News Release

DMO Announces Cheyenne Davis-Eubanks As New Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nils Robbins

Phone:  202.770.8053

E-mail: Nils@NationalDMO.org

June 5, 2023

Democratic Municipal Officials Announces Cheyenne Davis-Eubanks As New Executive Director

 

NATIONAL – Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) has announced their next Executive Director, Cheyenne Davis-Eubanks. Her arrival heralds a new chapter for the political organization, and a turn to focus on local elections. Davis-Eubanks’ hire was the result of an extensive search following last year’s departure of the organization’s first Executive Director, Barbara Moore.

Moore had served in the role for over a decade, and built DMO from a group of officers within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to a nationwide membership association representing thousands of mayors, council members, and other local elected officials who identify with the values of the Democratic Party. The search for her successor was led by appointed Interim Executive Director Jason Held, who sought input from a hiring committee comprising DMO members, partners, and long-time collaborators, with the final decision made by the Board of Directors.

Davis-Eubanks comes to DMO by way of the State Party Advancement Network (SPAN), a national donor table that seeks to connect progressive donors with State Democratic Parties. Previously she headed the DNC and ASDC’s Best Practices Institute, and served in multiple roles within the Kansas Democratic Party. Her experience set Davis-Eubanks apart from the other candidates as someone who could lead an organization at the intersection of local politics and national engagement. In addition to growing the association’s presence both nationally and within the Democratic Party infrastructure, Davis-Eubanks will focus on the core areas of membership service, staff and board development, and fundraising. Her arrival also coincides with the launch of DMO PAC, a hybrid PAC focused on electing Democrats in towns and cities across the United States.

Cheyenne Davis-Eubanks said of her new role, “I am thrilled to be joining the DMO team at this critical moment in the organization’s history. Now, more than ever, it is clear that our cities are in need of strong local leadership. DMO is ready to support Democratic candidates and elected officials who are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of their constituents. We know that DMO’s work must extend beyond election cycles; our role is to build a pipeline of effective, inclusive, and steadfast municipal leaders, while also providing the infrastructure needed to run successful campaigns. This is a considerable task, but one that I am confident we can accomplish, working together with our many allies across the movement. I am honored to join this extraordinary team of DMO staff, distinguished board members, and inspiring leaders across the country.”

DMO President and Warren, MI Council Member Angela Rogensues welcomed the new Executive Director, “I and my fellow Board members are excited to work with Cheyenne to deliver for our members and elect Democrats to local office. This is an exciting time for DMO, as we seek to transform the organization from its early growth into a nationally recognized powerhouse. Cheyenne knows how to run an operation that gets local Democrats into office, and has the fundraising talent to realize this new vision for where the Democratic Party begins. Whether you dedicate your life to public service in the ward or district office, or are starting a journey to the Oval Office, Cheyenne and the rest of our team are here to help locally elected Democrats succeed.”

Democratic Municipal Officials is the DNC Association for municipal elected officials who personally identify as members of the Democratic Party. The organization holds three seats on the DNC, and advocates for the thousands of local elected Democrats across the United States.

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For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils@NationalDMO.org

www.NationalDMO.org

DMO Statement on the Inflation Reduction Act

Democratic Municipal Officials commends the Senate on yesterday’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and strongly urges the House of Representatives to quickly pass the bill so it can go to President Biden for his signature.

Contained within the Inflation Reduction Act is our most aggressive action against climate change yet – tackling the root cause of our cities’ droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather disasters. Among these solutions is $60 billion dedicated specifically to renewable energy infrastructure and manufacturing.

Both the National League of Cities and US Conference of Mayors have issued their own statements urging Congress to put the bill on President Biden’s desk, delivering a clear message that this legislation benefits all Americans, especially at the local level. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are united in favor of these common-sense solutions.

As city leaders and as Democrats we applaud President Biden for quickly responding to the needs of regular people by introducing legislation that combats inflation, lowers the cost of prescription drugs, and ensures that corporations pay their fair share.

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SCOTUS Overturns Roe – DMOs Respond

DMOs and Friends,

Today the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, effectively overturning their previous ruling in Roe v Wade. Twenty two states across the US have laws which immediately trigger to ban or severely limit the right to a safe and legal abortion. For states where Republicans have control, Americans will return to a pre-Roe era, where you can be forced to carry a pregnancy to term even if it will kill you, or jailed as police investigate your miscarriage.

