 Friends -- In the first round of the presidential debates, America witnessed the power of the Democratic Party’s big tent -- a tent that has always welcomed candidates with diverse backgrounds, bold ideas, and values that put regular people first. I don't know if you've backed a candidate yet, if you watched last night, or if you plan on watching tonight’s debate, but I hope you are proud of the diversity shown on the debate stage. We all aren't going to agree on everything, but we have got to start by having conversations -- really listening to the concerns of all Americans -- if we’re going to restore people’s faith in democracy and good government. As I watch these debates, I’m looking for these candidates to lead with accountability, with a vision for quality, affordable healthcare, with a plan to build an economy that creates equal opportunity and shared prosperity, and with a campaign that seeks to bring people together. Look, you and I know giving people, not the special interests, a seat at the table works -- that’s how we flipped New York’s 19th Congressional District blue just two years after President Trump won it by more than six points. If you’re proud of that, and believe in the civic-minded approach to our campaign, chip in $5 or more before tonight’s end-of-month fundraising deadline. We won this rural district with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, and accessibility. Our focus has always been on the issues that matter most to our community: achieving universal health care, investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses and family farms, combating climate change and the opioid crisis, defending women’s rights, workers’ rights, and more. And we’ve stayed connected to voters in the district by holding 20 Town Halls this year, with more to come, in order to hear directly from constituents on many of these issues. So I’m glad to see our presidential candidates engaging in these conversations during the debates because that's how we will restore faith in our democracy. I also hope that as they campaign, they do more than just visit early primary states and big cities. If Democrats are going to win, they need to be seen by -- and they need to hear from -- voters in rural areas, small towns, and cities too. People simply won’t vote for someone they don’t know. Together, we can build on the success we’ve had in this district and get people across the country involved in local and national elections. It's how we move forward. It’s how we win. If you believe our model of civic engagement is the path forward for our party and our country, please chip in $5 or more before tonight’s end-of-month deadline. Thank you, -- Antonio Delgado
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