Team — Kids across the country including students here in the 13th are heading back to school, and as a public school kid and the granddaughter of a public school teacher, I know firsthand how instrumental our educators are in shaping the lives and minds of the next generation.

Similarly, Governor Walz and his wife Gwen spent their careers in the classroom. They both know just how hard it’s been for teachers to be able to do the job they’re tasked with — ensuring that our students have safe, welcoming environments that are tuned to their success.

I’m standing with Vice President Harris and Governor Walz wholeheartedly as they work to inspire hope and change, and build a better future for all of us, especially our students.

We have the chance to make our classrooms safer and more affirming environments no matter what district you’re in or what zip code you’re from.

But we’re up against a right-wing opponent that would work with the GOP to defund the Department of Education, fire the civil servants that are tasked with securing and upholding educational environments across the nation, and that is hellbent on attacking teachers and classrooms.

If we want a future where kids are fed, happy, healthy and safe in their classrooms, we must elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and flip the House blue. I’m in a tough fight against an extreme opponent who will work with Donald Trump and fringe Republicans to defund education in America. Will you pitch in right now to help us flip the House blue and protect my seat here in Illinois’ 13th?

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Thanks for your help today,

— Nikki