In 2020, you supported our Maria's List slate of swing state down-ballot candidates and the organizations that fueled progressive victories across the country! Now we ask that you join us in contributing to the first of our Deep Democracy Massachusetts slate of Springfield city council candidates and organizational recommendations in the upcoming municipal elections this fall. Visit our website to learn more!
Our Organizations and Candidates:
- Jynai McDonald was born and raised in Springfield, and is mother of three children. McDonald centered her career on organizing and on child-care policy. She currently serves as Family Care Coordinator for SEIU Local 509 where she runs a department that provides representation, training, and services,McDonald credits her organizing work with Western Massachusetts Neighbor to Neighbor with inspiring her to run for elected office.
- Lezlie Campbell was born and raised in Springfield, where he now teaches in the public schools. A lifelong advocate Campbell is a Neighbor to Neighbor board member and calls it his movement home, where he has organized on issues such as housing, environmental justice, and police accountability. Lezlie is running for City Council to be a champion for his community by enacting policies that end the systematic disenfranchisement of his community in Ward 3.
- Zaida Govan is a lifelong Springfield resident who moved from Puerto Rico when she was just three years old, has the lived experience and leadership background to be a bold leader in this predominantly Black and Latino ward in Springfield. Govan’s work has centered on racial and economic justice in Springfield, as she served as President of the Springfield Community Land Trust and as a board member of the Wellspring Collaborative.Govan is running for City Council because she wants to elevate her mission to continue to give back to the City that saved her life.
To learn more about these candidates visit mariaslist.net/state.html
Background:
Maria’s List is a woman-powered political communication and donor hub. Its mission is to comb the country for amazing women and people of color candidates using electoral research as well campaign and movement analysis.
How it works:
Our approach in 2021 doubles down on the movement power that has delivered progressive wins while empowering communities to hold elected officials accountable. Each month this summer and fall, we will focus on one city or region of Massachusetts in which we identify candidates and organizations that support a long-term vision for shifting power across the state. By stacking contributions vertically across organizations and municipal candidates, we can build sustainable movement power and set the stage for Deep Democracy wins in the years to come.