BEN JEALOUS ENDORSES
LEA WEBB FOR NEW YORK STATE SENATE
NEW YORK —Today, Ben Jealous, former president and chief executive officer of the NAACP and current president of People for the American Way, announced his personal endorsement of Lea Webb for New York State Senate. Mr. Jealous, a civil rights leader and life-long activist, was inspired to support Lea’s campaign after hearing her passion for community-based leadership and commitment to prioritizing equity and opportunity for all New Yorkers.
“The fight against extremism and for the preservation of a truly democratic society starts at the local level. It is imperative that we elect individuals who are committed to utilizing the power of local government to build safety nets and break down barriers for those who remain systemically forgotten. Lea Webb is the kind of leader we need representing the Southern Tier and Central New York, especially historically underserved communities. Her people-powered campaign functions on the fundamental belief that we are stronger together than divided. I am pleased to endorse Lea for New York State Senate because I know she will always put the needs of the people first.”
“I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be endorsed by Ben. He is someone I have long looked up to as a leader and an activist because he understands the importance of community empowerment. We are in a moment of true uncertainty as a State and a Nation as we prepare for yet another fight against gun violence, anti-women legislation, racial injustice, economic inequality to name a few. But I remain hopeful because of the countless New Yorkers I’ve met on the campaign trail who, despite the horrors and unspeakable tragedies, remain committed to building a truly equitable state for all. I want to thank Ben for believing in me and the campaign and for his support.”
The Democratic Primary is on August 23, 2022, early voting begins on August 13. Voters can learn more about Webb’s campaign at leawebb.com
About Lea Webb
Lea Webb was the first African American ever elected to the Binghamton City Council, and she is an award-winning activist who has been recognized as one of tomorrow's leaders by Oprah magazine and the White House Project.
A lifelong Southern Tier NY resident, Webb was raised in a blue-collar family and is a proud graduate of public school. Webb is a first-generation graduate of SUNY Broome, where she earned a degree in liberal arts and sciences, and Binghamton University, where she earned a degree in neuroscience. Lea is now an educator at Binghamton University, where she develops diversity and inclusion training and programs for faculty, staff, and students to advance its goals of fostering diversity and respect. She is a national trainer with Vote Run Lead, training thousands of women across the country on how to run for elected office. She is a Co-Chair/Co-Founder of the Black Millennial Political Convention and a Founding Board Member of Local Progress. Lea was honored with the President’s Award by the Broome-Tioga Branch of the NAACP for her significant contributions to her community.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2022
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