, especially in state legislative races, which typically see less attention.
This kind of direct voter contact is how elections are won—and PTP is thrilled to offer this level of support to Iowa Democrats.
“We’re excited to partner with PTP and make sure voters get to the polls here in Iowa,” said Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Kornfrst. “Over the last several years, Republicans have put up new barriers that make it more difficult to vote by mail and in-person. Defending our democracy means making sure every vote counts when Iowans go to the polls in November.”
“This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime,” added Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls. “There is a lot at stake this election cycle, from reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and our children’s education. Having PTP as a partner will ensure that our candidates are able to reach voters in their district and empower them to vote in November. We are thrilled to have them as partners and look forward to winning seats in the Senate with them.”
Progressive Turnout Project is investing over $5 million to elect Democrats in state legislatures across the country to combat Republican attempts at undermining the future of our communities.
PTP’s full list of endorsements is included below and can be found on its website:
State Senate:
- Jackie Smith (SD 1)
- Lisa Fleishman (SD 11)
- Sarah Trone-Garriot (SD 14)
- Claire Celsi (SD 16)
- Izaah Knox (SD 17)
- Tyler Stewart (SD 19)
- Todd Brady (SD 21)
- Matt Pries (SD 23)
- Herman Quirmbach (SD 25)
- Sam Cox (SD 27)
- Whitney Mixdorf (SD 30)
- Matt Robinson (SD 33)
- Molly Donahue (SD 37)
- Todd Taylor (SD 40)
- Deb VanderGaast (SD 41)
- Jessica Wiskus (SD 42)
- Zach Wahls (SD 43)
- Janice Weiner (SD 45)
- Kevin Kinney (SD 46)
- Kathleen Figaro (SD 47)
State House of Representatives:
- JD Scholten (HD 1)
- Steve Hansen (HD 2)
- James Eliason (HD 6)
- Joseph Tillman (HD 9)
- Josh Turek (HD 20)
- Joe Kerner (HD 21)
- Diana Swartz (HD 25)
- Kenan Judge (HD 27)
- Sonya Heitshusen (HD 28)
- Megan Srinivas (HD 30)
- Mary Madison (HD 31)
- Jennifer Konfrst (HD 32)
- Ako Abdul-Samad (HD 34)
- Sean Bagniewski (HD 35)
- Austin Baeth (HD 36)
- Erick Zehr (HD 38)
- MacKenzie Bills (HD 40)
- Molly Buck (HD 41)
- Heather Matson (HD 42)
- Suresh Reddy (HD 43)
- John Forbes (HD 44)
- Bridget Montgomery (HD 46)
- Gary Overla (HD 47)
- Penny Vossler (HD 48)
- Beth Wessel-Kroeschel (HD 49)
- Ross Wilburn (HD 50)
- Sue Cahill (HD 52)
- Sarah Smith (HD 53)
- Sharon Steckman (HD 59)
- Timi Brown-Powers (HD 61)
- Tim Lecander (HD 63)
- Terry McGovern (HD 67)
- Jennifer Hansen (HD 69)
- Kay Pence (HD 70)
- Lindsay James (HD 71)
- Eric Gjerde (HD 74)
- Jeff Cooling (HD 77)
- Tracy Ehlert (HD 79)
- Art Staed (HD 80)
- Craig Cooper (HD 81)
- Kris Nall (HD 83)
- Sara Yedlik (HD 84)
- Amy Nielsen (HD 85)
- Dave Jacoby (HD 86)
- Elinor Levin (HD 89)
- Adam Zabner (HD 90)
- Phyllis Thede (HF 94)
- Shelly Elias (HD 96)
- Ken Croken (HD 97)
- Monica Kruth (HD 98)
- Rebecca Bowker (HD 100)
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Progressive Turnout Project is the largest voter contact organization in the country, specifically dedicated to mobilizing the Democratic Party and defending democracy. Our mission: Rally Democrats to Vote. Since 2015, our trained field staff, fellows, and volunteers have made more than 59 million voter contact attempts across 39 states. PTP is grassroots funded, with more than 2.3 million unique donors and an average contribution of $19.13.
