Russian lawmaker Oksana Pushkina will not stand for reelection in her district in September State Duma race

During this year’s parliamentary elections, lawmaker Oksana Pushkina from the ruling United Russia party will not stand for reelection in her current district, Odintsovo single-mandate constituency No. 122 (Moscow region). 

On Sunday, March 14, Pushkina told RBK that “the governor of the Moscow region sees another person as the main contender for victory in the 122nd electoral district.” “My principles don’t allow me to stand for election against my former team,” the lawmaker from United Russia explained. 

Though Pushkina didn’t clarify whether or not she’s planning to run in another constituency, she underscored that she has managed to do a lot during her time as a lawmaker, in particular with regard to supporting women and families in difficult circumstances. 

On the heels of Pushkina’s announcement, musician Denis Maydanov made public that he is putting himself on the ballot in Odintsovo’s constituency No. 122.

“I made this decision at the end of last year, I decided that the time has come to help my country not only in word but also in deed. At my concerts, many parents come up [to me] and say that they’re bringing their children up on my songs. For me, this is a sign of trust,” Maydanov told RIA Novosti on Monday, March 15. The musician didn’t specify which party ticket he plans to run on.

The Russian State Duma elections are set to take place on September 19, 2021.

Oksana Pushkina, who spent 30 years working as a media personality, was elected to the State Duma on the United Russia ticket in 2016. Despite being a member of the ruling party, she is known for supporting feminist causes in a number of State Duma debates, backing anti-domestic violence legislation, and for showing support for LGBTQ+ people.