Eric Sorensen

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Eric Sorensen for Congress!

Meet Eric Sorensen

Born and raised in Rockford, Eric Sorensen has deep roots in the community. His family cherished outdoor activities, like floating down the Kishwaukee River, a tradition they still continue. Influenced by his grandfathers, who served in WWII, he learned the value of service from a young age.

Eric Sorensen’s Personal Life

Currently, Eric lives in Moline with his partner, Shawn, and their two dogs, Oliver and Petey. They enjoy biking, kayaking, and exploring the culinary scene in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.

Value of Hard Work

As a child, Eric was terrified of storms, but “TV Eric,” the local weatherman, helped him feel safe. Inspired, Eric Sorensen became the Chief Meteorologist at WREX in Rockford at age 27. He started Project Tornado, educating 50,000 students about severe weather safety. After 11 years, Eric moved to Moline and spent seven years delivering weather to the Quad Cities.

Serving the Community

Eric came out during college at Northern Illinois University and received tremendous support from friends and family. However, he faced discrimination in his first job in Texas. His experiences in Rockford and the Quad Cities were different, allowing him to be openly gay on TV. He served on the boards of Clock, Inc and The Project of the Quad Cities, connecting vulnerable individuals to health services.

Eric Sorensen’s Bid for Congress

For 22 years, Eric served as a weatherman, dedicated to keeping the community safe and informed. His commitment to protecting the community stems from values instilled by his family. As a meteorologist, Eric Sorensen’s role was always about safeguarding neighbors. Now, Eric Sorensen is running for Congress to continue this mission, ensuring the well-being and safety of his community. Eric Sorensen aims to protect the values of service, hard work, and community safety that he has championed throughout his career.

Gabriel Vasquez

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Gabriel Vasquez for Congress!

Meet Gabriel Vasquez

Gabriel Vasquez grew up in Ciudad Juarez and New Mexico, spending time in his grandfather’s TV repair shop. This experience highlighted the importance of cross-border connections for families and businesses. He believes that Congress needs representatives who prioritize New Mexican families over partisan politics to strengthen the 2nd district’s economy.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

For over a decade, Gabe has dedicated himself to public service. In 2013, after building a successful startup in Las Cruces, he joined Senator Heinrich’s staff. There, he addressed issues for businesses, communities, and families. He played a key role in protecting the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument from harmful development.

Elected to the Las Cruces City Council in 2017 with over 70% of the vote, Gabe secured investments to improve parks, infrastructure, and create jobs. He also developed a plan to lift families out of poverty. His roles have included executive director of the Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce, public lands conservation advocate, and policy advocate for child welfare.

Addressing Economic Challenges

Gabe has seen the American Dream slipping away for many New Mexicans due to rising living costs, limited economic opportunities, and a tax code favoring the wealthy. He has also noted the lack of investment in rural and Native American communities and the tendency of politicians to prioritize Wall Street donors over their constituents.

Gabriel Vasquez’s Bid for Congress

Gabe is running for Congress to champion working families and build an inclusive economy. He aims to create high-quality jobs, address the rising cost of living, ensure affordable healthcare, combat climate change, and conserve public lands to boost the outdoor recreation economy. Gabe is committed to fighting for all New Mexicans to ensure they have opportunities to raise happy, healthy families and pass on their traditions. He is determined to represent New Mexico’s interests in Congress and deliver meaningful results.

Jahana Hayes

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Jahana Hayes for Congress!

Introduction

Jahana Hayes serves as the U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District. Elected in 2018, she is Connecticut’s first African-American Congresswoman. Jahana gained national attention as the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, awarded by President Barack Obama. In this role, she engaged with public education stakeholders nationwide to improve student outcomes.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Jahana’s journey from poverty and addiction to becoming a Congresswoman is inspirational. Becoming a mother at 17, she persevered, earning multiple degrees and excelling in teaching. She advocates fiercely for equitable education access, inspired by her own experiences. Her decision to run for office was driven by her desire to represent and advocate for her students and community members.

Jahanna Hayes’ Legislative Focus and Achievements

As a Congresswoman, Jahana Hayes focuses on several key issues. Serving on the House committees of Education and Labor, and Agriculture, her priorities include quality education, affordable healthcare, food security, labor rights, agriculture, and environmental protection. Additionally, she champions immigration reform, gun violence prevention, veterans’ issues, social justice, and improved transportation. Her bipartisan efforts aim to bring about significant positive changes.

