John,

I’m Congresswoman Andrea Salinas from Oregon, and I want to tell you why I’m asking you to support Emerge before their year-end deadline.

I’m the daughter of an immigrant farm worker who later served as a police officer after returning from combat in Vietnam. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that middle-class grit would lead me to Congress, or that I’d become the first Latina ever elected to represent Oregon. But that path started with Emerge.

I didn’t just run as a candidate. I ran as a mom. And moms know how to show up prepared, focused, and determined. Emerge saw that in me right away and said, “You belong here, and you can win.”

They didn’t just teach me how to campaign. They gave me a sisterhood that carried me every step of the way — phone calls, late-night strategy sessions, encouragement on the days when doubt crept in.

And now, in Congress, I see every day why electing more women — especially women of color — isn’t just important. It’s essential. Representation changes what gets fought for, who gets protected, and whose stories shape policy.

Right now, there are 13 Emerge alums serving in Congress and next year, Emerge has a chance to double that number. That’s the kind of power shift we need if we’re going to stand up to Donald Trump’s agenda and actually protect our communities.

Emerge is trying to close a $50,000 year-end gap so they can train the next class of women candidates — women who will flip seats, build coalitions, and lead with the grit and preparation I know so well. Will you donate before December 31 to help them meet this goal?

Emerge gave me the gift of believing I could run and win and the tools to make it real. Your support ensures the next generation of women gets that same opportunity.

—Rep. Andrea Salinas
Emerge Alum & U.S. Representative (OR-06)