Friend,

Eight minutes and 46 seconds: That’s how long a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on George Floyd’s neck. George gasped “I can’t breathe” and eventually became unresponsive. This cruel, cold-blooded murder has been witnessed by millions and has since sparked a groundswell of action as protesters across the country march for an end to racial injustice.

It isn’t enough to demand that the officers involved in George Floyd’s killing be held accountable for their crimes. We must work to dismantle the racist systems that led to George’s death, and the deaths of so many other Black Americans for generations. Institutional racism has also resulted in discrimination against Black Americans in countless forms, including in healthcare, in our workplaces, in our schools, and at the voting booth.

As your Representative, I pledge to do my part -- I’ll continue to learn, to fight for laws and policies that will make our communities safer and more just for all Americans, and to hold this Administration accountable. But here’s what I’m asking from you: Don’t remain silent. Speak out, or use your platform to elevate others. And if you have the means, please consider donating to organizations like the NAACP.

This is our chance to stand united and push for impactful, lasting change in our communities. So in George Floyd’s memory, I hope you’ll join me in fighting for a more hopeful, more just future.

Thank you,
Ted