John Mannion

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse John Mannion for Congress!

Meet John Mannion

John Mannion, rooted in Central New York, traces his family’s history back to his grandparents’ immigration from Ireland a century ago. Mannion’s father worked at the New York Central Railroad for 42 years, and his mother at the New York Telephone Company. Both John and his spouse, Jen, have dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching, deeply ingrained in the community where they raised their children.

John Mannion’s Career in Education

With a strong commitment to education, Mannion served as an AP Biology and Chemistry teacher at West Genesee and the Syracuse City School District. Frustrated by declining funding and challenging state government decisions, he decided to run for the State Senate to effect change. John Mannion’s tenure as a public-school science teacher shaped their perspective on the importance of supporting education and community development.

John Mannion’s Achievements in State Senate

Elected to the State Senate, John Mannion has a proven record of bipartisan collaboration and impactful legislation. Mannion led the effort to pass the Green Chips legislation, instrumental in bringing Micron to Syracuse, promising 60,000 new high-paying jobs. He also accelerated middle-class tax cuts and provided property tax relief, aiding families in saving money. Additionally, John established the first new police department in New York in half a century at Syracuse airport, enhancing safety and accommodating future growth. His legislative achievements also include protecting women’s rights to make personal healthcare decisions.

Bid for Congress

John Mannion aims to extend his service to Congress, representing Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Mannion emphasizes the need for a representative who prioritizes the region’s needs and collaborates across party lines to achieve meaningful outcomes. Mannion’s congressional agenda includes creating well-paying jobs, reducing costs for working families, supporting veterans, improving public safety, ensuring world-class education, and upholding women’s rights. Drawing on their success in the State Senate, he pledges to continue delivering results for their community in Congress.

Pat Ryan

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Pat Ryan for Congress!

Meet Pat Ryan

Pat Ryan is a fifth-generation Ulster County native, combat veteran, small business owner, U.S. Congressman, and former County Executive. He lives in Gardiner, New York, with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children, Theo and Cameron. Growing up in Kingston, his parents, Patti, a public school teacher, and Kevin, a small business owner, instilled in Pat the importance of giving back to the community and caring for those most in need.

Career and Public Service

After graduating from Kingston High School, Pat attended West Point and served as an Army intelligence officer during two combat tours in Iraq. After his military service, he founded a technology company that grew to over 150 employees, managing a $25 million budget and creating job training programs for veterans. His leadership emphasized worker-friendly policies, like paid family leave, and providing high-paying jobs for veterans without college degrees.

In 2019, Pat was elected Ulster County Executive, where he led the county through the pandemic. His accomplishments included revitalizing the former IBM site, offering financial relief to local businesses, and investing in affordable housing and mental health services—all without raising taxes.

Pat Ryan’s Mission in Congress

Now running for U.S. Congress, Pat Ryan is guided by the values of Duty, Honor, and Country, instilled in him at West Point. He believes in holding leaders accountable and delivering tangible results for New York families. With threats to democracy and women’s healthcare rights, Pat is dedicated to defending these freedoms and fighting corruption in Washington. His lifelong dedication to service continues as he strives to protect the rights and well-being of the people of New York.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress!

Meet Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is committed to creating a country that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. As the Congresswoman representing New York’s 14th District, she has become a national figure for progressive change and social justice. From her humble beginnings in The Bronx to her rise as a political leader, Alexandria’s journey is rooted in her commitment to working families and everyday Americans.

Early Life and Education

Born in The Bronx to working-class parents, Alexandria’s upbringing was shaped by the values of hard work and community. Her father was a small business owner and architect, while her mother, originally from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, cleaned homes to support the family. Seeking better educational opportunities for their children, Alexandria’s parents moved the family to Yorktown Heights, 30 miles north of the city. Commuting between The Bronx and school highlighted to Alexandria how much opportunities were influenced by one’s ZIP code.

Alexandria attended Boston University, where she studied Economics and International Relations. Her sophomore year brought tragedy when her father passed away from cancer at just 48 years old, leaving the family struggling with medical debt and facing foreclosure. These experiences inspired Alexandria to seek an internship with Sen. Ted Kennedy, where she saw firsthand how policy could impact people’s lives. Upon graduating, she returned to The Bronx and worked as an Educational Director for the National Hispanic Institute, mentoring youth in leadership and social enterprise. While pursuing her passion for education and community work, Alexandria also worked long hours in restaurants to support her family.

Political Awakening and Congressional Victory

Following Donald Trump’s election in 2016, Alexandria felt a deep responsibility to take action. She traveled to Standing Rock, where indigenous communities were protesting the construction of a dangerous pipeline. This experience solidified her resolve to enter public service. Running as a political outsider, she faced a heavily funded incumbent but ultimately won her primary in June 2018. Alexandria went on to become the first woman of color to represent New York’s 14th District and the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, where she continues to champion progressive causes and fight for working families.

John Avlon

MoveOn is Proud to Endorse John Avlon for Congress!

Meet John Avlon

John Avlon is a native New Yorker and the grandson of immigrants. Inspired by their journey, he has a deep love for the country and a belief that the blessings of America should never be taken for granted. For over a decade, Avlon has been warning about the threats to democracy through his books, columns, and television appearances. This election is a critical moment for the country, and that’s why John is running for Congress in New York’s 1st District — to defeat the extreme MAGA agenda, defend democracy, and win back the House.

Standing for Democracy

As a familiar face on CNN, Real Time with Bill Maher, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, John Avlon has consistently spoken out against the extremism dividing America. He has called for focusing on common facts and finding common ground to solve the country’s most pressing problems. As an author and presidential historian, Avlon has documented periods of American history where democracy was at risk, and believes that unifying leadership, coupled with citizens taking responsibility for their country, is crucial. His work emphasizes that in difficult times, it’s essential to confront division with hope and facts.

Fighting for Long Island

John Avlon has long cherished the East End of Long Island, from its historic villages to its world-renowned beaches. He and his wife, who first lived in their home after they married, know how special this community is. Today, however, the values that define Suffolk County are under attack by radical agendas. Avlon knows that bipartisanship is key, and he’s ready to tackle the issues threatening democracy, women’s rights, and the environment. He advocates for federal investment in climate change solutions, better transportation, and policies that lower the cost of living for working families. Above all, Avlon is committed to standing up for democracy and ensuring that truth prevails over lies.

John Avlon is running for Congress to defend the principles that have made America strong and to stand up for what is right.

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.