Major abortion rights group names new president

Mini Timmaraju has been named the first woman of color to lead NARAL Pro-Choice America, one of the country’s most powerful abortion rights groups. 

“She is the leader to guide NARAL into its next chapter. We were captivated by her vision for our organization’s future and her deep commitment to equity,” NARAL Pro-Choice America Board Chair Anna Burger said in announcing the appointment, noting Timmaraju’s deep background in organizing and electoral politics. 

Timmaraju, a first-generation immigrant from India, served as an advisor for the Biden administration on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and was the national women’s vote director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. 

She also served as a Chief of Staff to House Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and as a district director for former House Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas.) 

We are delighted to share with you that @mintimm will be the next president of NARAL. https://t.co/bQ5qy14sBK #WelcomeToNARALMini pic.twitter.com/MrqL1RBjAA

— NARAL (@NARAL) November 4, 2021

“I’ve long admired NARAL Pro-Choice America as a political powerhouse that builds power at the state and national level and reaches key constituencies,” Timmaraju said in a statement Thursday.

“Right now, it is imperative that we elect champions for reproductive freedom and hold accountable those who are trying to roll back abortion access, while centering the communities who bear the brunt of the anti-choice movement’s cruel attacks on reproductive freedom,” she continued. 

Timmaraju replaces Ilyse Hogue, who stepped down as NARAL president in May after leading the organization for eight years.

The new hiring comes as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two separate cases about Texas’ abortion ban and preparing to hear a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade within a month.