Friend --

We've lost a civil rights icon at a time the country greatly needs him. John Lewis inspired people across generations. He called on us to find our courage and stand up for what is just and right, even in the face of great adversity. We should remember his lifelong legacy of fighting for social justice. Truly, he was the Conscience of the Congress.

John Lewis was a friend to the Pacific Northwest. He came to Tacoma and Seattle many times to fight for equal opportunities. The beauty and cadence of his voice will be remembered for a long time.

I was honored to have joined him last year in his annual civil rights pilgrimage across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

John Lewis spent his life showing us how to fight for justice and equality. Now it's up to us to carry it on.

Thank you,

Maria Cantwell