Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys was the first politician to breastfeed in an ad, and she won't be the last. Now Maryland's Krish Vignarajah is breastfeeding in her latest spot, emphasizing her gender in a 9-person Democratic gubernatorial primary where she is the only woman.
"This isn't just about representation," the candidate narrates, "it's about policy. States with women in government have better schools, better healthcare, lower incarceration rates. I want all of that for Maryland."
Still breastfeeding, she says to the camera, "Some say no man can beat [incumbent Republican Governor] Larry Hogan. Well, I'm no man. I'm a mom. I'm a woman. And I want to be your next governor."
As a longshot candidate who has never run for office before, and who needs to win only a plurality to take the nomination, Vignarajah needs to distinguish herself from the pack. She has, in a way none of her competitors can emulate.
Krish Vignarajah Emphasizes Her Gender In Male-Dominated Primary
The ad begins with Vignarajah breastfeeding at home, juxtaposed with photos of every Maryland state and federal elected official, who happen to all be men."This isn't just about representation," the candidate narrates, "it's about policy. States with women in government have better schools, better healthcare, lower incarceration rates. I want all of that for Maryland."
Krish Vignarajah Argues Governments With Women Make Better Policy
The Sri Lanka-born Vignarajah offers a quick summary of her background: "My parents came to this country with $200, and I grew up to be policy director for Michelle Obama." A lightning-fast photo montage shows her graduating from Yale University and addressing the United Nations.Still breastfeeding, she says to the camera, "Some say no man can beat [incumbent Republican Governor] Larry Hogan. Well, I'm no man. I'm a mom. I'm a woman. And I want to be your next governor."
As a longshot candidate who has never run for office before, and who needs to win only a plurality to take the nomination, Vignarajah needs to distinguish herself from the pack. She has, in a way none of her competitors can emulate.