Blogs – 1Hood Power

31 Mar

Progressive Groups Announce Endorsed Candidates for Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Justice Slate

(Pittsburgh, PA) Unite PAC, Pennsylvania Working Families Party, Pennsylvania United, Alliance for Police Accountability, Straight Ahead, OnePA, and 1Hood Power present our jointly endorsed slate of judicial candidates for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas primary election on May 20th. Allegheny County voters will have the opportunity to vote for eight candidates who will ultimately serve 10 year terms on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

“Over the last several years our progressive organizations have fought for a more just and equitable region. Once again we have an opportunity to come together, maximize our efforts, and build power in our communities. Together we can work to elect Judges to the court of common pleas to ensure our courts reflect our values of fairness, compassion, and accountability. This is how we create real, lasting change.” – Ashley Comans, Western PA Political Director, PA Working Families Party

This year, our coalition has endorsed a slate that represents the diversity of our county. We are proud to support a group of outstanding candidates who will ensure that the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas continues to protect our rights and follows the law, even when the courts are facing threats from the highest levels of government.

This year, we have endorsed:

The Honorable Quita Bridges

The Honorable Alyssa Cowan

Amanda Green-Hawkins

Lauren Leiggi

Amy Mathieu

Representative Dan Miller

The Honorable Matt Rudzki

The Honorable Craig Stephens

“It’s important to have Judges with diversity in race, gender, abilities, experience and economic backgrounds because they are more reflective of the community they serve.” – Nydea Graves, Lead Democracy Coordinator, OnePA

In 2021, our coalition elected five women from our original Slate of Eight to the Court of Common Pleas, demonstrating how powerful we are when we work together for the people. This slate represents the values of our coalition, and the endorsed candidates understand the responsibility that comes with being able to shape the lives of individuals with the decisions they make on the bench. Our organizations look forward to putting in the hard work to get them elected for the benefit of all Allegheny County residents.

“It is crucial that we elect Judges to the Court of Common Pleas who understand the long term impact of the decisions they make and are committed to upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics and fairness. Judges make decisions every day that can drastically alter the course of a person’s life and we need Judges who take that responsibility seriously, no matter what division they are serving in. Decisions made in Family Court can be just as devastating as those made in Criminal Court, and the candidates we are supporting best represent the values that are needed on the bench in all divisions of the Court of Common Pleas.” – Tanisha Long, Allegheny County Political Director, Straight Ahead

Pennsylvania is one of just seven states that elects ALL Judges in partisan elections. Because of this, we have an opportunity to drastically reshape the judiciary and justice is on the ballot this year. With the current President’s willingness to buck the courts to accomplish his Project 2025 agenda, it is CRITICAL that we elect Judges who will protect our rights.

“The justice slate represents a diverse array of qualified judicial candidates with unique experiences and backgrounds who can deliver for the people of Allegheny County. Over the past couple of years we have seen the importance of having Judges who not only understand the law but also the impacts of rulings on the community. As local courts are the first to administer justice, defend rights, uphold democracy, and protect our people, it is imperative for our justice slate to reflect those values.” – Miracle Jones, Legislative Director, 1Hood Power

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Donate to the Judicial Slate of Eight Today

May 20, 2025 Pennsylvania Primary Election

Voter Registration Deadline

Received by: May 5, 2025
vote.pa/register

Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline

Received by: May 13, 2025 5:00PM
vote.pa/mail (apply)

Completed Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline

Received by: May 20, 2025 8:00PM
vote.pa/return (track ballot)

Election Day

Cast ballot by May 20th at 8PM EST *
vote.pa/polls

Source: Need more info about the elections in Pennsylvania, visit vote.pa

Coalition Information

Unite PAC

https://www.uniteforpa.com

@uniteforpa Instagram & Twitter

Pennsylvania Working Families Party

Home

@paworkingfamilies on IG

@paworkfamilies on twitter

@paworkingfamilies.bsky.social

Pennsylvania Working Families on Facebook

Pennsylvania United

Pennsylvania United

Alliance for Police Accountability

@apapgh on Instagram

@apapgh_ on Twitter

www.facebook.com/apapgh/

@apatiktok on Tiktok

Straight Ahead

Home

@towardabolition on Instagram

@towardabolition On Twitter

OnePA

https://www.onepa.org

https://www.facebook.com/onepennsylvania

@onepennsylvania on instagram

@onepennsylvania on twitter

1Hood Power

Home

@1hoodpower on Twitter

@1hoodpower.bsky.social on Bluesky

@1Hoodpower on Instagram

22 Mar

1Hood Power is Proud to Launch the 2025 Questionnaire

1Hood Power Blogs, Politics

Candidates of Pennsylvania, now is your time. The 1Hood Power questionnaire is here. Organizationally we focus on: criminal justice reform, affordable housing, environmental justice, voting rights and other key issues.
Our questionnaire dives deep into crucial issues, giving you the chance to share your stance with voters. Your responses will be scored objectively, providing voters with valuable insights.

Click the Link to submit your questionnaire

    1.   Judicial: Magisterial District Judge and Court of Common Pleas
    2.   Mayor, Council (Borough, County, and City)
    3.   School Board Director
     4.  Judicial

Over the course of the past year, members of our 1Hood team have been stalked, harassed, threatened, and doxxing due to their engagement in direct democracy. If you are also seeking the 1Hood Power endorsement, we ask you to commit to requiring that you, your staff, and your team will not engage in doxxing, stalking, and harassing behavior AS WELL AS reject endorsements from organizations that engage in such behavior.

Transparency Matters We are making all candidate responses public. Voters deserve to know where candidates stand on key issues like criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and equity. This open process empowers voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Scoring System: Responses will be meticulously scored on a scale from 0 to 100, reflecting the depth and clarity of each answer. This standardized approach ensures fairness and helps voters compare candidates on an equal playing field.

Why the Scorecards: The scoring system allows voters to easily gauge the strength and depth of a candidate’s positions. It’s not just about what you say, but how clearly and comprehensively you communicate your vision for the future.

Why A Questionnaire We believe the people should be able to make informed decisions about their vote. The May 20th primary includes positions from the Judges to your mayor which gives YOU a chance to power up your vote and pick candidates who will fight for our communities to have what we need to thrive.

Join us on this journey toward a more transparent and informed electorate! We believe in empowering voters with the knowledge they need to invest in their future. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of people power and community coalitions.

The Deadline is April 04, 2025 at 5pm EST.

Community, we are going to need your help reviewing the questionnaires and scoring responses. If you are a 1Hood Power supporters who has been with us this, we are also going to reach out to you to be a part of the review committee. If there are questions you wish we would have asked, then please add your questions to our question bank.

PA Election Dates to Remember

May 20, 2025 Pennsylvania Primary Election

Voter Registration Deadline

Received by: May 5, 2025
vote.pa/register

Mail-in Ballot Request Deadline

Received by: May 13, 2025 5:00PM
vote.pa/mail (apply)

Completed Mail-in Ballot Return Deadline

Received by: May 20, 2025 8:00PM
vote.pa/return (track ballot)

Election Day

Cast ballot by May 20th at 8PM EST *
vote.pa/polls

Source: Need more info about the elections in Pennsylvania, visit vote.pa

05 Sep

1Hood Power is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 General Candidate Questionnaire!

Miracle Blogs, Events, Politics, Uncategorized

Candidates, if we have not heard from you, now is your time. Our questionnaire dives deep into crucial issues, giving you the chance to share your stance with voters. Your responses will be scored objectively, providing voters with valuable insights.

Transparency Matters! We are making all candidate responses public. Voters deserve to know where candidates stand on key issues like criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and equity. This open process empowers voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Why the Score? The scoring system allows voters to easily gauge the strength and depth of a candidate’s positions. It’s not just about what you say, but how clearly and comprehensively you communicate your vision for the future.

Why a questionnaire? The Nov 5th primary includes positions from the President to your local representative which gives YOU a chance to power up your vote and pick candidates who will fight for our communities to have what we need to thrive.

The Deadline is September 24, 2024 at 5pm EST.

Community, we are going to need your help reviewing the questionnaires and scoring responses. If you are some of the power supporters who have been with us this entire journey, we are also going to reach out to you to be apart of the inaugural review committee.

PDF Candidate Fall 2024 Questionnaire Download

Word Candidate Fall 2024 Questionnaire Download

Please note that if you fail to qualify for the position you were running for or anytime suspend your campaign before the release of our scorecards, the scores will not be made public.

26 Jan

Announcing the 2024 Candidate Questionnaire Process

Miracle Blogs, Politics, Statements

1Hood Power is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Candidate Questionnaire! This year, we’re taking transparency to the next level by scoring responses on a (0-100) scale and making them public.

We heard your requests and concerns from last year and are excited to announce a better, more engaging questionnaire process to reflect the needs and concerns of the community. #PowerUpElection2024

The April 23rd primary ballot includes positions from the President to your local representative which gives YOU a chance to power up your vote and pick candidates who will fight for our communities to have what we need to thrive.

Candidates, get ready! Our questionnaire dives deep into crucial issues, giving you the chance to share your stance with voters. Your responses will be scored objectively, providing voters with valuable insights.

