FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 1, 2022
Contact: press@agendapac.org
New Ad Outs Rep. Ken Calvert as the Corrupt, Career Politician He Is
Agenda PAC, Equality California & LGBTQ Victory Fund Team Up for Five-Figure Digital Buy in CA-41
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) — Today, Agenda PAC announced the launch of a five-figure digital ad campaign slamming Rep. Ken Calvert for his track record as one of the most corrupt members of Congress. The five-figure buy will run on digital platforms including connected TV, YouTube and more.
The spot, “Closet,” slams Calvert for his corruption – but is also a nod to how the incumbent got his start in Congress. In 1994, freshman Rep. Ken Calvert sent mailers and campaigned on then-opponent Mark Takano’s “secret agenda” – and ultimately outed the now-Congressman. In the 30 years since then, Calvert has made a name for himself as a member of Congress more interested in personal gain than his constituents’ well-being. And now his district includes Palm Springs, one of the gayest cities in America.
“California’s 41st District will come down to the wire and Agenda PAC and our allies are committed to holding Ken Calvert accountable for his corruption and his long history of bigotry— a toxic combo that has no business in Congress,” said Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Chair of Agenda PAC.
“Nearly three decades after Ken Calvert attacked his opponent for being gay, the LGBTQ+ community can play a role in ending Calvert's career of corruption. Riverside County deserves a Congressman who will fight for them, not a career politician like Calvert focused on lining his own pockets. It's time to fire Corrupt Calvert and send pro-equality champion Will Rollins to Congress.” said Samuel Garrett-Pate, Managing Director of External Affairs for Equality California.
“Ken Calvert is the type of corrupt bigot who has no business being in Congress, let alone as a representative of the Palm Springs community. From fighting the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to voting against the Matthew Shepard hate crimes legislation, it’s clear that he will continue harming the LGBTQ community in an effort to distract from his corruption,” said Sean Meloy, Vice President of Political Programs at LGBTQ Victory Fund.
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Agenda PAC is a new political action committee that aims to create and execute aggressive paid communications plans that hold anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and elected officials accountable, as well as defend vulnerable elected officials who are advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. With the repeal of Roe v. Wade and the Justice Thomas concurrence, and a historic number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced at all levels of government, we exist to take the fight directly to those trying to roll back our basic freedoms.
Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve.
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.