Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III announced the creation of his political action committee Wednesday, saying community organizing is the “single highest priority for the Democratic Party.”
The Groundwork Project, a Massachusetts-based initiative, will offer support to local advocates, activists, and organizations nationally “who are organizing year-round, not just during election season,” he said.
PACs like this often focus on giving to candidates. But @GroundworkProj is doing something different. We’re going to offer direct support to LOCAL advocates, activists, and organizations – in Mass and nationwide – who are organizing year-round, not just during election season.
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) January 27, 2021
Teasing that “there will be a lot more to come in the weeks and months ahead,” Kennedy said the Groundwork Project will develop an “action plan” for 2021.
“2020 clearly showed us the limits of boom-or-bust campaigning, where [resources] parachute into certain states a few weeks before Election Day — only to dry up the day after,” he said. “From the incredible groups in Georgia, to native organizers in places like Arizona and Wisconsin, to progressive ballot initiatives in places like Missouri and Florida – 2020 also showed us a better way.”
There will be a lot more to come in the weeks and months ahead. We’ll be putting our heads down, doing a lot of listening, and coming up with our action plan for 2021. Look forward to continuing to share this work with you. Please give @GroundworkProj a follow in the meantime!
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) January 27, 2021
The PAC’s website appears to have no content, though it does allow supporters to donate or register for email updates.
Kennedy, a member of the political family that has dominated Massachusetts politics for decades, became the first in his family to lose a political contest in the Bay State when he was defeated by incumbent Sen. Ed Markey during a September 2020 primary challenge. At the time of his defeat, Kennedy said he’d remain active in the political sphere.
“This campaign, this coalition, will endure,” he said. “We are not done.”
