On August 6, 1965, the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) was signed into law -- a turning point in our nation’s history that promised to protect every American’s right to vote, no matter their race, gender, or religion. 

For me, it was personal. I had the honor of fighting for its passage alongside many, including my dear friend, the late Congressman John Lewis. It was a moment of hope. It seemed our country was finally preparing to reflect its founding ideals of equality.

But the VRA has been under attack ever since -- and never more so than today. From last year’s Supreme Court decision to preserve racial gerrymandering here in South Carolina to Texas’s current attempts to rig five more Republican seats in the House at President Trump’s direction, the stakes have never been so high. This is not just partisan politics. It’s a deliberate, coordinated assault to silence the voices of Black and brown voters. 

Democracy is on the line -- and we must fight for free and unfettered access to the ballot box. To borrow a phrase from my old friend, we must engage in “good trouble” --  doing everything in our power to stop Republican voter suppression efforts now and take back the House next year so we can finally pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and restore the VRA.

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I know firsthand how overwhelming this fight can feel -- it felt that way in the ‘60s, too. But we persevered then and, with your support, we will again today. 

I’m personally asking you to make a contribution to help us elect Democrats up and down the ballot who will fight to protect every American’s right to vote.

This is more than a political fight -- it’s a moral one. We can and must meet the moment. We are the solution we’ve been waiting for.

Thank you,

Jim