A lot has changed in all of our lives since last Thanksgiving, but one thing that hasn't changed is that there is still a lot to be thankful for. In fact, in the context of a challenging year, this feeling of gratefulness is perhaps more acute than ever.

We've seen people step up to face all sorts of unprecedented challenges: health care workers continue to put their lives on the line each and every day to protect all of us. Teachers are still adapting daily to instructing students in-person and online. Poll workers helped us secure a fair and safe election despite difficult hurdles. And all of you are doing your part to slow the spread and protect our communities from surging coronavirus cases.

And, I also feel a deep sense of gratitude in my own personal life. While I did not win re-election, I am still profoundly thankful for all the folks I met during my time in Congress and during this campaign: from the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to helping our campaign to the Americans I fought for while in Congress to the many Orange Countians who voted for me as their representative in the House. 

As we move forward, I know that we will continue to face hurdles, and that includes celebrating Thanksgiving apart from our friends and extended family this year. But, this year has also shown us that we can face these hurdles together even when we're apart. 

I hope that you can find ways this holiday season to celebrate. While we may not be able to gather together over a meal, like Thanksgivings past, we can still find ways to creatively celebrate without congregating. And, wherever you are, we can all take a bit of time to reflect on what we're thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Again, thank you for all that you do. 

-- Harley

Harley Rouda serves California's 48th district in Congress. In 2018, Harley defeated the 30-year incumbent Dana Rohrabacher in the very first political campaign of Harley's life. During his time in Congress, he's embraced common sense and values to tackle climate change, address deteriorating infrastructure, confront homelessness, and protect Social Security and Medicare. In 2022, Harley will be facing one of the toughest fights in the entire country, so he's depending on the support of grassroots individuals. If you want to support Harley's re-election, you can donate here. If you'd like to no longer receive emails from his campaign, you can unsubscribe.