As genuine progressive candidates announce their run for election, they’re added to this list: “The REAL Progressive Candidates of 2021-2022.” These are the special men and women we want to elect, for a progressive Congress and for a civilized progressive nation.
LAST UPDATED: April 17, 2021
Table of Contents
Two REAL-ly Progressive Criteria
What qualities make a candidate REAL-ly progressive? There are two criteria:
- Real progressive candidates reject corporate money.
- Real progressive candidates support universal healthcare, like single-payer Medicare for All.
REAL progressive candidates, who reject corporate money AND fight for universal healthcare, also support an array of life-affirming, future-proofing policies that impact your health, your climate, your education, and much more.
REAL progressive candidates also fight for big, universal policies that include everyone. They’re not impressed by small concessions individually dribbled out to various minority groups — that manipulate “identity politics” to encourage competition between different groups of Americans and keep us divided.
REAL progressives know that nobody wins any meaningful social or financial benefit, unless we all stand together. REAL progressives understand that unity is the superpower of The People.
A Collection, Not an Endorsement
I received an email from a reader who mistook the “REAL Progressive Candidates” list as a form of endorsement, and was concerned about racial injustice. Let me be crystal clear. Being on this list is NOT an endorsement. Here’s how I explained it to her:
Thanks for contacting me, ▃▃▃.
I see how some people may misunderstand the “REAL Progressive Candidates” list. Here’s what it actually is: a collection, not a form of endorsement.
There are two criteria: 1) universal/M4A, and 2) no corporate money. If a candidate specifically supports both, they get on the list. The decision is objective, not a personal preference.
Objectivity is what makes the list a valuable discovery tool. It’s a springboard to a narrowed collection of political candidates who, at the least, express support for “REAL-ly” progressive policies.
The list is not an endorsement. In fact, if multiple progressive candidates in the same Congressional District meet the criteria, they all get on the list. However, the list page DOES provide a section on organizations that DO endorse.
You are the second reader who has taken the trouble to complain about [Candidate] ▃▃▃. See the Comments section. I encourage you to express your concerns in a public comment — so other readers, people who will be voting, may see your input.
Meanwhile, [the other] Candidate ▃▃▃ has not published a policy platform. I reached out to him on March 19, 2021 via Twitter, concerning his stand on universal healthcare and corporate money. He did not respond. I’ll try again, by a different path, in case he doesn’t keep up with Twitter.
There are many black progressives on the “REAL Progressive Candidates” list. Racial injustice isn’t why Candidate ▃▃▃ is unlisted. Should he validate his support of two really progressive policies, he’ll be added to the list of really progressive candidates.
I hope I’ve addressed your concerns about the list in a helpful way. And will leave you with this, there cannot be a more sound foundation for racial justice than objectivity.
Sincerely, JoAnn
How You Can Help
You can help the progressive movement by sharing this list of “Real Progressive Candidates” with your friends and family. Use it to inform, and to spur constructive political discussion that talks about real progressive candidates and real progressive policies.
You can help by telling me about the REAL Progressive Candidates running for office in your local area — so I can be sure to add them to the list. Use the Comment Section at the bottom of the page, or send me a private email with the contact form below.
REAL Progressive Candidate Submission Form
You can also help by volunteering your time to a REAL Progressive Candidate’s campaign, or by donating some money to several of your favorite candidates. They’re on the front lines, lifting the heavy weight, and we need to support them, because they represent us.
Finally, you can help by reminding yourself, and your friends, to vote in the primaries. First, we’ve got to get REAL Progressive Candidates nominated. Then, we can vote for them in the elections. It’s a two-step process!
If a candidate doesn’t manage to get on the election ballot, or drops out of the race, they’ll be removed from the REAL Progressive Candidates list. If a candidate loses, they’ll be lined out. If a candidate wins, I’ll put a “👍” after their name.
REAL Progressive Candidates, State-by-State
Please double-check the primary and election dates in your area. Always vote in the primary, to help select nominees for the following election.
Alabama – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
City Council, Montgomery District 3 – Marche Johnson (D) – April 27, 2021 runoff election
Alaska – REAL Progressive Candidates
Check back for more.