Transparency Matters! For the first time, we’re making all candidate responses public. Voters deserve to know where candidates stand on key issues like criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and equity. This open process empowers voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Why the Score? The scoring system allows voters to easily gauge the strength and depth of a candidate’s positions. It’s not just about what you say, but how clearly and comprehensively you communicate your vision for the future.

Due to the petition season, we are pushing the deadline to the February 16, 2024 at 11 am EST.

Candidates who have announced, we will reach out to via your listed email address this week. For those who qualify at the close of the signature period, we will follow up with you, but please note you will have less time to submit the questionnaire.

Stay tuned for updates, and candidates, check your inboxes for the 2024 Candidate Questionnaire! Let’s power up our reflective democracy and ensure our communities thrive!

Please note that if you fail to qualify for the position you were running for or anytime suspend your campaign before the release of our scorecards, the scores will not be made public.

Senate questionnaire: https://forms.gle/tq3Ls6xQUEus3oAC6
Congressional questionnaire: https://forms.gle/AB7Eiu3JPhLTxCmG6
Attorney General questionnaire: https://forms.gle/tLnT2AaDYeogJUTq8
Treasurer / Auditor questionnaire: https://forms.gle/UAMcBVaw2TXoSmc87
General Assembly questionnaire : https://forms.gle/MefdDLKKxduJrUex5

#PowerUpElection2024 #PAPol

11 May

1Hood Power Announces Scorecards for 2023 Primary Election in Pennsylvania

Miracle Blogs, Events, Politics, Press

This primary election season, we focused on districts in SWPA with competitive races. We reached out to candidates through email and social media to gather responses. Below is our the May 2023 Primary Election Candidate Scorecards.

On May 16th, Pennsylvania voters across the Commonwealth are choosing judicial candidates and legislators who will make consequential decisions and policies about how we live our lives including affordable housing, safety, elections, school funding, accessibility and livability. These positions have tremendous power over people’s lives and livelihoods. Below is how candidates fared this cycle. Please note we only reach out to candidates in contested races during the primary.

Organizationally we focus on: criminal justice reform, affordable housing, environmental justice, voting rights and other issues impacting Black Pennsylvanian and Working Class People throughout the Commonwealth.

Please Note No Response indicates the candidates did not submit answers by the deadline or respond to requests

Scoring: Scoring is the result of the average score of staff, volunteers, and contractors. Each candidate receives an individualized rating and those score are tallied and averaged. No judicial candidate is penalized for not answering a question they reasonably believe will come before them in the court of law.

11 Apr

Meet the Richest Man In Pennsylvania

1Hood Power Blogs, Politics, Press

Meet the richest man in Pennsylvania, reportedly worth $30 Billion. His name is Jeff Yass and he’s rigging the rules of our society to work for his right wing agenda. He poses an existential threat to Black and
Brown people, working families, the LGBT community and our democracy itself.
Jeff Yass influences politicians, elections and public policy. He gives money to politicians and advocacy
groups to make laws that harm, punish and attempt to erase our communities. He donates some of his
billions to interest groups or political leaders who are on the wrong side of the issues that matter to us
most.

He funds efforts to privatize our public schools, cut corporate business taxes, outlaw abortion & bust
unions. He also funds anti-immigrant groups that supported the Muslim ban, public officials who aim to
disenfranchise voters of color and lobbying efforts to reinstate mandatory minimum sentences. Jeff Yass
has also given funds to campaigns opposing ‘critical race theory’ in schools and important solutions to
climate change.

He has deep ties to the fossil fuel industry and refers to those in the environmental community as “climate
change hysterical people”. Jeff Yass also supports groups who oppose legislation that would protect
LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and other public accommodations. Last but
not least, Yass funds politicians with ties to white nationalism who supported the January 6th insurrection,
promoted QAnon conspiracies and sought to overturn the 2020 election results.

We cannot let Jeffrey Yass continue to undermine democracy, sow division and block progress for Black,
Brown, working class; LGBT communities across PA. We need to bring to light his role in attempting to
reshape our lives, society and democracy. No elected officials should ever take money from Jeff Yass.
We need leaders who represent us and stand up to the billionaires. It is time he is held accountable.
We need to come together to stop Yass from rigging the rules by taking 3 important steps:

Tax the rich and abolish the uniformity clause in Pennsylvania so that billionaires pay
what they owe to our communities and stop having so much money to pollute our
Democracy.
Pass campaign finance limits in Pennsylvania so those with the most money can’t give
unlimited campaign donations.
Pass lobbying reform bills, like a gift ban, so billionaires have less influence on
Legislation.

