EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed Lindsay Powell for election to Pennsylvania House District 21 on Tuesday morning.

EMILYs List President Laphonza Butler released the following statement: “Pennsylvania’s 21st House District has a strong tradition of pro-choice leadership — and Lindsay Powell is running to make sure it stays that way. Powell has been an outspoken advocate for reproductive freedom and has spent her career trying to make her community a more just and accessible place for those who have been overlooked. With Powell in office, north Pittsburgh can be confident that it will continue to have a representative who will fight for their rights in the state House and not back down in the face of anti-choice extremism from Pennsylvania Republicans.”

Powell is a former local and federal government staffer and the director of workforce strategies for Innovate PGH, which focuses on creating employment opportunities for underrepresented technologists in Pittsburgh. Previously, she worked for the city of Pittsburgh as the assistant chief of staff, where she oversaw the first citywide digital equity initiative, helped to expand the free summer meal program during the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked to revitalize city streets. She also worked on the federal level for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. If elected, Powell would be the first Black woman to represent House District 21. She has been a strong supporter of reproductive rights in her community and lives in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Powell is vying for the seat vacated by Sara Innamorato who resigned to focus on her campaign for Allegheny County Executive. She is opposed in the special election by Republican Erin Autenreith.