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Status: Frontline House

Tony Vargas

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Tony Vargas for Congress!

Background and Values

Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for the past decade. He learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who sacrificed everything for a brighter future for their children. Family dinners were a staple, where his parents encouraged him to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”

Public Service Career

Tony began his career in public service and has dedicated himself to improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. Starting in 2013, he served on the Omaha Public Schools Board and then moved on to the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony is known for his civility and willingness to work with anyone to achieve results for Nebraska’s workers and small businesses. He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen public schools, improve healthcare access, promote technology and innovation, and enhance consumer protections.

Tony Vargas’ Education and Early Career

Tony, the first in his family to graduate from college, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester and a Master’s in Education from Pace University. He began his professional journey as a public-school teacher, earning accolades such as “Most Outstanding Teacher” and “Teacher of the Year.” His career spans roles in the non-profit and education sectors, focusing on improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for thousands of children across the United States.

Tony Vargas’ Personal Life and Community Involvement

Tony and his wife, Lauren, reside in Omaha with their two young children, Ava and Luca. They are active parishioners of St. Frances Cabrini Church, where they were married. Tony’s commitment to his community is reflected in both his professional and personal life, where he continues to strive for the betterment of those around him.

Tony Vargas’ Congressional Bid

Tony Vargas is now running for Congress with a commitment to represent the interests of Nebraskans at the national level. He aims to bring his experience in public service and his dedication to community values to Washington, D.C. His campaign focuses on improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Nebraskans. Tony believes in working across party lines to achieve meaningful results and is dedicated to being a strong voice for his constituents in Congress.

Josh Riley

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Josh Riley for Congress!

Josh Riley’s Upbringing

Josh Riley, born and raised in Endicott, New York, comes from a working-class family with deep roots in local factories. His upbringing in a resilient community shaped his values of hard work and perseverance. Josh’s mother served as a probation officer, and his sister is a public school teacher, reinforcing his commitment to public service.

About Josh Riley’s Family

Josh is married to Monica, a Washington, DC native with Indian and Ecuadorian heritage. Monica works in the technology sector and they have a two-year-old son. The family’s diverse background and commitment to public service underscore Josh’s dedication to his community and country.

Josh Riley’s Career

Josh graduated with honors from the College of William & Mary and Harvard Law School. He began his career in public service as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Maurice Hinchey and a Fellow on Senator Ted Kennedy’s Labor & Pensions Committee. He worked at the U.S. Department of Labor, focusing on strengthening safety nets, and volunteered in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. After law school, he partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics on a civil rights lawsuit and served as a law clerk for Judge Kim Wardlaw on the U.S. Court of Appeals.

In Washington, Josh served as General Counsel to Senator Al Franken on the Senate Judiciary Committee, successfully passing legislation to protect domestic violence survivors and address the opioid epidemic. He also worked on restoring the Voting Rights Act and combating corporate mergers. In private practice, he filed briefs in the Supreme Court advocating for campaign finance reform, healthcare, religious liberty, and veterans’ benefits.

2022 Campaign – Josh Riley for Congress

In 2021, Josh launched his first campaign for office, winning the 2022 primary election by over 25 points. His campaign focused on grassroots support, making significant voter contacts and outperforming other Democratic House campaigns in New York. Despite being a first-time candidate, Josh received 49.22% of the vote, making it one of the closest congressional elections in the country.

Josh Riley’s Bid for Congress

Josh Riley is running for Congress to give working families a fair shot. Rejecting corporate PAC money, he aims to fight for neighborhoods like his own. His vision includes strengthening the middle class, protecting Medicare and Social Security, addressing climate change, ensuring community safety, and defending democracy. Josh believes in Upstate New York’s potential to rise to challenges and is committed to representing its values in Congress.

 

Kirsten Engel

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Kirsten Engel for Congress!

Early Life and Education

Kirsten Engel learned the importance of community service and environmental protection early on. She graduated with honors from Brown University and Northwestern University’s School of Law. Her early career included positions at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she observed the significant influence of bureaucratic red tape and corporate lobbyists.

Personal Life

Kirsten is married to Scott Saleska, a climate scientist at the University of Arizona. They enjoy Arizona’s hiking trails and jogging on the Rillito during weekends. Their daughter, Helene, recently started college. Kirsten’s commitment to her community and environment reflects in her professional and personal life, driving her congressional campaign to bring positive change to Arizona.

Professional Career

Kirsten specialized in environmental and administrative law, filing an amicus brief in the first U.S. Supreme Court case recognizing greenhouse gas emissions’ impact on climate change. She also fought for lead-paint hazard warnings and managed a brownfield renovation program. Kirsten has taught at Tulane, Harvard, and currently at the University of Arizona, where she co-directs the Environmental Law Program.

