SOUND OFF: Pat featured on Hometown News Now podcast

On Friday, Sept. 11, I had the great privledge of speaking with Nate Loucks of Hometown News Now.

We spent a few minutes reflecting on the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Like many of you, I remember exactly where I was when I learned of the devastating news. I was teaching a theology class at St. Mary’s College and we were discussing, of all things, the concept of evil.

The attacks of that day informed the conversation of the rest of that class, as many of my students asked: Where was God in that moment?

At the time, I told them to look for God in the first responders who risked their lives to save others.

That question is still relevant today as our nation faces a pandemic, and the answer is still the same. Look for God in the people on the front line of our battle against COVID-19, and look for God in those who continue to advocate for dignity and justice for all.

In the radio segment, I also had the pleasure of answering questions from callers. Unlike my opponent, I promise to continue to make myself available to answer questions or listen to the concerns of the people of this district.

Listen to the full segment to hear about my responses to questions on 2nd Amendment rights, healthcare, bipartisanship, and accountability to constituents.


Pat's Primary Acceptance Speech

WE DID IT!

Thanks to our entire team and network of grassroots supporters for their hard work and dedication. Now, onto November!

Ready to join Team Hackett? We need your help. Invest in our campaign to take back IN-02 and defeat Jackie Walorski.

DEFEAT JACKIE WALORSKI

IMPORTANT - Indiana Postpones Primary

New Primary Date: June 2, 2020

Dear Friends -

Today, Governor Holcomb announced that Indiana will be postponing its primary to June 2, 2020 in response to COVID-19. All deadlines for the upcoming election have been pushed back by 28 days, including the vote-by-mail application deadline to May 21, 2020 (consistent with the existing vote-by-mail application deadline of 12 days before the scheduled election date).

Originally, the primary was scheduled for May 5, 2020.

While all the details are still being finalized, Governor Holcomb and Secretary of State Lawson have recommended the following to the Indiana Election Commission (details from WRTV):

  • Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.
  • Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.
  • Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.
  • Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.
  • Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.

Again, the above changes have not been officially made, only recommended by the Governor and Secretary of State to the Indiana Election Commission.

If you qualify under the old requirements to vote-by-mail, you can fill out an application here (requirements are also listed under the form). If you do not qualify under the old requirements, we will have an update for you once the Indiana Election Commission meets next Wednesday, March 25.

As a campaign, we have been preparing for this announcement. We will keep you informed with the latest news on the election and campaign in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Thank you all for your support.

Stay Safe,

Pat Hackett and the Campaign Team


Pat talks with Dana Black

Pat joins Dana Black on Turn Left to talk about the state of politics and the campaign.


ABC57: Pat Hackett files to run for Indiana’s 2nd District congressional seat

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—Pat Hackett, an attorney and teacher, has filed papers to run for Indiana’s 2nd District congressional seat.

Hackett, a Democrat, is challenging current Republican incumbent Jackie Walorski for the position.

On Wednesday, Hackett was live in ABC57’s studio to discuss her campaign, commenting on issues like healthcare, advocacy, and the current impeachment trial against President Donald Trump.

“I am running because the House of Representatives is the people’s house and we’re going to reclaim our voice and our values in Washington,” Hackett said.

Hackett is an adjunct assistant professor at the Notre Dame Law School and runs her own firm, Hackett & Associates.


LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses Pat Hackett for Congress

Today, LGBTQ Victory Fund - the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people to public office - endorsed Pat Hackett’s campaign for Congress. The endorsement signals Victory Fund’s confidence that Hackett is well-positioned to be a strong voice for equality once elected. Hackett would be the only openly LGBTQ member of Congress from Indiana if she wins her race.

“LGBTQ Victory Fund is pleased to endorse Pat Hackett for Congress,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Pat’s commitment to dignity and justice for all and policies that address the real concerns of constituents make her the best candidate to represent Indiana’s 2nd District. When she wins in November, Pat will become a vital LGBTQ voice for Hoosiers and all Americans.”

“I am honored to receive this endorsement,” Hackett said. “LGBTQ persons and their families, here in Indiana and around the country, are facing increasing workplace and housing discrimination day-in and day-out, yet we have an administration in the White House and a representative in Congress who oppose equal rights for LGBTQ Americans. I am running for Congress because I know that every American has a right to equality and justice.”

LGBTQ people remain severely underrepresented in government nationwide - holding just 0.15% of elected positions despite representing at least 4.5% of the U.S. population, according to Gallup. As an openly LGBTQ leader, Hackett will be an unwavering voice for equality in the halls of Congress. Her priorities in office will include health care for all, fair and living wages, environmental protections and campaign finance reform.

Victory Fund will promote Hackett’s endorsement among its hundreds of thousands of supporters nationwide. More information about Victory Fund can be found at victoryfund.org.

