I want to talk about “electability.”

As someone who represents a toss-up district, I hear this word A LOT.

According to political pundits, avoiding confrontation and staying quiet during times of unrest and uncertainty makes someone more “electable.” In more plain terms, if you avoid rocking the boat, the more support you’ll earn.

But I reject that conventional wisdom. And I want to explain to you why.

But before I do, I need to ask: If you believe as I do that Democrats MUST be unapologetically loud during this unprecedented moment in American history, will you chip in to help me keep this toss-up seat out of the hands of MAGA Republicans?

I ran for Congress last year on a bold agenda: Tackling gun violence, defending abortion rights, confronting the climate crisis, and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the top one percent.

And the people of Orange County chose that agenda at the polls last year.

But if I decided to play the “electability” game and stay on the sidelines as Donald Trump takes a sledgehammer to our Constitution, it would be a betrayal of the promise I made to Californians.

Real electability comes from keeping your promises. And since day one, I’ve kept my promise to be a loud, unrelenting voice for the values that unite our state: Equality, justice, freedom, and democracy.

I am well aware that my leadership will make some people angry. But I came here to advance our Democratic values and fight for every family who calls Orange County home – not cower to MAGA extremists.

That’s the kind of leadership I’m proud to bring to Washington every single day. But I want to be clear: Republicans are ALREADY spending huge sums of money to run attack ads and distort my record. So please, can you rush a donation right away to help me fight back?

Thank you for reading, and for chipping in if you can.

Dave