FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2019

Contact: Jacqueline Lara, 240-305-2133, jacqueline@megaphonestrategies.com; Nick Hatcher, 919-802-5663, nick@megaphonestrategies.com 

2020 Straw Poll: Ahead of Democratic Debates, Top Women of Color Activists Back Sen. Elizabeth Warren  

Top Issues of Concern Include Police Violence, Voting Rights and Reproductive Rights 

SAN FRANCISCO --  Today, She the People released a national straw poll of women of color leaders, political strategists, organizers, and activists ahead of the first Democratic primary debates. The results follow a straw poll conducted last December that saw Kamala Harris and Beto O’Rourke leading the horse race among women of color. The new results show a stark change in polling following the historic She the People presidential forum in April. 

“Women of color are going to gravitate toward candidates who are both championing bold policies nationally and investing in communities locally,” said She the People Founder Aimee Allison. “We’ll be watching the debates closely to see which candidates speak directly to our concerns.”

Topline Poll Results: 

  • Nearly 50% of respondents backed Sen. Elizabeth Warren as their first-choice candidate, 25.2% selected Sen. Kamala Harris, 13.8% selected former Vice President Joe Biden, and 5.5% selected Sen. Bernie Sanders.

    • In December, only 22.3% of respondents listed Sen. Warren in their top three choices.

  • Women of color want candidates who will stand up for communities of color on voting rights, police violence, and access to reproductive healthcare.

    • The leading issue that respondents thought was most important was voting rights for all Americans.

    • This was followed by ending police violence in communities of color, protecting reproductive healthcare access, and climate change, respectively.

“Candidates looking to win the Democratic nomination should listen to the issues that women of color care about,” concluded She the People Founder Aimee Allison. “Addressing our issues, both on the debate stage and in policy platforms, is the key to selecting a candidate who will mobilize and expand the base, ultimately helping Democrats win back the White House in 2020.”

###

She the People is a national network connecting women of color to transform our democracy. We are elevating and amplifying the voice and power of women of color as leaders, political strategists, organizers, and voters. She the People is building an inclusive, multiracial coalition driving a new progressive political and cultural era. Connect with She The People on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram