• Press Release

EMILYs List Statement on America’s 250th Anniversary, Democratic Women Redefining Patriotism

July 2, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, Democratic women veterans are redefining patriotism, centering their oaths to put service over self in their campaigns to flip Republican-held U.S. House seats. EMILYs List Executive Director Michelle White released the following statement:

“House Republicans care more about pleasing Donald Trump and filling their own pockets than making everyday life better for Americans. Democratic women veterans know their oath to serve this country doesn’t expire — and they’re running to make sure every family can achieve the American dream. EMILYs List women are flipping the GOP’s narrative about patriotism on its head, just like they are going to flip their House seats this November.”

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EMILYs List-endorsed veterans for U.S. House:

  • JoAnna Mendoza (AZ-06), a U.S. Marine veteran who first enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old for economic opportunity, before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Her 20-year military career was defined by her leadership as a Marine Corps drill instructor and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A single mom fighting to ensure veterans can access the benefits they need and deserve, Jo released a TV ad for America’s 250th anniversary – because despite hanging up her uniform, her oath to this nation never expires.
  • Jessica Killin (CO-05), a veteran who served as a captain and paratrooper in the U.S. Army, while stationed overseas and leading soldiers as a military police officer. Growing up among military families and veterans in El Paso County, she learned what it meant to be a patriot and the importance of duty, honor, and country at a young age. After seeing an urgent need for change in our government, she’s running to bring true patriotism and an independent voice back to Congress. 
  • Leela Gray (FL-13), a retired Army brigadier general and third-generation veteran who served 30 years in uniform, including combat deployment in the Middle East after Sept. 11 – just three months after having her daughter. Having served in the State Department and as a strategic advisor to the U.S. Army Cyber Command, she is running on the mantra “Service Over Self” to address Republicans’ failed leadership and get our nation back to peace and prosperity.
  • Rebecca Bennett (NJ-07), a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and officer in the Air National Guard. After graduating as the No. 1 pilot in all of her squadrons in flight school, she was selected as the only MH-60S helicopter pilot in her class to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. She served this country for over 15 years in the armed forces as a helicopter pilot, experimental test pilot, aircraft commander, and member of the Air National Guard. 
  • Cait Conley (NY-17), a decorated combat veteran and national security expert, who started her application to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point the day after Sept. 11. She served for 16 years as an active-duty Army officer, deploying overseas six times to combat zones including Iraq and Afghanistan. She broke barriers as one of the first women in Special Ops leadership, and lives by the Special Ops saying, “run to the sound of the guns.” Where Cait comes from, failure is not an option.
  • Kristina Knickerbocker (OH-10), a U.S. Air Force veteran and oncology nurse practitioner whose life has been dedicated to serving our country and her community. As a major and a nurse in the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she led teams to improve medical care for active duty troops, veterans, and military families and to increase medical readiness for servicemembers.
  • Nancy Lacore (SC-01), a retired three-star admiral and chief of Navy Reserve who served 35 years before being fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without cause. After beginning her career as a helicopter pilot, she was deployed to Afghanistan and Djibouti, and rose the ranks to lead over 60,000 sailors. Her career and campaign for Congress are anchored by a deep love of country and her commitment to delivering a better life for the people of this country. 
  • Elaine Luria (VA-02), a U.S. Navy veteran who served 20 years as a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer. She rose to the rank of commander, becoming among the first women to serve her entire career on combatant ships, with six deployments to the Middle East and Western Pacific. In Congress, she served as vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Committees on Homeland Security, on Veterans’ Affairs, and to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

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