Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund PAC endorses Leah Plunkett in the Executive Council District 2 Democratic Primary

CONCORD - Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund PAC advisory board members announced Thursday that they voted to endorse Leah Plunkett in the Democratic Primary for Executive Council District 2.  Plunkett is a longtime champion of reproductive health and rights and a former PPNHAF board member, who served for five years and as chair from 2018 to 2019. She also served on the PPNNE board from 2008-2014. Leah is running on a platform of expanding and protecting sexual and reproductive rights in New Hampshire at a time when these rights are increasingly under attack and at risk. 

The PPNHAF PAC advisory board is guided by principles of selecting candidates who support a movement and an environment in which sexual and reproductive health are advanced, which includes lifting up the voices that lift up our mission. This is exactly why we are proud to announce our endorsement of Leah Plunkett for the Executive Council.

“While there are several candidates in this race who are champions of reproductive health and rights, Leah stands apart from the field because of her years of service to Planned Parenthood as a member and chair of the PPNHAF Board. Now, more than ever, the Executive Council plays a critical role in protecting access to these essential health services for Granite Staters.  By approving judicial nominees and federal contracts, the New Hampshire Executive Council is the last line of defense against anti-abortion and anti-health care judges and against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood health centers in New Hampshire.  Currently, there is a vacancy for NH Supreme Court Chief Justice. It's critical that judges serving on New Hampshire's courts understand the importance of upholding reproductive rights. With Leah on the Executive Council, we know Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and the patients they serve will have a tireless advocate and defender,” said Skip Small, PPNHAF PAC Advisory Board Chair.

“Our organization finds strength in building a movement that empowers patients to become activists and volunteers, moving up the ladder of engagement to eventually being decision-makers by running for elected office. Leah is the definition of what it means to organize at Planned Parenthood.  She will carry her deep commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights with her every day as she navigates the complexities of the Executive Council,” said Iris Estabrook, PPNHAF PAC Advisory Board Member.

Across this country we are seeing leaders with deep ties to Planned Parenthood stepping up. Former staffers, patients, and interns on all levels of the ballot are running for office and highlighting their strong personal story in relation to reproductive health and rights. From Senator Tina Smith, a former VP of External Affairs, to Sara Gideon, a former patient, to Leah Plunkett in New Hampshire, the Planned Parenthood family proudly stands with those who have dedicated their time and energy to protecting and expanding access to care.

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Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (PPNHAF) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in New Hampshire. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. The Action Fund makes independent expenditures on behalf of or in opposition to targeted candidates for public office. Follow us on Twitter.  PPNHAF maintains a separate, segregated political committee and fund to make direct campaign contributions to endorsed candidates (the PAC). Follow PPNHAF PAC on Twitter. 

Understanding and explaining the different Planned Parenthood entities in New Hampshire:

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health care for women, men and young people across the State of New Hampshire. It serves New Hampshire residents through 6 health centers in Claremont, Derry, Exeter, Keene, Manchester and White River Junction, VT. Last year more than 14,000 patients were served at these sites. PPNNE has been a community-based family planning provider receiving funding from NH Department of Health and Human Services for more than 40 years. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization PPNNE cannot support political candidates or engage in any electoral activities.

Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund (PPNHAF) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in New Hampshire. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. The Action Fund makes independent expenditures on behalf of or in opposition to targeted candidates for public office. PPNHAF maintains a separate, segregated political committee and fund to make direct campaign contributions to endorsed candidates (the PAC).

Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund PAC is the political committee that makes candidate endorsements and gives financial contributions directly to candidates.