Congress reconvened in Washington last week, returning to the same chaos and dysfunction that has come to define 2025 as well as to new challenges and affronts to the Constitution, the Congress, and the country.  Of course, I was returning from Texas, where President Trump’s authoritarian consolidation of power was on full display in the fight over redrawing Texas’ congressional map in August.

And that is why it is all the more important to me to thank you now for all the ways you are showing up for the important work we are doing to protect our democracy, in August and beyond.  Together, we are meeting the moment—in Texas and in Washington.  And that is critical.

The challenges we face are unlike any that most of us remember.  And our #TeamLizzie volunteers were everywhere in August in response: testifying against the new, discriminatory congressional maps, spreading the work to neighbors about them, and rallying to oppose them.  We launched multiple days of action.  And our work paid off.

Although Governor Abbott signed the new congressional maps at the end of August, the fight for fair maps continues.  The maps are already being challenged in court, where a three-judge panel will hear arguments beginning on October 1.  Together, we are going to keep raising awareness, organizing across the state, and fighting back against the dangerous and undemocratic power grab from now to next November.  

We have not only the opportunity to win back the House majority in 2026 but also the obligation to do so; to do everything we can to make the redistricting power grab in Texas and beyond backfire; to reject the policies and politics of the Republicans controlling the Congress; and to stand up for the rule of law and the power of the people.

September is going to be a busy month full of expected, and I’m sure, unexpected challenges.  But I am ready to continue fighting for Texans and all Americans.  And I am grateful to have you and your support in this work.  Thank you.

Together we can do anything,