Yesterday’s election was one that has left many of us in a tailspin, grappling with the election of Donald Trump and the defeat of Kamala Harris – and for some, it is a painful time travel back to 2016 and the loss of Hillary Clinton.
Whereas we do not know exactly what a second Trump term will bring, we do know it won’t be good for the people and issues we care about. The loss of the US Senate compounds the challenges. The Republican-controlled Senate will most likely be nothing more than a rubber stamp for all of Trump’s appointments.
As of this morning, control of the House of Representatives has not been determined.
Looking a little bit more in depth:
Thanks to the many of you who responded to Choice Matters’ cry for help to pass NYS Prop 1 – the Equal Rights Amendment. Despite a very rocky start by allies, and millions of dollars spent by NYS Republican Committee on inflammatory dis-information, WE PREVAILED. You joined us at farmers markets, train stations, Early Voting sites, and Election Day polls, educating thousands of voters who had never heard of NYS Prop 1, AND WE WON. The NYS Constitution will now be amended to include abortion rights and the protected classes that are in the NYS Human Rights Law. This victory should not be taken lightly, especially given the national stage and the prospect of a vicious battle already being launched for the office of NYS Governor by newly re-elected anti-choice extremist Mike Lawler.
Around the country, there were significant victories and devasting losses. Seven states, including New York, voted to protect abortion, while Florida’s ballot measure failed – a loss strategically maneuvered by requiring that the measure pass by 60% rather than 50%+. South Dakota’s measure also failed. Nebraska passed an anti-abortion amendment.
New York State redeemed itself…kind of.
In 2022, New York lost 5 Democratically-held seats in Congress. This loss was the reason why Democrats lost control of the House.
Yesterday, Democrats appear to have won back 4 of those seats and picked up another.
Albany.
Whereas seats in both the Senate and Assembly were lost, Choice Matters’ pro-choice-rated WCLA PAC- endorsed candidates won election.
There is still a pro-choice majority in each House.
In Summary:
Over the coming days, we will all hear many expressions – including “it is always darkest before the dawn.” None of them will be helpful.
But know this: If you don’t get “back up again” they will definitely win.
When you are ready to take action, Choice Matters is here; and, with your energy and support, we are in the driver’s seat.
We will resist and persist. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.
Remember:
“It’s not how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” Rocky 2006