Team —

One year ago today, I announced that I was running to represent the Hudson Valley in Congress in a special election.

In the last year, I’m unbelievably proud of what we’ve accomplished. We won not one but two incredibly competitive elections back to back that few thought we could win.

We never compromised on our message, regardless of what pundits said. We stayed strong in our campaign’s values of freedom and democracy. We spoke hard truths about the attacks on reproductive rights in this country, about the gun violence epidemic plaguing our streets, and about the far-right’s attempts to dismantle our democracy. We spoke about the very foundation of this country: freedom, and our role in preserving it.

Serving in Congress is the honor of my lifetime. My district is where I was born and raised, where I graduated from West Point, and where I’m raising my family with my wife, Rebecca.

I have spent my entire life in service to this community, and I’m excited that I get to bring that work to Congress.

Already, we’ve introduced legislation to protect abortion access. We stood up for National Guard and reservist service members who for too long haven’t had access to the benefits their service has earned. Together, we fought back against corporations who were ripping off utility customers, and others who were threatening our water quality and way of life. We’ve made it clear, we will not stand for extremist attacks on veterans' healthcare, food security for children, or earned benefits for our seniors. We’ve proven time and time again that we will always fight on the side of patriots.

Reflecting on this whirlwind year, I feel so proud of what we’ve accomplished and more motivated than ever before about what is ahead of us.

It will not always be easy — but I’m not one to turn down a fight.

Last year, Republican groups spent $6 million trying to defeat me. This time around, it’s likely they’ll spend even more.

To that, and to any challenge thrown my way, I say: Bring. It. On.

Thank you for being there with me through this past year. I’m not exaggerating when I say this would not be possible without your help. Truly. You’ve helped us stay on track, pitched in grassroots support when we needed your help, and motivated me to keep going on the toughest days.

I’m so grateful. Thank you again.

Yours in service,

Pat