WA Blog Series: Maria Jimenez
Hello, it’s Maria, also known as MJ in the CP community!
I am a Senior Fieldwork Program Manager and have been lucky enough to be part of a great team since 2019. Over the years with CP I have traveled to Florida, Arizona, Texas and Virginia. This year I was given the unique opportunity to lead efforts in my home state, the beautiful Evergreen State of Washington.
In early spring this year, Fieldwork launched “WA Weekends of Action” ; different from regular Common Power State teams and travel, these are local efforts that are flexible, short-2 day opportunities and only a driving distance within Washington State. Some may ask, why focus on Washington? What’s important this year that can truly impact the 2024 election?
In the last couple of years, Common Power has supported important races such as Congresswoman Kim Schrier in Washington’s 8th Congressional District. In the Fall of 2023, Washington’s Democratic Party Chair, Shasti Conrad, asked CP to support a slate of candidates running for City Council in Sunnyside. We are proud to say we were part of the efforts that placed Latinx representation in that City Council, a huge win for the community in that city.
Our presence, work, and dedication to these efforts were seen and valued. As a result, Washington Democratic Party asked Common Power for help in supporting work in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District to ensure Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secures her re-election for U.S House. They also asked us to continue our work in Eastern Washington, this time supporting Maria Beltran for State Senate in Washington’s newest Legislative District (LD 14) in the Yakima Valley.
Our top priority this year is to re-elect Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez for the U.S House. Her race against Trump-appointed candidate, Joe Kent is a toss-up meaning the margins are small, every conversation with voters matter and can truly make a huge difference in this race. I appreciate everyone who has been a part of this work. Although not a top priority, Maria Beltran’s race for State Senate in Yakima’s new legislative district is an opportunity to bring deserved representation to the Latinx communities living there. Also an important toss-up race we’re proud to support!
I invite you to consider joining our efforts to support Marie Gluesenkamp Perez or Maria Beltan. We have dates through the election! Visit our WA Weekends of Action One-Stop Shop for our sign-ups and more.
Check out additional blog posts for more on Washington efforts from our amazing Canvas lead’s perspectives — both of our Canvas leads Cynthia Putnam and Theresa Mannix leading work in 3rd Congressional District for Marie Gluesenkamp Perez as well as Odalis Octaviano leading work in Yakima for Maria Beltran.
In Community,
MJ
