Friends -
I don't need to tell you that running as a progressive in this country is never easy.
Oftentimes, you are taking on the corporate establishment, the media establishment, and the political establishment of both parties. You are also taking on super-PACs and big money interests who have unlimited resources to elect their candidates.
When Zohran Mamdani started his campaign for Mayor of New York City, very few people gave him a chance.
But he campaigned and communicated creatively and effectively. As months went on, he rose in the polls. When it was clear he had a chance to win, the entire establishment threw the kitchen sink at him in the final weeks and days.
He won anyway.
And what Zohran's victory proved to me is that when people have something to vote for rather than just vote against, when we prioritize organizing and mobilizing, our progressive agenda can win against even the longest of odds.
Now it's on to victory in the general election.
But we cannot stop with just one primary victory in New York City.
The political future of our country rests upon the very simple principles that working people need to stand together EVERYWHERE to fight back against corporate greed and create an economy that works for all of us, and not just billionaires and large corporations.
We need to elect people up and down the ballot who have the guts not only to stand up to Trumpism, but to take on the monied interests and fight for a working class that has been ignored for far too long.
Will we be successful?
I don't have a crystal ball to answer that question, but last night gives me hope. And when I see the response to the Fighting Oligarchy Tours we are holding around the country, and when I see millions of people turn out on No Kings Day, it is clear that the political revolution we have been talking about for years may be within our reach.
So what now?
In just a few days, there is a FEC fundraising deadline. You may recall them from our presidential campaigns. And when it ends, campaigns are required to report how much money we have raised in small-dollar donations.
Now, as crazy as it seems to me, these fundraising reports are important — especially for progressive candidates.
And there are a few candidates we've endorsed who I am hoping you'll support before this deadline ends:
Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan: Abdul was not only a supporter of our presidential campaign, but he is a physician who understands that our current health care system is broken and wildly expensive. He understands that health care is a human right, which is why he supports Medicare for All.
Robert Peters for Congress in Illinois: Robert is a principled leader and organizer with a record of winning progressive policy fights. He will champion Medicare for All, fight to block cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, and take on the Big Money interests that are corrupting our politics.
Adelita Grijalva for Congress in Arizona: Adelita is building a grassroots movement to take on corporate greed in Southern Arizona. As a Member of Congress, she will fight for Medicare for All, climate justice, and an economy that works for everyone. I'm proud to endorse her.
Rebecca Cooke for Congress in Wisconsin: Rebecca is a working class fighter who developed her populist roots in rural western Wisconsin. A daughter of farmers, a waitress and a small business owner – she’s lived through failed policies from Washington elites and is ready to deliver tangible outcomes that working people will actually feel.
Troy Jackson for Governor of Maine: Troy has also been part of our progressive working class movement from the beginning. He has always stood with those of us who understand that health care is a human right, that workers deserve a living wage, and that we need a government that works for all — not just the ultra-wealthy and well-connected.
Donavan McKinney for Congress in Michigan: Donavan has dedicated his life to standing with working people, and is ready to lead the struggle against Donald Trump, the oligarchy, and the corporate interests who prioritize profits over people.
In this pivotal moment in American and world history, when the stakes are so high for our country and the entire planet, we should not underestimate the difficult challenges that we face. But that should not make us pessimistic.
If we stand together, we have the power to create a government and an economy that works for all of us, not just a handful of billionaires.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders
Paid for by Friends of Bernie Sanders
PO BOX 391, Burlington, VT 05402
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