John, I wanted to take some time before the month ends to talk to you directly — not as a Congressman — but as a son of Philadelphia.

And, in a moment, I'm also going to ask you to chip in $5 or whatever you can ahead of our end-of-month fundraising deadline. But first, I want to explain why I'm asking, and why I'm fighting so hard for Philly:

I was born and raised right here in Germantown. I went to Germantown High, the Community College of Philadelphia, and LaSalle University. I’ve walked these streets my whole life.

I’ve seen firsthand what happens when communities are left behind and what’s possible when we invest in people, block by block. That’s why I ran for office. And it’s why I’ve spent my career fighting to create good jobs, strengthening public schools, reducing gun violence, and expanding access to quality, affordable health care for every Philadelphian.

But right now, those rights are under attack in dangerous, yet familiar ways. Donald Trump and his allies are working overtime to erode our democracy, strip away civil rights, and roll back hard-won progress for working people. From suppressing the right to vote to undermining public education, attacking reproductive freedom to weakening protections for our most vulnerable neighbors — the stakes for Philly, and for our country, couldn’t be higher.

We’ve already seen what happens when extremists hold power. They turn their backs on communities like ours, they sow division for their own power gains, and they push policies that leave too many families behind in the dust. I’m proud to stand with leaders across Pennsylvania and this country who are fighting to defend our democracy, protect our civil rights, and build a future that works for everyone. But I can’t do it without you.

Before we close the books in April, can I count on you to chip in $5 or more to ensure this campaign stays in fighting shape year-round and prepared to take on the tough road ahead?

Thanks for always having my back

Dwight