Democrats will continue to fight for our fundamental rights. DMOs have an important role to play in protecting clinics in their cities with “bubble laws“, supplementing abortion funds for those seeking healthcare, and pressuring Congress to secure the right to an abortion at the federal level.

We will have more information for you in the coming days. For now, please find some immediate resources on what cities can do to protect reproductive rights, an action guide from Planned Parenthood, and DMO’s statement regarding the decision to overturn Roe.

 


Friends of Planned Parenthood Action Fund,

By the end of the month the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey through their decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (JWHO). If and when the leaked draft becomes final, it will eliminate the constitutional right to abortion and permit states to ban abortion. This is a catalytic moment for abortion access and for the progressive movement as a whole.

We are beyond the tipping point for abortion access. What is clear from Justice Alito’s draft opinion is that nothing is safe — they are coming for everything. They want to turn back the clock not just 50 years, but hundreds of years. It is imperative that state and national groups come together in this fight.

Below is a list of immediate steps you can take to ensure when the decision is released to ensure voters have the facts about what has happened and how they can channel their rage into action.

Reach out if you have any questions as we collectively prepare for decision day and please be on the lookout for additional resources and guidance ahead of and after the decision is released.

IMMEDIATE CALLS TO ACTION

  • ISSUE A PUBLIC STATEMENT – Affirm your committee/candidate’s unequivocal support for abortion access by putting out a public statement or holding speaking to the media directly, affirming your public policy position.

  • AMPLIFY – Digital Resources and elevate support for abortion access on your social media

  • PREPARE YOUR SUPPORTERS AND MEMBERS – At your town hall, staff meeting, campaign event, etc. use the opportunity to brief voters on the abortion access crisis. If you need messaging guidance or support in this, please reach out to nikki.goldschein@ppfa.org and gabby.richards@ppfa.org

  • PREPARE TO MOBILIZE (on and before Decision Day) – In the lead up to the decision, Planned Parenthood organizations and partners at Women’s March, Ultraviolet, and MoveOn are building out a map of distributed rapid response events. This map, which can be found here, has pre-populated events and a placeholder date but true time and location so supporters can begin RSVPing for rapid response events before the date of the decision is known

RECENT RESEARCH

  • Navigator Research poll shows that more than half of Americans say the Supreme Court

  • potentially overturning Roe v. Wade makes them more motivated to vote in 2022, including 71% of Democrats

  • A recent KFF poll makes it clear there is broad opposition to the criminalization of health care:

    • 80% oppose fines or prison for women who get abortions

    • 80% oppose allowing private citizens to sue abortion providers

  • Washington Post/ABC poll finds that 75% of people say decisions on abortion should be left to the woman and her doctor, including 95% of Democrats, 81% of independents and 53% of Republicans

  • Gallup poll finds that 80% of the American public think abortion should be legal

TOPLINE MESSAGES

  • Everyone should have the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures.

  • The impact of overturning Roe is dire. Overturning Roe means 26 states could swiftly move to ban abortion – including 13 states with laws that could immediately go into effect. That’s half the country where people no longer will have power over their own bodies and their own lives.

    • That means 36 million women — nearly half of the women of reproductive age (18-49) in the United States — plus more people who can become pregnant, could soon lose abortion access.

    • This is not the end goal for the anti-abortion movement. They said it themselves: Their ultimate goal is to pass a nationwide abortion ban that would block abortion access in every state in the country.

  • States are not waiting for a final Supreme Court decision to ban abortion. Across the country, state politicians are gearing up for a future without the protections of Roe v. Wade, introducing more than 500 anti-abortion restrictions in 41 states in 2022 alone.

    • The last few months in states like Texas, Florida and Oklahoma have provided a very clear picture of how abortion bans compound existing hurdles to accessing care. These barriers disproportionately harm Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, and people living in rural areas.

  • Barriers to accessing abortion and other health care services have always existed — like finding child care, taking time off of work, and navigating the costs of transportation and lodging associated with traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles.

  • People who do not have access to the resources and support they need to travel out of state may be forced to carry pregnancies against their will or seek abortion outside of the health care system.

