A record number of women are running for office. Among them is Linda Weber, who is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District. In the first of UniteWomen.org’s new series entitled #WhyImRunning, she tells us about her background and why she decided to run for office. Linda announced her candidacy this Mother’s Day on AM-Joy with Joy Reid.

“Like many Americans, and women in particular, on November 8th I was shocked and angry. Since that night these sentiments have only intensified as I’ve watched President Trump aggressively work to turn back the clock for women. He rolled back equal pay protections for women working for federal contractors, he is chipping away at the ability of women to make their own reproductive health choices, and his healthcare bill essentially penalizes women for their gender. Not only does the Trump/House Republican healthcare plan take us back to the days when pregnancy was a preexisting condition, it will also substantially raise the out-of-pocket costs for childbirth and other women’s health services.

“Donald Trump’s behavior, actions, and rhetoric are
unacceptable, but what’s worse is the refusal of
House Republicans to hold him accountable.”

 

Donald Trump’s behavior, actions, and rhetoric are unacceptable, but what’s worse is the refusal of House Republicans to hold him accountable. In my district, Congressman Leonard Lance, who I am challenging, is actively enabling President Trump. He has voted with him 93% of the time. With regard to women’s health, Representative Lance has 0% score from Planned Parenthood and does not support a woman’s right to make her own healthcare choices.

In 2017, it is stunning that we are still debating whether women should have the freedom to make their own health choices and be paid the same amount as men for doing the same work. What message are we sending to our girls? This is why I am running. I am running to stand up for pay equity, a woman’s right to choose, and health insurance coverage that does not subject women to a different standard. I am also running to advance policies to protect the air that we breathe and the water that we drink, to create a more equitable and innovative economy, to rebuild our neglected transportation infrastructure, to stand up for marginalized communities, and to ensure that our education system is adequately preparing our children to be successful in our rapidly evolving economy.

I have spent over 30 years in technology and banking where I’ve often been the only woman at the table so I know what it means to fight for myself and for others. I made sure that while I had a seat at the table, I also created seats for other women, including women of color, to ensure equal access of opportunity. I know how to fight and I know how to win, but more importantly, I know how to serve.”

Check out these links to learn more about Linda Weber:

‘Meet the newest challenger to N.J.’s Leonard Lance’ on nj.com.

Website 

Facebook 

Twitter

If you are running for office and would like to submit a piece for our series, email press@unitewomen.org.

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Linda A. Weber is a mother, community leader, and businesswoman who has shattered glass ceilings in banking and technology. The eldest of six children, Linda’s parents instilled in her a commitment to service and standing up for herself and others. From circulating a petition at age 9 that required her family’s church to allow girls to be altar servers to fighting for equal pay while working at a technology company, Linda has maintained a lifelong commitment to leadership and advocacy. A trailblazer in technology and finance, Linda built one of the first customer online banking platforms in the United States.