Kirsten Engel’s Legislative Career

Kirsten’s involvement in her daughter’s school made her aware of the Arizona Legislature’s underfunding of education, motivating her to run for the State House. As a legislator, she fought against education cuts, advocated for affordable community colleges, and promoted workforce development programs. She also protected water supplies, clean energy, and pursued criminal justice reforms. Kirsten opposed attacks on abortion and voting rights, standing up for democracy.

Kirsten Engel’s Bid for Congress

Kirsten is running for Congress to ensure access to affordable healthcare and protect the environment. She aims to support Arizona families and small businesses, fostering an economy with opportunities for everyone. In Washington, Kirsten will continue her advocacy for quality education, clean energy, and democratic rights.

Susan Altman

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Susan Altman for Congress!

Early Life and Education

Susan Altman is a proud native of New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She grew up on Center Street in Clinton, attended Clinton Public School and Voorhees High School, and currently resides in Lambertville, Hunterdon County. Sue was a standout basketball player, leading her high school team to local championships and playing college basketball at Columbia University. She also played professionally abroad and earned two graduate degrees from Oxford University in International Policy and Business.

Personal Life

Susan Altman’s deep roots in her community and her dedication to public service define her personal and professional life. Her experiences as an athlete, educator, and advocate shape her vision for a better future for New Jersey. Sue’s passion for her home district and her relentless fight for justice and fairness make her a compelling candidate for Congress.

Professional Career

Sue transitioned from a successful basketball career to becoming a teacher and coach. She led two teams to state championships and became deeply involved in advocating for New Jersey’s schools and students. Sue stood up against then-Governor Chris Christie to protect teachers and combat cuts to public education.

Susan Altman’s Advocacy and Leadership

For several years, Sue has served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting political corruption in Trenton. She has fearlessly opposed corrupt actors in both parties and fought against the misuse of taxpayer dollars.

Susan Altman’s Bid for Congress

Sue Altman is running for Congress to bring her strong advocacy and leadership skills to the national stage. Her campaign focuses on fighting corruption, protecting public education, and ensuring that the needs of her community are met. Sue’s commitment to New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District drives her bid to represent her constituents in Washington.

Laura Gillen

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Laura Gillen for Congress!

Early Life and Education

Laura Gillen grew up in Baldwin, New York, where she volunteered at South Nassau Communities Hospital and Camp Anchor. Her passion for public service was ignited during her time at Georgetown University as a George Baker Scholar, emphasizing leadership and community service. After graduating, Laura volunteered with GMHC during the height of the AIDS epidemic, advocating for those affected by the disease. Her dedication led her to Kolkata, where she worked with St. Mother Teresa.

Laura Gillen’s Personal Life

Laura Gillen is dedicated to her community, continuing to live in Hunterdon County, Lambertville. Her lifelong commitment to public service and her extensive experience in law and local government make her a strong candidate for Congress, poised to bring positive change to New York families.

Professional Career – Laura Gillen

Laura Gillen attended Georgetown Law Center and NYU School of Law, becoming a litigator at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, LLP, where she represented domestic violence victims pro bono. She later joined the Westerman firm in Nassau County. In 2017, Laura became the first Democrat elected as Hempstead Town Supervisor in 112 years, managing a $500 million budget. She focused on reducing waste, corruption, and taxes, making the government more transparent and accountable.

Accomplishments as Hempstead Town Supervisor

As Hempstead Town Supervisor, Laura revitalized infrastructure, addressed public water contaminants, and passed legislation on sexual harassment and veterans’ benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered with All Hands and Hearts, distributing PPE to local entities. Laura’s leadership extended to her role as an adjunct professor of law at Hofstra University.

Laura Gillen’s Bid for Congress

Laura is running for Congress to address the challenges faced by New York families, aiming to keep families safe, grow the economy, and make Nassau County an affordable place to live and raise a family. She plans to bring her experience in local government to the national stage, focusing on transparency, accountability, and community service. Laura’s campaign has garnered endorsements from labor unions, former Representatives Steve Israel and Carolyn McCarthy, EMILY’s List, and local leaders.

Andrea Salinas

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Andrea Salinas for Congress!

Meet Andrea Salinas

Andrea Salinas proudly represents Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, dedicated to fighting for the best interests of Oregonians in Congress. Believing in generational change, she draw inspiration from her own family’s journey from humble beginnings to achieving the American Dream.

Personal Background

Salinas’ father immigrated from Mexico in 1950, working in fields before joining the military and serving two tours in Vietnam. He later became a police officer, providing a middle-class life for the family. Andrea, taught the value of hard work by her parents, worked through college and became the first in the family to earn a degree.

Commitment to Family and Community

Motivated by the birth of their daughter 19 years ago, Salinas dedicated themselves to shaping a stronger, more equitable future. This determination drove them to fight for accessible, affordable, quality healthcare, including passing progressive reproductive health care policies in Oregon. Salinas also championed raising the minimum wage and passing progressive paid family leave legislation.

