There is no place for outside spending in our campaigns

My sister-in-service Cori Bush fought hard for the people of St. Louis. Her movement for the people and by the people proves that progressive values benefit the whole community. And her loss in the primary this week, though heartbreaking, will not stop that movement.

It has been a deep honor to work alongside Cori in Congress. She is a true movement builder, truth teller, and champion for the people. She has been a champion — doing the most for those who have the least — and is someone I proudly collaborated with on criminal legal reform, housing justice, the first-ever Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment, and so much more.

The threats to our democracy from right-wing funded super PACs, like AIPAC, will not stop our work for justice. These dark money groups don't care about the people of St. Louis, about their stories or the needs of the community — they only care about their special interests. And before Citizens United, the Supreme Court case that allowed for unlimited and undisclosed spending in elections, this type of undue influence on our democracy was illegal.

I know this defeat will not silence Cori and our movement. It won’t stop our fight for reproductive rights, for paid leave, for housing justice, and for working people from Missouri to Massachusetts. We must stand strong in our values. We will not be bought and we will not be silenced.

If you’re able, please make a donation today to support our progressive, pro-peace, pro-humanity movement and ensure we can continue to fight for people-centered policies.

And to all of Team Cori, the staff, volunteers, families, advocates, supporters, and community members who organized rallies, hosted GOTV events, knocked on doors, and made phone calls, thank you for showing up for our movement. We decide our future.

Onward,

Ayanna