Districts are critical to elevating Hakeem Jeffries to the Speakership

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Black Economic Alliance PAC (BEA PAC), a coalition of business leaders and aligned advocates committed to using their collective power and business acumen to support candidates and policies that advance Black economic progress and prosperity, announced endorsements in eleven House races critical to elevating House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the Speakership this November – one of BEA’s three strategic goals this election cycle. 

These races were chosen both for their districts’ importance to electing Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker and because the candidates themselves have demonstrated a commitment to a Black work, wages, and wealth agenda. 

BEA PAC is endorsing six candidates for the first time: Rep. Don Davis (NC-01), Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Kristen McDonald-Rivet (MI-08), Carl Marlinga (MI-10), Ashley Ehasz (PA-1), and Janelle Stelson (PA-10). 

Five of the candidates are incumbents previously endorsed by BEA PAC: Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (NV-4), Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-2), and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-7). They all have established track records in Congress of breaking down barriers that stand in the way of Black economic opportunity. CBC Chair Horsford led the introduction of concurrent resolutions in the House and Senate calling for the creation of a Black wealth agenda grounded in BEA’s Policy Agenda to Advance Black Work, Wages, and Wealth. 

“BEA PAC is proud to endorse eleven candidates who are committed to advancing Black economic prosperity and opportunity,” said BEA CEO Samantha Tweedy. “Ensuring they win this November will not only give us leaders committed to Black work, wages, and wealth in the House – it will make the difference in ensuring Hakeem Jeffries, a longstanding BEA partner, and champion on these issues, is elected Speaker of the House.”

Statements from Newly Endorsed Candidates

“Congress must work to create real solutions that foster jobs and expand economic opportunity in eastern North Carolina and nationwide for all communities,” said Rep. Don Davis. “I’m grateful for such endorsement and remain committed to working with the Black Economic Alliance to ensure more opportunities to live the American dream are available for future generations.”

“As we fight to create well-paying jobs and lower everyday costs, it’s necessary that we fight with equity in mind,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “Our endorsement from Black Economic Alliance PAC aligns with our shared commitment to building an economy that works for everyone, especially in West Michigan. Alongside BEA, we’re making sure that Black West Michiganders have the opportunity to succeed in an inclusive economy.”

“I am honored to receive the Black Economic Alliance PAC’s endorsement,” said Kristen McDonald Rivet. “I have spent my career working to uplift families of all backgrounds, and I was proud to be a Michigan Small Business Association Legislator of the Year. In Congress, I look forward to partnering with the BEA and passing commonsense policy that ensures everybody willing to work hard has the opportunity to thrive.”

“I am grateful for the Black Economic Alliance PAC’s endorsement and their commitment to advancing Black economic opportunity,” said Carl Marlinga. “BEA has done important work to break down barriers to economic advancement, and I look forward to collaborating with them on solutions that benefit Black communities and all Americans. Together, we can create the pathways needed to ensure equitable economic growth and win Michigan.”

“The work that our campaign is doing is critical to advancing Black work, wages, and wealth in Pennsylvania,” said Ashley Ehasz. “The Black Economic Alliance PAC’s endorsement means that we can turn our shared value of Black economic prosperity into tangible action, including protecting reproductive freedoms and expanding access to childcare and maternal healthcare, that not only benefits Black Pennsylvanians, but the entire state and nation at large. I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Black Economic Alliance PAC and look forward to working together to create economic opportunities for Black communities in Central Pennsylvania,” said Janelle Stelson. “The Black Economic Alliance PAC has a proven track record of identifying key solutions that drive sustainable and impactful economic outcomes. The time for change is now, and I am eager to make a difference in our communities.”

BEA PAC is focused on advancing a Black work, wages, and wealth agenda through a three-prong political strategy in 2024. In addition to elevating Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the Speakership, PAC’s other goals include electing Vice President Kamala Harris as President and ensuring Black women’s representation in the Senate. 

To read more about our endorsements, visit https://pac.blackeconomicalliance.org/candidates/. 

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About the Black Economic Alliance PAC

Black Economic Alliance PAC is a coalition of business leaders and aligned advocates committed to economic progress and prosperity in the Black community with a specific focus on work, wages, and wealth. We are using our collective power and business acumen to advance candidates and policies that can and will create economic empowerment in the Black community. If you’d like to support BEA PAC’s advocacy for Black economic progress and support candidates for office who are committed to improving work, wages, and wealth for Black Americans, visit https://pac.blackeconomicalliance.org/.