John, 

I didn’t know Paula when I started sharing her posts on social media back in 2018, but her message resonated with me. Even without knowing her personally, I could tell -- she was just getting started.

I got involved in politics as an activist in 2006 when the Virginia Marriage Amendment was on the ballot there. In years following, I protested Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church and volunteered to help homeless LGBTQ people find housing and resources. 

Through my own lived experiences as an LGBTQ person in Appalachia and those of my wife, I began to understand how social issues are weaponized to divide us. Whether it be race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, forces greater than any one person are at work to pit us against one another instead of bring us together. 

Can you chip in $5 right now and help Paula Unite our Fight for justice and equality?

When I moved to West Virginia four years ago, I eventually learned of a candidate running to unseat Senator Joe Manchin. She was fierce and focused. She evoked the history of West Virginia in her messaging -- Mother Jones, John Brown, Blair Mountain and others -- Paula made me feel proud to call this new place home.

I felt comfort in knowing there were women like Paula in West Virginia, and I started sharing her social posts about healthcare, equality and protecting our people and our environment. I’m a graphic designer and web developer, so I created content on my own that featured Paula’s values and her fight to bring real representation to the Mountain State.

People started to notice my posts, and one of those people was Paula Jean! When she reached out I was thrilled and humbled. I got to know her not only as a candidate but as a person. The more time I spent talking with Paula the more I knew I had to volunteer with her campaign.

I cast my first ballot as a West Virginia resident in 2018. You can bet I voted for Paula then, and I voted for her again in the primary earlier this month. Now I’m a staffer on Paula’s team and I’m excited to help her defeat Shelley Moore Capito in November. 

But, we can’t do this alone, John. While politicians and pundits work to divide us, we have to remember we have so much in common: we all want safe water, good jobs, and opportunities to grow as individuals and as families. When we come together, we are unstoppable.

Paula is fighting for ALL West Viriginians. She’s a mother, a coal miner’s daughter and a believer in our ability to affect change. She’s fighting for Medicare for All. She’s advocating for the Reclaim Act and to diversify West Virginia’s energy economy. She’s working to ensure quality educational opportunities for future generations. She’s fighting for all of us.

I'm proud to fight alongside her, and I hope you’ll join us!

In solidarity, 

Allie K.
Graphic Designer and Social Media Manager
Paula Jean Swearengin for U.S. Senate