  • The obstacles created by abortion bans are compounded for immigrants who often are ineligible for public health coverage and may be unable to travel for care due to immigration enforcement.


DMO Statement on the Leaked Decision to Overturn Roe

Make no mistake – the leaked Republican Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe and Casey is deeply immoral, and puts every woman in the United States in jeopardy.

An end to Roe returns us to a nation where the wealthy will continue to have access to safe abortions, but Americans without means will be left to fend for themselves. We will return to an America where entire wards of hospitals are dedicated to patients who have gone septic or poisoned themselves because they lacked access to a safe and legal abortion.

Most abortions are undertaken by people who already have children – parents who are making the responsible choice for themselves, their family, and their future. The majority of Americans support the right to a safe and legal abortion. Congress must act now to enshrine the right to choose into law, and protect Americans from this despicable attack on our most fundamental rights.

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DMO Welcomes Dominick Perkins As Our New Political Director

DMO is pleased to announce the hire of Dominick Perkins as our next Political Director. Dominick comes highly recommended, having served as both the Political Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia, as well as the Biden Campaign’s Political Director in the peach state. We are absolutely thrilled for him to join the team here at DMO.

Dominick‘s specialty is working with data, and we are excited for him to streamline our list, making stronger connections with more DMOs across the United States. He will also act as staff lead for the DMO Political council. In this role, he can use his experience in the wider world of Democratic politics to ensure that more DMOs are winning their races, including those endorsed by our Blue Star Candidate program. Dominick will also take our political work to the next level overseeing DMO’s new political action efforts. He will also serve as a partner to our friends in organized labor, connecting you with the unions who build our cities and create careers in our communities.

With your help, we will also add a Director for Labor and Member Engagement in the second half of 2022 to continue strengthening our State Chapters and our Labor Council. These are critical times for the Democratic Party and our nation. We hope we can count on your enhanced support as we grow to serve you.

Dominick Perkins is one of the most sought after strategists in the southeastern United States. Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, he is an experienced and passionate public servant, educator, and political strategist. He has served in various roles on federal, state, and local campaigns throughout the southeast, including working as the Data Director for Jim Barksdale’s bid for U.S. Senate in Georgia, as a Senior Advisor to Congressman Sanford Bishop’s successful bid for re-election in 2018, and in various roles on Mayor Teresa Tomlinson’s historic re-election as Mayor of Columbus, Georgia in 2014.

Dominick is also an experienced educator, currently working in higher education as an instructor of political science at Vincennes University-Ft. Benning, with previous experience as an instructor of public speaking and professional development. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a graduate of Troy University with a Master of Science in International Relations. He is also a proud graduate of the 2014 class of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s Political Leadership Boot Camp, the 2015 class of the B.L.U.E. Institute, the 2016 class of Camp Wellstone-Georgia, and the 2019 Re:Power Data & Analytics Camp.

A dedicated public servant, Dominick is a founding member of Advance Columbus, the Columbus Georgia Young Professionals, and the CASA Board of Directors. He is the founder and past President of the Muscogee County Young Democrats and has served in statewide positions for the Young Democrats of Georgia as the Campaigns Committee Chair and Political Director. Dominick is also a member of the Muscogee County Democratic Committee’s Post Committee, a currently serves as the Chairman of the Affirmative Action Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Constantly seeking to give back to his community, Dominick volunteers with the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and as a committee member of the yearly Black History Month Observance Breakfast in Columbus, Georgia.

Ron Galperin Named DMO Blue Star Rising

Galperin Named DMO Blue Star Rising

 

The Board of Directors of Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) has named Ron Galperin a Blue Star Rising candidate as he campaigns for California State Controller.

Blue Star Rising Candidates

The DMO serves to connect, engage, and empower elected officials who identify as Democrats. Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the Blue Star Rising candidate program to support promising Democrats who have made significant contributions to the organization and are running for a wider state or federal office. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO Board of Directors.

Why Ron Galperin?

