DEMOCRACY STRIKES BACK!
SOMA Action Kicks Off Midterms Strategy to Help Save Democracy
WHO: SOMA Action, the South Orange/Maplewood-based grassroots organization focused on driving progressive change – plus some very special guests.
WHAT: SOMA Action launches its campaign to help win the most critical midterm elections of our lifetimes. To kick off the campaign, a meet-and-greet event will feature two of the three most vulnerable members of NJ’s Democratic House Delegation, Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). The campaign is also supporting Andy Kim (NJ-03).
In 2018, SOMA Action helped each of these candidates flip their districts from red to blue, which led to the Democrats taking power in the House. But there’s more to SOMA Action’s campaign than these critical NJ House races. Democracy starts at home, but the battle to save it also means winning elections in critical battleground states. The group will focus on Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, three swing states with critical races that will help determine the future of our democracy. When you join the campaign, you sign up for one of three Democracy Strikes Back Teams:
• Join Team PA, and also help reelect Tom Malinowski.
• Join Team WI, and also help reelect Andy Kim.
• Join Team MI, and also help reelect Mikie Sherrill
From May through November, team captains will have weekly actions for their teams to help both their local and out-of-state candidates win their elections (phone or text-banking; door-knocking; postcard writing; fundraising).
WHY: Democracy is in peril. The Democratic majority in the House is razor thin, and the fate of these races could decide which party controls the body. This year, due to redistricting, South Orange-Maplewood is now in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional district. This means that Mikie Sherrill will be on our ballot in the June primary, and, if she wins in November, she will represent us in Washington.
Says SOMA Action President Jessica James: “Since our founding in 2017, SOMA Action has channeled the energy of progressives in our community, turning outrage into positive action. The 2022 midterm elections might be the more critical yet for the future of our democracy. We are up against a Republican machine that has undermined our most sacred democratic processes. Democracy Strikes Back is SOMA Action’s response. We’ll work together to win this fall, and have some fun while we do it. The force is with us!”
WHEN: Wednesday, May 4th 5pm-7pm
WHERE: Maplewood Village, corner of Highland and Maplewood Avenues.
Put on your best Star Wars costume, dig out your brightest lightsaber, dust off your dancing shoes, and swing by Maplewood Village to meet and greet our NJ House delegation, register to vote and join the fight to help save our democracy.
ABOUT SOMA ACTION
SOMA Action is a grassroots organization with more than 2000 members in South Orange and Maplewood (“SOMA”) New Jersey whose mission is to drive progressive change. Formed in the wake of the 2016 election, SOMA Action mobilizes residents of our two towns and neighboring communities to advocate for a broad range of progressive policies at the local, state and national level. We pursue results through education, activism, and exerting policy and electoral influence. SOMA Action is a 501(c)(4) organization. Donations are not tax deductible.
CONTACT: Amy Higer: [email protected]