The largest Latinx group in PA, which made more than 3.9 million calls and texts during the 2020 presidential election, will turn out voters in Allentown and Reading

Today, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania announced the endorsement of five candidates in Allentown and Reading for the May 17 primary election, who will support the organization’s campaigns to ensure stable and affordable housing, protect and compensate essential workers, protect all citizens’ right to vote no matter what language they speak, and enact criminal justice reform and accountability in response to police violence.

Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s 2022 primary election endorsed candidates are:

• Tara Zrinski for State Senator – Senate District 14, Northampton County
• Josh Siegel for State Representative – House District 22, Lehigh County
• Rep. Manny Guzman for State Representative – House District 127, Berks County
• Johanny Cepeda-Freyitz for State Representative – House District 129, Berks County
• Enid Santiago for State Representative – House District 134, Lehigh County

The redistricting process to draw new legislative maps resulted in districts that are more fair, more balanced, and more competitive, and which give historically underrepresented communities a more fair opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice.

Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania will knock thousands of doors in Reading and Allentown, and register thousands of new voters across the state to get out the vote for endorsed candidates, prioritizing contact with Latinx, Black, and young voters.

In the 2020 presidential election, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania made more than 3.9 million calls and text messages to Latinx, Black, young, and working-class voters whose turnout in Pennsylvania was key to defeating Donald Trump. Although Pennsylvania is home to nearly 1 million Latinx people and Latinos make up the largest non-white voting block nationwide, communities of color are often ignored in traditional get out the vote efforts as low-likelihood voters.

Said Diana Robinson, Political Director for Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania: 

“Redistricting has created new maps with districts that are fairer, more balanced, and more competitive. These maps give communities of color, working class people, and people in cities and rural areas a better opportunity to elect candidates that truly align with their values and understand their needs. We’re proud to endorse these five candidates and help put in office people from our communities to fight for our communities in Harrisburg.”

Said John Santana, a member of Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsement committee: 

“Our movement to make sure every Pennsylvanian has a safe and healthy home, a great public school, and a good job where they’re protected requires partners at every level of government. That’s who these candidates are. We are proud to endorse them, and look forward to hitting the streets and knocking doors to put them in office to fight for our communities.”

Said Tara Zrinski, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsed candidate for State Senate in the 14th District:

“Our shared commitment to supporting clean renewable energy, immigration reform, healthcare, a $15 minimum wage, and voting rights means we are working towards a Lehigh Valley that works for all of us. That’s the vision, that’s my mission!”

Said Josh Siegel, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsed candidate for State Representative in the 22nd District:

“I’m humbled by Make the Road Action’s endorsement. As State Representative, I will be a proud and tireless champion of working class communities of every background, and fight for policies which uplift and empower working people from paid family leave, sick leave, universal healthcare and affordable housing.”

Said Rep. Manny Guzman, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsed candidate for State Representative in the 127th District:

“I come from a working-class family, with working-class values and it is those values that I take with me everyday to fight for our communities in Harrisburg. We still have work to do to deal with the long-term impact of COVID, raise the minimum wage, and finally close down the Berks Detention Center once and for all. I’m proud to have Make the Road Action in PA’s endorsement as we continue to build our power locally and in Harrisburg.”

Said Johanny Cepeda-Freyitz, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsed candidate for State Representative in the 129th District:

“It’s an honor to be supported and endorsed by Make the Road Action in PA, a grassroots organization composed of members right here in my community! My purpose and passions are very much aligned with the work Make the Road Action does, which is to engage, educate and empower our community. Pa’lante, People Above Politics!”

Said Enid Santiago, Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania’s endorsed candidate for State Representative in the 134th District: 

“It is an honor to be endorsed by an organization that shares my same values. I will continue my commitment to building power for justice and supporting working class Latinx communities. As State Representative, I will fight for inclusion and equity for ALL my siblings regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status, economic background, or any other marginalization that creates barriers between them and their dreams.”

Make the Road Action in Pennsylvania builds power for justice in Latinx communities, communities of color and working class communities, with organizing centers located in Allentown, Reading and Philadelphia.

Information provided to TVL by:
Melissa McCleery

 

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