John:

Yesterday, the New York Times published a piece with this headline:

John, I'm just going to be Jamaal Bowman. But I'm honored to follow in AOC's footsteps. In 2018 — before I ever even thought about running for Congress — AOC won the Democratic primary for Congress and ultimately went on to unseat incumbent Joe Crowley in New York's 14th District.

And on June 23, I believe we can make something similar happen in New York's 16th District, ultimately ending Eliot Engel's 31 years in Congress.

If you also believe that our movement can make history this primary, can you chip in $5 to our campaign? With just 13 days left, we need to keep our fundraising up so we can continue our high levels of voter outreach, buy more ad space for TV and digital ads, and prepare our "Get Out the Vote" initiatives.

Before she began her political career in Congress, AOC was waiting tables and tending bar at a taqueria in New York City, helping her family make ends meet and avoid foreclosure on their home.

When she decided to run for Congress in 2018, she took on Joe Crowley, who at the time was one of the most powerful Democrats in the House — much like Eliot Engel is now.

Despite doubts from the media and political pundits, AOC inspired her community to action and won the primary. She holds the trust of her constituents and works to move our House in a more progressive direction.

AOC's story gives me hope — and with your support, I know I can accomplish the same and get to Congress to fight for working-class families and a bold, progressive agenda.

If you're with me, you know how important these next 13 days leading up to the primary are — and what's at stake. Will you chip in $5 to our campaign and support our efforts through the primary?

In solidarity,

Jamaal Bowman