Pat Hackett graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Government and Theology, an M.A. in Theology and a J.D. from the law school where she now serves as an adjunct professor. Since 2006, Pat has owned and operated her own firm Hackett & Associates in South Bend. Pat is an active civic leader, having served on several boards in St. Joseph County including the YWCA, the Community Foundation, and as a previous President of the Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana and the Robert A. Grant Inn of Court. She also serves on the Indiana Advisory Board of the National Immigrant Justice Center and the Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness.
Pat makes her home with her spouse, Rita, in South Bend.

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Pat Hackett, Democratic Candidate for Congress, Announces Endorsement of LPAC

Local attorney, small business owner, Notre Dame adjunct law professor and Democratic candidate for Congress Pat Hackett announced she has received the endorsement of the influential national political organization LPAC. LPAC is a prominent organization dedicated to building the political voice of LGBTQ women and supporting candidates who display a commitment to women’s equality, LGBTQ rights, and social justice.

"As the only organization dedicated to building the political voice of LGBTQ women, LPAC is proud to endorse Pat Hackett in her run to bring Indiana's 2nd Congressional District the representation it deserves,” said LPAC Executive Director Stephanie Sandberg.

“I proudly accept the endorsement of LPAC. I am running for Congress because I believe in dignity and justice for all people,” Hackett said. “Jackie Walorski has spent her career representing outside corporate special interests and voting against equal rights for all Americans. LPAC has demonstrated its commitment to our shared values of equality and social justice for ALL Americans. I look forward to working to restore real representation to the people of Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District.”

Pat Hackett graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Government and Theology, an M.A. in Theology and a J.D. from the law school where she now serves as an adjunct professor. Since 2006, Pat has owned and operated her own firm Hackett & Associates in South Bend. Pat is an active civic leader, having served on several boards in St. Joseph County including the YWCA, the Community Foundation, and as a previous President of the Alzheimer's Services of Northern Indiana and the Robert A. Grant Inn of Court. She also serves on the Indiana Advisory Board of the National Immigrant Justice Center and the Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness.

Pat makes her home with her spouse, Rita, in South Bend.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9th, 2020
CONTACT: Ben Gardner
Phone: (313) 407-1288
Email: ben@pathackettforcongress.com


LPAC Announces 7 New 2020 Endorsements

Washington, DC (January 9, 2020) — LPAC, the only organization dedicated to building LGBTQ women’s political voice, today announces a slate of exciting 2020 endorsements, for both the US House of Representatives and for various State House and Senate seats. See our full list of 2020 endorsements here.

In the US House, we are endorsing Pat Hackett for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District. At the state level, we’re endorsing Maria Cadenas and Joy Silver (CA Senate), Kim Jackson (GA Senate), Rebecca Stair (NM Senate), Chelsey Branham (OK House), and Jody LaMacchia (MI House).

“LPAC’s first round of 2020 endorsements demonstrate our commitment this cycle to building the bench at the state level,” said LPAC Executive Director Stephanie Sandberg. “It’s an exciting time to support such a diverse class of LGBTQ women leaders running to represent the changing electorates of their states.”

For the US House:

  • Pat Hackett (IN-2): 

Pat Hackett is a Democrat challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Jackie Walorski in Indiana’s second congressional district. Hackett previously ran in the Democratic primary in 2018, coming in second. She would be the first openly LGBTQ congressperson from the state. Her campaign is focused on campaign finance reform, healthcare, and climate change. Her primary is May 5.

For State House and Senate seats:

  • Maria Cadenas (CA-17)

Maria Cadenas is a Democrat running for election to the California State Senate’s 17th District. This is an open seat with a competitive five-way primary. Cadenas leads the organization Santa Cruz Community Ventures, which works to create college savings accounts for children in Santa Cruz County, assists Dreamers in applying for DACA status, and provides support to immigrant families around deportation issues. She has not previously held elected office. Her campaign is centered on the climate crisis and making housing, childcare, and healthcare more affordable. The race primary is March 3.

  • Joy Silver (CA-28)

Joy Silver is a Democrat running in a special election for the California State Senate District 28. The seat was vacated by incumbent Republican Jeff Stone, who has joined the Trump administration. Silver previously ran for the district in 2018, coming within three points of victory. She is a businesswoman, previously the CEO of an LGBTQ senior community and then the chief strategy officer of Choices Women’s Medical Center. She has been a prolific volunteer around political and social causes in her community. Her campaign is focused on healthcare, affordable housing, and the renewable energy economy. The special election date is March 3.

