Exciting news ahead! State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is set to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday night as he joins a lineup of esteemed speakers to condemn Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at reshaping the executive branch.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Kenyatta will share the stage with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. While Kenyatta has confirmed his participation, the exact timing of his speech remains a mystery. The DNC’s main program is scheduled to take place from 7-11 p.m.
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Despite his office being unavailable for comment at the moment, Kenyatta has been actively sharing updates from the convention since Monday morning.
In his speech, Kenyatta, who is also running for Pennsylvania auditor general, plans to delve into the economic implications of Project 2025. This controversial proposal by the Heritage Foundation lays out a policy agenda for a potential incoming Republican president, featuring power expansions for the presidency and changes in various policies like border wall funding and tax reductions.
“This is an incredible opportunity to address fellow Americans about the critical matters at stake in this election,” Kenyatta expressed to The Tribune. “I believe most Americans recognize that we are not adversaries, but a strong nation in need of capable leadership.”
Aged 34, Kenyatta has represented the 181st District since 2019, making history as the first openly gay Black man to win a seat in the Pennsylvania House. Despite failing to secure the U.S. Senate nomination in 2022, he bounced back by clinching the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania auditor general this year. His platform includes advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, gun control, better wages, and creating a bureau for labor and worker protections.
In 2023, Kenyatta’s journey was spotlighted in the documentary “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn,” which covered his senate campaign, activism, and personal life, shedding light on his upbringing in Philadelphia and marriage to Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta.