PRESS + NEWS
2025
Eleanor's Legacy Announces New Vice-Chair and 2026 Board Members
New York, New York (December 15, 2025) Last Tuesday, the Board of Directors of Eleanor's Legacy met for its annual meeting,Eleanor's Legacy Announces New Leadership
New York, New York (October 8, 2025) Eleanor’s Legacy announced that longtime board member Antonia Stolper has become the organization's new Board Chair.Eleanor’s Legacy Announces Round 2 2025 Endorsements
Beacon, New York. (September 15, 2025) - Eleanor’s Legacy is announcing its second round of endorsements for the 2025 election season, bringing the total to more than 230 pro-choice Democratic women running in local, judicial, and county legislative races across New York.
Eleanor’s Legacy Announce 2025 Primary Results
Beacon, New York. (June 25, 2025) - Eleanor’s Legacy announces the results of its endorsed candidates’ primaries, including two historic wins for Albany and Syracuse Democratic mayoral candidates.
Eleanor’s Legacy Announces Round 1 2025 Endorsements
Bronx, New York; (April 29, 2025) - Eleanor’s Legacy is announcing its first round of endorsements for the 2025 election season. So far this year, the organization is endorsing more than 150 pro-choice Democratic women running in local, judicial, and county legislative races across New York.
2024
Eleanor's Legacy Announces New Leadership
Beacon, New York (December 19, 2024) Eleanor’s Legacy announced that longtime board member M. Tracey Brooks will become the organization’s new Board Chair as of the start of 2025. Brooks will succeed current Board Chair Donna Zaccaro who is stepping down from that role after seven years.
Eleanor’s Legacy Announces Round 1 2024 Endorsements
Bronx, New York; (April 30, 2024) - Eleanor’s Legacy is announcing its first round of endorsements for the 2024 election season: 86 pro-choice Democratic women running in local, judicial, and state legislative races across New York.
Eleanor’s Legacy Welcomes New Political Director
Beacon, New York; (March 14, 2024) - Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that recruits, trains, and supports pro-choice Democratic women for elected office across New York State, today announced that Abigail Martin has joined the organization as its Political Director.
Eleanor's Legacy Announces Early Senate Endorsements
Beacon, New York; (February 1, 2024) - Eleanor’s Legacy today announced early endorsements for Kim Keiserman (SD-7), Yvette Valdés Smith (SD-39), and Minita Sangvhi (SD-44). All three pro-choice Democratic women are running to unseat Republican incumbent Senators in battleground New York districts.
2023
Beacon, NY - 11.08.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy celebrates all its endorsed pro-choice Democratic women candidates who ran for county and local office this year. More than 160 endorsed candidates won their races – including 57 first-time candidates – with more wins expected as results are finalized.”
Eleanor’s Legacy Welcomes New Board Members
Beacon, NY - 10.13.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy today announced that Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright and Robin Chappelle Golston have joined its Board of Directors. Both are leading advocates for women’s rights and join 23 other dedicated Board members to further the organization’s mission to recruit, train, and support pro-choice Democratic women for elected office across New York State. ‘In the wake of the Dobb’s decision, it’s more critical than ever that we elect more pro-choice Democratic women to decision-making positions in New York,” said Eleanor’s Legacy Executive Director Julie Shiroishi. “I am delighted to welcome these two powerhouse New York women to the Board and look forward to the expertise and energy they bring to Eleanor’s Legacy as we approach this year’s municipal and county elections.’”
Eleanor’s Legacy Welcomes New Executive Director
Albany, NY - 09.19.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that recruits, trains, and supports pro-choice Democratic women for elected office across New York State, today announced that Julie Shiroishi will be joining the organization as its next Executive Director, effective October 2nd, 2023. Eleanor’s Legacy Board Chair Donna Zaccaro said, ‘We are thrilled to welcome Julie to this critical role for the organization. Her political expertise, professional executive experience and knowledge throughout New York State will serve the organization and our record breaking number of endorsed pro-choice Democratic women candidates well. The Board and I look forward to working with Julie and continuing to enhance the organization’s impact throughout NYS.’”
Eleanor’s Legacy Names Joanne Yepsen Acting Executive Director
New York, NY - 06.21.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that recruits, trains, and supports pro-choice Democratic women for elected office across New York State, today announced that Board member and former Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Joanne Yepsen will serve as its Acting Executive Director."
Former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Sarah Russell Join Eleanor’s Legacy Board of Directors
Albany, NY - 06.15.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that recruits, trains and supports pro-choice Democratic women to run for office across New York State, today announced that former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Sarah Russell have joined its Board of Directors. Both women have been long-time supporters of the Eleanor’s Legacy mission."
Queens DA Lands More Endorsements in Re-Election Bid
QNS - 5.02.2023- "The first woman ever elected to the Queens District Attorney’s office, also announced that she was endorsed by Eleanor’s Legacy."
