Kellie Leeson Endorsed By Planned Parenthood PAC

Kellie Leeson, a candidate in the crowded race for NYS Assembly in District 73, has received an endorsement from the Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes PAC — as a Supreme Court decision poised to overturn Roe v. Wade looms.

“At a time when our health, rights, and freedoms are being relentlessly attacked around the country, we need state leaders who will advance bold policies and actions to further New York’s legacy as a leader in protecting and expanding access to comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care,” according to a statement from the Planned Parenthood PAC.

If elected, Leeson intends to push for a bill sponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger to be implemented in the New York state constitution; called the “Equality Amendment,” it would prohibit identity-based discrimination of multiple kinds and “include pregnancy outcome as a protected class in our state Human Rights Law,” according to Leeson.

“This impending Supreme Court decision is the writing on the wall,” she said in a statement. “Our fundamental rights are under attack, and I am truly humbled to have earned Planned Parenthood’s endorsement and trust to partner with them in this time of crisis.”

Leeson, who has a background in international humanitarian efforts, has also been endorsed by the Working Families Party; State Senators Alessandra Biaggi and Robert Jackson; Assembly Members Emily Gallagher and Harvey Epstein; and former District 73 candidate May Malik, the first person of color to run to represent the East Side district and the only other woman in this year’s race until she announced on June 1 that she’d be dropping out to take a position as part of President Joe Biden’s administration.

The primary for NYS Assembly will take place on June 28.