John,

There is so much to focus on right now–extremist Republican rhetoric, Trump on trial, and our democracy in peril. But, for me, every day, at the top of my mind is the plight of women and girls.

As extremism rages around the country, the most vulnerable among us are at continued risk of losing our rights.

That’s women. The women who were the last to get the right to vote, the women who have yet to realize equal rights under the law, the women who make cents on the dollar, the women and girls who every day lose another state where they can get the healthcare they need.

I’m the first woman and mother in history to represent West Michigan in Congress, and I can tell you that being the first is not easy. The battle I’m waging, the stereotypes I’m breaking, and the strength of will and character I must possess every day to do this job test me to the fullest. Women still only make up less than a quarter of the United States Congress, though we are 50% of the population. In the entire HISTORY of the House, over 11,000 individuals have served, but fewer than 500 have ever been women. I’m changing that, not only for West Michigan but for women and girls all over our country.

I currently have four different men running against me who openly oppose allowing women to make their own healthcare decisions. Four. They are so mad that there’s a woman representing this seat now.

My re-election will determine the majority in the House. We have to hold my seat in order to retake it. I can’t do it alone.

Grateful,

Hillary