Hi John xxxxxx,

We are enormously proud to announce our latest endorsement for the 2026 cycle: Joanna Whaley, candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives - District 2.

While we try to keep these endorsement announcement emails joyful and celebratory, especially since Whaley is truly an extraordinary person and candidate, we want to make sure you understand the dynamics of this race and why it’s so important that we rush support to Joanna today. We’ll explain below…

Joanna has shared with us that she’s experiencing harassment and death threats ever since she launched her campaign. The situation has become so intense that Joanna has made a practice of hiring armed security when she attends campaign events. She updated that her team has budgeted at least $500 per month just for security, depending on the threats and types of events she is attending.

The dynamics: If elected, Joanna will be the first openly transgender woman in the Michigan state house. While this district leans liberal, Joanna knows her candidacy is not well-received by everyone. In fact, one of her primary opponents voiced that, "this area won't elect a transgender woman,” and more recently started calling her “a he/she” in front of voters.

If this is the behavior of her Democratic opponent – a man who is currently in public office, we can only imagine the harassment she has been experiencing from the general public. At Her Bold Move, we believe no one should endure harassment and threats just for running for political office.

This is, of course, a way of intimidating formidable candidates out of running for office. We know Joanna can win this race – but, due to her security costs and other safety considerations she’s had to make along the way, she will have a more expensive campaign than her white, cis, male counterparts.

We want to help her pay that security bill.

This is going to be a TOUGH race. Joanna has tough, hateful, dangerous opponents in both her primary and the general. Will you rush a split $20.26 today to help pay for Joanna’s security detail from now until November?

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will be processed immediately and automatically split between Her Bold Move and Joanna Whaley:

As a community advocate, Joanna is not new to threats.

Before getting into politics, she received a death threat while getting ready to speak at a church in Michigan – the suspect threatened to blow up the church and shoot people.

She has also faced many threats and terrifying moments since declaring her candidacy. Most recently, someone approached her at a NO KINGS rally with a MAGA hat and a gun. As he got more threatening and the situation escalated, her security staff had to intervene, and local police got involved. We are so grateful that she had security in place to protect her during this scary moment.

She shared that she receives threatening messages and comments online daily.

Let’s be clear - most down ballot candidates do not need to hire armed security. This cost puts Joanna at a disadvantage in this race, despite being the better and stronger candidate. Help us take this expense off her plate by chipping in a split $20.26 today →

The status quo politician isn’t working anymore. This district – and the entire country – demand leadership that will defend its constituents every single time. Community advocates like Joanna did not just enter politics for power; they do it to better their community.

Two brothers have collectively held this seat since 2014… This district is tired of the status quo. What this district needs is strong leadership to finally address infrastructure issues, mitigate cost-of-living increases, and protect civil rights.

We can’t let security costs get in the way of Joanna winning this race. Will you join us in supporting Joanna for the Michigan House of Representatives by rushing a split $20.26 or more contribution today?

Onward,

Colleen Davis
Endorsements Manager
Her Bold Move

P.S. In light of the attack against Ilhan Omar earlier this week, we are working to create a safety training program for all of our Her Bold Move candidates and electeds. Please stay tuned as we prepare to share more about that program.