2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Jay Inslee Hits 110,000 Unique Donors

Inslee Hits 110,000 Unique Donors as Post-Debate Momentum Continues through the Weekend
Since Weds. Debate, Inslee Received More Than 28,000 Contributions and over $500,000

Seattle, WA – Inslee for America announced Monday that the campaign has over 110,000 unique donors, bolstered by a surge in momentum after last week’s debate. The campaign has received over 28,000 contributions since Inslee’s standout performance at Wednesday night’s Democratic debate, and has raised over $500,000 since Wednesday night. Inslee’s campaign is only 20,000 unique donors away from meeting the DNC’s donor threshold for the September debate.

“The more voters learn about Jay Inslee and his climate message, the more they like,” said Inslee for America Campaign Manager Aisling Kerins. “This campaign is building momentum at the right time, with more than 110,000 Democrats donating to support Jay Inslee’s clear message of defeating climate change. Last week’s debate was a turning point in our campaign. Ever since the debate, we have seen a sustained surge of financial support and online engagement. We went into last week’s debate with limited name recognition, and came out with the momentum we need to propel Gov. Inslee onto the debate stage in September.”

During Wednesday’s debate, Governor Inslee’s remarks made up 50% of all climate-related discussion in the debate. Inslee was repeatedly referenced by other candidates as the race’s leader on climate. Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker both praised Inslee’s vision on climate change.

It is clear that without Inslee on the debate stage, climate change will not get the attention or in-depth discussion it deserves. The campaign’s momentum since the debate is a sign that voters understand the importance of making climate change the next president’s top priority, and that they view Jay Inslee as the candidate who can defeat climate change.

Kirsten Gillibrand and Tom Harkin to Host a Community Conversation on Disablity Rights in Iowa on Sunday, August 11, 2019

SENATORS GILLIBRAND AND HARKIN TO HOST A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON DISABILITY RIGHTS IN IOWA
Sunday, August 11, 2019

This Sunday, August 11th, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (retired) will host a community conversation on disability rights with Iowans with disabilities, advocates, community members and moderator State Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque. Community panelists include Bill and Kyle Stumpf of Dubuque, Shelley Jaspering of Ames, and Carrie Chapman of Altoona.

The community conversation will be held at the Holiday Inn and Suites West Des Moines-Jordan Creek in West Des Moines at 10:30 a.m.

“I am honored to host this community conversation with members of the disability community and Senator Tom Harkin, a champion of disability rights and a beloved leader in Iowa,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “Americans with disabilities deserve a president who will listen, learn and work to improve their quality of life, and they also deserve a seat at the decision-making table. I look forward to a robust conversation with Senator Harkin and members of the Iowa community to elevate disability rights and find solutions.”

“Too often, the needs and priorities of persons with disabilities and their families are overshadowed by the politics of convenience,” said Senator Tom Harkin (retired). I look forward to this opportunity to shine light on their priorities for the future as we approach 2020.”

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (retired) has been a leader on disability rights. As a young senator, Senator Harkin was tapped by Senator Ted Kennedy to craft legislation to protect the civil rights of the millions of Americans with physical and mental disabilities. Senator Harkin knew firsthand about the challenges facing people with disabilities from his brother, Frank, who had been deaf since an early age. What emerged from that process would later become one of the senator’s most important legislative achievements: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Senator Gillibrand has been an advocate for equality for the disability community throughout her career, supporting legislation calling for equal pay for people with disabilities, requirements for insurance coverage of in-home and community based services for the disability community and creating a paid family and medical leave program. In her campaign for president, Senator Gillibrand has pledged to fully fund special education programs, direct the Department of Justice to ensure people with disabilities receive all of the protections they are entitled to and has pledged to appoint a person with a disability to a cabinet position. Bill and Kyle Stumpf recently joined Senator Gillibrand as her guests at the Democratic debate in Detroit.

See below for event details. Please note: This event is not affiliated with The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University and should not be considered an endorsement of a candidate, implied or otherwise.

Sunday, August 11, 2019
A Community Conversation with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Tom Harkin on Disability Rights

Event: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Tom Harkin will host a community conversation on disability rights with Iowa community members, advocates, and moderator State Senator Pam Jochum. Community panelists include Bill and Kyle Stumpf of Dubuque, Shelley Jaspering of Ames, and Carrie Chapman of Altoona.

Location: Ballroom at the Holiday Inn and Suites West Des Moines-Jordan Creek, 6075 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Time: 10:30 a.m. CT / Doors open to the public at 10:00 am.

