John, I am so honored that my parents took the time to write you last week. So right now, can I share something personal with you?
Today is a special day for my family. 55 years ago today, my parents were married!
My mom and dad on their wedding day, September 21, 1968.
My parents instilled in me the values of hard work and the importance of family in all of the choices they made. I carry these lessons with me and have passed them on to my own three children.
In honor of their anniversary, I hope you will chip in $3 today toward my campaign for CA-47. It is partly thanks to my parents’ dedication to our family and to Orange County that I felt so inspired to run for office.
It wasn’t easy for my family. My father served in the U.S. Navy, and after he was honorably discharged, my family struggled to make ends meet when he faced unemployment. We were using food stamps, on Medicaid, and my parents used a VA loan to purchase our first family home.
My mother worked as a public school teacher for children with special needs, and my father was a military veteran -- together, they modeled a life of service to my brother (who attended the U.S. Naval Academy) and me. Their service to our communities was part of what ultimately pushed me to run for office myself.
They are so proud to have lived in Orange County for most of their lives together, and it is so special to me to be running for office where I grew up.
Today, my parents are a steadfast influence in my life. You can often find my mother with me on the campaign trail, going door to door to help elect Democrats across the state.
I hope you will chip in $3 today toward my campaign for CA-47. They taught me from an early age to serve my community, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
In unity,
Joanna