Jahana Hayes’ Bid for Congress

Jahana Hayes exemplifies resilience and dedication. From overcoming personal challenges to advocating nationally for education and serving in Congress, her journey inspires many. Jahana continues to fight for her community, ensuring that all voices are heard and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Jahana Hayes is committed to continuing her Congressional work, addressing her constituents’ most pressing issues. Emphasizing equitable education, accessible healthcare, and comprehensive social justice reforms, her campaign reflects her dedication to public service and her desire to continue fighting for the residents of CT-05 at every turn. Jahana’s story and accomplishments highlight her commitment to making a difference and ensuring that every voice is heard in Washington.

Janelle Bynum

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Janelle Bynum for Congress!

About Janelle Bynum

Janelle Bynum, a mother of four and small business owner, knows her community well and works diligently for its betterment. Her commitment to public service and community development is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her parents, who were both teachers. They taught Janelle that education is the key to creating a better and safer world, a principle she has lived by throughout her life.

Janelle Bynum’s Personal Life and Career

Growing up in an inner-city neighborhood in Washington, DC, Janelle faced the threat of drug violence but remained focused on her education. She earned scholarships and worked hard to achieve her academic goals, ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Today, Janelle lives in Happy Valley with her husband, Mark, and their children. She operates her family’s small business, running four restaurants in the community. In these businesses, Janelle continues to embody the ideals taught to her early in life, mentoring her employees, providing scholarships for their education, and encouraging them to dream big.

Janelle Bynum’s Accomplishments as State Representative

Janelle’s dedication to public service extends to her role as a State Representative, where she has been a fierce advocate for her constituents. She has worked hard to lower the cost of prescription drugs, protect women’s reproductive freedom, safeguard LGBTQ+ rights, build more affordable housing, and address homelessness. Additionally, Janelle has taken on the climate crisis and sought to create pathways for all young people to succeed, whether through a four-year degree or career and technical education. Her willingness to stand up to anyone to ensure the well-being of Oregonians is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service.

Janelle Bynum’s Bid for Congress

Janelle Bynum is running for Congress to continue her dedication to her community on a larger scale. Her campaign is focused on making Oregon a place where everyone can thrive. She aims to bring her experience as a small business owner and state legislator to the national stage, ensuring that every Oregonian has the opportunity to succeed. Janelle’s priorities include affordability, equity, and sustainable development. Her vision for the future includes a thriving economy, a protected environment, and a community where education and healthcare are accessible to all.

Dave Min

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Dave Min for Congress!

Dave Min’s Background and Early Life

Dave Min is a first-generation Korean American whose parents emigrated from Korea in 1971. They settled in California, where they raised Dave and his brother. Dave’s early career included roles as an enforcement attorney at the SEC, an economic advisor to Senator Chuck Schumer, and the economic policy director at the Center for American Progress. He later returned to California as a business law professor at UC Irvine School of Law.

Dave Min’s Personal Life

Dave met his wife Jane at Harvard Law School. Jane teaches Family Law, runs the Domestic Violence Clinic, and founded UC Irvine’s Initiative to End Family Violence. Together, they have passed eight bills protecting domestic violence survivors. They are raising their three children in Irvine, appreciating the district’s vibrance, diversity, and excellent weather.

Dave Min’s Accomplishments in the State Senate

Dave Min serves Orange County in the California State Senate. Over the past three years, he has ended gun shows at the Orange County Fairgrounds, secured $2.1 billion in COVID-19 relief grants for small businesses, and made California the first state to recognize reproductive coercion as domestic violence. He has also secured nearly $80 million for wildfire prevention, outdoor space preservation, and green innovation. As a State Senator, Dave has focused on critical issues affecting Orange County and California. His efforts include ending gun shows at the fairgrounds, securing COVID-19 relief funds, and recognizing reproductive coercion as domestic violence. Additionally, he has addressed climate change by obtaining significant funding for wildfire prevention, outdoor space preservation, and green innovation.

Dave Min’s Bid for Congress

Dave Min is running for Congress to ensure California remains a place where everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream. His priorities include safeguarding the environment, promoting education, and ensuring the safety of children. He aims to bring the spirit of openness and innovation to Washington, representing the best of California and America.

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.

 

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.