This event is ADA accessible. Public RSVP. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforgillibrand/event/109434/

Meet and Greet with Bill de Blasio in Mason City, Iowa on Saturday, August 10, 2019

Mayor Bill de Blasio Breakfast Meet and Greet

The private dining room at HyVee East -Mason City is reserved for a meet and greet with Mayor de Blasio this Saturday, August 10th from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

Hope to see you there!

Tom Steyer to Stump In Iowa for First Time as Candidate on August 9-11, 2019

Tom Steyer to Stump In Iowa for First Time as Candidate
Steyer will attend numerous political tentpole events in Hawkeye State this weekend

(Des Moines, IA, August 5, 2019) — This upcoming weekend, August 9-12th, Democratic candidate for President Tom Steyer will make his first swing through Iowa since announcing his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. On Friday August 9th, Steyer will attend a lunch with the Hardin County Democratic Club at The River Tap in Iowa Falls, Iowa, before attending the famous Wing Ding Dinner in Clear Lake at the Surf Ballroom and Museum.

Saturday will include a meet and greet with the Story County Dems at Cafe Diem in Ames, IA and speaking at the Passport to Victory event in Central City Saturday evening. Finally, on Sunday, Steyer will speak at the Des Moines Register’s Soapbox event at the Iowa State Fair.

Friday August 9, 2019

Lunch and Discussion with Hardin County Democrats

WHEN: Friday, August 9, 2019
12:30 PM CDT

WHERE: The River Tap
701 Railroad St, Iowa Falls, IA 50126

Wing Ding Dinner

WHEN: Friday, August 9, 2019
5:00 PM CDT

WHERE: Surf Museum and Ballroom
460 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428

Saturday August 10, 2019

Meet and Greet with Story County Democrats

WHEN: Saturday August 10, 2019
9:00 AM PDT

WHERE: Cafe Diem
229 Main St, Ames, IA 50010

Sunday August 11, 2019

Speak at Soapbox rally hosted at the Iowa State Fair

WHEN: Sunday August 11, 2019
1:30PM CDT

WHERE: Iowa State Fair
3000 E Grand Ave,
Des Moines, IA 50317

Bernie Sanders to Return to Iowa on August 9-11, 2019 **Updated

Bernie Sanders to Return to Iowa on August 9-11, 2019 **Updated

DES MOINES -- In addition to stops this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Clear Lake, Williams, Des Moines, Avon and Orient, Sen. Bernie Sanders will now attend the Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action forum on gun violence and a Unidos Con Bernie Campaign Event in Des Moines on Saturday. The previously advised stops in Carroll and Adel have been removed from the schedule.

Here is the updated itinerary:

Friday, August 9

6:30 p.m. Volunteer Appreciation Event with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Surf District, 619 Buddy Holly Place, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders-attend/14547

7:50 p.m. Iowa Democratic Wing Ding with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Information for the public: This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-iowa-democratic-wing-ding-tickets-60839803490

Saturday, August 10

10:00 a.m. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Factory Farm Tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Williams Fire Station, Locust Street, Williams, IA 50271
Information for the public: This is a private event for Iowa CCI members.

1:30 p.m. Rural Healthcare Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Cafeteria, Carroll High School, 2809 North Grant Road, Carroll, IA 51401
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders/14544/

4:00 p.m. Adel Sweet Corn Festival with Sen. Bernie Sanders
301 South 10th Street, Adel, IA 50003
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders/14545/

1:00 p.m. Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action: Gun Violence Prevention Forum with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Ballroom E, Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis.

3:00 p.m. Unidos Con Bernie Campaign Event
El Malecon, 6550 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis

7:30 p.m. NARAL Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Embassy Ballroom, Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown,101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis.

Sunday, August 11

12:00 p.m. 21st Century Economic Bill of Rights Town Hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Henry Wallace Farms, 2773 290th St, Orient, IA 50858
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders/14546/

2:15 p.m. Iowa Poisoned Wells Tour with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Avon, IA 50047
Information for the public: This event is not open to the public.

3:45 p.m. Iowa State Fair: Des Moines Register’s Political Soap Box with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Iowa State Fair, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Information for the public: This is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased here. An RSVP is encouraged. https://act.berniesanders.com/event/event-bernie-sanders/14089/

 

Bernie Sanders Returns to Southern California on August 5-6, 2019

Bernie Sanders Returns to Southern California on August 5-6, 2019

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders will return to Southern California next week. On Monday, he will participate in the UnidosUS Presidential Forum in San Diego and host a town hall with immigrant workers in Vista. On Tuesday, Sen. Sanders will host a town hall on affordable housing in Los Angeles and a rally in Long Beach.

