View this post on the web at [link removed]

The fabric of America weaves together the threads of many groups, cultures, and beliefs coexisting within society. Each contributes to the whole while retaining its unique identity. The label on this fabric reads “pluralism.” It insists that no single creed or dogma should dominate our public life and that everyone, regardless of their faith or identity, deserves respect and has the opportunity to thrive. Pluralism underpins free, democratic organizations like the G7. It permeates our professional sports leagues, our universities, our military, and our entertainment industries. It is a feature of America that free nations around the globe strive to emulate.
However, there are Americans who are not fond of pluralism. Their tribe can only exist by excluding those they choose to view as Other. What’s frightening about these Americans is that their intolerance extends to their ideas about our government. They insist that the only legitimate government is one dominated by their religion and ideology. They are full of fictitious grievances that they air in the most mean-spirited and hurtful ways. Their grievance culture has spawned the culture wars. And their weapon of choice is what we call “wedge issues.” Figures like Steve Bannon, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, JD Vance, and my opponent Julie Fedorchak have built careers on waging this war with wedge issues, using them to incentivize hate and fear among their base.
Recently, Fedorchak has mercilessly inserted herself into the culture wars, claiming in a debate that post-birth abortion is a real issue and posting on social media about a female boxer in the Olympics who right-wing trolls — including my opponent — insist is a man. These fabrications serve no purpose other than to divide and distract. After all, what else is a wedgie good for?
Fedorchak’s post on X (formerly Twitter) read as follows:
“If we needed more evidence that men don’t belong in women’s sports, the Olympics has provided a powerful one for all the world to see. As an athlete and a girl mom this is infuriating. Such a slap to all who have fought for access and fairness in women’s sports.”
She quoted Riley Gaines, who said:
“After 46 seconds and a few hits to the face by a male, Carini forfeited the fight. Call me crazy, but it’s almost as if women don’t want to be punched in the face by a man as the world watches and applauds. This is glorified male violence against women.”
The controversy in question involves Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Italian boxer Angela Carini, who withdrew from a match after 46 seconds due to severe pain in her nose. Carini, notably, did not abandon the fight to make a political statement. “I am not here to judge or pass judgment,” Carini said. “All this controversy makes me sad… I’m sorry for my opponent, too.” Yet, Julie Fedorchak and her ilk have turned this into a rallying cry for their regressive agenda, ignoring the basic facts and individual stories behind these athletes. (Not that it would matter to Julie Fedorchak or her troll friends, but Khelif has been defeated by other women many times before).
The immaturity and ignorance of this fake fight would be impressive if it weren’t so harmful and divisive. It dehumanizes people. It reduces human beings to political talking points and perpetuates a cycle of fear and exclusion. In this case, it also does damage to women’s sports and to a dedicated female athlete. As an athlete and a girl dad, I am infuriated. As a North Dakotan, I am disappointed. As a human being, I am horrified. 
Her post was such a slap to all who have fought for access and fairness in women’s sports. Has Fedorchak nothing better to do? This keyboard false witnessing distracts us from the real issues that need our attention: making Social Security solvent, passing the Farm Bill, making homes affordable for middle-class Americans, and lifting children out of poverty.
I am running because public leaders who dunk on the defenseless and spin stories for self-gain should be kicked out of the game. Our leaders should help us embrace our shared humanity, recognize the value of every individual, and work together to build a better, more inclusive society. They should aim to strengthen the fabric of American pluralism. Instead, my opponent has joined the tribe broadcasting intolerance, seeking to destroy it.
The real problems we face are rooted in the everyday struggles of Americans trying to make ends meet, not the imaginary grievances peddled by those looking to divide us. We all want to secure our futures and build better lives for our families. The best we can do is not take the bait. If we don’t fall for culture-war distractions, we can focus on the issues that truly matter and leave the atomic wedgies and poop flinging to the weirdos.
With the U.S. House seat open, the race for North Dakota’s sole congressional district has never been more competitive.
Trygve Hammer is a Navy and Marine Corps veteran, a former public school teacher, and a freight rail conductor. He was appointed to the Naval Academy from the fleet and served as a Marine helicopter pilot, forward air controller, and infantry officer. 
From bunking down in oilfield camps to engaging uninterested teenagers in the classroom, Trygve’s career has been a tour of duty in the trenches of American life. Trygve’s commitment to public service is unwavering. He lives by the ethos “Officers Eat Last” and is ready to serve as North Dakota’s next Congressman, putting the people's needs first.
Watch Trygve’s campaign launch video here [ [link removed] ].

Unsubscribe [link removed]?