We want to be clear about what Leaders We Deserve is building right now. Our mission is not “young people vs. old people.” It’s about fighters vs. folders.
Because oftentimes, the biggest threat to progress in this country isn’t just Republicans. It’s also Democratic incumbents who hold the title, take the money, and then disappear when their communities need them most.
And this year, we’re backing candidates who are willing to take on both.
This is what some of our candidates are up against this year:
Nida Allam vs. Valerie Foushee for NC-04
Nida Allam is a bold, unapologetic progressive who has delivered real wins by raising wages, investing in public schools, and launching a guaranteed income pilot program as Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners. She’s also already made history as the first Muslim woman elected to office in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, her opponent, Democratic incumbent Rep. Valerie Foushee, has been a Congresswoman in name only. Last year, NC-04 faced some of the steepest DOGE-related federal cuts in the country, and Foushee has been nowhere to be found standing up for her constituents.
And in 2022, she benefited from massive outside spending from AIPAC, turning the race into one of the most expensive Democratic primaries in North Carolina history.
Donavan McKinney vs. Shri Thanedar for M1-13
Donavan McKinney is a State Representative who has already delivered for Detroit. He’s secured $10M+ for community violence prevention, millions for public schools and rec centers, and $600M to replace lead pipes poisoning Michigan families.
Now, he’s taking on Rep. Shri Thanedar — an incumbent who has spent years cozying up to special interests like AIPAC and using personal wealth to buy his seat, while people in Detroit are still struggling to afford rent, stay safe, and access basic services.
Randy Villegas vs. David Valadao for CA-22
Randy Villegas is an educator, a small business owner, and the proud son of Mexican immigrants. He’s running to represent California’s Central Valley.
His Republican opponent, David Valadao, barely scraped by in the last two elections. He already lost this seat once in 2018 after voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act — but now he’s back, and Republicans are going to do anything they can to help him win this election.
And on top of that, Randy also has to defeat a corporate-backed Democrat in the primary — one of the most conservative Democrats in California, who has voted against holding oil corporations accountable for price gouging and takes money from Big Pharma and Big Oil.
These races are not longshots. But you can bet that the establishment is going to approach them like they always do when real challengers threaten their power: Flood the zone with money, attack the candidates, and hope non-establishment candidates (aka young progressives) get discouraged.
While each of their opponents have put profits first, our candidates — Nida, Donovan, and Randy — are running to fight for the people, and they have what it takes to win.
Thank you for your support,
Leaders We Deserve
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