Here is the itinerary:

Monday, August 5th
6:00 p.m. Town Hall with Immigrant Workers
Centro Universidad Popular,1234 North Santa Fe Ave, Vista CA
Information for the public: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6:00 p.m. Additional parking and free community carpooling meeting locations are at Vista Transit Center Parking 240 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA 92056, Vista Sprinter Station 215 Goetting Way, Vista, and the Vista Library 700 Eucalyptus Ave, Vista.

Tuesday, August 6th
12:00 p.m. Town Hall on Affordable Housing
Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place Northridge, CA
Information for the public: Doors open at 10:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Parking is limited; attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool.

3:30 p.m. Site Visits to Housing and Homelessness Service Programs in Los Angeles
Location given upon RSVP.
Information for the public: This event is not open to the public.

7:00 p.m. Bernie 2020 Rally in Long Beach
Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus - E Quad, 4901 E Carson St, Long Beach, CA
Information for the public: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis. Parking is available for $2 in Lots E, F, G, & H, and Parking Structure J. Parking is limited; attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool.

Bill de Blasio Travels to Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, August 3, 2019

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO TRAVELS TO NEVADA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2019

On Saturday, Mayor de Blasio will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend and deliver remarks at the AFSCME and Huffington Post Public Service Forum. This event is open press.
After the Mayor will meet with SEIU leaders.

Approximately 1:00 PM PST – Delivers Remarks at the AFSCME and Huffington Post Public Service Forum
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154

Approximately 2:00 PM PST – Meets with SEIU Leaders
SEIU Local 1107
2250 S Rancehro, Suite 165
Las Vegas, NV 89102

Jay Inslee Campaign Passes 100,000 Donors, Sees Record Online Engagement

Jay Inslee Campaign Passes 100,000 Donors, Sees Record Online Engagement

Seattle, WA – After a surge of interest following Wednesday night’s debate, the Inslee for America campaign passed the 100,000 unique donor mark this afternoon.

Meanwhile, online engagement continues to surge, following Inslee’s breakout performance and clarion call on climate change at the Detroit debate.

Since the debate, Inslee for America has seen:

17,000 total contributions since Wednesday’s debate
Record-breaking surge in donations – including 267% increase over the 48 hours post-launch, and 326% increase over the 48 hours after the first debate
1,002% increase in website visitors over previous 7 day average
128% increase in social engagement over previous 7 day average

Inslee stood out during Wednesday night’s debate, taking the lead advocating for climate change action. The Washington governor drew headlines and applause by directly challenging Vice President Biden on the future of fossil fuels, and devoted his opening and closing statements to the importance of making climate change the next president’s top priority.

Highlights from Inslee’s debate performance included his criticism of the filibuster and declaration that President Trump is a “white nationalist,” provoking strong support from Democrats both online and through donations.

“The last 48 hours have shown record momentum for the Inslee campaign, with Democrats responding strongly to Jay Inslee’s clear message on defeating the climate crisis,” said Aisling Kerins, campaign manager for Inslee for America. “Today, we crossed 100,000 donors - and we are fewer than 30,000 donors away from reaching the donor threshold for the next debates. Jay Inslee is driving the climate conversation in this race, and Democratic voters want a president who will put defeating climate change first.”

Tulsi Gabbard Surpasses 130K Individual Donors, Meets One Threshold For Next Democratic Debate

Tulsi Gabbard Surpasses 130K Individual Donors, Meets One Threshold For Next Democratic Debate

DETROIT, Mich. — Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard’s campaign for President announced today that it has burst through the threshold of 130,000 unique donors, with over 400 donors in at least 20 states, required to participate in the Democratic debates. Gabbard’s underdog campaign is building momentum and attracting supporters across the country.

“People are sick and tired of self-serving politicians and corporate interests exploiting them for their own selfish gain. I love our country, and I love the American people. They are why I’m in this fight. I’m grateful for the support our campaign is earning from individuals all across the country who believe in my leadership, bringing a soldier’s values of service above self to the White House, putting the wellbeing of our people and our country above all else.”

The Congresswoman’s campaign has been gaining momentum as voters learn more about her record serving as a soldier for over 16 years, deploying twice to the Middle East, and serving in Congress for over 6 years focused on national security with seats on the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Homeland Security committees.

