EMILYs List Endorses Nine Democratic Women Senators for Re-Election in 2018

February 10, 2017

EMILYs List Endorses Nine Democratic Women Senators for Re-Election in 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed nine pro-choice Democratic women senators for re-election in 2018: Senators Tammy Baldwin (WI), Maria Cantwell (WA), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Mazie Hirono (HI), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Claire McCaskill (MO), Debbie Stabenow (MI), and Elizabeth Warren (MA).

“EMILYs List is proud to stand alongside our hardworking senators who have dedicated their lives to enacting legislation that empowers and protects American women and families,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILYs List. “After seeing the lengths Donald Trump and his administration are willing to go to roll back women's rights, trample on our constitutional principles, and put our core American values at risk, we need these Democratic women in the Senate now more than ever. These women – from Massachusetts to Wisconsin to Hawai'i, have fought tirelessly to stand up for the women and families they represent – from working to end gender discrimination in pay to speaking out against efforts to restrict women's access to health care to prioritizing policies that help build a stronger economic future for ourselves and the next generation. We know that they'll continue to be strong, committed voices for their communities and protect the American values of fairness, equality, and opportunity that make this country exceptional.”

Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI):  Senator Tammy Baldwin has a history of fighting for Wisconsin since her election as the state’s first woman member of Congress. In 2012, Tammy was elected to the U.S. Senate, making history as Wisconsin’s first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate and the first openly gay member elected to the Senate.

“In 2012, I was elected by the people of Wisconsin to take on powerful interests in Washington and to fight for Wisconsin’s working class. That is what I have done and that is what I will continue to do.” – Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Senator Maria Cantwell (WA): Senator Maria Cantwell was first elected to the Senate in 2000, and since then has served three terms. Throughout her time in office, she has become known as a champion for clean energy.

“We are a country that treats everyone equally under the law and that believes in due process. We do not discriminate based on national origin or religion. […] Our state has a proud tradition of resettling refugees from all over the world including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Somalia. We have a stronger economy and more dynamic high-tech workforce thanks to diversity.” – Sen. Maria Cantwell

Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA): Senator Dianne Feinstein was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, and since then has been re-elected to four consecutive terms. In 2012, she received more votes than any previous candidate in U.S. Senate election history. Throughout her tenure, she has fought for the health and safety of families, introducing the Assault Weapons Ban and throwing her full support behind the Affordable Care Act. Dianne is the ranking Democratic member on the powerful judiciary committee, where she will be on the front lines fighting for women and families and protecting Roe v. Wade from assault.

“I remember what it was like before Roe v. Wade. I know the measures women went to, often on their own, to make decisions regarding their health and future. I know how dangerous it was and I will not allow us to return to those times.” – Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY): Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was first elected to fill the New York Senate seat made vacant by Hillary Clinton’s appointment as secretary of state in 2010, and was then elected to a full term in 2012. She has been a strong voice for issues that matter to families, such as ending sexual assault on college campuses and paid family and medical leave.

“Republicans have already made it clear that one of their most urgent priorities in the new year is destroying women’s access to health care. I’m disturbed by how little empathy there seems to be in Congress for the health and safety of millions of American women.” – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI): After representing Hawaii in the House of Representatives for three terms, Senator Mazie Hirono was elected in 2012 as the first Asian American woman, immigrant, and Buddhist to serve in the Senate and as the first woman senator from Hawaii. As an immigrant and a fighter for people in our country who don't have a voice, Mazie’s perspective and drive is incredibly valuable for the Senate and our country.

“As an immigrant who grew up under difficult circumstances, I recognize that my path to the Senate was unlikely. At the same time, my experiences have shown me the incredible opportunities available in America and have fueled my desire to give back. – Sen. Mazie Hirono

Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN): Senator Klobuchar was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, becoming the first woman elected to the Senate from Minnesota in the state’s history. Amy has proven herself a tireless advocate for women, veterans, and families. In 2016, an analysis by Medill News Service ranked her first among all 100 senators in sponsoring or cosponsoring bills that were enacted into law in the 114th Congress.

“Our challenge is to use the different views and experiences we bring into government to make change for the better. We must remember that although the road to power may not be easy, our work has gained us more than a few seats at the table. And as I once heard at an EMILY's List event, it is always better to be at the table than on the menu.” – Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Senator Claire McCaskill (MO): Senator Claire McCaskill became the first woman elected to the Senate from Missouri in 2006, and won re-election in a landslide victory in 2012. Claire has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to veterans and public education, particularly in rural areas.

“Holding the government accountable to its people, guarding taxpayer dollars from waste, and better protecting the safety of Missouri’s families have been the bread and butter of my work in the Senate.” – Sen. Claire McCaskill

Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI): Senator Debbie Stabenow was first elected to the Senate in 2000 after serving two terms in the House of Representatives, and has since won re-election in 2006 and 2012. Debbie has repeatedly proven her commitment to ensuring equal pay for women, leveling the playing field for working families, and protecting the environment.

“We need an economy that works for everybody. And that means that everybody trying to hold on to the middle class or get in the middle class has got to know that their lives are going to improve. I don't think we have a middle class or an economy unless we make things and grow things, so that's where I focus.” – Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA): Senator Elizabeth Warren was first elected to represent Massachusetts in the Senate in 2012, making history as the state’s first woman senator. She is a champion for progressive values and a fighter for the middle class; before being elected to the Senate she worked tirelessly to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help protect America's working families.

“We believe that sexism, racism, homophobia, and bigotry have no place in this country. Black lives matter; diversity makes our country stronger. We believe that equal means equal and that’s true in the workplace, it’s true in marriage, it’s true every place.” – Sen. Elizabeth Warren

EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have trained nearly 10,000 women to run and helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILYs List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color – including every single Latina, African American, and Asian American Democratic congresswoman currently serving.