John,

I am a proud Democrat. My biggest inspiration and influence was my father, a proud union man who spent his whole life serving his community, first as a budget analyst for the City of Portland and then for the fire department. He believed that if you worked hard, you shouldn’t have to worry about having a roof over your head or putting food on the table. The funny thing is, my grandfather, a steadfast Republican believed the same exact thing. My father and grandfather would sit at family dinners arguing for hours over politics, and I would just sit listening. You always learn more when you listen.

During these dinners, I learned that although my father and grandfather had completely different political affiliations, they agreed on so much. They could never see that, though, blinded by their stubbornness and the party labels they wore like badges of honor.

I think about their arguments all the time, how I would sit there hoping one day they would finally listen to each other, really listen, because they could have learned so much.

But I have spent the last seven years traveling to every corner of Washington, talking to people of all political affiliations. I’ve talked to a lot of people who did not vote for me but were ultimately supportive of the results I delivered for their communities and the lands where they live. We have a lot in common, and I am determined to find those common grounds to deliver for the people of Washington.

If you believe in progressive values but want a governor who can be a leader to every single Washingtonian and who is willing to listen and learn, I hope you will consider contributing to my campaign today.

All together,
Hilary