This is a more personal message than you generally receive from a campaign, but I wanted to pull back the curtain a bit why I’m in this race, and what the result will mean for our country.
The last few years have been grueling for our nation and our democracy, but it hasn’t always been like this.
There was a time before Donald Trump. When you could disagree without being disagreeable. When it wasn’t taboo to have friends across the aisle, or at least people you could work with. When you would bring people together — Democrats and Republicans — to get things done.
Why? Because it was in the best interest of the American people to have a government that functioned. And that wasn’t in chaos 24/7.
Those days feel long gone now. We have seen a seismic shift in the last few years — since a charlatan celebrity and reality TV host who called disabled veterans “suckers” and “losers,” denigrated our immigrant communities, and railed on about “fake news” was elected President of the United States.
I’ve never been one to back down from the bad guys — so amidst these attacks, I did my duty and called him out. I took on these fights not because they were easy, but because it needed to be done.
That vitriol has taken a turn for the worse. Here’s what the other side has had to say about me:
“Wild-eyed conspiracy nut.” - Tucker Carlson
“Pencil neck. Shifty Schiff.” - Donald Trump
“[He] openly lied to the American public.” - Kevin McCarthy
Never in my life would I expect to be cast a president’s “favorite” enemy — but here we are. And I’m not going to back down.
It doesn’t end with these personal attacks either. With every new insult comes a horde of MAGA supporters, ready to pile on more death threats. Through Twitter. Email. Phone calls. Letters. You name it. With multiple people prosecuted for threatening to kill me. That NEVER happened before Trump.
There are days when the fight gets difficult. During the impeachment process. Serving on the January 6 Committee. When House Republicans censured me for doing my constitutional duty.
But like I said on the House floor, I am honored by their enmity. I am flattered by the falsehoods they level against me. Those who were the authors of the big lie must attack the truth tellers and I am proud to stand accused. I wear their attacks as a badge of honor. Knowing that I have lived by my oath of office.
My guiding principle has been serving in a way that will bring pride to my children. I believe that right and truth and decency matter now more than ever.
After long nights of consideration, I decided to run for California’s U.S. Senate seat.
Because MAGA Republicans aren’t getting the job done and there’s too much that needs fixing. I have a record of getting tough things done, and I’m ready to do the hard work needed for our families, for our economy, for our democracy, and for our planet.
It’s clear Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are going to do everything they can to sabotage my campaign — because they know how effective I am at gathering the truth, making a case, and holding them accountable. I need your help to overcome their attacks.
Will you rush in a split $15 donation between Democracy Defense Action and my campaign to help me continue my work for the American people?
Thank you,
Adam
