Rep. Donna Edwards represents Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District. She is the first African American woman from Maryland to serve in Congress. Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) supported her bids to unseat the incumbent in 2006 and 2008—the former a narrow-loss, the latter a resounding victory—and in her 2010 re-election campaign. She is a member of the PDA Advisory Board, and a leader on several progressive issues. Rep. Edwards sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to roll back corporate power. Daily Kos has also supported Rep. Edwards' campaigns, along with the National Organization for Women, MoveOn, Democracy for America, SEIU, and several other organizations and unions.
Rep. Edwards credits PDA’s organizing efforts for helping her achieve her breakthrough victory in 2008. PDA national, state and local leadership and members campaigned with her door-to-door, at metro stops, and at the polls all across the Fourth district.
She says, “I ran for Congress because I believe I represent the hopes and values that are the core of the Democratic Party — for workers, for families, for our country. It is an honor to represent Maryland’s 4th Congressional District and I believe much more work remains to be done to ensure that the voices of ordinary people are heard throughout our government.” PDA is committed to help Rep. Edwards overcome drastic redistricting to win again in 2012. Visit her website.
September 22, 2009 Rep. Edwards agreed to join the Advisory Board of Progressive Democrats of America. “We are very happy and proud to have Rep. Edwards on our board,” said PDA national director Tim Carpenter. “We will certainly benefit from her energy, commitment and intellect.”
Here is the text of Rep. Edwards’ letter of acceptance:
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at PDA's 5th birthday and Medicare's 44th birthday at the same celebration, hosted by my friend, fellow activist and PDA Board Member Andy Shallal. PDA has spent five important and productive years battling every day for progressive policies like Medicare for All, ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and pushing for serious solutions to climate change.
PDA has always emphasized an ‘inside/outside strategy,’ working directly with key members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to strengthen our efforts in encouraging the House Democratic Caucus to embrace progressive issues and values for the American people. That's a strategy I advocate, and it's one of the reasons I'm so proud to join the PDA Advisory Board.
There's another reason, too—one that goes to the heart of PDA's electoral work. When I ran my ‘long-shot challenger’ campaign the first time, and again when I pulled my upset the second time, PDA stood up for me. In fact, I consulted with key PDAers before I even started running, to plan out what became one of the signature victories of our progressive movement. Not everyone stood up with me, especially the first time around—but PDA did—another big reason I'm proud to join the PDA Advisory Board!
A decade ago, I founded and ran an organization fighting domestic violence, then led a group pushing for pro-democracy reforms, then became the director of a progressive foundation, prior to becoming a Congresswoman. I have met and worked with a lot of activist organizations during my career. It’s why I’m impressed by the PDA community’s tenacity and commitment.
I look forward to working with you in building our progressive movement and passing legislation that addresses the crucial issues for which PDA works so hard.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards
Rep. Donna Edwards works tirelessly to uphold progressive principles in the House of Representatives. She stood with a handful of colleagues, getting arrested in a protest against human rights violations in Darfur. She strongly supports all of the most important progressive legislation in the Congress, and powerfully advocates on the House floor and in the media. We hope you will join with us supporting her bid for reelection.