Ron Galperin currently serves as the Controller of Los Angeles. As the son of immigrants and of a Holocaust survivor, Ron is L.A.’s first citywide-elected LGBTQ official. Controller Galperin’s focus in office has been on transparency, equity, and sound management of how dollars are spent. Indeed, he has modernized the controller’s office by taking city expenditures and staff salaries online, and making city services more available to the public. He serves as the watchdog for the finances of the nation’s second biggest city, as is well positioned to take that acumen to overseeing the state’s expenditures.

As controller, Galperin has tenaciously sought out waste, fraud, and abuse of Los Angeles’ finances. He has revealed billions in misspent funding that should have gone to address homelessness. His changes to the office have transformed how controllers in the city must fulfill their duty to the public, and made it more difficult to commit malfeasance with taxpayer dollars. As State Controller, Galperin will continue his track record of improving infrastructure, safeguarding pension funds, and advocating for LGBTQ rights.

Galperin currently serves on the Executive Committee of Democratic Municipal Officials, advocating for the interests of local elected officials as our Representative to the DNC. He has also served as Chair of the California Chapter, Chair of the Council of State Chapters, and Finance Chair.

Why Does This Race Matter?

As one of the largest economies on Earth, the state of California deserves sound financial management from a responsible controller. Ron Galperin would bring the care and expertise he developed overseeing spending in Los Angeles, impacting the financial wellbeing of not only California, but the nations and other states that engage with it as trading partners. 

How Can You Help?

If you would like to learn more about Ron Galperin’s campaign or contribute you can visit ronforcalifornia.com.

Your Next Race

Are you up for reelection facing steep Republican opposition? Are you vying to reclaim a mayoral seat for Democrats, or flip a council majority blue? Reach out to DMO at Barbara.Moore@NationalDMO.org to learn more about applying for a Blue Star Candidate recommendation.

Jennifer Yeh Named DMO Blue Star Candidate

Yeh Named DMO Blue Star Candidate

 

The Executive Committee of Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) has named Jennifer Yeh a Blue Star Candidate as she campaigns to be reelected to the city council in Eugene, OR.

Blue Star Candidates

The DMO serves to connect, engage, and empower elected officials who identify as Democrats. Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the Blue Star Candidate program to support promising Democrats who stand to retake a mayor’s office, secure a council majority, or break significant grounds with their election. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO Board of Directors.

Why Jennifer Yeh?

Yeh has served on the City Council since 2017, and has fought to create more affordable housing, build out local infrastructure, and protect the environment. Specifically, Yeh is involved in municipal measures to combat climate change, including the decarbonization and electrification of Eugene. She believes in public safety, while also listening to the community and working to reform policing. She is a strong advocate for public education, including making sure children do not go to class hungry, or feel at risk when travelling to school.

Why Does This Race Matter?

Yeh’s opponent is close with the timber and natural gas industries, and stands in opposition to the measures that Jennifer has proposed to combat climate change. While Jennifer seeks ways to provide service to marginalized communities and transition those experiencing homelessness off the streets, her opponent supports measures that would criminalize them instead. This would be a step backwards for the city of Eugene and the residents who depend on representation from elected officials like Jennifer Yeh.

How Can You Help?

If you would like to learn more about Jennifer Yeh’s campaign or contribute you can visit electjenniferyeh.com.

Your Next Race

Are you up for reelection facing steep Republican opposition? Are you vying to reclaim a mayoral seat for Democrats, or flip a council majority blue? Reach out to DMO at Barbara.Moore@NationalDMO.org to learn more about applying for a Blue Star Candidate recommendation.

Angela Rogensues Named DMO Blue Star Rising

The Board of Directors of Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) has named Angela Rogensues a Blue Star Rising Candidate as she campaigns for United States Congress in Michigan’s 10th Congressional District.

Blue Star Rising Candidates

The DMO serves to connect, engage, and empower elected officials who identify as Democrats. Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the Blue Star Rising candidate program to support promising Democrats who have made significant contributions to the organization and are running for a wider state or federal office. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO Board of Directors.

Why Angela Rogensues?

Born and raised in Macomb County, Angela has spent her career dedicated to public service. As a member of the Warren Council, Rogensues introduced a bill to create a Veterans Affairs Committee, and strongly advocated for working and low-income families. Her dedication to service drew recognition, and Governor Whitmer appointed Rogensues to chair the board and executive committee of the Michigan Municipal Services Authority.

