NARAL Pro-Choice California Announces Endorsements for Lt. Governor, Superintendent of Schools

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 -- NARAL Pro-Choice America issued the following news release:

NARAL Pro-Choice California Privacy PAC today announced its endorsement of Eleni Kounalakis for Lt. Governor of California and Tony Thurmond for Superintendent of Schools. NARAL Pro-Choice California is endorsing these candidates because of their commitment to championing reproductive freedom for all women in the state.

A January poll released by NARAL Pro-Choice California shows that reproductive rights will be key for the state's voters in 2018. Eighty percent said women's rights and reproductive rights are important to how they vote, including ninety percent of women.

"Eleni Kounalakis and Tony Thurmond are committed to upholding the values of reproductive freedom and we couldn't be more proud to endorse them," said Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California. "If elected, both will have the power to protect access to reproductive healthcare and comprehensive, accurate sex education for young women and men across the state. Electing champions up and down the ticket is key to maintaining California's pro-choice leadership, and we look forward to mobilizing and organizing for these two champions for all women."

"I'm so proud to have NARAL Pro-Choice California's endorsement. I have always been a staunch advocate for women's reproductive rights, and now more than ever, we must be vigilant in protecting a woman's right to choose," said Kounalakis. "As Lt. Governor, I will continue to be a strong voice for reproductive freedom, and ensuring all women, no matter their financial means, have access to all reproductive health options."

"As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will advocate for the best reproductive health benefits for public employees, for comprehensive sex ed in all public schools, and for greater investment in school-based health services," said Thurmond. "Reproductive freedom is a foundation for educational success and I will work closely with NARAL on these initiatives."

NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates are dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom for all Americans. NARAL works to guarantee that every woman has the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. In recognition of its work defending our constitutional right to choose, Fortune Magazine described NARAL as "one of the top 10 advocacy groups in America."