Endorsements
Activist and Community Leader Nekima Levy Armstrong
"Athena Hollins is a strong advocate for justice who will work hard for all residents of House District 66B to usher in the bold, Progressive changes that are needed in the areas of criminal justice, policing, climate change, housing, and economics. Rather than sit on the sidelines, Athena will work collaboratively with residents, listen to their concerns, and then go to bat for them at the Legislature to fight for change. As a Black woman lawyer and community member, Athena understands the power and importance of making sure that everyone has a seat at the table and that no one is being left behind. She is the leader we need to represent House District 66B."
St. Paul City Councilmember - Ward 6 Nelsie Yang
"I am endorsing Athena Hollins because she is a bold, progressive leader who puts people across race, class, gender, and age at the center of all decision-making. We need leaders like her who are unapologetic about organizing people into a powerful movement and governing all at the same time."
St. Paul City Councilmember - Ward 4 Mitra Jalali
“I’m ready to get to work with Athena Hollins on the urgent issues facing our St. Paul community. Athena will bring a critical new perspective to the Capitol as a working mom, organizer and policy advocate on issues facing communities of color, working families, making sure no one is left out of our progress together. I know she’ll fight with us on climate, criminal justice reform and so much more.”
Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense Candidate
Moms Demand Action is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, and is the nation’s largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence in America. With nearly six million supporters and volunteer chapters in every state, Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families.
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services, safe and legal abortion, and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education.
Take Action MN
AFSCME Council 5
MN 350 Action
OutFront Minnesota Action
Women Winning
“Women Winning is proud to endorse Athena Hollins for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 66B. With her demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and organizing, Athena will ensure that all voices are heard at the Capitol. Athena’s background in law, foundational management, and diversity and inclusion uniquely prepare her to solve problems and get things done in the Minnesota Legislature.” - Meggie Wittorf, Women Winning Executive Director
FairVote Minnesota’s Ranked Choice Voting Candidate Democracy Champion
Ranked Choice Voting is a simple change to the ballot that allows voters to rank their preferences on the ballot -- 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, etc. The rankings are used to conduct a virtual runoff to ensure elected officials earn broad majority support. It encourages more, and more diverse candidates to run for office, restores majority rule and gives voters more choice and more power at the ballot box.
I support expanding Ranked Choice Voting in Minnesota for local, state, and federal elections and the power of communities to decide for themselves if RCV is right for them. The Local Options bill, would provide communities with this opportunity.
Sierra Club
“Our endorsement sends a message of your strong support for the environment and your proven track record in environmental issues.”
St. Paul School Board Member Zuki Ellis
“Who sits at the table, who has a role in making decisions - that matters. Athena has a voice that needs to be heard at the capital. Our students and our communities here in St. Paul need legislators who will fight for what they need, and I look forward to doing that work with Athena.”
Minnesota House Assistant Majority Leader Representative Hodan Hassan
“In the era of polarization, racial tensions, and religious intolerance, we need fighters who will be a voice for All. We need fighters who can challenge the status quo. I see that fight in Athena, she is a mother, a community voice, and someone who I strongly believe will stand with us in these challenging times. I am honored and thrilled to support her campaign for Minnesota House district 66B.”
St. Paul School Board Member Steve Marchese
“I've known Athena Hollins as a professional colleague and friend for a number of years. She brings a deep commitment to equity and access, combined with experience leading and including diverse perspectives in her work in the legal profession and the Payne-Phalen community. The residents of District 66B would be well served by her energy and passion in the State House.”
Ramsey County Commissioner Trista Matascastillo
“We need public servants with integrity, who do not get lost in petty rivalries and instead work together with their peers for our community. District 66B has some of the greatest racial and economic disparities in our state, and it desperately needs the help that only the State Legislature can provide. Athena Hollins brings both the lived experience and professional expertise to be a real partner in real solutions for our community.”
Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton
“Being an elected official requires you to fight for the needs of your community while building the relationships necessary to make change. Having worked with her personally and professionally, I know Athena is exactly the kind of leader St. Paul needs to carry out that work at the Capitol.”
Other Endorsements:
Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough