Happy 4th of July, y’all!

Independence Day is going to feel a bit different this year without cookouts, parades, and parties full of red, white, and blue. While the celebrations may be smaller, I hope we can all enjoy the day safely from home -- whether that’s with a plate full of barbecue or your favorite Texas tacos.

As we celebrate, I hope you’ll join me in thinking of the values this country was founded on -- how far we’ve come in realizing those values, and how far we still have to go. America’s founding promise is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Great Americans from all walks of life have worked to expand that promise to everyone and make our country truly equitable, and that fight continues today.

I believe a just and equitable future is possible in America. It’s why I felt called to serve my country as a combat search and rescue pilot, why I fought to open military jobs for all Americans, and why I’m running for Senate today.

At a time when the harms of systemic racism, the flaws in our health care system, and the callousness of many of our elected leaders are so abundantly clear, we have to keep marching forward, dreaming big, and aiming high. Let’s remember our own American values and commit ourselves to fighting to uphold them for all people.

Today, I’m celebrating our great country that I love dearly and have been so honored to serve with my family and fellow Texans (virtually!) -- and I’m recommitting myself to fight each day to fulfill our promise and potential.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

MJ Hegar