In her work at DMO, Rogensues has served as Labor Chair, Michigan State Chair, Chair of the Council of State Chapters, and now as Vice President, where she holds a seat on the Democratic National Committee. Her commitment to organized labor has been well demonstrated during her time at DMO. Angela went above and beyond as Chair of the Labor Council, standing on picket lines, coordinating with unions on state legislation, and penning an op-ed with UAW President Rory Gamble supporting voting rights. She currently co-chairs the Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Caucus.

In past years, Angela was recognized as Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Education Leadership, Corp! Magazine Most Valuable Professional, Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40, and is involved with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference Future Leaders Program.

Upon hearing the news of her Blue Star Candidate certification, Rogensues said, “I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of the Democratic Municipal Officials. Thank you to my municipal colleagues from across the country who are tirelessly working to improve their communities by advocating every day for the needs of their residents. To endorse my candidacy for the United States Congress is an honor of a lifetime and I could not be prouder to stand next to them in our efforts to make the world a better place.”

Why Does This Race Matter?

The 10th District is purple, at times leaning more conservative. Rogensues‘ election would establish a Democrat in a seat usually held by a Republican. She would serve as a testament to Democratic, pro-labor values.

How Can You Help?

If you would like to learn more about Angela Rogensues‘ campaign or contribute you can visit angelaforuscongress.com.

Your Next Race

Are you up for reelection facing steep Republican opposition? Are you vying to reclaim a mayoral seat for Democrats, or flip a council majority blue? Reach out to DMO at Barbara.Moore@NationalDMO.org to learn more about applying for a Blue Star Candidate recommendation.

DMO Blue Star Candidate Phillip Bailey Wins Election

We are excited to announce the victory of DMO Blue Star Candidate Phillip Bailey in his election for Alderman in the city of Glendale, WI. 

When first endorsed by the DMO Board of Directors, Bailey said, “Since I launched my campaign late last year to be Glendale’s next 4th District Alderman, I’ve been out knocking on doors and talking to voters about their concerns and ideas for our city. I have been inspired by the support I’ve received from neighbors who are ready for a fresh and new perspective on our City Council. The support and encouragement of Democratic Municipal Officials and other local officials has been so appreciated as a first-time candidate. It’s an honor to be a DMO Blue Star candidate. I’m ready to get to work to serve my constituents.”

DMO Board Member and Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy remarked, “After serving for several years with Phillip on Plan Commission, I have seen his insight and thoughtful approach to city issues. I think he’s going to be an excellent addition to the Common Council.”

Bailey’s campaign brings a focus to transparency in government, promising increased accessibility and community engagement. He is also committed to safer streets and public infrastructure that makes room for pedestrians. He has served as a Plan Commissioner since moving to the city in 2018, and worked to help develop the city’s 2040 Vision Plan.

Once sworn in, Bailey will also be the first openly LGBT individual elected to represent the city. In 2021, Bailey worked with Mayor Kennedy and the Common Council to unanimously pass the “Glendale Pride Month Recognition Proclamation” so the city could recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBT community, and to actively promote a welcoming and inclusive Glendale. 

The DMO serves to connect, engage, and empower elected officials who identify as Democrats. Democratic Municipal Officials initiated the highly selective Blue Star Candidate program to draw national attention to local Democratic candidates, in particular when such an election would shift a mayor’s seat or council majority from red to blue. These candidates have been vetted and recommended by the DMO Board of Directors.

If you would like to learn more about Phillip Bailey’s campaign or contribute you can visit phillipforglendale.com

ROBERTS HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL CELEBRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nils Robbins
Tel: 202-770-8053
Email: Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

 

ROBERTS HONORED AT NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL CELEBRATION

Shoreline Council Member Christopher Roberts given award for exemplary leadership at Democratic Municipal Officials’ National meeting

 

Washington, DC, March 16, 2022 –

Shoreline, WA Council Member Christopher Roberts received the Susan Burgess President’s Award for Exemplary Leadership yesterday morning during the Democratic Municipal Officials’ (DMO) “Oh So Blue” Celebration. Named in honor of the late Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem and DMO President Susan Burgess, the award honors one member of DMO for their outstanding service to the organization.

