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John,
Let me start by saying this weekend was both joyous and devastating.
On the other, there was a barrage of condolences and sadness, as we processed the violence against two legislators in MN that left the former speaker of the house and her husband dead and another legislator and his wife wounded.
The assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are nothing short of horrifying. Our thoughts are with them and their families today as they face this unimaginable tragedy.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman embodied what our work at Run for Something is all about. She showed up for her constituents time and again, helping to enact progressive policies in her state that protected their rights and improved their lives — from securing free school lunches for all Minnesota children to passing paid family leave.
We need more leaders like her and Sen. Hoffman, and we will continue our work to ensure candidates like them are elected to state and local offices across the country.
But let's be clear: These acts of political violence are designed to silence us, to sow fear, and to stop us from showing up for our communities.
However, this is precisely when our bravery and presence matter most. We know the risks of running for office today are immense, and it shouldn't be this way. We're incredibly sorry it's come to this and profoundly grateful for the courage of ordinary people who are taking the extraordinary step of running.
While much about running for office is beyond our control, we're committed to giving candidates the tools to lead and survive in this hostile landscape, including tactics for de-escalating violence and aggression.
Thanks for making all this work possible. This weekend was an emotional roller coaster (an evergreen statement, perhaps), but we’re glad to be doing this with you. |
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