The Political Action Committee of the Congressional Progressive Caucus on Friday endorsed Erica Smith in the controversial Democratic primary in North Carolina’s first congressional district.
The seal of approval for Smith, already backed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America, the latest effort by progressive Democrats to marshal the energy that overturned Roe v. marks the. Wade decision that guarantees the nationwide right to abortion.
Smith, a former state senator, is running against State Sen. Don Davis, a conservative Democrat who has voted for the legislation. reduce abortion rights, such as a budget bill that cemented the state’s defiance of Planned Parenthood. Davis nevertheless asserts his support for the fundamental right to abortion and condemns the leaked Rowe draft decision.
“State Sen. Erica Smith has been a leading voice for reproductive, environmental, economic and racial justice in North Carolina,” said CPC PAC co-chairs Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Mark Pokan (Wis.) and Jamie Ruskin (Md.). said in a statement. “She’s embarking on a Rural New Deal that highlights the ways in which a progressive vision resonates with rural communities.”
“At this moment, it is important to elect candidates who are committed to fighting for reproductive justice, and whose records speak of a steadfast and true commitment to abortion rights,” said the trio of lawmakers. “As a pro-choice pastor with a record of fighting to protect reproductive freedom in the state legislature, Erica brings a unique perspective and is someone we can trust to protect access to safe and legal abortion. “
Smith welcomed the support in a statement.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus is “leading the fight to ensure universal health care and a living wage, remove black money from our politics, and deliver bold climate action,” she said. “I know that with their support we can defend this seat, and build a brighter future for the people of eastern North Carolina.”
It is not yet clear what kind of financial assistance will come with the announcement of the CPC PAC. In the 2020 election cycle, the campaign spending arm of the House Progressives Launched several six-figure spending initiatives Through your Super Pac.
Another progressive group, the Working Families Party, has already purchased over $100,000 of TV airtime to advertise in support of Smith’s bid.
Voting for the first time in North Carolina will conclude on May 17, however, giving Smith and progressive groups less than two weeks of support to recover from an avalanche of spending on Davis’s behalf. The Super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the United Democracy Project, has spent about $1.5 million In support of Davis’ bid.
Davis is also supported by Rep. GK Butterfield (D), whose retirement inspired the contested Democratic primary.
But Smith’s endorsement of the CPC PAC, win or lose in North Carolina’s 1, could boost the activist’s bloc’s credibility on the left. Group bear criticism To support the re-election of Representative Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), a newly accepted CPC member, as he sought a primary challenger from former Ohio State Sen. Nina Turner, a progressive star. brown won easily on Tuesday.
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