Dear John, 

I was on the train last week heading to Albany for the State of the State, blaring Spirits by the Strumbellas, when I felt my eyes well up—not from grief, but rather something else. 

A brief glimmer of hope; a brief glimmer of younger me bopping around, listening to good music, and imagining how I would change the world.

I launched my Substack to share thoughts like these with supporters like you; if you could, I hope you’ll follow me here >>

Moms are carrying so much right now. We have to listen to the White House tell blatant lies from official channels and then do story time. 

We watch ICE go door-to-door and hunt people down. Bed time. 

Families being torn apart. School drop-offs. The Vice President saying that ICE can murder with “absolute immunity.” Cook dinner. 

And somewhere in all of that mess we also have to make sure our children understand what’s happening in an age-appropriate way. But how do you explain the incomprehensible to a child?

Every day there is a new horror, and every day I feel sick. But last week, I found a glimmer of hope, and I held onto it. 

I listened to Vote Mama Motherboard member Governor Kathy Hochul talk about our state’s unprecedented investment in expanding childcare to cover two-year-olds in New York City. I applauded VA Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, one of our endorsed moms, for bringing her lived experience to advocate for more changing tables in public spaces. And I was proud to see WA Representative Liz Berry advance Campaign Funds for Security in her state—and to have Vote Mama Policy Director Louisa Duggan travel to Olympia to speak in support of keeping public servants safe. 

The start of 2026 has felt dark and overwhelming. But we can find hope in thinking of good people doing good things.

For more musings like this and my takes as a mom navigating this world alongside you, please visit my Substack here >>

If you’re interested in being a part of a supportive community of Vote Mama supporters who are not turning away from the challenges of this moment, then this is the right place for you.  

Thank you for your support—it means so much.

-  Liuba
Vote Mama Founder & CEO

Vote Mama is the first PAC in the country dedicated to increasing the political power of Democratic moms. We believe that our country needs more moms representing our neighborhoods, our communities, and our families because we know that they are dedicated to investing in equitable solutions for future generations to come. Vote Mama helps moms break barriers to running for office by disrupting the systems that hold women back through providing direct financial support, mentorship, and endorsements.

Pitch in today to help us elect more moms to be the voice of our communities and keep our families safe >>