John, it's Hank Johnson. I want to take today to honor the man who played the biggest role in my career as your Congressman.

John Lewis was a humble man, who always worked for the people first. Representing the folks in Georgia's 5th Congressional District, he was unafraid to repeatedly sacrifice himself for the cause of racial justice, human dignity, civil rights, and equality for all.

And in doing so, he was also all about causing what he liked to call "Good Trouble"—inspiring folks like me to take action for those who can't, no matter how tough or uncomfortable it gets.

After a lifetime of dedication to justice, equality, and the people he served, Congressman Lewis passed away this day, four years ago.

But I say all this because what started as a funny story of interns (including one of our now Senators, Jon Ossoff) and a good word from Congressman Lewis, led to me winning the 4th District seat and getting into all kinds of "good trouble" with him ever since.

Whether marching with him in Atlanta on National Voter Registration Day or at the nation's capital with Black Lives Matter protesters, there have been many opportunities to get in the way:

I fondly recall the 26-straight hours on the floor of the House with Congressman Lewis protesting the lack of action on gun reform, and when we worked together at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to win the release of people detained when the Muslim ban went into effect. 

And the need for Good Trouble continues today, with an anti-democracy, extreme MAGA right-wing Supreme Court, putting our fundamental rights at risk.

This is one of the highest-stakes elections most of us will see in our lifetime, John. We must follow Congressman Lewis's example and continue the fight  to help finish what he started so long ago with Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama.

After all, we wouldn't be at this point without him.

John, I'm reaching out today so that I can continue his legacy in Congress. Out-of-touch politicians are working with dark money groups to target my seat in the upcoming election. Could you make a donation of any amount today so I can keep making progress in Congress for the American people?

In solidarity,
Hank Johnson