Women's Group Names Red Dawn Foster (Running for State Sen. in South Dakota's 27th District) As a Top Trailblazing Woman Candidate to Watch in 2018

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA -- UltraViolet PAC, a leading national women’s group, with more than 1.1 million members in Colorado has named Red Dawn Foster, who is running for State Senator in South Dakota’s 27th District, as one of their top 10 trailblazing women candidates to watch in 2018.

The announcement, coupled with UltraViolet PAC’s endorsement comes just months after UltraViolet PAC named the “Top 16 Worst Candidates for Women in 2018,” and is part of a larger effort by the group to outline what it means for a candidate to be on the side of women this election cycle. Foster is one of 10 women running for State office to be endorsed by UltraViolet PAC this year.

VIEW THE FULL LIST HERE: https://weareultraviolet.org/ballot-races/

“Many are saying this will be the ‘year of the women’. But to create the dramatic and lasting change women need, we can’t just elect women to federal offices--we need to focus on down ballot races too. That need to elect women down ballot could not be more clear after the last week in Washington. Because Republicans turned their backs on survivors of sexual violence, we now have the most anti-women Supreme Court in generations. The need to have champions to act as a firewall against an ideologically driven Court that is stacked against women has never been greater," explained Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of UltraViolet PAC. “That’s why, we’re proud to name Red Dawn Foster as one of the 10 top trailblazing women candidates to watch in 2018 and endorse her bid to be State Senator in South Dakota’s 27th District. We need more women like Foster in our State governments. As an Indigenous community leader, Foster’s work for social, economic and environmental justice on the Pine Ridge Reservation has already gained attention not just in her district, but nationally. She is running on a broad progressive platform that not only includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, but also equity in education, economic and environmental justice, as well as justice for veterans.”

UltraViolet PAC based its endorsements of Foster by scoring potential candidates on 10 key factors, including commitments to:

1. End to Gender-based Violence: A world where sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence are rare--and when they happen, survivors are supported and perpetrators held accountable. Comprehensive consent-based sex education for all so our children can become adults with healthy, shame-free views on sexuality and relationships grounded in consent and respect.

2. Immigrant Justice: An immigration system based in justice that includes a path to citizenship for immigrants and asylum-seekers and rejects their criminalization and deportation.

3. Racial Justice: Racial equity in every basic aspect of life, including housing, employment, education, health care, and representation in appointed and elected bodies. We must put the needs of people historically abandoned or attacked by the state--people of color, Native people, sex workers of color, and trans people of color-- front and center in any attempt to create safe and thriving communities.

4. LGBTQ Equity: A society that celebrates and honors the diversity of genders and sexualities and where all people live free from bullying, violence, and discrimination in workplaces, schools, communities, and accessing healthcare.

5. Economic Security for All: A nation where all people have what they need to live with dignity, including affordable housing, a living wage, and adequate parental, medical, disability, and sick leave for ALL people. An end to gender and race wage gaps.

6. Disability Justice: All people, including those living with a disability, have the right to live dignified, full, self–directed lives. We must create systems of healthcare, education, housing, and employment that care for ALL people and fully address the needs of those with disabilities.

7. Safe Communities: Safe communities where no one has to live in fear of gun violence.

8. Healthy Environments: Healthy toxin-free land and environments with clean air and water in which to build our families, communities, and futures.

9. Reproductive Freedom: Access to non-judgmental, complete reproductive health care, including abortion access, for all people regardless of income or geography.

10. Health Care for All: Accessible, affordable, quality, and culturally competent health care, including mental health services, for all.

UltraViolet PAC is a community of over one million people spanning every state and congressional district who fight to end sexism and expand equality at the ballot box and beyond.