Team, as I write this, the lead story on Fox News is about me, and MAGA Extremists are calling for me to be disciplined for standing up for all New Jerseyans and Americans.

Why? Because I exercised my First Amendment rights to state what I believe, which is this:

1. The murder of Charlie Kirk was a tragic and appalling act of political violence that I have condemned and must be universally condemned.

2. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. Charlie Kirk was entitled to it, and so are those who criticize Kirk’s views, which called for rolling back civil rights in a way that flies in the face of the values many of us hold dear.

Now, the GOP wants me silenced — the way they are attempting to silence so many New Jerseyans and Americans around the country right now who express views they disagree with. It’s chilling, it’s wrong, and it’s against the Constitution I took an oath to protect.

Listen, I’m not going to back down from every American’s right to express their views — whether or not Donald Trump likes them — no matter how much pressure Republicans try to put on me.

I believe that now more than ever, we need leaders who are willing to defend freedom of speech, and that’s exactly what I intend to do — on this campaign, and as your next governor. If you’re with me, I need your support. Please pitch in anything you can to help me defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of my fellow Americans and New Jerseyans.

This is one of those moments that tests who is truly protecting and defending the Constitution. It’s testing who is putting their oath to do so first, and who is letting ideology and partisanship get in the way.

My oath to protect and defend the Constitution has always been my North Star. I believe we need more of that from our leaders today. If you agree, I’d be humbled and honored to have your support.

Mikie