Friend,

I recently received the renewal notice for my campaign’s PO Box, and it reminded me of one of the first big spending decisions I had to make as a first-time candidate back in October of 2021.

Should I rent the PO Box for six months – enough time to receive mail through the Primary? Or for a full year, and operate with an intent to make it to the November General Election?

This may seem like a low-stakes call, but it was a big deal at the time. Unlike many candidates, I don’t come from wealth – and as rewarding as the work is, being a meteorologist doesn’t exactly pay millions.

What it ultimately came down to was whether or not I believed in our campaign, and that our grassroots support would be strong enough to make it beyond the first election.

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure. I was born and raised in this district. I served the residents of Illinois’ 17th District as a meteorologist for years, helping the people prepare for their days. But would that lead to them trusting me to represent us in Congress, fighting on behalf of each of us for lower healthcare costs, reproductive freedom, and the safety of our communities?

I rolled the dice that day, and opted for a year’s lease of the PO Box — and we made history.

It has been my greatest honor to serve West and Central Illinois in Congress. And I hope you’re with me as I renew this PO Box one more time.

Will you make a contribution to help us keep this PO Box going for another year, and hopefully many more beyond that? 

Thank you again for your support, from the bottom of my heart.

- Eric

Eric Sorensen is a meteorologist born and raised in Rockford, IL representing IL-17 in Congress. He’s seen firsthand the importance of establishing trust with the community, and he’s determined to use his expertise as a climate communicator to fight for Illinoisans on environmental justice and more in Washington. To support Eric, consider making a grassroots contribution here.

P.O. Box 1172 Moline, IL 61265 United States