Lucas,
Last night was a hard night — not because we lost top races, but because it means the next two years will be even harder for women and working families across America. Harder because the Republicans heading to Congress and running state governments are as extreme as it gets for the GOP.
Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis, and Cory Gardner are all headed to the Senate — and they all supported so-called personhood measures that would ban all abortion and even some birth control altogether. And while voters passed initiatives to increase the minimum wage, they elected politicians who universally oppose making the wage a livable one.
But despite a tough map, EMILY's List made history. Scott Brown became the first person to lose to two different women in Senate races, in two different states even. Gwen Graham ousted Tea Party favorite Steve Southerland in Florida. Gina Raimondo is Rhode Island's first woman governor. And Alma Adams will soon become the 100th woman in Congress.
With our victories, we are on a journey that continues every election cycle in our country. This isn't just about one night, but about the movement for social change.
The fight to make women and families' lives better did not start in 2014. On this day in 1872, Susan B. Anthony voted, even though the 19th Amendment wouldn't be ratified until nearly 50 years later. EMILY's List picked up the mantle nearly 30 years ago. Now, women are running and winning, and we will continue the fight into 2016 and 2018 and 2020 and beyond.
Progress doesn't happen all at once. It moves forward bit by bit with every woman who stands up and commits to run for office. It moves forward when women's concerns take center stage in our elections. And it moves forward every time a young girl sees that she can be a leader, too.
We will continue to ignite change across the country, and I hope you will continue to be a part of that mission.
Will you join us and pledge to continue fighting to elect pro-choice Democratic women?
Thank you — from me, everyone at EMILY's List, and our candidates — THANK YOU for all that you do.
Stephanie