John, the ballots have been cast and it's finally official: today, voters in the Bronx and Westchester chose me as the next U.S. Congressman for New York's 16th District.
I'm a Black man who was raised by a single mother in a housing project. When I was just 11, I was beaten by the police. That story doesn't usually end in Congress. But, thanks to you, I'm heading to Washington in January to represent working families, progressive values, and so I can shake up the status quo.
For the past year and a half, our movement brought folks together across race, class, religion, and gender to fight for justice, equality, and a country that works for all of us — and we did it all without accepting a dime from corporate PACs or lobbyists.
Our hard work first paid off in June, when we pulled off a stunning upset in our primary over an entrenched incumbent. We showed that our people-powered movement can beat establishment power and can overcome even wealthy interests.
Since then, we've brought our energy to other important causes: turning out people to take the U.S. Census; organizing with local and national organizations around issues of housing, immigration, and voting; and boosting candidates running competitive campaigns to grow the progressive coalition even more in Washington.
Now, as we wait for the results of the presidential, Senate, and other House races, we need to make sure that we're prepared should the fight continue past today. From potential recounts to legal fees, we need to be ready for all possible scenarios, both in New York and the rest of the country — because these elections are critical to the future of our democracy. If you're ready, too — please chip in $3 or whatever you're able to our campaign.
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: I am grateful for this opportunity, John. And I am grateful to you for helping make it happen. I am proud of this team and all that we've achieved.
No matter the outcome of the elections, I'm energized by the hard work I know folks on this team will continue to put in to make our communities — and our nation — a better place.
I can't wait to take this fight to Washington with this team by my side. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
