• ENDORSEMENTS

    Since our inception in 2016, 19 of the 31 (61%) candidates and ballot initiatives we've endorsed won! Over thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours helped secure significant wins on city and county commissions, the state senate, school boards, and more. Over half of our endorsed candidates are Black, Latino, or LGBTQ, and more than half identify as women. We've also advanced conversations in the political landscape and generated progress in key equity areas like policing and diversity in government.

  • THE PROCESS

    Our leadership team, with public input, leads Equity PAC endorsement decisions. Our multi-step process includes confidential candidate applications, engagement with the public, and their inputted considerations.

    We believe those we endorse can be equity leaders that can help move us toward the change we've been wanting. Those candidates and ballot initiatives are below. Bolded text indicates election wins.

CONTACT US

WHY AN
EQUITY PAC ENDORSEMENT

Since 2016, Equity PAC has endorsed equity-minded candidates, ballot initiatives, and advanced public discourse. We seek to support those willing to learn from others’ lived experiences and boldly make decisions that advance equity in all areas of public life.

We recognize that public leadership is complex. Equity PAC endorses candidates willing to listen, lead in empathy, and evolve as a representative of the people. We listen closely to the challenges our endorsed leaders face in advancing equity and support them in finding solutions.

In considering endorsement, we consider one’s understanding and approach to:

  • Advancing and elevating LGBTQ rights

  • Equitable policing outcomes

  • Equitable education policy

  • Equitable economic outcomes

  • Equitable health outcomes

  • Affordable and accessible housing for all

The benefits of an Equity PAC endorsement are many:

  1. Time - volunteers that will knock on doors and make calls

  2. Public engagement - we put you directly in front of engaged, active voters

  3. Diverse network - get the attention of voters looking for something better to believe in

  4. Strong support - we boldly defend the things we believe in, and people know it

  5. Allyship - we pledge to work with you to champion a variety of issues

  6. Trusted source - a leading voice for equity, our support means something

  7. Commitment - an avenue to publicly show your commitment to advancing equity in office

ENDORSEMENTS & WINS TO DATE

Note: bolded text indicates election wins.

  • Check out the public forum with the endorsed candidates here.

  • Check out the public forum with candidates for District Court Judge, GRCC Board of Trustees, and Kentwood Public School Board of Directors here.

    Check out the two primary public forums: part 1 (Drain Commissioner) and part 2 (County Commission candidates).

  • Check out the 2019 public primary forum for the Grand Rapids City Commission race here.

    • Milinda Ysasi, City of Grand Rapids 2nd Ward City Commission

    • Allison Lutz, City of Grand Rapids 1st Ward City Commission

  • Check out the 2018 public forum here.

    • Alida Bryant, 17th Circuit Court Judge

    • Craig Beach, 28th District State Senate

    • Kathy Crosby, Grand Rapids Community College Trustee

    • Kymberlie Davis, Grand Rapids Public School Board

    • Pam DeGryse, 6th District Kent County Commission

    • Christina Elmore, 17th Circuit Court Judge

    • Chad Patton, Grand Rapids Public School Board

    • Carlos Sanchez, Grand Rapids Community College Trustee

    • Monica Sparks, County Commissioner

    • Robert Van Kirk, 77th State House District

    • Proposal 2 for redistricting reform (Voters Not Politicians)

    • Kimberly Wiliams, Grand Rapids Public School Board

    • Stephen Wooden, County Commissioner

    • Grand Rapids Public Library Millage Levy Renewal

    • Grand Rapids Public Schools Non-Homestead Operating Millage

    • Transit Millage Renewal

    • Wyoming Public Schools Bond

    • Joe Jones for Grand Rapids Ward 2 City Commissioner

    • Kurt Reppart for Grand Rapids Ward 1 City Commissioner

    • Tami VandenBurg for Grand Rapids Ward 2 City Commissioner

    • Strong Schools Strong Communities Regional Enhancement Millage

    • Tony Baker for Kent County Commissioner

    • Kenyatta Brame for Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees

    • Winnie Brinks for State of Michigan 76th District Representative

    • Alida Bryant for Kent County Prosecutor

    • Kristian Grant for Grand Rapids Public Schools School Board

    • Rachel Hood for Kent County Drain Commissioner

    • Chris Reader for Kent County Clerk

    • Phil Skaggs for Kent County Commission