EMILYs List, which brands itself as the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed state Rep. Janelle Bynum for election to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.
The Monday, Jan. 29, announcement came on the heels of news that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee named Bynum to its competitive “Red to Blue” program, throwing its support behind the state representative as well.
“We know that Oregon’s 5th Congressional District deserves thoughtful leadership; and Bynum is that champion who can build upon her record of success,” said EMILYs List Interim President Jessica Mackler in a written statement. “In Congress, Bynum will stand up to the Republican efforts to ban abortion across the country, and she’ll fight to make sure that Oregonians and all Americans have access to critical reproductive health care.”
U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican and former mayor of Happy Valley, holds the seat in Oregon’s CD5 now. She is running for reelection.
Bynum is in her fourth term in Oregon House District 39, which includes portions of eastern Clackamas County. In the session set to begin Monday, Feb. 5, she chairs the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business, and sits on the Judiciary Committee.
EMILYs List works nationwide to elect Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot. It was founded in 1985. The acronym stands for “Early Money is Like Yeast,” which founder Ellen Malcolm said, “makes the dough rise.”
