BREAKING: DFA ENDORSES KAREN CARTER PETERSON FOR CONGRESS IN LA-02

DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA ENDORSES KAREN CARTER PETERSON FOR CONGRESS IN LOUISIANA’S 2ND DISTRICT  

Veteran Democrat Has Track Record of Progressive Leadership, Putting People First

(Vermont) -- Democracy for America (DFA) endorses Karen Carter Peterson in the special election for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District. The primary is set for  March 20, 2021 and the runoff is scheduled for April 24, 2021.

A New Orleans native, Karen Carter Peterson has devoted her career to advocating for working families, racial justice, criminal justice reform, and underrepresented communities at both the state and national levels. 

Peterson worked with the Obama administration to expand access to Medicaid in Louisiana after the Republican governor refused to do so; and because of that, more than half a million Louisiana residents are now covered. She also fought back against a Louisiana version of the "heartbeat bill" as a member of the state legislature, and championed women's right to receive reproductive health care in opposition to a Democrat party leader. 

The open seat comes after Congressman Cedric Richmond resigned to join President Joe Biden’s administration as Senior Advisor. If elected, Karen Carter Peterson would become the first Black woman to ever represent her district in Congress if elected. 

“We are thrilled to kick off the first day of Black History Month endorsing Karen Carter Peterson for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District,” said Yvette Simpson, CEO, DFA. Carter Peterson is DFA’s fifth endorsement of the 2021 election cycle, all of which have been Black women.

 “Although the field is crowded in this open-seat special election, Karen stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of her extensive legislative experience and successes, and her unwavering commitment to the progressive values and issues we fight for every day at Democracy for America. 

“She’s a powerhouse, and no stranger to fighting uphill battles and making bold moves. She is exactly the kind of candidate we like to support because she doesn't let politics get in the way of putting people first. She has led on progressive causes in one of the most conservative states in this country and has never backed down. Representation matters in Congress, but so does bringing home results. Karen has proven she is the right person for the 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana right now.

“In Congress, we know that she’ll be a champion for Medicare for All, a robust response to the climate crisis, and a fierce advocate for racial, reproductive, and economic justice. We look forward to fighting alongside Karen for our shared values in her fast-approaching primary, and in the years to come.” -- Yvette Simpson, CEO, Democracy for America

“I’m honored to have the support of Democracy for America, an organization at the forefront of a movement that will return power back to the people. DFA’s work to train and empower people across the country and right here in Louisiana has been a game changer for progressive action. As Louisiana’s next Congresswoman, I'll always speak truth to power and fight for comprehensive COVID relief for working families, Medicare for All, and access to a quality education for all children. I’m looking forward to working with DFA members as we build a movement and win in Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District."  -- Karen Carter Peterson, DFA endorsed candidate for Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District.

Peterson spent a decade in the Louisiana State House of Representatives, another decade in the Louisiana State Senate, and served as chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party for eight years, the first woman and only the second Black person to hold the position. Until recently, Peterson served as vice chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Protection at the Democratic National Committee. 

DFA has 3,114 members in Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, 10,222 in the state of Louisiana, and more than one million members nationwide.