Dear Friend,

Four years ago, my colleagues and I were trapped in the upper gallery of the House Chamber as insurrectionists smashed through windows and doors, attacked Capitol Police, and called for the hanging of our Vice President. I will never forget the images of that brutality, nor the law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect Members of Congress, and in doing so safeguarded our democracy.  

Today, on the advent of a second Donald Trump presidency, we stand at an inflection point. Our politics remain disturbingly toxic, fed by belligerent, hateful, and even violent rhetoric which the incoming Administration has done little to quell. Trump has promised to pardon the hundreds of violent rioters who were convicted of attacking the Capitol. In this environment, it’s easy to lose hope, to disengage, or to get caught up in the division.

So, I want to encourage you to stand strong against the anger and hate, and to exercise a healthy skepticism, especially on social media. If you find it easy to believe conspiracies or accept everything a favorite politician or media personality says, you can be easily manipulated by extremists, hucksters, and conflict merchants. I think each of us has a role in improving the tenor of our politics. In fact, I wrote about it here.

I also want to reassure you: where possible, I will continue to reach across the aisle and collaborate with my colleagues. You elected me to deliver for Connecticut. I will seek out opportunities for thoughtful bipartisan legislating, and I see real potential for progress on infrastructure, technology, and national security.

But I will also remain your fiercest advocate against the draconian MAGA policies that hurt the vulnerable— stripping away healthcare, cutting education, and attacking minority communities. I will fight every day against an extremist agenda that caters to the powerful while preying on the disadvantaged. Above all, I will uphold our democratic values in the face of those who would corrupt them.

Please remember, I can represent you best if I hear from you directly. You are always welcome to reach out so that my staff and I can address your questions and concerns.

Sincerely,

Jim