DMO National President and Philadelphia At-Large Council Member Derek Green presented the award to Roberts. “It is the nature of local elected Democrats to work tirelessly, and not always receive due recognition for that hard work. We wanted to shine the spotlight on a leader whose efforts behind the scenes have led to incredible success for our organization on the national stage.”

A member of the Choctaw nation, Roberts accepted the award with a surprised, “Yakoke” (Thank you). He was joined at the event by several of the previous recipients of the Susan Burgess President’s Award, including Detroit Council Member Scott Benson, former Chicago Alderman Joe Moore, Northfield Council Member Suzie Nakasian, and former Rome, GA Commissioner Wendy Davis.

Held during the National League of Cities (NLC) annual Congressional City Conference, the DMO “Oh So Blue” National Breakfast gathers mayors, council members, and other local elected Democrats comprising the membership of DMO for their biannual meeting. The crowd heard from guest speakers including a video greeting from Stacey Abrams, the DNC’s Reyna Walters-Morgan, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Roberts’ own Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and keynote speaker Doug Emhoff. Also on stage were some of Robert’s fellow DMO Board Members, including Savannah, GA Mayor Van Johnson and Detroit, MI Council Member Scott Benson.

Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) is the DNC Association for municipal elected officials who personally identify as members of the Democratic Party. The organization holds three seats on the DNC, and advocates for the thousands of local elected Democrats across the United States.

 

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For more information, please call 202-770-8053 or email Nils.Robbins@nationaldmo.org

Ketanji Brown Jackson Nominated to SCOTUS – Local Talking Points

President Joe Biden has taken his first step in keeping a promise he made to the voters in 2020 on the campaign trail. He has nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be our next Supreme Court Justice. When confirmed, she will be the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court in our nation’s history.

Our country was established on the belief that we can make our union more perfect. In 2020 this is precisely why so many of us voted for President Biden. Now we must now stand up collectively in every city and speak our truth to power. Republicans began tearing down Ketanji Brown Jackson before she was even nominated. Now our voices must be so loud and amplified that those in the United States Senate hear our demand that Ketanji Brown Jackson be confirmed to the Supreme Court and make history!

This is our moment to demonstrate the power of local Democrats; by writing op-eds, holding press conferences with other elected officials and community groups, interviews with media, social media campaigns, and any other way you and your community can support our Supreme Court nominee. 

Social Media Tips

  • Only share positive and factual information – let’s focus on building up Ketanji Brown Jackson

  • Tag @NationalDMO, @POTUS, and @VP 

  • Suggested posts

    • “@ [your senator] Vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson. The Supreme Court needs her voice to make sure our people are reflected in our laws.  @NationalDMO @POTUS @VP @[local media]”

    • “@ [your senator] Now is the time to do what is right and vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson. As elected officials, we have the moral obligation to represent every member of our constituency. Let’s make history together. @NationalDMO @POTUS @VP @[local media]”

Talking Points

  • President Biden is nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of our nation’s brightest legal minds, to the Supreme Court.
  • President Biden sought a candidate with exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.
  • A former clerk for Justice Breyer, whom she is nominated to replace, Judge Jackson is a top jurist with strong experience on the federal bench, currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
  • Judge Jackson has broad experience across the legal profession – as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender.
  • Judge Jackson has been confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis three times – most recently last year for her current seat.
  • If confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
  • Judge Jackson is an outstanding nominee for Supreme Court, and the Senate should move forward with a fair and timely confirmation and hearing.

Bio – Ketanji Brown Jackson: Who is she?

 Jackson studied government at Harvard University, graduating in 1992. She also received her law degree from Harvard in 1996.

— Jackson clerked for three federal jurists, including a district court judge in Massachusetts, an appellate judge in the 1st Circuit and Breyer himself.

— Earlier in her legal career, Jackson worked as an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C., where she worked on appellate cases, and served as vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission for several years.

 President Barack Obama nominated Jackson for a district court judgeship in D.C. near the end of his first term as president, and she was confirmed in early 2013. He also interviewed her as a potential nominee after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016.

 Biden nominated her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in March 2021, as part of one of his early slates of nominees, and she was formally elevated last summer.

 As a district court judge, Jackson issued several high-profile rulings. In 2019 she ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to shield former White House counsel Don McGahn from testifying before Congress, writing that “presidents are not kings.”