John,

I often speak about my experiences as a nurse, and it's crystal clear how crucial nurses are especially now. For years, nurses have been whistleblowers—we’ve long been understaffed, underprotected, and underpaid. That’s why I want to take a moment to address all the nurses (and their families) on National Nurses Day:

Thank you. Thank you, for putting your bodies on the frontlines for a job that has never been easy but will always be important.

Thank you for doing work that means you’re always on call, no matter the situation.

Thank you for sacrificing your own time, energy, and often health, so that others may have better lives.

We’ve been heroes for a long time. And we deserve better representation than people who refuse to protect us, even as we protect their constituents on a daily basis. I’m running for Congress because I believe that we have the answers ourselves. Who better to look after the interests of our communities than those who have already been on the frontlines?

Today, I’m inspired by all of the nurses who are standing up for their rights, protection, and dignity in the workplace. Whether in the clinic or the halls of Congress, I will always stand with you.

Solidarity forever,