Dear Supporters,

Last night, Barrier To Entry PAC endorsed candidate, Shenise Turner-Sloss, mother of three, proud union member, and now City Commissioner-Elect, won in a landslide victory in Dayton, Ohio.
 

This upset comes on the heels of a hotly contested race marred by political and racial tension. Just weeks ago, the two candidates on the losing Democratic slate were forced to apologize to Shenise for distributing mailers against her which have been characterized as “racist dog whistles” in the media.

But it takes more than that to stop Shenise. Look no further than this piece of evidence: When Shenise ran her first time, she lost by 12 points, but she learned the ropes, raised a bit of money, and acquired a small volunteer base.

When Shenise ran a second time, she lost by 4 points, raised more money, and gathered more volunteers.

This time, Shenise finished FIRST among four candidates, earning 29.7% of the vote, among a wave of progressive winds by young leaders of color in cities and towns across Ohio— from Cleveland to Lima.

It was the biggest night for Ohio progressives in over two decades, highlighted by historic mayoral wins in Cleveland and Cincinnati with young candidates of color.

Nationally, however, spirits could not be lower. Democrats across the country are becoming disengaged as a whole, and we’re losing critical momentum. Last night we saw this on a national stage.

Our team at Barrier To Entry PAC knows that building up our progressive base can only happen from the ground up. Last night in Ohio showed us that authentic, diverse candidates who are willing to champion progressive values and working people can win.

Terry McAuliffe’s stunning defeat in Virginia last night underscores the disconnect between working people and Democratic Party leaders at a 30,000 foot view, but this can be seen under a microscope in local Party infrastructure as well. Grassroots activists have found an opening at the local level, which will be critical in combating the Republicans’ latest trend of funding School Board races and other down-ballot campaigns.

Shenise is Barrier To Entry PAC’s third challenger victory in municipal elections for the 2021 Election Cycle, following wins in Galesburg, IL electing Mayor Peter Schwartzman, and Pittsburgh, PA with Mayor Ed Gainey’s successful Primary win last spring, which was sealed in stone last night as well.

We’re making major progress towards building a government that reflects working people, and we’re looking forward to breaking more barriers with you. Will you rush a contribution to Barrier to Entry today so that we can keep lifting up working-class candidates and help them get elected? Chip in now >>

Thanks for supporting the work we do here, and for sharing our vision for a Democratic Party that is inclusive, authentic, and accountable.
 

Eden

Founder, BTE PAC

BARRIER TO ENTRY PAC supports candidates and campaign staff from working class backgrounds as they carve their paths in the Democratic political space. We provide direct cash assistance for essential items like phones, cars, laptops, and living stipends -- which often times, these candidates and their campaigns don't have access to. We also serve as a resource for individual mentorship and training to ensure candidates and their staff feel supported and equipped to enter the political space.

Pitch in today to help provide necessary support and resources for working class candidates today! >>