Abortion in a post-Roe USA: New York Group Bolsters Candidates Who Protect Access in State
Lohud.com - 05.02.2023 - "For Eleanor's Legacy, established in 2001 to recruit, train and support abortion rights women candidates, the stakes have never been higher."
Election 2023: Republican, Democratic Fundraisers
Huntington Now - 04.29.2023 - "Both Hebert and Dr. Eve Meltzer Krief, who is running for the 18th District against Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, received endorsements from Eleanor’s Legacy, which backs candidates in New York who are pro-choice."
Eleanor's Legacy Trains Abortion-Rights Candidates
Lohud.com - 04.28.2023 - "Potential candidates for upcoming elections, take part in a training session for new candidates at Eleanor's Legacy in Hartsdale."
Eleanor’s Legacy Endorses Largest Slate in 21 Year History
Albany, NY - 04.27.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy, a statewide organization that recruits, trains and supports pro-choice Democratic women to run for office across New York State today announced more than 200 endorsements for the 2023 election cycle."
Eleanor’s Legacy’s Women’s History Month
Scarsdale News - 03.23.2023 - "Approximately 70 people gathered March 2 at the Eleanor’s Legacy Women’s History Month Westchester Reception in Scarsdale to honor Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America."
Eleanor’s Legacy Welcomes New Board Members as New York State Prepares for 2023 Elections
Albany, NY - 03.14.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy today announced that Kris Kohler, Gloria Middleton, and Marjorie Culver have joined its Board of Directors. All three women are leaders in their fields and well known for their activism on behalf of pro-choice, democratic ideals."
Albany, NY - 03.08.2023 - "Eleanor’s Legacy today announced that Molly Kraus has joined its ranks as its first-ever full time political director."
2022
AG James endorsed by 6 women's rights groups
Spectrum News - 2.8.2022 - "James was endorsed by Higher Heights for America, EMILY’s List, National Organization for Women New York, Eleanor’s Legacy, #VOTEPROCHOICE, and Downtown Women for Change."
NYC’s Adams Endorses James For Re-Election as Attorney General
Bloomberg - 2.13.22 - "Other supporters of James’s re-election include the Hotel Trade Council, New York State AFL-CIO, EMILY’s List, National Organization for Women New York, Higher Heights for America, Eleanor’s Legacy, Downtown Women for Change, and Tenants PAC."
Nine Central New York Democratic Officials Endorse Letitia James for Attorney General
Urban CNY News - 2.25.2022
The New York City Black Women’s Political Club to host InspireHer Conference
AmsterdamNews.com - 3.3.2022 - "The conference is in partnership with Cross River and Eleanor’s Legacy, to name a few."
Hochul: State budget shows 'how women govern differently'
Politico - 4.12.2022 - "The one-time primary rivals, who became allies after James dropped out of the race for governor and opted to run for re-election, appeared Monday at a Manhattan luncheon for Eleanor’s Legacy, which supports pro-choice Democratic women running for office."
Groups on both sides of abortion debate in NY prepare for court ruling
Spectrum News - 6.7.2022 - "The organization Eleanor's Legacy, which backs Democratic women who support abortion rights, held a virtual training session on Monday to move the issue forward."
The 2022 Power of Diversity: Pride 100
City & State - 6.6.2022 - "Giske also serves on the board of Eleanor’s Legacy, which works to elect female candidates."
Letter to the Editor: In Support of Assembly Candidate Shimsky
River Journal - 6.14.2022 - "I am supporting and encourage everyone to vote for MaryJane Shimsky for Assembly District 92...MaryJane has won the strong endorsements of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, Working Families Party, the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester, Eleanor’s Legacy, and Tenants PAC, to name a few."
Philipstown Democrats Endorse Dana Levenberg for Assembly
River Journal - 6.13.2022 - "Of all of the candidates in the 95th Assembly race, Levenberg has the greatest number of endorsements from individuals and organizations within the district. In recent weeks, she has also been endorsed by the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Hudson Valley Stonewall Democrats, and Eleanor’s Legacy"
Abortion rights protests break out across the country following Roe reversal
Spectrum News - 6.24.2022 - "Speaking to the Associated Press, Sophie Nir, executive director of Eleanor's Legacy, a group that recruits and trains pro-choice Democratic women to run for office in New York, explained why becoming an abortion sancutary state is needed.”
NY abortion rights supporters on Roe ruling, state response
Associated Press - 6.24.2022
Statement Style: These Brands Are Supporting Reproductive Rights (and Want You to Help)
Rolling Stone - 7.102022 - "They say the best form of action is civic engagement and this T-shirt supports Eleanor’s Legacy, a political organization that actively works to recruit, train, and fund pro-choice Democratic female candidates for state and local office. The goal: to have more female voices — and causes — represented in government."
