Hi John,
We just rolled out our latest round of 2026 endorsements — and I couldn't be prouder or more excited about these candidates.
John, this is exactly why I left the DNC. Too many Democrats in D.C. are silent, complacent, and beholden to special interests. They treat public office like something they’re owed — not a responsibility to earn from the people they serve.
At Leaders We Deserve, we’re building a new generation of young, progressive leaders — an inspiring vision for the Democratic Party that people actually like and want to vote for.
Take Justin Pearson — a bold, effective leader who always does what’s right for his community — not for his own political safety. One of the “Tennessee Three,” Republicans expelled Justin from the state legislature for standing up to the NRA after a school shooting. He also stopped a billion-dollar corporation from building a harmful oil pipeline in his community.
Now, he’s challenging a longtime Congressman in Tennessee’s 9th District who has failed to deliver for Memphis — and we couldn’t be more excited to back him.
Then there’s Donavan McKinney in Michigan’s 13th District. Donovan’s challenging one of the most corrupt and ineffective Democrats in D.C — a guy who takes millions from AIPAC, broke his no-corporate-PAC pledge, and spent more taxpayer money on advertising than any other member of Congress.
Donovan’s the opposite — he delivers real results for Detroit, including millions for gun violence prevention, replacing lead pipes, and taking on private utilities that have long controlled Michigan politics.
Our other endorsees share their courage:
This is what real leadership looks like — and it’s why I walked away from the DNC.
Leaders We Deserve is building the next generation of bold, progressive leaders who put people and doing what’s right over winning a re-election campaign.
But they can’t win without you, John. Our candidates don’t take a dime of corporate PAC money — they’re counting on grassroots supporters like you to win tough races and defeat entrenched incumbents bankrolled by special interests.
Will you pitch in $5 to help us build a new generation of bold, progressive leaders?
I’m so proud and excited about the work we’re doing and what’s ahead — and I’m so grateful that you’re a part of it.
Thank you,
David Hogg
