|
John,
I’m so pleased to share that we had a progressive sweep yesterday: Democratic governors won, Californians voted to counter Republican redistricting in Texas, Colorado residents voted to raise taxes on wealthy households to fund free breakfast and lunch for public school students, and Zohran Mamdani won his race for New York City’s mayor!
In NYC’s biggest election turnout in more than 30 years, more young residents under the age of 30 voted than ever before—even though this is an off-year election. Some of the local candidates I endorsed also won by large margins, including democratic socialists Denzel McCampbell and Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who ran against corporate Democrats for Detroit City Council.
These victories show that when we energize our base and focus on direct conversations with potential voters, we can defeat the billionaire and corporate interests that too often control our politics.
Over 100,00 volunteers for Mamdani’s campaign knocked on over 1 million doors. Folks are fired up! And because the mayor of NYC represents more people than most senators, Zohran will set precedents nationwide.
Zohran is a bold democratic socialist like me, and for years we’ve been standing up together for human rights in the U.S. and abroad. His win opens the door for more candidates like us to run and win across the country.
In late 2023, I was proud to join Zohran as he led a hunger strike in front of the White House demanding a ceasefire in Gaza (photo below). Since January 2024, I’ve sent emails fundraising for Zohran—and YOU responded, supporting his campaign from early on. Thank you! Neither of us take money from corporate PACs, so every grassroots donation makes a difference.
Can you chip in to my re-election campaign today to show that our democratic socialist and progressive power is growing? Together, we can build the government that we deserve.
This summer, I joined my Muslim colleagues in Congress to speak out against the hateful, anti-Muslim, and racist smears from our colleagues on both sides of the aisle who’ve attacked Zohran. Those attacks have grown in recent months, as media outlets like the New York Times and billionaire-funded attack ads spread Islamophobic fearmongering.
But the people saw through these tropes and saw a candidate who’s going to support every single one of his constituents, no matter their backgrounds. They saw someone who will actually fight for the working class, who will address our affordability crisis, and who will push for the bold policy changes our communities need.
Zohran has proven his effective leadership as a state representative, including making bus routes free throughout the city and leading a 15-day hunger strike with NYC taxi drivers to secure more than $450 million in transformative debt relief.
Unlike many elected officials, Zohran understands how urgently people need change. He—and the movement supporting him—are working toward a city and a world where everyone can live a dignified life, regardless of background, identity, or zip code.
Zohran’s win affirms that we can build multi-racial, multi-faith, and cross-class solidarity to overcome the growing billionaire interference in our elections. Muslims, immigrants, and people of all backgrounds belong here, including in the halls of power. This sends a message to Democratic leaders that they must pay attention to and work hard for everyday Americans of all backgrounds, rather than corporate donors.
Even though Zohran won the Democratic primary election by more votes than any prior mayoral candidate in the city, AIPAC-funded corporate Democrats in national leadership refused to endorse him. They decided they could overlook Cuomo’s racism and track record of sexual harassment because they wanted to maintain the unjust status quo. One ended up endorsing him but said that he’s “not the future of the Democratic party.”
They’re out of touch. We need to transform the Democratic Party to win against fascists and to be the party of the people—and candidates like Zohran are an essential part of making that happen.
Can you chip in today to build on this momentum and ramp up our push for a party and a government that serves all Americans—not just billionaires?
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your secure donation will go through immediately:
For years, establishment Democrats have tried to move farther right, alienating our base more and more. This is a losing strategy, and it endangers and abandons the most vulnerable Americans.
Instead, Democratic candidates and leaders must listen to our base and make the changes that people need.
For example, Democratic voters (and people across political parties) overwhelmingly want to end U.S. support for Israel’s human rights abuses—unlike Zohran’s Trump-endorsed opponent, who’s on the legal defense team for Israel’s war criminal prime minister.
Most Democratic voters agree that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and they don’t want our tax dollars funding it. While our movement’s power is growing, most members of Congress are ignoring their constituents on this issue—taking money from AIPAC and continually voting to send more U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund war crimes.
We need courageous leaders who represent the people, stand up to fascism and dehumanization, and see everyone as worthy of life and dignity. Struggling Americans also deserve leaders who take meaningful steps toward an equitable society where everyone can thrive.
Zohran has said, “The job of city government isn’t to tinker around the edges while one in four children across our city go hungry… the government's job is to actually make our lives better.” I agree.
If you can, please make a contribution toward my re-election campaign today to keep fighting for a government that works for the people, not billionaires.
Thank you for imagining and working for a better future, where everyone has what they need. Together, we’ll keep demanding better and fighting for human rights, including the right to food, housing, healthcare, clean air and water, and childcare.
With you in the fight,
Rashida
|
