Democracy for America endorses Mckayla Wilkes’ rematch for Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District
(Vermont) -- Democracy for America (DFA) endorses Mckayla Wilkes for Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, ahead of her 2022 rematch against corporate Democrat Steny Hoyer. This is DFA’s first endorsement of the 2022 cycle.
A progressive Democrat who was raised in the district, Wilkes seeks to build upon the ground she gained during her first run for the office last year. Since then, she has launched the non-profit Schools Not Jails to focus on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and leverage her momentum as a voice for change. She believes in progressive policies like Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, criminal justice reform, expanded voting rights, and humane immigration.
“Democracy for America backed Mckayla last year when she shocked Maryland’s political establishment by building a people-powered movement strong enough to shake up a forty-year establishment machine,” said Yvette Simpson, CEO of Democracy for America. “We’re backing her once again and lending our full support to help her deliver a victory to Maryland’s Fifth District constituents.
“She knows the struggles that many Americans face because she’s faced them, too. Her will to serve and work to improve the lives of others is born of her own struggles. That’s the kind of candidate we are here to support. People who want to change the world for the better,” said Simpson.
“I am so honored that Democracy for America has endorsed our grassroots campaign here in Maryland's 5th Congressional District. Last cycle, our movement was able to beat Majority Leader Hoyer in the in-person vote by double digits,” said Mckayla Wilkes. “Working-class people in Maryland and across the country cannot wait any longer for bold action. We need representatives who will fight for racial, economic, and environmental justice. I am prepared and determined to be that representative.”
DFA has 3,151 members in Maryland's fifth Congressional district, 30,326 members in the state of Maryland, and more than one million members nationwide.