I grew up the son of hardworking farmworkers in Coachella, California. Our community was built on the labor of people like my parents, and I am here today, writing this email to you because of their sacrifice.

Like my parents, many folks in our community worked long, strenuous hours, all too often in substandard labor conditions in the hopes that they could make a better future for their children.

Though that hope was often exploited by those with more political power than them, farmworkers like my parents fought, sacrificed, and demanded the dignity that every American is promised.

I stand on the shoulders of their sacrifices, and labor leaders like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta who fought for better wages, safer working conditions, health benefits, and protections beyond many of their wildest dreams.

I cannot begin to express my appreciation for their work. They’re sacrifice and dedication is awe inspiring, and I use that inspiration everyday to fuel my work and build on their achievements.

I first ran for office because I saw that the economic opportunity won by my parents' generation was being clawed back by a class of people with endless money and political resources.

Even more inhumane, this clawback came with near-constant demonization, scapegoating, and increasingly violent rhetoric being aimed at communities like ours.

I wish I could say conditions were improving and we’ve halted this nationalistic backslide, but MAGA politicians and their leaders have only ramped up their hate.

It’s sickening. It’s scary. But I’m not backing down from this fight. And neither can you.

The fight to save our democracy, to expand opportunity, and to build on the promise for future generations requires all of us.

And our best chance to beat the extreme and hateful MAGA agenda is at the ballot box. So can I count on you to chip in $10 today and give our team the resources we need to win this November?  »

I can’t thank you enough for your support,

Dr. Raul Ruiz