Andrea Salinas’ Legislative Achievements

In Congress, Salinas introduced and passed significant legislation, such as holding Big Pharma accountable, which led to lower prescription drug prices. She has consistently worked on the frontlines to level the playing field for all families, ensuring that the American Dream remains within reach.

Andrea Salinas’ Bid for Congress

Running for a second term, Andrea Salinas believes in the power of the American Dream and the potential for generational change. She is committed to providing families with the tools and freedoms needed to overcome today’s challenges and create a better future. Proud of her achievements alongside their family, Salinas vows to continue fighting for a brighter future for her daughter, her generation, and every family in Oregon. She hopes to continue building on her Congressional legacy by fighting for OR-06 families who are, like Salinas, trying to achieve the American Dream.

Adam Gray

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Adam Gray for Congress!

Meet Adam Gray

Born and raised in Merced, Adam Gray worked in his family’s dairy supply and feed store. During the Great Recession, he decided to be part of the solution by running for the State Assembly, where he represented Merced and Stanislaus Counties for a decade, starting in 2012.

Adam Gray’s Legislative Career

In the State Legislature, Adam championed bipartisan, commonsense solutions. He led the New Democratic Caucus and founded the California Problem Solvers Caucus, addressing critical issues like homelessness, the pandemic, and drought.

Adam Gray’s Water Rights Advocacy

Adam led the fight against the State Water Grab, organizing significant rallies and passing legislation to block harmful initiatives. His efforts resulted in nearly $3 billion for new water storage, $200 million for canal repairs, and $60 million for groundwater basin support.

Adam Gray’s Healthcare and Public Safety Initiatives

To address the shortage of doctors, Adam secured over $200 million for a joint medical school at UC Merced and UCSF-Fresno, enrolling its first class in 2023. He also passed legislation to extend rural health clinic hours. During Merced County’s peak murder rate, he secured $4.5 million for a gang violence reduction program, resulting in significant arrests and ammunition seizures. Additionally, he passed laws to curb catalytic converter theft and increase penalties for shoplifting rings.

Adam Gray’s Infrastructure and Economic Contributions

Adam secured $400 million to extend the ACE train to Modesto and Merced, and passed legislation to protect funding for county fairs and FFA programs. He also increased tax credits for small businesses and eliminated the Tractor Tax on farm equipment before his election to the Legislature.

Adam Gray’s Bid for Congress

Adam Gray has consistently fought and delivered for the Valley, prioritizing community needs over partisan politics. If elected to Congress, he will continue this dedication. The 13th Congressional District includes all of Merced County and parts of Stanislaus, Madera, Fresno, and San Joaquin counties. Adam lives in the district, runs a small business, actively fights against the Water Grab, and teaches a class on the Legislature at UC Merced.

Lanon Baccam

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Lanon Baccam for Congress!

Meet Lanon Baccam

Lanon Baccam, a combat veteran and dedicated public servant, has strong ties to rural Iowa. His parents emigrated from Laos in 1980 and worked at the Mackay Envelope factory. Born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Lanon enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at 17 to serve his state and country.

Lanon Baccam’s Personal Life and Military Service

In response to the 9/11 attacks, Lanon served in Afghanistan in 2004 as a combat engineer with the Iowa National Guard. His responsibilities included explosive demolitions and force protection in Kandahar. After his military service, Lanon utilized the GI Bill to attend Drake University, furthering his education and preparing for a career in public service.

Lanon Baccam’s Professional Career

Lanon’s career in public service began at the USDA, where he worked under former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. His efforts focused on supporting veterans, expanding job opportunities in the agriculture sector, and promoting training and entrepreneurship for veterans transitioning to agricultural careers. He played a pivotal role in implementing bipartisan investments, such as expanding rural access to high-speed internet, which created good-paying jobs and reduced costs for American families.

Contributions and Achievements

Lanon’s work at the USDA also involved enhancing programs that benefited rural communities and veterans. He was instrumental in expanding pathways to employment in the agriculture industry and supporting training initiatives. His dedication to improving the lives of veterans and rural Americans earned him recognition and respect within the community.

Lanon Baccam’s Bid for Congress

Lanon Baccam is running for Congress to ensure that all Iowans have the opportunities his family received. His campaign focuses on creating good-paying jobs, ensuring affordable healthcare, protecting women’s reproductive freedoms, and providing a dignified retirement for all. As a veteran, public servant, and father, Lanon is committed to representing Iowans effectively in Washington. He believes in working across party lines to achieve meaningful results for his constituents.

Lanon Baccam’s Vision for Iowa

Lanon envisions an Iowa where everyone has access to the American Dream. He aims to address the rising cost of living, enhance economic opportunities, and invest in rural and Native American communities. His dedication to public service and his personal experiences drive his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Iowans. Lanon Baccam is determined to fight for the rights and well-being of all his constituents in Congress.

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