Learn more about Jeff Yass here :

https://www.propublica.org/article/jeff-yass-susquehanna-tiktok-tax-avoidance
https://www.forbes.com/profile/jeff-yass/?sh=88a282f5f1a1
https://news.littlesis.org/2022/09/28/jeffrey-yass-the-billionaire-behind-pennsylvanias-right-wing-machine/
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/who-is-jeffrey-yass-and-why-is-he-such-a-big-problem-for-pennsylvania-opinion/

30 Nov

1Hood Power is joining the fight to re-elect Sen Raphael Warnock in the GA Senate Runoff

1Hood Power Blogs

The mission of 1hood power is to build liberated communities through the use of electoral organizing.

The south comprises one of the largest swaths of Black and Brown voters who have been impacted by voter suppression, disinvestment, and over-policing. It is here in Georgia that the right to vote has been under attack, and it is here in Georgia where thousands of people are organizing and fighting for a better tomorrow. Sen Warnock is one of those people.

Sen Warnock has fought tirelessly for the people of Georgia with legislation to support agriculture advancements, health care for pregnant people, and investments in infrastructure and innovation to get people back to work. He has worked tirelessly as a son of Georgia

He has voted to ensure veterans get the healthcare they deserve despite opposition from the Conservative Party. Warnock is from Georgia and has used his platform to advocate for Georgians, no matter their political affiliation. His loyalty is to the people of Georgia, not a personal benefactor.

One more time Georgia. We are asking you to make a voting plan and re-elect Raphael Warnock.

Find your polling place https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/

Early voting ends December 2nd.

Provisional voting is December 5-6th.

Election Day is December 6th.

24 Oct

1Hood Power Host District 5 Council Forum

Miracle Blogs, Politics

On Monday night at 7pm, the 1Hood Power Hour will host a candidate forum for the district five council seat. The council race is a special election happening on November 8th to fill the vacancy left by former council member Corey O’Conner. The virtual candidate forum will be aired live on the Facebook and YouTube channels of 1Hood Power. All district five council candidates have been invited.

Confirmed candidates are as follows:

Eugene Boker (R)

Matthew Mahoney(I)

Barbara Warwick (D)

District 5 encompasses Squirrel Hill South, Greenfield, Regent Square, Swisshelm Park, Hazelwood, Glen Hazel, Hays, New Homestead and Lincoln Place.

18 Jun

1Hood Power Launches Spring Series of Candidate Forums

1Hood Power Blogs No Comments

The Spring Series will feature legitimate candidates who are on the May 17th ballot. Legitimate candidates are party candidates who have registered their campaign and met the required signature threshold, as evidenced by placement on the PA Voter Candidate List.

For independent and third-party candidates, you are ineligible for the spring series as you are not on the may ballot, but we will reach out to you for the Fall Forum Series. This is because Pennsylvania does not have open primaries and only recognized significant party candidates are on the May ballot.

You may watch the Spring Series every Monday at 7 PM EST on our Facebook and Youtube Channels.

10 Jun

Power of a Pro Voter Agenda

1Hood Power Blogs No Comments

1Hood Power is a social justice electoral organization in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serving to create liberated communities through political activism. 1Hood Power was born out of a fight for justice to stop mass incarceration, over-policing, and violence in our communities.

While we were fighting for racial justice, attacks on elections became rooted in our home state of Pennsylvania. We watched as our community members had polling places changed and received incorrect ballots. We became inundated with messages saying our votes did not matter and our voices had no power. Then when we organized, we saw the power of our collective vote. Then we began to see our elected officials move away from our needs for a reflective democracy through expanded voter access.

As such, we are working to support a voter agenda that codifies no excuse mail-in/absentee voting, additional drop box sites, automatic and same-day voter registration, and expansive voter protections to include the protection of private identifying data. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have early voting access. Instead, we offer mail-in/absentee voting that allows people to mail their ballots. Yet, with mail delays and ballot errors, we need more protections to ensure everyone has an unrestricted right to the ballot box.

Prior to the pandemic, Act 77 expanded mail-in voting. Yet, in 2020, there was a grassroots movement to educate people on how to vote by mail, deadlines, and the ballot counting process because the information was not readily available and accessible, especially to those whose primary language is not English or those with assistive devices.

During the 2021 election, our own Legislative Director was one of the hundreds of people who received a flawed ballot and had to change their voting plan in-person to ensure the vote was counted. These experiences mean 1Hood Power understands how voting impacts people and how easily people can quickly become disenfranchised from voting. There is an ever-pressing need to ensure voters, no matter where they live, have access to the ballot box.

Currently, we do not have a set accessible, robust voting opportunity in our regions, which has led to more complications despite increasing voter participation over the past two elections. As such, 1Hood Power is working to ensure a reflective democracy that includes all of us by educating the public on the rules and regulations of elections, engaging community members around the issues that impact them, and empowering the electorate to demand the creation of the conditions of liberation and equity.

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