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: March 2, 2021
What qualities make a candidate REAL-ly progressive? There are two main criteria:
- Real progressive candidates reject corporate money.
- Real progressive candidates fight for the progressive trinity:
- Universal Healthcare
- The Green New Deal
- Free Public Higher Education (including student loan debt forgiveness).
Yes. REAL progressive candidates fight for all three: your health, your climate, and your education — and, most likely, ALL OTHER progressive policies! REAL progressive candidates advocate for life-affirming and future-proofing policies.
Share the 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 their progressive policies.
Help the list grow. Tell me about the REAL Progressive Candidates running for office in your local area — so I can add as many worthy down-ticket candidates to the list, as possible. (Please use the Comment Section below.) Thanks for your help! #NotMeUs ❤️
If prospective candidates do not manage to get on the election ballot, they’ll be removed from the REAL Progressive Candidates list. (Otherwise, the list grows too long!)
Table of Contents
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’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
Alaska’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Arkansas’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
California’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Representative, CD-12 – Shahid Buttar (D) – Exploring run for 2022 election
U.S. Representative, CD-30 – Shervin Aazami (D) – November 8, 2022 election
ADEM 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
Colorado’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
City Council, Arvada District At-Large – Lisa Smith (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Connecticut’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Delaware’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Florida’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
Georgia’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
Hawaii’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Idaho’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Illinois’ REAL Progressive Candidates
Check back later for updates.
Mayor, Evanston, IL – Daniel Biss (D) – February 23, 2021 primary, 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 election
City Council, Urbana Ward 5 – Chaundra Bishop (D) – February 23, 2021 election
County School Board, McLean Unit 5 – Gavin Cunningham – April 6, 2021 election
Trustee, Oak Park – Anthony Clark – February 23, 2021 primary, April 6, 2021 election
Indiana’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch, so far.
Iowa’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
Kansas’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Kentucky’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Louisiana’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Senator – Dan Whitfield (D) – November 8, 2022
U.S. Representative, LA-02 – Gary Chambers (D) – March 20, 2021 primary, April 24, 2021 runoff (if necessary)
Maine’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nil, so far.
Maryland’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Representative, CD-05 – Mckayla Wilkes (D) – Exploring run for 2022 election
Massachusetts’ REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
State 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 6 – Kendra Hicks (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Cambridge School Committee – Ayesha Wilson (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Michigan’s REAL Progressive Candidates
City Council, Chelsea – Tony Iannelli – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Lansing Ward 2 – Nick Zande (D) – November 9, 2021 election
Minnesota’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
Missouri’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
City Council, Columbia Ward 2 – Andrea Warner – April 6, 2021 election
Montana’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Nebraska’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Nevada’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
New Hampshire’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch, so far.
New Jersey’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
New Mexico’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
New York’s REAL Progressive Candidates
So far, so good.
U.S. Representative, CD-09 – Isiah James (D) – November 8, 2022 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) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 5 – Tricia Shimamura (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 6 – Sara Lind (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 7 – Marti Allen-Cummings – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 7 – Maria Ordoñez (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 11 – Mino Lora (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 13 – Marjorie Velázquez (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 14 – Pierina Sanchez (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 14, NE – Adolfo Abreu (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 15 – Elisa Crespo (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 16 – Althea Stevens (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 18 – Amanda Farias (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 22 – Tiffany Cabán (D) – June 22, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 23 – Jaslin Kaur (D) – June 22, 2021 primary
City Council, NYC District 24 – Moumita Ahmed (D) – February 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 25 – Shekar Krishnan -(D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 27 – Natasha Williams (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 29 – Aleda Gagarin – (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 30 – Juan Ardila (D) – February 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 32 – Shaeleigh Severino (D) – February 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 32 – Felicia Singh (D) – June 22, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 33 – Elizabeth Adams (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 33 – Lincoln Restler (D) – June 22, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 35 – Crystal Hudson (D) – February 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 36 – Chi Ossé (D) – February 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 37 – Sandy Nurse (D) – 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 39 – Shahana Hanif (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 40 – Kenya Handy-Hilliard (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 42 – Wilfredo Florentino (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 48 – Amber Adler (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 49 – Amoy Barnes (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 45 – Anthony Beckford (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, NYC District 47 – Steven Patzer (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Common Council, Syracuse District 5 – Kristin Andrzejewski (D)- June 22, 2021 primary
County Board, Otsego District 14, NY – Jill Basile (D) – June 22, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Borough President, Manhattan – Lindsey Boylan (D) – November 2, 2021 election
North Carolina’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
North Dakota’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
Ohio’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Representative, CD-11 – Nina Turner (D) – May 4, 2021 election
The Democratic Party can’t just whisper sweet nothings anymore.
~ Nina Turner
Trustee, Franklin Township – Aryeh Alex (D) – November 2, 2021 election
Oklahoma’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Oregon’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Pennsylvania’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for more.
U.S. Senate – John Fetterman (D) – November 8, 2022 election
U.S. Representative, CD-02 – Salem Snow (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
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’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch, so far.
South Carolina’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
None, so far.
South Dakota’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nada, so far.
Tennessee’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nil, so far.
Texas’ REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
City Council, Dallas District 7 – Adam Bazaldua (D) incumbent – May 1, 2021 election
City Council, San Antonio District 2 – Jalen Mckee-Rodriguez (D) – May 1, 2021 election
Utah’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
Vermont’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zilch, so far.
Virginia’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
Governor – Lee Carter (D) – November 2, 2021 election
U.S. Representative, District 11 – Ally Dalsimer (D) – November 8, 2022 election
State House, District 45 – Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D) – November 2, 2021 election
State House, District 49 – Karishma Mehta (D) – November 2, 2021 election
City Council, Alexandria – Alyia Gaskins -(D) – June 8, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
Washington’s REAL Progressive Candidates
Stay tuned for updates.
U.S. Representative, CD-02 – Jason Call (D) – Exploring run for 2022 election
City Council, Spokane District 3 Position 2 – Zack Zappone (D) – August 3, 2021 primary, November 2, 2021 election
West Virginia’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Nil, so far.
Wisconsin’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zip, so far.
Wyoming’s REAL-ly Progressive Candidates
Zero, so far.
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 Action (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 Party US
- Indivisible
- Justice Democrats
- Local Berniecrats
- Move On
- National Nurses United
- Our Revolution
- Peace Action (diplomatic foreign policy)
- Planned Parenthood (women’s rights)
- Progressive Democrats of America
- Progressive Rising
- Progressive Turnout Project
- Progressive Voters Guide (it lists a candidate’s various endorsements)
- 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 that hosts your policy platform, REAL progressive candidates are 90% of the way there. But 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. (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.
Thank you for reading about REAL progressive candidates. Please share this “Progressive Graffiti” discovery tool with your friends and social networks. Sharing quality information, from the Left point of view, helps to advance the Progressive Justice Movement.