Mayor, Anchorage – Forrest Dunbar (D) – April 6, 2021 election, May 11, 2021 runoff election
School Board, Anchorage Seat G – Carl Jacobs – April 6, 2021 election✌
Arizona – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Come back for updates.
U.S. House, CD-03 – Raul Grijalva (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
Arkansas – REAL Progressive Candidates
Things are looking up!
U.S. Senate – Dan Whitfield (D) – November 8, 2022 election
California – REAL Progressive Candidates
So far, so good.
U.S. House, CD-08 – Derek Marshall (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-12 – Shahid Buttar (D) – Exploring, November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-12 – Jeffrey Phillips (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-17 – Ro Khanna (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-22 – Eric Garcia (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-22 – Phil Arballo (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-26 – Daniel Wilson (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-28 – Maebe A. Girl (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-29 – Angelica Dueñas (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-30 – Shervin Aazami (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-38 – Elizabeth Moreira (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-45 – Katie Porter (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022
U.S. House, CD-46 – Jestin Samson (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State Assembly, District 18 – Janani Ramachandran (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State Assembly, District 51 – Mia Porter (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State Assembly, District 64 – Fatima Iqbal-Zubair (D) – November 8, 2022 electionADEM 33 Delegate – Alexis DeJesus (D) – January 27, 2021 election
ADEM 64 Delegate – Angelo Cartas (D) – January 27, 2021 election
ADEM 73 Delegate – James Bacon (D) – January 27, 2021 election
ADEM 73 Delegate – Jenna Beck (D) – January 27, 2021 election
City Controller, Los Angeles – Kenneth Mejia (D)- June 7, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 3 – Yasmine Pomeroy (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 5 – Scott Epstein (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 5 – Katy Young Yaroslavsky (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 9 – David Cunningham (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 9 – Dulce Vasquez (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 13 – Albert Corado (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Los Angeles District 15 – Bryant Odega (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Colorado – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. House, CD-03 – Root Routledge (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-05 – Jeremy Dowell (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Arvada District At-Large – Lisa Smith (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Connecticut – REAL Progressive Candidates
Hope for more.
U.S. House, CD-01 – Muad Hrezi (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-03 – Justin Paglino (G) – November 8, 2022 election
Delaware – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip.
Florida – REAL Progressive Candidates
Check back for updates.
U.S. House, CD-20 – Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-20 – Emmanuel Morel (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-24 – Christine Olivo (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-26 – Juan Paredes (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State House, District 94 – Elijah Manley (D) – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, St. Petersburg – Richie Floyd (D) – August 24, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Georgia – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Hold on for more.
City Council, Atlanta District 4 – Rogelio Arcila (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Hawaii – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada.
Idaho – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip.
Illinois – REAL Progressive Candidates
Check back later for updates.
U.S. House, CD-03 – Marie Newman (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-08 – Junaid Ahmed (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-18 -(D) Michael Swanson – November 8, 2022 electionMayor, Aurora – John Laesch (D) – April 6, 2021 electionMayor, Evanston – Daniel Biss (D) – February 23, 2021 election✌
Mayor, Bloomington – Jackie Gunderson (D) – April 6, 2021 electionMayor, Peoria – Chama St. Lewis (D) – February 23, 2021 electionCity Council, Urbana Ward 5 – Chaundra Bishop (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌
Alderman, Aurora Ward 10 – Arjun Nair (D) – April 6, 2021 election
Alderman, DeKalb Ward 2 – John “JJ” Wett (D) – April 6, 2021 electionCounty School Board, McLean Unit 5 – Gavin Cunningham – April 6, 2021 electionTownship Supervisor, New Trier – Gail Schnitzer Eisenberg (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌
Trustee, Oak Park – Anthony Clark – April 6, 2021 election
Trustee, Palatine Township – Nathaniel Groh – April 6, 2021 election
School Board, Lincolnwood District 74 – Nasha Mohammed (D) – April 6, 2021 election
Indiana – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
U.S. House, CD-03 – John Stephens (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Iowa – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
Kansas – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada.
Kentucky – REAL Progressive Candidates
We’re getting somewhere.
