This is a letter to the editor from Eleanor’s Legacy and New York State Senate candidate Lea Webb. It was not written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit letters to the editor, send them to Matt Butler at mbutler@ithacavoice.com.

Lea Webb, candidate for New York State Senate in District 52, announced that her campaign has been unanimously endorsed by Eleanor’s Legacy, the preeminent political pro-choice organization in New York State. Eleanor’s Legacy’s endorsement in this primary is a powerful statement about Lea Webb’s track record as a fierce and effective advocate for reproductive justice for all. Further, Lea will be a keynote speaker at Eleanor’s Legacy’s main upstate summer event in Saratoga Springs on August 7.

Founded in 2001 by Judith Hope, the first woman to chair the New York State Democratic Committee, Eleanor’s Legacy is inspired by the dynamic legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt and her dedication to expanding the role of women in government. For over 20 years, Eleanor’s Legacy has been supporting pro choice Democratic women running for state and local office throughout New York State. 

“I am honored to receive this recognition for my years of organizing to promote women’s equality,” said Lea Webb. “The recent decision to overturn Roe was beyond devastating – it is a violation of women’s fundamental human rights. And let’s be clear, without access to abortion care, the burden falls hardest on people of color, immigrants, people in rural areas, and those without the money to travel. In Albany, I will be tireless in working to secure final passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to our state’s Constitution, and in pushing for adequate ongoing funding for abortion providers, to meet the increased demand from out of state clients.” 

Lea has long advocated for women, as a two-term Binghamton City Councilmember as well as in her role as a private citizen. For example, she was the Southern Tier Coordinator for the Women’s Equality Coalition, organizing seven counties to help get the Women’s Equality Agenda passed in 2015. 

Lea is excited to carry Eleanor’s Legacy’s message to #ElectProChoiceWomen into the primary election and beyond into the November campaign.

The Democratic Primary for State Senate is on August 23, 2022, with early voting starting on August 13.  Voters can learn more about Webb’s campaign at leawebb.com.