Abortion rights could play big role in November’s elections
Spectrum - 7.7.2022 - "Sophie Nir, executive director of Eleanor’s Legacy, a political organizing group that works to elect pro-abortion rights Democratic women candidates, said the decision to overturn nearly half a century of judicial precedence is “devastating” and “nothing short of a culture war.”
Politico - 7.21.22 - "TODAY: Pro-choice political operation Eleanor’s Legacy and Assembly Member Karines Reyes are both endorsing Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez in her bid for the state Senate seat being vacated by Alessandra Biaggi, who is running for Congress. — Anna Gronewold"
14 Amazing Rewards You Can Win This July by Taking Action With Global Citizen
Global Citizen - 7.19.2022 - "Take action and enter to win the "It's Up to the Women" T-shirt from Social Goods! We know that when women run and win, we all win. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: "It's up to the women." Every t-shirt sold through Social Goods benefits "Eleanor's Legacy", an organization that recruits, trains, and funds pro-choice women candidates for state and local office across New York, creating a pipeline of women leaders up and down the ballot."
Letter to the editor: Eleanor’s Legacy endorses Lea Webb
The Ithaca Voice - 7.25.2022 - "Lea Webb, candidate for New York State Senate in District 52, announced that her campaign has been unanimously endorsed by Eleanor’s Legacy, the preeminent political pro-choice organization in New York State."
Kaplan endorsed by three women’s organizations
The Island 360 - 8.2.2022 - "State Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-North Hills) has been endorsed by three women’s organizations ahead of the Aug. 23 primary for New York’s 7th Senate District. Planned Parenthood Empire States Vote, National Organization for Women New State and Eleanor’s Legacy have backed Kaplan in her re-election bid."
Letter to the Editor: An endorsement of three candidates in the wake of the Dobbs decision
The Ithaca Voice - 8.9.2022 - "Lea Webb, a two-term Binghamton City Councilperson, has been endorsed by both Planned Parenthood and Eleanor’s Legacy, the premiere pro-choice Democratic women’s organization in New York State. These endorsements are powerful testaments about Lea’s strength and qualifications as our best advocate to protect reproductive justice for all in New York State."
Danks Burke and Webb soon to settle competitive state Senate primary
Ithaca Voice - 8.22.2022 - "The Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes PAC and Eleanor’s Legacy both put their weight behind Webb."
Candidate Profile: Monica Martinez For NY 4th Senatorial District
Patch - 8.21.2022 - "The big difference between my opponent and I is the support I have received from numerous elected officials, organizations and labor unions such as...Eleanor’s Legacy."
Op-Ed: Tompkins County Democratic Committee members support Lea Webb for State Senate
The Ithaca Voice - 8.19.2022 - "Lea Webb is the only candidate in this race who was endorsed by Planned Parenthood and Eleanor’s Legacy, the leading organizations advocating for reproductive justice in New York."
Shiroishi Opens Campaign HQ in Wappingers
Hudson Valley Press - 9.14.2022 - "Shiroishi has been endorsed by, ... Eleanor’s Legacy"
Reproductive rights group endorses Kaplan for state Senate
The Island 360 - 9.19.2022 - "In August, Kaplan was endorsed by Planned Parenthood Empire States Vote, National Organization for Women New State and Eleanor’s Legacy, all advocates for women’s reproductive rights."
Health care coalition rallying against Lee Zeldin on abortion rights stance
City & State - 10.12.2022 - "The coalition – which includes the New York State Nurses Association union, Planned Parenthood NYS PAC, Eleanor’s Legacy and Her Bold Move PAC – is denouncing Zeldin’s stance on abortion just weeks ahead of the election."
The 2022 New York City 40 Under 40
City & State - 10.14.2022
Pro-Hochul independent expenditure efforts ramp up
Politico - 10.25.2022 - "The abortion-rights group Eleanor's Legacy and the regional Council of Carpenters are spending on independent expenditure efforts to boost Gov. Kathy Hochul’s election campaign amid what polls suggest is a tightening race."
Four vie for three seats on Supreme Court
Spotlight News - 10.26.2022 - "Cochrane...She is endorsed by the Democratic Parties of each county as well as the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, Eleanor’s Legacy and College Democrats of New York"
National Democrats come to rally for Hochul in New York
Spectrum News 1 - 11.2.2022 - "Meanwhile, Eleanor's Legacy, a statewide organization that backs Democratic women who support abortion rights, has launched a "GOTV Emergency Fund" to aid Hochul's campaign. “Every vote is crucial and will make a difference in this race. With abortion rights on the ballot, this election is too high stakes to leave anything to chance," said Sophie Nir, the group's executive director."
State Senate 2nd District: Challenger Susan Berland
Huntington Now - 11.3.2022 - "Berland has been endorsed by Newsday, Moms Demand Action, National Organization for Women, Sierra Club, Eleanor’s Legacy"