IWO Issues Endorsements for November 8th Elections
For Immediate Release
Contact: Demetric Mercadel
504-913-6451
Monday, August 8, 2022
IWO Issues Endorsements for November 8th Elections
NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Independent Women’s Organization (IWO) issued key endorsements for the upcoming election to be held on November 8, 2022, at its August 6, 2022, meeting.
Endorsed candidates are:
U.S. Senator - Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon
U.S. Representative, District 1 - Katie Darling
U.S. Representative, District 2 - Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
State Senator, District 5 - Rep. Royce Duplessis
Judge, 4th Circuit Court of Appeal - Judge Karen Herman
Public Service Commissioner - Davante Lewis and Commissioner Lambert Boissiere, III
Judge, Municipal and Traffic Court, D - Derek Russ and Judge Mark Shea
Judge, Municipal and Traffic Court, E - Bobbie Smith
Clerk of First City Court - Donna M. Glapion
Orleans Parish School Board, District 1 - Dr. Patrice Sentino
Ahead of the endorsement meeting, IWO members invited all Democratic candidates to speak at a virtual forum open to the general public, at which candidates answered questions from IWO members about their plans for these important positions.
At Saturday’s member only endorsement meeting, IWO members engaged in vigorous discussion and gave great consideration about each of the candidates before casting their votes for the organization’s endorsements.
IWO President Mary Griggs highlighted the importance of these races and the engagement of IWO members: "The Independent Women's Organization was proud to offer our members and the public the chance to hear from candidates on local, state, and the federal level with profound impact on the quality of life in our area.” Griggs said. "IWO’s endorsements come after much discussion among our members and require a candidate to earn 60% of the vote of the membership to be endorsed.”
Vice President Lisa Ray Diggs continued, “As Vice President of IWO, I am especially proud of our members attention to and knowledge of candidates, as well as the thought and consideration given to candidates, prior to endorsing. This helps us endorse candidates who will serve the vast needs of this community.” Diggs said.
Endorsement Committee Chair Demetric M. Mercadel thanked committee members, membership, and all members of the public who viewed the forums via Facebook Live for their participation. "Virtual public forums have allowed IWO to reach the general public so all voters can become more informed about the choices they will have on the ballot later this year. Our members worked hard to engage the candidates and to consider their credentials as we made our endorsements.”
Early voting for the November 8, 2022, election will be October 25 through November 1 (excluding Sunday, October 30) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Voters in Orleans Parish may vote at New Orleans City Hall, Algiers Courthouse, Lake Vista Community Center, and the Voter Machine Warehouse on Chef Menteur Highway.
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The Independent Women's Organization (IWO) is a volunteer-based organization that supports Democratic candidates who are allies in the struggle for women's equality. IWO advocates at the local and state level for issues that affect Louisiana women and their families. Membership is open to all women who support the Democratic agenda.
More information on IWO is available at iwoneworleans.org.
