Dear Community,
 

Let’s be honest. We are not supposed to be here. The electoral process of running for office was not built for us. It’s intended for those with access to wealthy networks and political machines. We are not part of the establishment, not heirs to a political dynasty, not pillars of Wall Street nor figures in the national media. “Viability” is code for all that. We’re not supposed to be “viable.” And we were never supposed to make it this far.

But, this campaign is fueled by you and we have defied expectations at every turn. We are winning! - and we can’t let anyone else control the narrative and tell us otherwise. Our campaign has raised close to $340,000, from over 4,100 supporters with an average donation of $50. That includes over 30% who are unemployed. THIS is what People Powered looks like! 

I know who my donors are and how valuable every dollar is during these fragile times. I know the investment in radical change your dollars represent; the desire for a Politics for All People, that elevates our voices and makes room for us at the table. They represent the hope we all share for the kind of leadership that will boldly transform the status quo. We didn’t reach the matching threshold this filing, but we are within close striking distance of the requirement, with just over $70,000 to go. And our campaign has been building momentum — just last week over 150 volunteers helped to raise almost $60K! 

I have been underestimated my whole life. And still I rise. Our movement and our power has always been underestimated--even as we know that we are the ones who cared for others and kept the City running amidst multiple pandemics. We know we’re gonna make the next matching deadline. Because let’s be clear: we know that we are always the ones that have to work harder & better to get just as far. And that’s exactly what we are going to do. We’re built for this! Because this campaign is built for US. And still WE rise.

Many believe that money alone wins elections. Unfortunately, history has shown that to be the case more often than not. But our movement is here to demonstrate that we won’t go back to elite mindsets that deepen poverty while the rich get richer. They can’t run the City without the People. We are the soul of New York City. Let’s let them know those days are over!

Pa’lante, in solidarity, 

Team Dianne