U.S. Senate – Charles Booker (D) – exploring run in November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-02 – Hank Linderman (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-05 – Billy Hibbitts (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Louisiana – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. House, CD-02 – Belden Batiste (I) – March 20, 2021 special election
U.S. House, CD-02 – Gary Chambers (D) – March 20, 2021 special electionU.S. House, CD-02 – J. Christopher Johnson (D) – March 20, 2021 special electionU.S. House, CD-02 – Karen Carter Peterson (D) – April 24, 2021 runoff election
Maine – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nil.
Maryland – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Senate – Colin Byrd (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-01 – Mia Mason (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-05 – Mckayla Wilkes (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-06 – George Gluck (G) – November 8, 2022 election
Massachusetts – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
U.S. House, CD-07 – Ayanna Pressley (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 electionState Representative, 19th Suffolk District – Juan Jaramillo – March 2, 2021 election
City Council, Boston At-Large – Alex Gray (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Boston District 4 – Nikkia Jean-Charles (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Boston District 6 – Kendra Hicks (D) – November 2, 2021 election
School Committee, Cambridge – Ayesha Wilson (D) – November 2, 2021 electionSchool Committee, Milford – RJ Sheedy (D) – April 6, 2021 election
City Council, Newton Ward 1 – Madeline Ranalli (D) – March 16, 2021 special election
Michigan – REAL Progressive Candidates
A start.
U.S. House, CD-10 – Brian Jaye (D) – November 8, 2022
U.S. House, CD-13 – Rashida Tlaib (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022
City Council, Chelsea – Tony Iannelli – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Lansing Ward 2 – Nick Zande (D) – November 9, 2021 election
Minnesota – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
More to come.
U.S. House, CD-05 – Ilhan Omar (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-07 – Ernest Joseph Oppegaard-Peltier (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Mississippi – REAL Progressive Candidates
Mayor, Jackson – Chokwe Antar Lumumba (D) incumbent – June 8, 2021 election
Missouri – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
U.S. Senate – Lucas Kunce (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-01 – Cori Bush (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
Mayor, St Louis – Tishaura Jones (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌City Board, St Louis Ward 7 – Shedrick Kelley (D) – April 6, 2021 electionCity Board, St Louis Ward 12 – Bill Stephens (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌
City Board, St Louis Ward 13 – Anne Schweitzer – April 6, 2021 election✌
City Board, St Louis Ward 17 – Tina Pihl (D) (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌
City Council, Columbia Ward 2 – Andrea Warner – April 6, 2021 election✌
Montana – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada.
Nebraska – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip.
Nevada – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Senate – Allen Rheinhart – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House – Rahul Joshi (D) – November 8, 2022 election
New Hampshire – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch.
New Jersey – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Check for more Lefties later.
Governor – Joanne Kuniansky (SWP) – November 2, 2021 election
Lt. Governor – Candace Wagner (SWP) – November 2, 2021 election
New Mexico – REAL Progressive Candidates
Come back for more updates
U.S. House, CD-01 – Francisco Fernandez (D) – June 1, 2021 special election, Democratic Central Committee chose their nominee
U.S. House, CD-01 – Selinda Guerrero (D) – June 1, 2021 special election, Democratic Central Committee chose their nominee
U.S. House, CD-01 – Patricia Roybal Caballero (D) – June 1, 2021 special election, Democratic Central Committee chose their nominee
U.S. House, CD-01 – Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D) – March 31 runoff election
U.S. House, CD-01 – Victor Reyes (D) – June 1, 2021 special election, Democratic Central Committee chose their nominee
New York – REAL Progressive Candidates
So far, so good.
U.S. House, CD-09 – Isiah James (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-11 – Brittany Ramos DeBarros (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-12 – Rana Abdelhamid (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-14 – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-16 – Jamaal Bowman (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-17 – Mondaire Jones (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-21 – Ezra Watson (D) – November 8, 2022 election
New York City is using Ranked Choice Voting in its 2021 primaries and elections.
(For the very first time. Yea!)
