John,
I'm writing with an update from Washington, but before I dive in I want to tell you about a truly moving experience I had recently.
Hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the Delaware County Courthouse on October 2 to stand up for reproductive rights. Maybe you joined us. When it was my turn at the microphone, I had to wonder: Why are we still talking about this? If reproductive health is a fundamental right— like you and I know it is— then why doesn't the American healthcare system guarantee it to every woman?
Then I listened to this crowd of committed, persistent progressives thanking me and my colleagues for fighting for their rights. I read their banners— two said “Abortions Save Lives” and “Women are Powerful”— and I was reminded of why I entered politics in the first place: to make America a safer, fairer, and better place for everyone.
I ran for Congress with no illusions that the world would change overnight. We need to fight hard every single day to win ever-smarter policies that codify our values.
And I've learned not to underestimate the GOP— who have proven with their latest ludicrous plan to build out a database of every Pennsylvanian's driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal information for their sham “election investigation”— that they will stop at nothing to tighten their grip on our state.
You see, John, our fight isn't just about any single issue. This is about a wholecloth difference in worldview. I know that my vision for America's future is bold, and I'm giving 100% on every single issue that matters.
Recently I toured the heartbreaking flood damage from Hurricane Ida and committed to doing right by the victims. They deserve our government's full support.
In my capacity as Vice Chair of House Administration, I called on the Department of Justice to investigate right-wing election law violations in PA. It's especially important to me that Pennsylvanians feel absolutely confident in our safe, free, and fair electoral process.
To educate the next generation of voters, I passed our pocket copies of the US Constitution to students throughout PA-05. The earlier our kids deeply understand what it means to protect our democracy, the better.
And I visited the Philadelphia Airport to greet refugees fleeing the humanitarian disaster that Donald Trump engineered in Afghanistan. America will always protect vulnerable people whose lives have been upended by terrorism.
Unlike the Republicans who have shown they'll forsake voters' fundamental rights in order to regain control of the government, I don't take my commitment to my constituents lightly. I treat every day as an opportunity to prove that I am a dedicated public servant fighting for Pennsylvania and the United States.
Thank you for helping me put in the work necessary to create a better future. I'm so lucky to have you and the rest of my friends watching my back. And I'll never forget it.
- Mary Gay
