FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2022

Contact: press@agendapac.org

Agenda PAC Launches to Aggressively Counter Anti-LGBTQ+ Pols After Dobbs

New, national PAC will take the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedoms to the doorstep of anti-LGBTQ+ politicians nationwide 

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) — Today, LGBTQ+ grassroots activists, campaign professionals, allies, and elected officials announced the launch of Agenda PAC, a new, national political action committee that aims to directly take on anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and incumbents. Agenda PAC will 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.

The LGBTQ+ community is under attack. The repeal of Roe v. Wade, and Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurrent opinion which opens the door to repeal same-sex marriage changed the landscape dramatically. Coupled with the record number of anti-LGBTQ+ laws being introduced at all levels of government this year – it’s more clear than ever that we must bring the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to the doorstep of those who attack our community. 

While there are existing advocacy and education efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights – as well as crucial political efforts to recruit and elect more LGBTQ+ officials – there is a critical need for an organized, national campaign to hold accountable politicians who attack our community’s rights and choice via independent expenditures.  Agenda PAC aims to strategically fill this gap and put its resources into winnable electoral races and moving pro-LGBTQ+ donors, advocates and activists to action.

Agenda PAC is a national organization at the intersection of pro-LGBTQ+ and pro-choice action – standing up against conservative attacks to roll back these hard-fought freedoms. 

The founding team of the PAC includes:

  • Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (PA), the first out LGBTQ+ elected official of color elected to the  Pennsylvania General Assembly and the first openly LGBTQ+ man of color to run for US Senate in American History will serve as Chair of the Board.

  • Joe Trippi, a veteran political strategist and principal of Lever Communications is a Senior Advisor 

  • Celinda Lake, a veteran pollster and principal of Lake Research is a Senior Advisor 

  • Sen. Shevrin Jones (FL), the first gay person and first LGBTQ+ Black person elected to the Florida Legislature who serves Florida’s 35th Senatorial District and will serve as a Board Member. 

  • Sen. Megan Hunt (NE), who was the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Nebraska’s unicameral legislature and serves Nebraska’s 8th Legislative District will serve as a Board Member.

  • Rep. Joshua Boschee (ND), who was the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to North Dakota’s legislature will serve as a Board Member.

  • Ted Bordelon, an LGBTQ+ political consultant and communications professional is the Agenda PAC Founder and Executive Director

“The Supreme Court has laid down a marker with Roe, and it’s more clear than ever that our most fundamental freedoms are on the line. Our basic and sacred freedoms are at greater risk now than at any point in recent history. It’s time to take the fight directly to those who attack our rights. Agenda PAC is putting anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and incumbents on notice: we see you and we won’t stop until you are out of office.” – Malcolm Kenyatta, Chair of the Agenda PAC Board

“Agenda PAC is poised to fill a gap in the political ecosystem and serve as a rallying point for donors and grassroots activists looking for action on LGBTQ+ freedoms and choice. Key demographics for Democrats – especially women – are being moved by the increased threats to freedoms we’ve seen ramp up after Roe and crystallized by Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurrence, and Democrats need more players like Agenda PAC to reach these voters.” – Celinda Lake, Senior Advisor

“The Dobbs decision and the accompanying Justice Thomas concurrence has energized grassroots Democrats nationally. SinceDobbs, we have seen increased Democratic turnout and enthusiasm everywhere. The battlegrounds look very different than they did in the spring and Democratic momentum continues. We have the chance to be the tip of the spear with target voters who are very worried about ultra-MAGA overreach on choice and LGBTQ+ rights. Our ability to harness the enthusiasm of this moment with a vital new player like Agenda PAC is crucial.” – Joe Trippi, Senior Advisor

The PAC’s first electoral priority will be defeating State Senator Doug Mastriano – who is the most dangerous candidate for Governor in the nation and has a long-storied history of anti-LGBTQ+ views and remarks. He has been quotes as saying gay marriage should “absolutely not” be legal, that protecting gender identity from discrimination should “absolutely not” be put into law and that LGBTQ couples should not be allowed to adopt – to task as he runs for Governor against Josh Shapiro.  

At the federal level, the group aims to target at least two US House races. Potential targets include CA-41, MI-03, NM-02, MD-01, and OH-01. A detailed list of targets will be released in the coming weeks. 

Agenda PAC is currently raising funds to support its efforts and building its advisory board. Find more information at AgendaPAC.org.

###

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 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.