Happy Mother’s Day — it’s Michelle Vallejo.

My mother, Maribel, is a huge inspiration for me. She’s the main reason I am the woman I am today, and the reason why I’m in this race.

She passed away in 2010 after fighting Multiple Sclerosis for 15 years. This was a hard loss for me, as she was my biggest advocate and cheerleader. I still wear her jewelry to have her presence and strength with me on the campaign trail.

I remember having to travel across the border to Mexico with her to receive affordable healthcare, because of the lack of options here in South Texas. Unfortunately, this is still a reality for many South Texans — especially now with abortion banned in our state.

The hardships my mother and my community have gone through are not right. We deserve to live in a district where our representative fights for our basic healthcare, reproductive freedom, and social security benefits.

I’m running to honor my mother’s legacy by fighting for a better future for working families like my own. I hope you can join me in the fight.

Michelle Vallejo