Dear John,

This week, we’re in a pretty optimistic mood! Over the last few days, we’ve seen electoral wins, a continually aggressive labor movement, and rising momentum for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Here’s what we’re reacting to this week.

1. UAW takes on Trump and Musk for worker intimidation

When Trump went live on X this week, Trump shared his opinion on striking workers: “they go on strike and you say, that’s OK, you’re all gone”. Not only does that display Trump’s callous disregard for workers, it’s illegal.

UAW filed federal labor charges against Trump in response. “Under federal law, workers cannot be fired for going on strike, and threatening to do so is illegal under the National Labor Relations Act.”

Oh, and from now until May 1 2028, every time we mention UAW, we’re going to remind you that they are organizing major unions to set their next union contracts to expire on May Day 2028, setting the stage for a massive cross-sectoral union strike.

Speaking of May Day…

2. Workers looking to turn May Day Cafe into a worker co-op

May Day Cafe’s owner is looking to sell the cafe after 20 years. However, the workers of the cafe see a unique opportunity: buy the cafe, and turn it into a worker-owned co-op!

Check out their website for more information!

3. Ilhan Omar re-nominated

On Tuesday, CD-5 DFLers renominated Ilhan Omar, a tireless champion for our communities and our rights, and an outspoken advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

Ilhan’s victory wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Across the United States, right-wing forces are organizing to pull the Democratic Party to the right, targeting progressives with million-dollar primaries.

Jamaal Bowman was ousted after millions of dollars from AIPAC turned his race into the most expensive House primary ever. Cori Bush lost two weeks ago, after millions of outside dollars flooded her race.

Ilhan’s win last night confirms something important: progressive ideas are popular and can win elections. Corporate and right-wing interests can only compete by dumping record millions of dollars into Democratic primaries. 

They know they can’t spend $20 million dollars in every race. That money, spent in a few races, is meant to intimidate us and keep us thinking that progressive ideas will never win. 

But they’re wrong. 

Politicians like Ilhan Omar have driven a seismic shift in our political discourse and options. And we’re not going back. 

4. Bold ideas grow our coalition

We need more champions like Ilhan Omar, because the ideas they promote motivate millions of people to get organized and to fight for a better future. Poll after poll shows that an arms embargo on Israel would help Democrats win elections, that voters support a Green New Deal.

Most importantly, these ideas activate voters who might otherwise become disillusioned with politics: young voters, working class voters, and voters of color. We need vocal youth movements, we need militant unions, we need bold politics that promise to change the world, because that is how we build a political coalition capable of standing up to corporate corruption of our politics and challenging far-right nationalism.

One person at a time, one voter at a time, one election at a time, we must organize disillusioned, frustrated, and fatalistic people into a powerful vision of a future that they feel motivated and empowered by. That is how we win.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching and listening to.

Until next time,

Mattias Lehman (he/him)
Narrative and Communications Director