District Attorney, Manhattan – Tahanie Aboushi – November 2, 2021 election
Mayor, NYC – Dianne Morales – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Mayor, Saratoga Springs – David Snyder – November 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 1 – Christopher Marte (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 5 – Tricia Shimamura (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 6 – Sara Lind (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 7 – Marti Allen-Cummings – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 7 – Maria Ordoñez (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 11 – Mino Lora (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 13 – Marjorie Velázquez (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 14 – Pierina Sanchez (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 14, NE – Adolfo Abreu (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 15 – Elisa Crespo (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 15 – Lachmi Devi Gopal (D) – March 23, 2021 special election
City Council, NYC District 16 – Althea Stevens (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 18 – Amanda Farias (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 22 – Tiffany Cabán (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 23 – Jaslin Kaur (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 electionCity Council, NYC District 24 – Moumita Ahmed (D) – February 2, 2021 special electionCity Council, NYC District 25 – Shekar Krishnan -(D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 27 – Natasha Williams (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 29 – Aleda Gagarin – (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 30 – Juan Ardila (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 31 – Selvena Brooks-Powers (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 32 – Shaeleigh Severino (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 32 – Felicia Singh (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 33 – Elizabeth Adams (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 33 – Lincoln Restler (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 35 – Michael Hollingsworth (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 35 – Crystal Hudson (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 36 – Chi Ossé (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 37 – Sandy Nurse (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 38 – Jacui Painter (D) – June 2, 2021 election
This is a grassroots, people powered campaign that’s only possible because of small community donations. We do not accept any money from corporate PACs, corporate lobbyists, real estate developers, fossil fuel companies, Police unions, racist, sexist, anti-LGBTQ or xenophobic organizations, and any for-profit entity.
~ Jacui Painter
City Council, NYC District 38 – Alexa Avilés (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 39 – Shahana Hanif (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 39 – Brandon West (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 40 – Kenya Handy-Hilliard (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 42 – Wilfredo Florentino (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 48 – Amber Adler (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 49 – Amoy Barnes (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 45 – Anthony Beckford (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 47 – Steven Patzer (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Common Council, Syracuse District 5 – Kristin Andrzejewski (D)- June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
County Board, Otsego District 14, NY – Jill Basile (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Borough President, Manhattan – Lindsey Boylan (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
North Carolina – REAL Progressive Candidates
Amazing grace!
U.S. Senate – Ava Edwards (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. Senate – Erica Smith (D) – November 8, 202 election
North Dakota – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
Ohio – REAL Progressive Candidates
America is watching Ohio for “REAL” progress.
U.S. Representative, CD-01 – Savanna Redden (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. Representative, CD-11 – Nina Turner (D) – August 3, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 special election
U.S. Representative, CD-15 – Dan Kilgore (D) – November 8, 2022 election
The Democratic Party can’t just whisper sweet nothings anymore.
~ Nina Turner
City Council, Bowling Green Ward 1 – Nick Rubano (D) – May 4, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Trustee, Franklin Township – Aryeh Alex (D) – May 4, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Oklahoma – REAL Progressive Candidates
We’re watching, Oklahoma. More progressives, please.
City Council, Oklahoma City Ward 1 – Megan Scott (D) – February 9, 2021 primary, April 6, 2021 election
Oregon – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip.
Pennsylvania – REAL Progressive Candidates
PA is trying to elect more progressives!
District Attorney, Philadelphia – Larry Krasner – May 18, 2021 election
U.S. Senate – John Fetterman (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-02 – Salem Snow (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-03 – Alexandra Hunt (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Mayor, Monessen – Matt Shorraw (incumbent)
Court of Common Pleas Judge, Philadelphia – Cortez Patton – May 18, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
County Council, Allegheny District 9 – Steven Singer – May 18, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Easton District 3 – Taiba Sultana – May 18, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Pittsburgh District 4 – Connor Mulvaney (G) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Pittsburgh District 4 – Bethani Cameron (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Rhode Island – REAL Progressive Candidates
It’s looking up.
Lt. Governor – Aaron Regunberg (D) – November 8, 2022 election
South Carolina – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
South Dakota – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada.
