Barbara Lee is truly the "OG Progressive." During her time in the California Legislature, Lee authored 67 bills and resolutions and supported legislation that introduced sweeping action on LGBTQ+ rights, universal health care, environmental protections and more – way before the Democratic Party had included many of these progressive policies in its platform.

Barbara Lee sticks to what she knows is right – even in the face of literal death threats. In the days following the tragic attacks on 9/11, nearly every single member of Congress was ready to rush into war without proper deliberation by the people – except Barbara Lee. She stood her ground against giving President Bush unlimited war powers. The final vote was 420 to 1.

Barbara Lee is a fearless fighter for reproductive freedom. As co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus, Barbara Lee has been a longtime advocate for reproductive health care. She's even been brave enough to offer up her own personal account of getting an illegal abortion – because she knows how important it is that people understand how dangerous it is for women who don't have access to legal abortion and reproductive healthcare.

Barbara Lee is a leader for progressive Democrats. As co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Lee has shown us what true progressive leadership looks like. She's helped to push the Democrats towards the reforms that we desperately need to ensure that we move our country towards universal health care, climate justice and reducing income inequality.

If we send Barbara Lee to the Senate, she'll be the third Black woman EVER to serve in the chamber. Right now, there are no Black women in the Senate, and it's way past time we elect someone like Barbara Lee to bring our stories and experiences to the Senate.