Candidate Selection Process

Endorsed Candidates 

Each election cycle, PPAA determines who to recognize in the primary and general elections as well as which candidates to support through our associated Political Action Committees. Our endorsement is more than just a stamp of approval; when voters are looking for candidates who are fierce advocates for reproductive freedom and won’t back down in the face of political attacks, they look to us. Candidates and voters alike know that now — more than ever — abortion is a winning issue and our endorsements win races.  

When determining positions on candidates, our PACs assess each candidate’s support for reproductive health, rights, and justice through a candidate questionnaire and interview process. The PAC then makes recommendations to the Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Board of Directors, which votes to grant endorsements to candidates that meet the following criteria: 

• Alignment on core principles: Candidates must score 100% on all questions specifically demonstrating full support for sexual and reproductive health and rights including abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care, comprehensive sexual health education, support for LGBTQ+ communities including trans youth, and intersectional issues that impact how communities can safety access sexual and reproductive health care.  
• Centering Equity: We prioritize candidates whose lived experiences reflect the interests and identities of the people furthest from justice in their community, who seek policy changes that center those most impacted while aiming to dismantle racist systems and structures in our state. 
• Leadership: We evaluate candidates’ voting records (if applicable), past efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, volunteer, professional, and elected experience, and demonstrated commitment to social justice advocacy. 
• Building a winning movement: We assess candidates’ campaign viability, including their path to victory, fundraising, organizing efforts, current endorsements, community relationships, and more. 

Endorsements are granted for one election cycle and endorsed candidates are expected to maintain a 100% voting record once in office. 

Approved Candidates 

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates also has the option to “Approve” a candidate rather than issue a full endorsement. An “approved” candidate has demonstrated strong, values-aligned support for inclusive and accessible sexual and reproductive health care, but may be in a race with another candidate similarly aligned. Approved candidates are not ranked. Approval indicates to voters that a candidate is a trusted advocate for Planned Parenthood’s patients, community members, and the issues for which we advocate. 

Recommended Candidates 

In rare cases, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates recognizes “recommended” candidates. These candidates completed our questionnaire and received a high score, but not 100%. These candidates are running against an opponent who poses a significant threat to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As an all-volunteer PAC committee and Board of Directors, we operate with limited capacity and may not be able to engage in all races. However, to the best of our ability we welcome all endorsement inquiries and opportunities to connect with candidates running for office. To learn more about our candidate selection process and/or request a candidate questionnaire, please contact: [email protected]. 

Federal candidates are endorsed through the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.