‘Abortion Wins’: Reproductive Freedom Proves Overwhelmingly Popular in State Races Across the Country
138 Reproductive Equity Now-endorsed candidates win in Massachusetts
Election reaffirms that the battle for abortion access will be fought and won in the states
BOSTON (November 9, 2022) – In the first nationwide election after the fall of Roe v. Wade, voters overwhelmingly supported candidates who stand for reproductive freedom in Massachusetts and in state governments across the country. State and local abortion advocates made tremendous progress Tuesday flipping state legislatures, electing pro-reproductive freedom governors, and supporting state ballot initiatives to protect and affirm abortion rights.
“When candidates run on abortion, they win. On Tuesday night, voters made it overwhelmingly clear that they will support candidates who stand up for abortion access and bodily autonomy. Voters see how reproductive freedom is inextricably linked with the economy, workers’ rights, gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant justice,” said Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now. “Tuesday’s results once again remind us that the battle for abortion access will be fought and won in the states. From Massachusetts to Michigan, Kansas to Kentucky, state and local abortion advocates made historic progress flipping state legislatures and electing statewide leaders who are unafraid to stand up against anti-abortion attacks on health care. We have to continue to organize at the state level to elect candidates who will meet this fight where it’s at: in the states.”
Below are highlights of major reproductive freedom wins in state governments last night:
In Massachusetts, 138 Reproductive Equity Now-endorsed candidates won their elections, reaffirming voters’ strong support for state elected leaders who unequivocally support reproductive freedom. Reproductive Equity Now mobilized over a 100 volunteers throughout the general election, hosted several volunteer trainings, and filled 121 volunteer shifts during GOTV alone. Volunteers texted over 16,000 voters, sent over 3,000 postcards, and knocked hundreds of doors for endorsed candidates across the state.
State ballot referendums: In California, Michigan, and Vermont, voters amended their state constitutions to affirm the right to reproductive health care. In Kentucky and Montana, advocates followed Kansas’ footsteps and fought off anti-abortion state ballot initiatives.
Gubernatorial races: Abortion advocates made major strides in gubernatorial races, electing candidates who support abortion access in Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Arizona. These leaders will have the power to sign or veto abortion legislation that will have serious impacts on abortion access in the state.
State legislatures: Pro-abortion voters flipped state legislatures blue in Michigan and Minnesota, giving Democrats control of both chambers of state government. In North Carolina, pro-abortion voters stopped a Republican supermajority in the state legislature that was prepared to override Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s veto and enact a total abortion ban.
State Attorney General: In Wisconsin, where a 1849 abortion ban has been on the books since June, voters stood behind Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, who has filed a lawsuit to restore access to abortion care. AG Kaul was facing a Republican challenger, who vowed to enforce the 1849 law and dismiss Kaul’s suit.
Abortion as a voting issue: Exit polls in states across the country showed that abortion was a major issue for voters at the ballot box, and in many states, it was voters’ top issue. Voters care about abortion access and the impact it has on our families. Candidates who run on abortion, win.
Young voters support abortion: Young voters carried pro-abortion candidates to victory in states across the country. Voters between the ages of 18 and 30 came out in droves for Democratic candidates. Young voters care about abortion access and their bodily autonomy, and they are making their voices heard.
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