John,

At 12:01 AM, Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress forced a government shutdown.

This kind of MAGA chaos is reckless and entirely preventable. Trump has already been threatening to use this shutdown as an excuse to permanently cut jobs and programs that families depend on — saying, “a lot of good can come down from shutdowns.”

While the full impact is still unfolding, it is clear that ordinary families will bear the heaviest burden. As of today, thousands of federal workers will not receive their paychecks until the government reopens.

It’s easy to feel angry, overwhelmed, and even powerless when the federal government fails this profoundly, John. But hopelessness is exactly what Trump and the GOP are counting on.

The truth is, we do have power and it’s in the states. Even when Washington shuts down, state governments keep working for their communities — and Sister District is right there with them. Here’s how we’re meeting this moment:

Defending Virginia this November. With all 100 House of Delegates seats on the ballot, we’re making calls, raising money, and supporting 15 Democratic candidates to defend and expand our majority.
Investing early in the 2026 Midterms. Next year’s elections will be a generation-defining battle. That’s why we’ve already made our earliest endorsements ever: 10 powerful legislators in five battleground states.
Supporting year-round grassroots organizing. Building long-term power means showing up every day — not just weeks before an election. Through our State Bridges program, we’re supporting and partnering with grassroots groups in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia.
Standing with elected officials after the win. Since 2017, we’ve helped elect 150 Democrats in state legislatures across the country — and we don’t stop once they’re sworn in. We provide ongoing support, resources, and guidance to help them govern effectively and deliver for their constituents.

This shutdown is one more reminder: we can’t count on Washington to deliver from the top down. Change is built from the ground up — in statehouses, communities, and movements like ours.

If you believe in our mission to build power in the states, give $20, $50, or $150 to keep this work moving. Every dollar helps us take action today and build momentum for tomorrow’s fights.

In solidarity,

Sister District.

P.S. If donating isn’t possible right now, you can still take action. Join us virtually to call voters in Virginia ahead of Election Day.