Just as in her first debate, she was once again the most Googled candidate of the night.

“Our campaign is powered by the people — not PACs or lobbyists. I will lead a government of, by, and for the people — fighting for liberty and justice for all, regardless of race or religion, as we strive towards a more perfect union.”

Democratic primary candidates are required to meet both a polling and donor threshold to appear in a series of nationally televised debates. Eligibility for a debate scheduled for September requires all candidates to achieve polling of at least 2 percent in four DNC-approved polls and at least 130,000 unique donors, coming from at least 400 unique donors in 20 or more states. The deadline to meet these qualifications is August 28.

 

Julián Castro, Family to Attend Iowa State Fair and Iowa Wing Ding on August 8-10, 2019 *Updated

Secretary Julián Castro, Family to Attend Iowa State Fair *Updated

Presidential candidate to make "political soapbox" and "Wing Ding" appearances in ninth trip to Iowa, and meet with local groups and voters in Des Moines and rural communities

NOTE: Secretary Castro will participate in the Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum on Saturday in Des Moines (details below)

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 7, 2019) – Following his "standout" performance at the second Democratic debate, presidential candidate and former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, will return to Iowa for his ninth trip since announcing his candidacy in January.

On Thursday, August 8th through Saturday August 10th, Secretary Castro will travel to Iowa to deliver remarks at the Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair and speak at the Democratic Wing Ding. Throughout this trip, Secretary Castro will be joined by his wife, Erica Lira Castro, and their children, Carina (age 10) and Cristián (age 4).

On Saturday, August 10th, Secretary Castro will participate in the Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum in Des Moines hosted by Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action organized in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

Secretary Castro’s second debate performance last week in Detroit was noted as a “standout” and “strong” performance by two national news outlets, with CNN pointing out “two times is a trend.” Among a CNN panel of nine Iowa voters, three picked Secretary Castro as having the best debate. He followed up the debate with an endorsement from the national political organization Latino Victory Fund, and endorsements by 11 Nevada political leaders including an automatic delegate during a trip to that state.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

South Des Moines Community Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Family-focused event on the south side of Des Moines

WHERE: El Malecon, 6550 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320

WHEN: Thursday, August 8
5:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Speaking program starts at 6:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro's family, community members, volunteers and supporters

Friday, August 9th, 2019

Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox
WHAT: Twenty minutes of remarks at the Iowa State Fair, followed by a press gaggle

WHERE: Iowa State Fairground, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
The Des Moines Register Soapbox is on the Grand Concourse located between the Varied Industries Building and the Service Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

WHEN: Friday, August 9
9:00 AM CT speaking time

WHO: The Castro family, along with supporters and fairgoers

Hampton Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Rural community meet-and-greet with Franklin County Democrats in northeast Iowa

WHERE: Rustic Brew, 117 1st St NW, Hampton, IA 50441

WHEN: Friday, August 9
4:00 PM CT - 5:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will talk to voters and supporters in Hampton, IA

Democratic Wing Ding
WHAT: Secretary Castro will deliver 10 minutes of remarks at the historic Surf Ballroom at the Wing Ding. He will at a fundraiser for local Democratic candidates.

WHERE: Surf Ballroom & Museum, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA 50428

WHEN: Friday, August 9
5:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Approximate speaking time 7:15 PM CT

WHO: The Castro family, hundreds of northeast Iowa Democrats

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum
WHAT: Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum in Des Moines hosted by Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action for candidates to highlight their plans to address gun violence organized in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

WHERE: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
Secretary Castro is speaking about 11:00 AM CT, although more details about the event will be released later in the week.

WHO: Secretary Castro, gun violence survivors, and volunteers with Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action


Center for Workers Justice Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa was founded in 2012 by a coalition of religious, community, labor, and immigrant organizations, and is affiliated nationally with the Interfaith Worker Justice network.

WHERE: Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, 1556 S 1st Ave # C, Iowa City, IA 52240

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
2:00 PM CT - 3:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Center for Workers Justice board members, volunteers, and coalition partners, and workers at their headquarters.

“Passport to Victory” Fundraiser
WHAT: Fundraiser hosted by First Congressional District Democrats to benefit local Democratic candidates

WHERE: Lynn Dunn Memorial Building, 201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52214

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
4:00 PM CT - 8:00 PM CT
Approximate arrival time 6:20 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Democrats from across the first congressional district as part of their Passport to Victory 2020 series.