Hi John, welcome to the October edition of our newsletter!

Every month, we will continue to share updates on the important work we’re doing to build enduring political power in states across the country and keep you informed about what role you can play to fight for a progressive future.

💜Message from our Team

It’s hard to believe this is our last dispatch before Election Day, John.

This year has asked a lot of us. We’ve witnessed democracy come under attack, seen our neighbors targeted, and felt the consequences of growing authoritarianism in our daily lives.

That’s why hope is a discipline, and every time you show up—whether by making a donation, attending an in-person or online event, joining a virtual phonebank, writing a postcard, or even liking a post on social media—you prove that power lives in the hands of the people.

This has been our strongest odd year since Sister District began in 2017. We’ve won four special elections, endorsed 33 candidates across eight states, made over one million calls to voters, and raised more money for our candidates in an off year than ever before. None of it would have been possible without your ongoing belief that real change is built through state-level organizing.

Thank you for continuing to show up.

🚪Knocking Doors in Virginia

Last weekend, Sister District volunteers and staff from across the country arrived in the Commonwealth for a weekend of door knocking and connection.

Together, we engaged voters on the issues that matter most, met with our incredible candidates, and built momentum ahead of Election Day. Across five canvass launches, we knocked on nearly 1,000 doors and helped Virginians make a plan to cast their ballot.

🚨ICYMI: Mississippi Special Election Endorsements

This week, we endorsed three powerhouse Democrats running in special elections to flip Republican-held seats in Mississippi.

These races exist because a federal court ruled that Republicans illegally diluted Black voting power when they drew the state’s legislative maps. Now, for the first time in years, we have a real chance to break the GOP supermajority in the Senate, make meaningful gains in the House, and open the door to a more representative democracy in Mississippi.

Meet our endorsed candidates:

🗳 Johnny DuPree (SD-45) — The first African American mayor of Hattiesburg who will champion healthcare, education, and tax fairness. 

🗳 Theresa Gillespie Isom (SD-2) — A nurse, educator, and lifelong community leader fighting for stronger schools, better jobs, and healthier neighborhoods.
🗳 Justin Crosby (HD-22) — A lifelong Mississippian and community advocate who stands firmly for fair wages, affordable healthcare and economic opportunity for all.

We can make history together, John. Split a contribution to support these incredible Mississippi Democrats and Sister District.

📆 Upcoming Featured Events

Our Sister District Organizing Fellows—the next generation of progressive leaders—are hosting a virtual Family Feud-style game night to celebrate Catelin Drey’s historic special election victory in Iowa’s State Senate District 1 earlier this year. Now, as Sen. Drey runs for a full term in 2026, our Fellows are leading the charge to ensure she has the support and resources to win again.

Sen. Drey will be joining for a special Q&A where she’ll share how she is getting to work for Iowa families.

🎯Sign up now to join our organizing fellows, grassroots volunteers, and Sen. Drey virtually on Monday, October 20, from 7–8:30 p.m. ET.

Sister District is teaming up with our friends at the Gaslit Nation Podcast for a special Halloween phonebank to help our endorsed candidates through the final stretch before Election Day. We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrea Chalupa, host and producer of the Webby Award–honored civic action podcast Gaslit Nation, who will kick things off with remarks about what’s at stake in Virginia.

🎃Sign up now to join Sister District, Gaslit Nation, and volunteers across the country virtually on Tuesday, October 22, from 6–8 p.m. ET.

🎧Want to get inspired before the event? Listen to Sister District’s Organizing & Political Director Shawn Werner on the Gaslit Nation podcast discussing how we’re changing the face of power.

🔥Building Power from DC to California

Our DC Metro Area team hosted a powerful fundraiser on September 30 for Joshua Cole and Elizabeth Guzman, alongside members of the Woman’s National Democratic Club and Lead Locally. Together, they raised more than $13,000 to power Josh and Elizabeth’s campaigns!

Our California Peninsula team hosted Prop 50: The CA Redistricting Plan, an event featuring California Representatives Josh Becker and Diane Papan, with a virtual appearance from our 2026 Wisconsin endorsed candidate, Rep. Robyn Vining. The conversation focused on the importance of Prop 50, which would allow Democrats to redraw congressional maps ahead of 2026. Seventy-five people attended in person raising $14,000 to support Rep. Vining’s 2026 campaign for the Wisconsin State Senate.

📱Social Media Post of the Month

Sister District Executive Director Sarah Curmi recently shared reflections on LinkedIn about how blue states are stepping up for their communities during the government shutdown.

You can follow Sarah on LinkedIn or BlueSky to stay connected.

That’s all for now, John. We hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter. We’re grateful to have you as part of our collective fight to win permanent progressive power in the states for our communities.

Thank you, and enjoy your weekend!

— Sister District

Paid for by Sister District Project. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Donations to Sister District Project, a 527 organization, are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

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