Endorsements

Judge Dan McCaffery

Pennsylvania Supreme Court

As an assistant district attorney, I prosecuted hate crimes where victims or members of the LGBTQ+ communities. I recruited, hired, promoted and made member partners of the LGBT+ community, and there’s a judge I recruited and hired members of The LGBTQ+ community, including the only transgender law clerk in Pennsylvania’s judicial system. I practice what I preach. 

Everyone in any courtroom in which I am presiding will be addressed respectfully, which means using the name and pronouns that they tell us, not that anyone else decides, connote respect. While I continue to do everything in my power as a jurist to make Pennsylvania’s court safe and open to everyone, and respectful towards everyone, one of the biggest factors here is the funding for legal aids organizations. They perform such a vital role in Pennsylvania and have helped so many people access name changes, deal with disrespectful and bigoted landlords, or overcome any number of unjust challenges that people face due to being members of historically disadvantaged groups.

Prior to taking the bench, I spent decades working with the Democratic Party and candidates. Many women candidates and candidates of color. I have always supported and understand the importance of diversity at every level and branch of government.

Judge Timika Lane

Pennsylvania Superior Court

Judge Timika Lane, a steadfast advocate for equality and fair justice, has received the esteemed endorsement of Ricky’s Pride LGBT Political Action Committee. Tamika Lane’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and her unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of justice have earned her our support not just in 2021, but in this crucial election year as well.

Throughout her distinguished career, Judge Lane has consistently upheld the values of equality and compassion within her courtroom. Her record reflects a commitment to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community receives the fair and equal treatment they deserve under the law. From pivotal cases involving the LGBTQ+ IA+ community, to challenging Pennsylvania’s restrictive federal ID law, Tamika has stood on the frontlines, advocating for justice, rallying for change, and drafting legislation to counter disparate impacts on seniors, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Judge Lane’s endorsement by Ricky’s Pride underscores her unwavering dedication to pro-equality values. Her track record speaks volumes: she has presided over a range of cases that touch the lives of Pennsylvanians, from harrowing matters such as human trafficking, rape, and attempted murder, to complex cases involving the Consumer Protection Act, breach of contract, and mortgage foreclosure. Her judicial philosophy is anchored in treating everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve, regardless of their race, gender, orientation, religion, nationality, or beliefs.

Born into a blue-collar, union family with military roots, Judge Lane’s commitment to public service was instilled in her from an early age. As a former public-school teacher, certified child advocate, attorney, and now a judge, she has dedicated her life to serving the public and championing the rights of individuals. With an understanding of the vital role the Superior Court plays as a final legal resort in Pennsylvania, Judge Lane is fully prepared to expand her service to the entire Commonwealth, ensuring that fairness and justice prevail for all.

In this pivotal moment, as Pennsylvanians seek an experienced judge who is resolute in protecting their rights and ensuring equitable treatment under the law, Judge Tamika Lane stands as a beacon of integrity, equality, and excellence. Her endorsement by Ricky’s Pride marks our continued support for a candidate who embodies the principles of progress and inclusivity that we hold dear.

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Commissioner Jamila Winder

Montgomery County Commissioner

“Hailing from the heart of Montgomery County, Commissioner Jamila Winder is not just a public figure but a reflection of the county’s spirit and values. A proud lifelong resident of East Norriton Township and product of the Norristown Area public schools, Jamila’s roots in this community run deep. Her academic pursuits, which led her to The Pennsylvania State University and Eastern University, were the foundation for a dynamic career path that brought forth over two decades of invaluable management experience in the private sector.

However, Jamila’s commitment to Montgomery County goes beyond her professional accolades. Grounded in the spirit of servant leadership, Commissioner Winder’s

dedication to uplifting every corner of the county is evident. From her influential roles on the Norristown Area School Board to her leadership as Chair of the East Norriton Board of Supervisors, her unyielding commitment to bettering her community shines brightly.

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As the current Montgomery County Commissioner, Jamila’s focus has been laser-sharp, emphasizing economic development, enhancing local businesses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Her tenure has seen the efficient allocation of resources, with over $3.1 million in grants benefiting more than 256 local businesses. She’s been at the forefront of right-sizing compensation and emphasizing the importance of hiring and maintaining the best talent to serve the county.” (https://www.jamilawinderpa.com/about)

Neil Makhija

Montgomery County Commissioner

Elected in 2023, Neil Makhija serves as Montgomery County Commissioner, representing the 865,000 residents of Pennsylvania’s third largest county and Philadelphia’s largest collar county.

As one of three Commissioners, Neil helps to oversee a county government of 3,000 employees and a $1 billion budget that covers human services, infrastructure, the criminal justice system and the courts, roads and bridges, election administration, and much more.

Neil is the first ever AAPI Commissioner in all of Pennsylvania— and at 37 years old, he is the youngest majority Commissioner in modern history, in the seat formerly held by now-Governor Josh Shapiro until 2017.

Neil is an attorney, educator, and civic leader. He has served as a Lecturer in election law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and President of Indian American Impact, the nation’s leading South Asian civic organization.

Neil has been at the vanguard of protecting the right to vote in Pennsylvania. As Montgomery County Commissioner, Neil serves as Chair of the Board of Elections in Pennsylvania’s most critical county. In 2021, Neil was among 13 civil rights leaders to advise President Biden and Vice President Harris on voting rights. He was named by City & State PA as one of the “40 under 40” most influential people in Pennsylvania politics. In 2022, he provided public testimony on redrawing of Pennsylvania’s gerrymandered state house maps, which led to flipping the chamber for the first time in over a decade.

