Hey, team, just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.

Folks here in the 6th District — myself included — have a lot on their minds after last week.

And rightfully so, because everything from safe abortion access, affordable healthcare, public health, environmental regulations, climate action, and the fate of our democracy is at risk.

So, however you're feeling at this moment, I’m with you.

I’m not here to offer you rosy platitudes. Instead, I'd like to share some of the ways we can all stay grounded and focused in the months ahead.

First, don’t be too hard on yourself. Be angry, be scared, be pissed off – just try not to let the cynicism take over (easier said than done, I know). But I recommend doing something that brings a smile to your face. Hope and humor go a long way to brighten the darkness.

Remember that you have power. A kind gesture, big or small, can make someone’s day, or week, or year. A single good deed can impact a whole community. 

And remember that, for all our faults, this is still the United States of America. We’ve been to the moon and to the depths of the oceans. We’ve survived war and disaster and crisis and come out of it stronger. 

On that bleak morning after Election Day, I shared a Dr. King quote, and I’d like to leave you with those same words today.

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

Once again, thank you, team. I wouldn’t be here without you, and I want you to know that I will always have your back in Washington.

We’re in this together.
Sean Casten