Tennessee – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
U.S. House, CD-05 – Odessa Kelly (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Texas – REAL Progressive Candidates
Progressive Ballot Initiatives:
- Vote “NO” on Proposition B, to stop homelessness from becoming a criminal offense – Austin – May 1, 2021 election
- Vote “YES” on Proposition D, to elect Mayor in presidential years to maximize turnout – Austin – May 1, 2021 election
- Vote “YES” on Proposition E, for Ranked Choice Voting – Austin – May 1, 2021 election
- Vote “YES” on Proposition F and G, to transfer city manager’s duties to elected mayor – Austin – May 1, 2021 election
- Vote “YES” on Proposition H, for Democracy Dollars – Austin – May 1, 2021 election
U.S. House, CD-18 – Charles Thompson (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-21 – Scott Sturm (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-30 – Jessica Mason (D) – November 8, 2022 election
Mayor, Fort Worth – Deborah Peoples (D) – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, Arlington District 3 – Diana Saleh (D) – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, Dallas District 7 – Adam Bazaldua (D) incumbent – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, Dallas District 11 – Hosanna Yemiru (D) – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, Fort Worth District 2 – Jen Sarduy (D) incumbent – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, San Antonio District 2 – Jalen Mckee-Rodriguez (D) – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, San Antonio District 5 – Teri Castillo (D) – May 1, 2021 election
Utah – REAL Progressive Candidates
Hang on for more.
U.S. Senate, CD-02 – Allen Glines (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-02 – Phelan Acheson (I) – November 8, 2022 election
Vermont – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch.
Virginia – REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
Governor – Princess Blanding (I) – November 2, 2021 election
Governor – Lee Carter (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Commonwealth Attorney, Norfolk – Ramin Fatehi – June 8, 2021 election
Commonwealth Attorney, Portsmouth – Stephanie Morales – June 8, 2021 election
U.S. House, CD-11 – Ally Dalsimer (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State Assembly, District 34 – Jennifer Adeli (D) – November 2, 2021 election
State Assembly, District 45 – Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D) – November 2, 2021 election
State Assembly, District 49 – Karishma Mehta (D) – November 2, 2021 election
State Assembly, District 71 – Richard Walker (D) – November 2, 2021 election
State Assembly, District 86 – Ibraheem Samirah (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Alexandria – Alyia Gaskins -(D) – June 8, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Washington – REAL Progressive Candidates
Fingers crossed for more progressives.
U.S. House, CD-02 – Jason Call (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-03 – Lucy Lauser (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. House, CD-07 – Pramila Jayapal (D) incumbent – November 8, 2022 election
City Council, Spokane District 3 Position 2 – Zack Zappone (D) – August 3, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
West Virginia – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nil.
Wisconsin – REAL Progressive Candidates
Woo-hoo!
U.S. Senate – Thomas Nelson (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State Superintendent of Public Instruction – Jill Underly (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌Common Council, Madison District 2 – Benji Ramirez Gomez (D) – April 6, 2021 electionSchool Board, Madison Metropolitan Seat 1 – Maia Pearson (D) – April 6, 2021 election✌
Common Council, Madison District 12 – Tessa Echeverria (D) – April 6, 2021 election
Common Council, Madison District 13 – David Hoffert (D) – April 6, 2021 electionCounty Board of Supervisors, Milwaukee District 10 – Darrin Madison (D) – April 6, 2021 election
School Board, Milwaukee District 4 – Dana Kelley (D) – April 6, 2021 election
School Board, Milwaukee District 5 – Alex Brower (D) – April 6, 2021 election
Wyoming – REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero.
Giving: For a REAL Progressive Country
REAL progressive candidates are doing their part. They expend personal time, energy, and financial resources in order to run for office — so they may represent us. We must do our part…
To help elect a REAL progressive to Congress, please make a small donation to all the REAL progressive candidates on the list who are running for national office. Give extra to your favorite REAL progressive candidates, whether they’re running in your state or not. And, most generously support your local REAL progressive candidates. ❤️
Official Endorsements of REAL Progressive Candidates
Being listed on “REAL Progressive Candidates” is not an endorsement. But the following progressive organizations DO make official political endorsements — for national candidates, down-ballot candidates, even some decent Democratic candidates (for when REAL progressive candidates are not available), and local ballot initiatives.
- 350.org (strong climate policy)
- Bold Progressives
- Brand New Congress
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Courage to Change PAC
- Democracy for America
- Democratic Socialists of America
- Flip the Senate
- Friends of the Earth (strong climate policy)
- Green New Deal Slate
- Green Party US
- Indivisible
- Justice Democrats
- Local Berniecrats
- Move On
- National Nurses United
- Our Revolution
- Peace Action (diplomatic foreign policy)
- Progressive Democrats of America
- Progressive Rising
- Progressive Turnout Project
- Progressive Voters Guide (it lists a candidate’s various endorsements)
- Real Justice (Progressive state and city prosecutors)
- Run for Something
- Warren Democrats
- Working Families Party
Check out the super progressives who won office in 2020.