In his former law practice, Neil was a fierce advocate for Pennsylvania communities on issues of mental health & addiction. He represented Pennsylvania counties in litigation against Purdue Pharma for causing the opioid crisis.

In a nearly 20 year career in advocacy and government, Neil worked in the Obama White House, the U.S. Senate, and earned his J.D. at Harvard Law School on the Horace Lentz Scholarship, which was endowed by a 19th century Pennsylvanian. While at Harvard, he founded the HLS Homelessness Coalition and served as Senior Policy Editor on the Harvard Law & Policy Review. He received his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied neuroscience and served as co-president of his class and 2009 commencement speaker.

Neil is married to Dr. Rachel Nash, an internal medicine physician. They live in Penn Valley, Montgomery County with their infant son Avi.

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Brian Neft

Commonweath Court

In over his 30 year career in law, 15 of which in a leadership role on the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Board of Governors, and as its president, where he championed issues affecting women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ members of the legal profession. He promoted changes to the rules of professional conduct to prohibit bias, and chaired the committee responsible for drafting the ACBA’s Code of Professionalism for the Bar Association, which is still in use today.

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Lori Schreiber (Re-elect)

Clerk of Courts

Lori Schreiber was elected as Montgomery County Clerk of Courts in November 2019. She is one of two openly LGBTQ people, and the first lesbian elected to a countywide, non-judicial position in Pennsylvania. Lori won her first election in 2005, as an Abington Township Commissioner, defeating a 24-year incumbent. This election made her the first openly LGBTQ+ person to win an election in Montgomery County.

Over the last three years, Lori has had the opportunity to achieve some key accomplishments in the Clerk of Courts office. The office culture has significantly improved through an approach that emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie. By implementing staff cross training and shifting tasks to newly added positions, the
office has improved customer service. In addition, by increasing celebrations,
adding an internal office newsletter, and encouraging such activities as holiday
decorating contests, there has been increased solidarity among staff members
which has been invaluable.

Efficiency is vital to a filing office. In the past, there were not clearly written office
practices and job descriptions on file. The newly created procedural flow charts
and job descriptions codified into a procedural manual will reduce mistakes and
increase productivity.

Just as important has been collaboration with external stakeholders, so the office
has increased visibility in community events throughout the county. Lori has
stressed the importance of second chances both in hiring practices and by
participating in re-entry events for formerly incarcerated individuals. The office is
currently working on sponsoring an upcoming activity for April which is Second
Chances Month. This tabling event will provide community information to re-
entrants and also to family members of currently incarcerated individuals.
When considering re-election, it is important to identify future goals. One of Lori’s
goals is to continue increasing connections with those served by the office. The
upcoming Second Chances Event is one part of this larger outreach plan. The
office also intends to increase restitution collection efforts to further help
compensate victims of crime. And, a third goal is to continue to modernize the
office processes in a cost effective manner so that tax payer’s money continues to
be well spent.

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Robert Zeigler

Recorder of Deeds in Centre County PA

Robert is a candidate for the row office of Recorder of Deeds in Centre County PA. He is “vowing to bring a fresh perspective to the office through modernization, transparency and accountability.”

We originally endorsed him in the 2022 when he was a candidate for State Representative in Centre County. Unfortunately, it did not end in his favor, yet it didn’t stop him from getting back out on the 2023 campaign trail.

“The people of Centre County know that we need to get solutions to the issues we face today and to be proactive in addressing the issues of tomorrow”. The Recorder of Deeds office is charged with recording, preserving and reproducing legal documents related to real estate in Centre County, and acts as the agent for receiving and disbursing real estate transfer taxes. It is important to have someone who will support and fight for our LGBTQ+ community, and we are thankful that Robert has stepped up again!

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Alliance Democrats for Upper Dublin School Board

These candidates share a common commitment to:

•  Supporting ALL students in academics, athletics, and activities.
•  Making fiscally-sound governance decisions.
•  Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in public education.
•  Fostering a sense of belonging for ALL students in Upper Dublin schools.

Their dedication to supporting LGBT students is unwavering:

•  Comprehensive, evidence-based, age-appropriate sex education.
•  Ensuring LGBT students feel safe, preventing bullying and discrimination.
•  Supporting transgender students’ right to restroom and locker room use aligned with their gender identity.

When it comes to curriculum and resources, they’re focused on inclusion:

•  Advocating for diverse and inclusive educational materials.
•  Ensuring teachers and staff receive LGBTQ+ cultural competence and sensitivity training.

Community engagement is a priority:

•  Engaging with the local LGBT community and their organizations.
•  Promoting understanding and acceptance of LGBT students among parents and the wider community.
• Policy and advocacy are at the forefront:
•  Actively supporting policies that protect LGBT students.
•  Collaborating with other board members to pass and implement policies that support LGBT students and their families.

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PAST ENDORSEMENTS

2022

2021

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RICKY’S PRIDE PAC has made contributions to the following advocacy organizations,
political campaigns or committees of:

Tim MacBain- North Penn School Board

“When Richard is involved in the planning of your event, details matter. Whether the task is as basic as finding the right venue, or as complex as conveying the theme of an event to attendees, Richard is the one who rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. He’ll have solutions prepared before you’ve realized theres a problem and will communicate effectively through the process. Long story short: Here’s your guy.”