Hi John, it's nice to meet you. I'm Melissa, Jamaal's wife.

Jamaal and I first met when we were both educators at the same campus. I've seen firsthand how hard he's fought — and continues to fight — for his students and neighbors here in New York. I know that in Congress he'll work just as hard to fight for working-class families and a brighter future for all children.

Jamaal's running a grassroots campaign that's powered by people like you and me. Can I count on you to pitch in $5 (or whatever you can) today to support his campaign?

Our current representative, Eliot Engel, is an entrenched incumbent who's been in D.C. for the last 31 years. As a constituent of his, John, I can tell you that he's more than just lost touch.

Rep. Engel has continued to ignore his constituents during the coronavirus crisis. He hasn't stepped foot in our district since March. He's even lied about being here in person to give out face masks.

Meanwhile, Jamaal was right here in our district throughout the entire course of the crisis (and well before it, too). For over a decade, Jamaal has been talking to and working with neighbors, students, and working-class families who are hungry for change.

During the crisis, he's passed out PPE and hot meals to essential workers and those who need it, and his campaign team has been making phone calls to check in with our neighbors multiple times a week.

After years of witnessing the current leadership fail our communities, Jamaal knew that he needed to do his part and run for Congress. Now, I'm asking you to do your part in helping us move the progressive movement forward by contributing to Jamaal's campaign, John. Chip in now:

For the past year, I've been constantly blown away by the dedication and passion by this campaign, and how hard everyone — from the staff to the supporters — has worked to secure a better future for NY-16.

I know your support means so much to Jamaal. It means a lot to me too.

Thanks for everything.

— Melissa