John,

After AIPAC and its super PACs spent an unprecedented $25 million in the 2024 Democratic primaries, we unfortunately lost Justice Democrats Rep. Cori Bush and Rep. Jamaal Bowman from Congress.

I want to reflect on their legacies and bold leadership in Congress, but before I do, will you pitch in a contribution to help Justice Democrats recruit more working-class progressives like Cori and Jamaal to run for office in 2026?

Cori and Jamaal’s primary losses were a major blow to the Democratic Party, our progressive movement, and the people as a whole. Cori and Jamaal were true champions of the working class, having worked as a nurse and a school principal before challenging and defeating establishment incumbents in 2020.

As two of the only Black, working-class representatives, they constantly defied the status quo, worked tirelessly for justice and a better world, and never backed down from a fight — which is exactly why the corporate, right-wing, dark money machine spent so much to silence and unseat them.

Cori was our first Justice Democrat because she embodies the working-class leadership we want to see at the center of the Democratic Party. She will always be a model for what we're fighting for: everyday people using their lived experiences to transform our nation. As Cori said in her farewell address, “My life experiences may differ from many of my colleagues in Congress, but beyond these walls, they are familiar to so many.”

During her congressional terms, Cori courageously shared her own stories of facing homelessness, experiencing sexual assault, and having an abortion. She put her pain into action by fighting for reproductive justice for all, staging a sit-in on the Capitol steps to protect millions of people from eviction, leading the call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and so much more.

Similarly, Jamaal is one of the greatest champions for our kids and families this Congress has ever seen. He secured historic investments in gun violence prevention, health care, and climate action, and delivered over $1 billion to his communities, including for housing, education, and childcare.

Jamaal took on the tough fights, spoke up for the silenced, and never compromised on the values that drive his radical optimism for what our government can do for its people. Few leaders' joy is more contagious and their rage more righteous, and we're forever grateful.

Cori and Jamaal will leave a hole in Congress that cannot be filled with the two career politicians replacing them. We know they will keep up the good fight in whatever they do next.

Though we’re losing these two progressive champions, we’re already searching for more working-class candidates like them to challenge corporate Democrats and carry on their fight for the people in the halls of power.

Help us Squad up and build the bloc in 2026: rush a grassroots donation of $5 or more toward our $100,000 end-of-year goal before December ends.

Contribute $5

In solidarity,

Geoff Simpson
Campaigns Director