I was thrilled to join my friend Colin Allred as he brought his Texas listening tour to Houston over the last few days.  After visiting with him and people across our community, I am more optimistic than ever about what we can accomplish together.  I want to again ask for you to support his campaign.

There are so many reasons to support him.  Truly, too many to fit in this email.  But I highlight an important one here:  He’s an unwavering voting rights champion.  

In recent years, laws making it harder for people to vote and making it easier for political interference in our elections have not only been introduced, they have been passed in states across the country—including here in Texas.  It’s not an exaggeration to say that next year’s election is essential to protecting democracy itself. 

A former voting rights lawyer, Colin now serves as co-chair of the Task Force on Strengthening Democracy.  We are both original co-sponsors of the Freedom to Vote Act, which would protect people’s right to vote, prohibit partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money on our elections.  It also includes two of Colin’s measures to help protect election workers and prevent political interference in our elections.

But when House Democrats have tried to pass bills protecting voting rights and the integrity of our elections, Senate Republicans have blocked them.  

That’s why it’s critical that we elect Colin to the Senate.

And it’s important to remember that these are real dangers—not theoretical ones.  Colin and I were both in the House Chamber on January 6 when Ted Cruz objected to the certification of the election results from the State of Arizona.  We all know what happened that day, and the threats to our democracy that continue to this day.

Colin knows, like I do, that the right to vote should not be a political issue.  The issues on which people base their votes, of course.  But the right to have a say in the governing of our country?  This should not be threatened as it is.  Our democracy depends on the ability of all citizens to participate in our elections and have a say in our affairs.  And we need to vote for people who will protect that right to vote, to have a say, for all Americans.

We all have a part to play in protecting our democracy, and one of the ways we can do that is by supporting candidates like Colin and campaigns that empower voters.  And that’s why today I hope you’ll consider making a contribution that will be split between Colin’s campaign and mine.

Together, we can do anything—including sending to Washington a new Senator from Texas who we all can be proud of!