  • Kim Jackson (GA-41)

Kim Jackson is a Democrat running for election to the Georgia State Senate. This is an open seat with a Democratic primary. Retiring Democratic incumbent Steve Henson has represented portions of the area for almost 30 years. Jackson is an Episcopal priest and social justice advocate. Currently she is the interim Vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, which ministers and provides services to underserved communities in the street of Atlanta. She has not previously held elected office and would be the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Georgia State Senate. Her platform prioritizes the environment, expanding access to healthcare (including reproductive freedom), and passing comprehensive statewide non-discrimination legislation. The primary is May 19.

  • Rebecca Stair (NM-20)

Rebecca Stair is a Democrat running for election to the New Mexico Senate. This is an open seat with a competitive Democratic primary. Stair is a location scout for the film industry. She has not previously held elected office and would be just the 10th woman ever elected the New Mexico Senate – and second LGBTQ woman. Her campaign focuses on solving the climate crisis, healthcare, improving education funding, and reproductive rights. Her primary is June 2.

  • Chelsey Branham (OK-83)

Chelsey Branham is an incumbent Democrat running for a second term in the Oklahoma House. Branham won the seat by about 700 votes in 2018. Branham is an economist, previously the Director of the Social and Economic Justice Department at the YWCA of Oklahoma City. She also delivers training related to job readiness and financial literacy. She is the only LGBTQ person in the Oklahoma Legislature, and is a member of the Chickasaw nation. Her platform focuses on economic opportunity and workforce development, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.

  • Jody LaMacchia (MI-46)

Jody LaMacchia is running for election as a Democrat to the Michigan House, challenging Republican incumbent John Reilly. LaMacchia is a family counselor at Oakland County Friend of the Court, where she mediates high-conflict custody disputes. She has been involved in Democratic politics for many years, including serving as chair of the North Oakland Democratic Club. Her campaign focuses on education, infrastructure, and opportunity. Her primary is August 4.

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NCR: Notre Dame adjunct rebuts Barr's contentious talk on religious freedom

NOTRE DAME, INDIANA — Scarcely a month after U.S. Attorney General William Barr gave a controversial address on religious freedom at the University of Notre Dame Law School, an adjunct professor at the school and Democratic congressional candidate argued that Barr's remarks were "theologically ill-informed" and also "dangerous to the rule of law within our constitutional republic."

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Patricia Hackett made her case in McCartan Courtroom, the same cavernous law school auditorium that an invitation-only audience had filled for Barr's Oct. 11 address, which instantly and nationally sparked intense reactions, both positive and negative.

"I was dismayed when I read his remarks," Hackett told NCR in her South Bend law office a few days after her Nov. 12 address. A practicing attorney and a graduate of Notre Dame Law School, she is also now, for the second time, seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Congress in Indiana's 2nd District against a three-term Republican incumbent, Rep. Jackie Walorski.

But it was deeply held values drawn from her education in Catholic theology and the law — not political motivations — that drew her to respond, she said.

"Mr. Barr's analysis of religious freedom, in my judgment, is inconsistent with his duties as the sitting Attorney General of the United States," Hackett explained. "And what he said about the Judeo-Christian tradition was theologically and historically inaccurate. I would go so far to say that I have never read or heard remarks from a government official in the United States that were so inaccurate and disturbing."

Related: Notre Dame had a right to host Barr — but his talk was ridiculously stupid
Hackett, who also holds a master's degree in theology from Notre Dame, also did graduate theology work at the Catholic University of America. The daughter of two attorneys and raised in suburban Detroit, she confessed that after she read Barr's talk, she felt a persistent nudge, a personal responsibility to "correct the record." She titled her talk, "Contempt of Grace: The Theological and Legal Error of William Barr's Understanding of Religious Freedom."

"I believe in Catholic higher education and we are preparing practitioners of the law here," she said. "I felt that Attorney General Barr was so incorrect in his presentation regarding the obligations of the law."

In her own talk, Hackett began by reminding her audience that the duty of any attorney general of the United States is "to defend the religious liberty of all people, Christians and non-Christians, believers and non-believers alike." But Barr, she said, appeared to justify "empowering certain religious institutions over the religious freedom and conscience of all Americans, whether religious or non-religious."

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WNDU: Hundreds in South Bend participate in Global Climate Strike

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Thousands of people walked out of their high schools, colleges, and workplaces urging city leaders to take action on climate change.

In South Bend, hundreds were involved in the strike led by the South Bend chapter of the Sunrise Movement.

Protesters want Mayor Pete Buttigieg and members of The South Bend Common Council to pass a local Green New Deal.

Friday's event was one of more than 2,500 strikes planned in 120 countries around the world and is the largest day of protest to stop climate change.

"These are well-informed, committed citizens, and they will lead us into a future," said Pat Hackett, who is running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. "And without their leadership, we are facing an absolute climate catastrophe. What's happening here is happening throughout the nation. We are part of a bigger movement."

The climate strike movement began with 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg, of Sweden, who started striking outside of the Swedish Parliament last year.

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