Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer who tirelessly worked to expand the rights of all Americans. We owe her an endless debt of gratitude, and my heavy heart is with her loved ones today.

I wish we could pause and mourn, John. Her legacy has impacted and inspired tens of millions of people, including me. But the truth is — Republicans will not give that to us.

Already, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has politicized her passing, promising to ram through whatever right-wing judge Donald Trump nominates to the court.

It’s disgraceful and against Justice Ginsburg’s last wish. In less than 50 days, Americans across the country will vote for their chosen leaders. And it is those leaders who must carry out the will of the people and fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.

With a grieving heart, I’m asking you to add your name to my petition today demanding Donald Trump and the Republican Senate not advance any Supreme Court nominee before the next president is inaugurated.

This is a tough day for our country. But this battle is worth fighting for, and together, we will win and bring the progress our communities deserve.

In solidarity,

Barbara Lee