A set of candidates squaring off in state-level races around the country this year just received a vote of confidence from one Republican campaign arm.
The Republican State Leadership Committee on Tuesday announced its “17 in ’17: Races to Watch” list, spotlighting new candidates and incumbents who stand out as “rising stars” in the party and “who better represent the full diversity of our electorate.” Of the 17 Republicans named to the list, 14 are women and many are minorities.
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, RSLC President Matt Walter explained, “Our ’17 in ’17: Races to Watch’ list includes an exceptional slate of female Republican legislators and candidates from throughout the country.”
“These women are helping drive the Republican message on what it means to be a Republican in their own communities and will fight for common-sense policies when they are sent to their respective state capitols,” Walter continued.
Six of the candidates are running in blue states, and seven in swing states. Some, like incumbent Sara Walsh in Missouri, have already faced tough elections, even in states that went Republican last November. “Walsh won this seat by four percentage points,” the RSLC says, “despite being outspent by her Democratic opponent 3-1 who had also received the endorsement of Our Revolution, Senator Bernie Sanders political group.”
In New Jersey, Ileana Schirmer, a Cuban immigrant with the endorsement of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will become the first Republican Hispanic woman elected to serve in the New Jersey state Senate if she wins. Jill Vogel would become Virginia’s first ever female lieutenant governor. Washington’s Jinyoung Englund is running to be the youngest woman in her state’s Senate and the first Korean American woman to serve in a state Senate nationwide, according to the RSLC.
Women and minorities running as Republicans often face added hostility from Democrats. The RSLC is smart to highlight their races and boost their profiles.
Emily Jashinsky is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
