EMILY's List Announces Endorsement of Jackie Speier for California's 12th Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee and financial resource for women running for elective office, today announced its endorsement of Jackie Speier in her bid for California's twelfth congressional district.

"Jackie Speier embodies the tenacity, intelligence, and perseverance needed in Washington," said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY's List. "Her impressive record as a public servant for over thirty years has garnered her the respect and endorsements of over ninety-two elected officials. EMILY's List and its members are pleased to support Jackie Speier as she works to share her expertise and leadership with her community, the State of California, and the U.S. Congress."

Jackie Speier's commitment to public service began in 1978 when, as legal counsel to Cong. Leo Ryan, she participated in a fact-finding mission to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by the Reverend Jim Jones and his Peoples Temple followers in Jonestown. While the investigative team was boarding the plane to leave, they were fired at by Jones' followers. Five people died, including Cong. Ryan. Speier survived, despite being shot five times and having to wait 22 hours on the tarmac for help. That day changed her life and has shaped her legislative agenda, increasing her determination to give a voice to those who are not heard.

Speier's work as a California state senator focused on important issues such as health care, privacy, consumer protection, child welfare, education, and prison reform. In the legislature, she honed her ability to cross party lines in order to pass needed legislation. The skills she developed in Sacramento will empower her to solve the challenges and problems facing the nation.

"I am thankful to have the support of thousands of EMILY's List members," said Speier. "I believe that a public servant should always stand up for things they believe in even when they stand alone, should always ask questions in order to expose waste and corruption, and should never forget who they are working for."

With more than 100,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is the largest political action committee in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has raised over $240 million to elect 69 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 13 to the U.S. Senate, and eight governors. Over the course of 22 years, EMILY's List has helped elect hundreds of pro-choice Democratic women to federal office, state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.

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