Jake Rakov is running for Congress in California’s 32nd Congressional District. Our emails are the best way to stay updated on Jake’s work to stand up to Donald Trump and deliver for California families, but if you’d no longer like to hear from us, you can unsubscribe here.

John, I’ve been thinking a lot about what inspired me to run for Congress, and I wanted to share some of that with you today.

Growing up in Texas, my favorite extracurricular activity in high school was Junior State of America. I was afforded the opportunity to travel and experience the landmarks of our government, take deep dives into policy, and learn how to effectively debate social and economic issues.

It opened my eyes to how we can engage in thoughtful and constructive conversations with others — even if we’re coming from different sides of an argument, or if it’s uncomfortable.

But as a young, progressive, gay man in the early 2000s, I knew one thing that wasn’t up for debate was representation, and what that means.

Part of representation simply means showing up for your constituents. Not just phoning it in (sometimes literally). And definitely not sitting in a multi-million dollar home on the other side of the country while your district goes up in flames. But being present, accessible, and ready to take questions and give some answers — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Growing up, my dad taught me that if there wasn’t a good choice available, then I had to work harder and fight to make one. And the status quo isn’t cutting it anymore. That’s why I’m running for Congress — to be the leader who shows up for the people who call our city home and fights for a better future. That’s what our district deserves.

But John, we’re facing our campaign’s very first end-of-month fundraising deadline. Since we’re up against a decades-long incumbent, every dollar proves that we’ve got the fight in us to take on the establishment. And since our campaign can’t and won’t be bought by corporate donors, every dollar comes from people like you.

So I’m asking you today: Can you chip in what you can to help us reach our April goal? Each goal we set for ourselves is critical for us to make it to the next step, take on the establishment, and bring real change to California’s 32nd district.

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I’m ready to show up for our district. Thanks for coming along with me.

Jake