Tips for a Great Campaign Website
I’ve visited 1000s of campaign websites — with the intention of learning more about a candidate. Please allow me to offer feedback on what makes a great campaign website.
First of all, have a website. Where else can you publish your policy platform, so people can find it? Consider your website the hub of your online campaign. REAL Progressive candidates aren’t afraid of transparency.
Second of all, have a platform. People aren’t going to vote for you because of your nice smile. (Your opponent has a nice smile, too.) REAL progressive candidates build REAL progressive platforms. Prove it. Publish your platform.
With a campaign website to host your policy platform, REAL progressive candidates are 90% of the way there. A few more niceties will make your campaign website shine:
- If you reject corporate money, as all REAL progressive candidates do, please say so — in large letters, placed prominently on the Front page, and reiterated on your Donate page. (Rejecting corporate money is a progressive bragging right.)
- If you mention “Medicare for All,” you must mean “single-payer” and say so. (“Single-payer” is a genuine progressive bragging right.) Please do not suggest that you’d (accidentally?) write better healthcare legislation than Bernie Sanders (S.1129) or Pramila Jayapal (H.R.1384).
- Do you have a Congressional budget for policy research and consultation?
- Do you have a research staff? Have you consulted with national healthcare experts from around the world?
- What do you know about insurance risk pools?
- How much experience do you have developing policies and writing legislation, particularly at the federal level?
- Do you accept that “universal” healthcare means everyone gets it, rich or poor, and that it’s the same quality for everyone — so nobody is jealous of people poorer than themselves, and that healthcare standards remain high?
- Do you understand that healthcare terms like “access” and “public-option” may reveal that you’re not one of the REAL Progressive Candidates, but rather a candidate who is prepared to serve wealthy special interests like private insurance companies?
- Provide links to your social networks. Make sure the links work!
- Include your primary and election dates. State your political affiliation. And, yes, your district area. Basic information is useful for search engine optimization, as well as website visitors.
- Do you need a “donate” button reminder? I didn’t think so. I’ve never seen a campaign website that forgot one. Sometimes, a “donate” button is all they have! (REAL progressive candidates never do that.)
First Grassroots, Then Washington
Are you a progressive organizer/activist/leader in your community? Or do you know someone like that? Maybe it’s time to think about running for local office.
All good things begin at the grassroots. THEN they go to Washington.
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Fetterman and Kenyatta are not exactly adversaries. According to this Politico article, they discussed running together as a governor/lt. gov. team. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/04/16/john-fetterman-profile-2022-senate-politics-pennsylvania-481259
Thanks for the link, Anonymous. That’s a very interesting article!
I didn’t know about Fetterman’s criminal justice reform and prison commutations work. Commendable.
Fetterman may be hurt by his antisocial streak, but many voters will admire his independence. I, for one, LOVE that he doesn’t pander to Democratic leadership.
As a union supporter, it’s too bad Fetterman didn’t get the Working Families Party (WFP) endorsement. But I can tell you, from my several years experience maintaining super-progressive candidate lists, that WFP-endorsed candidates don’t always make the list!
Fetterman’s progressive opponent is Malcolm Kenyatta. To me, it’s unclear how progressive Kenyatta actually is — because he fails to publish his policy platform on his campaign website. I have contacted him twice to verify if he 1) rejects corporate money, and 2) supports universal healthcare. I have not received a response.
Fetterman talks a good game. Says he supports the GND but is not against fracking. Also, and equally if not more important, he has never apologized for or adequately explained why he pulled a rifle on a black jogger for absolutely no reason. Now that he is running for federal office, this issue is coming up again. Still no solid answers, AND his story keeps changing.
Appreciate your input. It would be very helpful if you could share some links so readers can learn more about these allegations. Thanks!
I found a couple of links. Voters must decide for themselves.
John Fetterman Gets Real on Fossil Fuel Money, Fracking, and a Just Transition
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, now running for Senate, addresses a 2013 incident where he pulled a gun on a Black jogger