News Article

Working America’s face-to-face conversations help secure a win for working families.

Karla Bigham won the Feb. 13 special election for Minnesota state Senate District 54. Working America canvassed for weeks, knocking on doors and talking to over 3,000 voters to elect a candidate who would be a voice for working people once elected. We talked with voters about the issues that mattered to them and we’re proud that we played a role in Bigham’s strong finish.

Bigham’s opponent, Denny McNamara, received massive support from corporations and outside groups. These corporate-backed groups attempted to portray Bigham as a “tax-and-spend liberal” because she wanted the wealthiest families in Minnesota — not just working people — to pay their fair share in taxes. We emphasized her record of bringing resources to the district so we could have good-paying jobs and a safe Hastings Bridge.

Bigham’s support of measures like infrastructure investment and earned sick and safe time resonated with voters and contributed to her victory. Despite corporate money and high name recognition in the district, voters rejected McNamara and came out for Bigham’s pro-working-family platform.

While Hillary Clinton carried Minnesota in 2016, the state has veered to the right. In 2012, Obama won state Senate District 54 by a 7-point margin. But in 2016, the district narrowly went for Trump. There are a number of important elections in Minnesota in 2018, from the governor’s office to several congressional seats. Bigham’s victory is a sign that with authentic voter engagement, we can turn the tide against the false promises of the right wing and elect politicians who will fight for good jobs and a fair economy.

Working America helped Karla Bigham win in Minnesota this week and we’re ready to help more pro-working family candidates win in the state in November.