Hi John – I've done a lot of interviews over the course of my career, but one of my favorite questions has to be: "What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?

And my mind immediately goes to the little girl from Humboldt Park.


I'd like to tell you more about me and my story, but if you can't stay: I'm the first Latina in the Midwest to be elected to Congress, and my people-powered reelection campaign needs your help. Will you join my team with a donation of $15, $35 or $50 today?
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John, my story starts before the picture above was taken – before I was even born, really.

My parents came to the US over 40 years ago, while my mom was still pregnant with me. Once here, my parents settled in a tiny apartment above Humboldt Park United Methodist Church.

And although they worked long hours at multiple jobs to make ends meet, they still made sure to teach me and my siblings the importance of helping people in our community. We regularly volunteered at our church’s homeless shelter and food pantry, and I developed a passion for public service.

I was a senior in high school when I became the "mail lady" for 2,000 people with no permanent address, helping them where I could by chasing down job leads and benefit referrals from social workers.

I was only 21 when I became the Executive Director for Humboldt Park Social Services, where I continued to help people suffering from homelessness get back on their feet and find jobs and permanent housing.

Although it wasn't in my original plan, I was in my 30's when I ran for a seat in the Illinois House – and I won! And during my time in Springfield, I was a champion for affordable housing, an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools, and providing healthcare to seniors regardless of immigration status.

But I wasn't done yet, John – I decided to run for Congress. And in 2022, I became the first Latina member from the Midwest and the only member to come from a mixed-status household! Now, I'm fighting my hardest to protect our democracy, find real solutions to our issues at the southern border, and lower costs for our working families.

All of this is to say that when I think about little Delia, or the sophomore in high school who didn't know if she'd make it to junior year, I just want to tell her:

Don't give up on yourself.

Because in spite of the hardships, in spite of the struggles, we made it. And because we made it, I've had the incredible opportunity to stand up and make real changes, in our community and beyond.

I'd love to continue, but my team and I need your help to set my reelection campaign up for success. My movement is people-first and people-powered, which is why I'm reaching out to ask my friends and neighbors: will you support me and my team with a donation of any amount today?
DONATE TODAY
Thank you,
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez

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