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PRESS RELEASE

End Citizens United Endorses Gubernatorial Candidates in Four Critical Races

End Citizens United (ECU), a leading national anti-corruption organization, today endorsed reform champions in four key gubernatorial races: Hannah Pingree in Maine, Phil Weiser in Colorado, David Crowley in Wisconsin, and Cindy Holscher in Kansas. These leaders are each centering accountability and affordability in their campaigns.

 

“Working families are tired of paying more for basic necessities while corporations rake in record profits and billionaires get more tax handouts,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Cindy Holscher, David Crowley, Phil Weiser, and Hannah Pingree are all running to change who has the power in our politics and our economy. They’ll take on the powerful interests that use their money and influence to get their way, and put everyday people first. We're proud to endorse these four leaders, and we look forward to helping them win in November.”

 

“Our system is set up to serve special interests over everyday people,” said former Maine Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree. “That’s why we keep seeing costs go up, while too many politicians put the interests of powerful corporations and wealthy donors ahead of Maine families. I will focus on making sure people can access health care, housing, quality education, and every other basic need without facing devastating bills and price gouging. I’m grateful to be working with End Citizens United to make this happen.”

 

"Special interests have no place pouring unlimited money into elections and buying influence,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “As Governor, I will stand up for hard working Coloradans and prioritize reforming our campaign finance system, including getting corporate money out of our politics. I’m thankful for the endorsement of End Citizens United and look forward to working with them to prevent and fight corruption.”

 

“The money flooding into our elections only works to enrich billionaires and corporate interests,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “And MAGA Congressman Tom Tiffany has shown through his actions that he would rather line his own pockets than serve the people of Wisconsin. I’ve always been committed to delivering on the issues that matter most to our communities, from making quality healthcare accessible to building more affordable housing. I look forward to working with End Citizens United to ensure Wisconsin is working for the people.”

 

“Kansans are working harder and paying more while price-gouging CEOs and billion-dollar corporations keep getting sweetheart deals from pay-to-play politicians,” said Kansas State Senator Cindy Holscher. “I’ve never believed the people with the biggest check should get the biggest say in our government. I’m running to fight for Kansas families, to stand up against the corruption that’s making life less affordable, and I’m proud to have End Citizens United standing with us in that fight.”

 

Hannah Pingree is a lifelong Mainer and public servant who served eight years in the State House, including as the second woman ever to become Speaker of the House. She built a reputation as a leader who stands up to greedy corporate interests and champions working families across Maine. Pingree has also led a small business, a local housing organization, and the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future under current Governor Janet Mills.

 

Phil Weiser has spent his tenure as Attorney General cracking down on corporate abuses, taking on companies like Meta and Live Nation when they break the law. He refuses to take corporate PAC donations, and 85% of his donations come directly from Coloradans. He brings a long track record of public service, from serving as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to working at the U.S. Department of Justice to founding nonprofits that support startups and small businesses. His opponent, Victor Marx, has a history of controversy and has repeatedly broken campaign finance laws during the gubernatorial primary.

 

David Crowley has served Wisconsin for two decades as an organizer, State Assemblymember, and the youngest and first Black person to be elected County Executive in Milwaukee history. He has spearheaded legislation that increased public investments in health care, housing, safety, and other resources for working people. Crowley’s gubernatorial campaign focuses on lowering costs and fighting for Wisconsin families, in stark contrast to his Republican opponent Tom Tiffany, who has faced multiple corruption scandals.

 

Cindy Holscher was raised on a farm and brought up with common sense, Midwest values, and a love of her country. Holscher serves as Minority Whip in the Kansas Senate and was previously a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. She has consistently fought to ensure Kansas government remains responsive to the public rather than special interests.

 

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For 11 years, End Citizens United (ECU) has been dedicated to combating the two biggest challenges facing our democracy: the corrosive impact of Big Money in politics and attempts to block access to the ballot box. Since its founding in 2015, ECU has had over 1.4 million donors with an average donation of just $14. The group has more than four million members nationwide and is one of the nation’s leading anti-corruption organizations.