Dear John,

It’s time for us to build a new kind of politics.

For too long, powerful forces have divided us against each other and left our most vulnerable communities behind. This is a system that profits on hate and dehumanization. And while politicians are all too willing to have this food fight at the top, people at the bottom are stuck. It’s wrong and unsustainable for our democracy.

But I believe we can meet this moment and change how we do politics.

I’m a proud Wisconsinite, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader. Over the last decade, I’ve worked with young people and community leaders to build inclusive coalitions, tackling our most urgent challenges and providing opportunities people need to reach their dreams. I believe we can build a new path forward for Wisconsin and our country, one that champions dignity and opportunity for all — not just the privileged few.

That’s why, last month, I announced our Exploratory Committee for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. Our mission is to elevate a more inclusive, compassionate, and honest form of politics.

That mission has been the focus of my public service. In 2013, I founded the Millennial Action Project to train a generation of leaders to renew our democracy. We brought legislators together from across Wisconsin, and across the nation, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, to craft and pass forward-thinking legislation that promotes greater economic mobility, a cleaner environment, and a healthier democracy. Because of the diverse coalitions we built, we saw real change that impacted disenfranchised communities. For two years, we also hosted a series of dialogues across Wisconsin. By listening to Wisconsinites from all walks of life, one thing became clear: a better politics is in us.

Our time to build it is now.

An Exploratory Committee is a time for candidates to do more listening than talking. It was in the spirit of listening that last month my exploratory committee began our "Dignity Tour" — a statewide tour to listen to people who are left out of the system and marginalized by politicians like Ron Johnson. Over the last four weeks, I have been privileged to speak with small business owners, entrepreneurs, people with disabilities, minority communities, rural farmers, climate and conservation advocates, and labor leaders. But this work is not done. Over the summer, we will continue listening. We will model the leadership we want to see and build a grassroots movement in Wisconsin, driven by the needs heard from our neighbors.

See the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s coverage of our announcement: Steven Olikara Announces Formation of Exploratory Committee

I invite you to help us build this movement of dignity. If you are moved to get involved, here are the 3 most important ways you can contribute:

Donate today and help us power our agenda for a more inclusive and compassionate Wisconsin.
Host or participate in a stop on the Dignity Tour across Wisconsin, reply to this email and a team member will follow-up!
Join our team! Email [email protected] and a volunteer will follow-up with you on how to get involved.

Together, let’s create a new politics that’s up to the scale of challenges we face today, and pass on a stronger democracy to future generations. Thanks so much for all of your help and support in building this movement.

Yours,

Steven