WASHINGTON – Congressional candidates Steven Horsford (NV-04), Colin Allred (TX-32), Brendan Kelly (IL-12), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Clarke Tucker (AR-02), and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Senatorial candidates Mike Espy (MS), Beto O’Rourke (TX), and Phil Bredesen (TN), and Gubernatorial candidate James Smith (SC) released the following statements today following their endorsement by the Black Economic Alliance, a coalition of Black business leaders and entrepreneurs committed to promoting economic opportunity for Black Americans through supporting candidates in federal and state elections.
“I’m proud to have the support of the Black Economic Alliance and to work with them to implement sustainable policies that will make a real impact in the lives of all people, including black Americans,” Steven Horsford said. “BEA is a great example of what happens when business and civic leaders empower communities working together with a focus on work, wages, and wealth.”
“I have lived my version of the American Dream here in North Texas and am committed to restoring this fundamental promise for future generations by fighting for good paying jobs and an economy that works for everyone,” said Colin Allred. “With the Black Economic Alliance as a partner, in Congress, we’ll be able to build a 21st-century economy that we can all participate in.”
“Work. Wages. Wealth. Over the last few decades, these basic necessities have more and more become concentrated in the hands of a powerful few,” said Brendan Kelly, candidate in Illinois’s 12th Congressional District. “This is why organizations like Black Economic Alliance are so important, and why I’m proud to have the support of their members. Together, we will work to make one of our most basic American promises a reality: the promise that every American–no matter their skin color, no matter their zip code–will have access to the same opportunities as anyone else. With BEA on our side, I know we will save Southern Illinois.”
“As we move into the 21st-century economy, it’s more important than ever to invest in a world-class education for our children. We need to ensure access to robust community colleges, four-year colleges and universities including HBCUs, and vocational and skills-based training,” said Kathy Manning. “Every American needs to be prepared for and have equal access to good quality, high-paying jobs. I’m excited to work with the Black Economic Alliance to expanding access to the American Dream for black communities across North Carolina and across the country.”
“Each and every family in Virginia deserves the chance to succeed and I’m looking forward to working with the Black Economic Alliance so we can create prosperity for all Americans,” said Elaine Luria. “I’m honored to have received the BEA’s endorsement, and in Congress, I’ll push for new actions to build on the progress made during the Obama Administration to ensure that African Americans share in the full prosperity and economic opportunity our country has to offer.”
“To be endorsed by the Black Economic Alliance is an honor for me personally, and it is truly a proud moment for our campaign,” Tucker said. “I have worked hard in the state legislature to be a voice for those who are underrepresented and all-too-often unheard in our communities, and my hope and purpose is to take this mission to the United States Congress working in partnership with the Black Economic Alliance. This is how we will provide the kind of economic and educational opportunities that truly lift up our communities in the 2nd District and around the country.”
“I am proud to earn the endorsement of the Black Economic Alliance, a group that fights for the economic equality for all Americans,” said Fletcher. “Working with allies like the Black Economic Alliance, I will be an advocate in Congress for access to capital, increased financial education, and working to level the playing field for everyone.”
“All Mississippians deserve access to good-paying jobs,” said Mike Espy, “and with the support of the Black Economic Alliance, I’m excited to fight for an economy that works for all of us. The time is now for policies which increase access to the American Dream and level the playing field for Black communities across the country.”
“My thanks to the BE Alliance for the endorsement and for their dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable economy that works for all Americans,” said Beto O’Rourke. “At a time when economic disparities continue to hold too many people back, we need to work together to invest in black communities, encourage black entrepreneurship, and eliminate racial employment, wage, and wealth gaps so that everyone can contribute to their full potential.”
“People in Tennessee are tired of the hyper-partisan fighting and tribalism that comes out of Washington every day. As I continue to travel across the state and listen to Tennesseans, what I hear most about are issues like finding affordable, quality health care, good jobs, and the ability to take care of their families,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “The Black Economic Alliance works to promote common-sense policies that will help people across the state. I’m proud to work with them to get things done for Tennesseans in the U.S. Senate.
“It is a simple matter of social justice — and economic good sense — that we can afford to leave no one behind. The economic progress of black South Carolinians is essential to being the kind of state we should be. That would be true anywhere. It’s especially true in South Carolina, given our history,” said James Smith. “As governor, I will seize every opportunity to give ALL of our people the chance to have successful lives — and the Black Economic Alliance will be an important ally in that cause.”
