EMILY’s List is an American political action committee that aims to help elect Democratic female candidates in favor of abortion rights to office. It was founded by Ellen Malcolm in 1985. The group’s name is an acronym for “Early Money Is Like Yeast”. Malcolm commented that “it makes the dough rise”
EMILY’s List is an American political action committee (PAC) that aims to help elect Democratic female candidates in favor of abortion rights to office. It was founded by Ellen Malcolm in 1985. The group’s name is an acronym for “Early Money Is Like Yeast”. Malcolm commented that “it makes the dough rise”. The saying refers to a convention of political fundraising: receiving many donations early in a race helps attract subsequent donors. EMILY’s List bundles contributions to the campaigns of Democratic women in favor of abortion rights running in targeted races.
EMILY’s List provides training, recruits women to run, and endorses and funds female political candidates. It is listed as an “important source of candidate support,” in a 2010 article in the Harvard International Review.
EMILY’s List has been credited with helping to elect hundreds of Democratic women to office, including 18 U.S. senators, 135 U.S. representatives, and 17 governors. It is one of the most successful PACs in American politics.
In addition to its electoral work, EMILY’s List also advocates for policies that support women and families, such as access to affordable healthcare, equal pay for equal work, and paid family leave.
EMILY’s List is a member-based organization with over 5 million members nationwide. Anyone can become a member of EMILY’s List by donating $15 or more.
