Our nation lost a bona fide constitutional hero this weekend. We mourn the passing of U.S. Senator Mike Gravel (D-AK), and write to reflect on his legacy—and how we aim to continue it.

Among the many endorsements of our 2020 campaign to replace Nancy Pelosi, his was a unique honor. In the 1970s, Senator Gravel stood for peace in the face of militarism, and transparency in the face of secrecy. He read thousands of pages of a classified military study known as The Pentagon Papers into the Congressional record.

That act of profound courage not only informed the public about long-standing executive branch corruption, but also provided crucial support inside Congress for renowned whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, who was described by President Nixon as “the most dangerous man in America.”

Gravel exemplified the role of a member of Congress faithful to the oath of office. Too many people choose policymakers from politicians, who are trained and inclined to do what’s popular.

But while the legislative mandate for policymakers is majoritarian, our responsibility to check and balance the other branches of government requires us to stand on principle, and sometimes do what is not popular in order to do what’s right.

Mike Gravel stood against power to do what was right. Not many people who have reached his position can make the same claim.

We can, which is why he endorsed us.

When I fought in the courts for LGBTQ marriage equality in the early 2000s, it wasn’t popular. When I fought the Obama administration from the left on issues from mass surveillance and immigration crackdowns to drone strikes and impunity for torture, it wasn’t popular.

And I didn’t run to replace the leader of the Democratic Party because it’s popular. I did it for the same reason that Gravel challenged Nixon: because it must be done.

We desperately need policymakers who have stood in Gravel’s footsteps. We’re here to answer that call, and redouble our efforts in the wake of his passing to ensure that his legacy continues in Washington.

Rest in Power, Senator!

An immigrant defending America,

Shahid

P.S.  We are 2 days away from our big FEC deadline-  if would be great if you can chip in a few bucks here.  We stand-up against Pelosi because it must be done.