DLCC Highlights Women to Watch in Early 2018

 

WASHINGTON — Coming off an impressive 2017 cycle in state politics, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is kicking off 2018 by highlighting six women candidates running in upcoming special elections around the country. These “women to watch” are running in some critical states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Florida where the DLCC will be focusing on flipping chambers in the midterm elections.

 

“State Democrats set high watermarks in 2017 by flipping 33 contested Republican seats,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “The DLCC is thrilled to continue our support of phenomenal women candidates and to use our reputation as the major player in legislative politics to highlight these races at the national level. With more Democratic women stepping up to run for office to champion access to health care, equal rights, climate protection, and quality education, our women are fighting to protect their communities from the extremist right-wing agenda coming out of Washington. The momentum we saw in 2017 continues to grow as we start off strong in 2018 with these upcoming special elections. We look forward to recruiting other strong candidates in districts across the country as we gear up for elections this November.”

 

Women to Watch in upcoming legislative special elections:
 

Tuesday, Jan. 16

• Patty Schachtner, Wisconsin SD-10 – County Medical Examiner and School Board member Patty knows firsthand the challenges Western Wisconsinites face when it comes to accessing health care and education funding. She’s ready to take her experience to the state Senate and flip this seat from red to blue.
• Rita DeJong, Iowa HD-06 – A leader both in and out of the classroom, Rita has devoted her life to her community. She’s spent 34 years as a teacher and school district principal and is ready to tackle Iowa’s health care challenges. A strong advocate for Iowan families, Rita will fight to flip this seat from red to blue.
• Cindy Boatwright, South Carolina HD-99 – After the previous Republican representative was suspended for corruption, Cindy stepped up to run and put an end to corruption in South Carolina’s Statehouse – and her background in business strategy and communications makes her ideal for the job. She is ready to flip this seat from red to blue and put her expertise to work for all South Carolinians.

Monday, Feb. 12

• Karla Bigham, Minnesota SD-54 – Karla is no stranger to public service – a Washington County Commissioner and former state Representative, she has already helped improve the quality of life in her community by championing long-term, sustainable transportation and infrastructure plans to creating new job opportunities, and by leading the charge to fully fund her local police department’s K9 unit.
• Melissa Wagner, Minnesota HD-23B – A social worker with strong support from local farmers, Melissa is ready to bring a fresh perspective and a bold new voice to a rural district that’s had Republican representation for far too long.

Tuesday, Feb. 13

• Margaret Good, Florida HD-72 – As the daughter of a priest and a nurse, Margaret found her commitment to serving her community at an early age. She’s spent her career fulfilling those values as an attorney and community leader, championing environmental protection, advocating for women’s health care rights, and fighting for equality and LGBTQ+ rights. She’s ready to flip this seat from red to blue and take her experience to the Florida House.