Friend --

One year ago today, our democracy faced its darkest day in modern history. One year ago today, thousands of Americans, inspired by Donald Trump's "Big Lie" of election fraud, invaded the Capitol with the intention of overturningthe results of a free and fair election. One year ago today, five capitol police officers died and hundreds suffered serious injuries defending the foundation of our democracy. And one year ago today, despite that attack, Congress re-convened to certify President Biden and Vice-President Harris' victory and continue our long-standing tradition of a democratic transition of power. 

One year later, far right extremists in the Republican Party, enraged by the dwindling power of bigotry and division in a diverse and changing nation, continue to push the "Big Lie" that the 2020 election was stolen. One year later, Republicans in the House are defending the insurrectionists and calling them political prisoners. And one year later, the Republican Party at the local, state, and federal level - including here in Virginia - are pursuing undemocratic election laws to supress the voices of those they disagree with, and ensure that next time their attempts to overturn the will of the majority does not fail. 

One year later, I am so grateful that my goodbye calls to my wife and daughter on that day were not our final conversations. I am so grateful that my staff and my colleagues are safe. And I am so grateful that we can continue on the long and winding quest to build a more perfect union - pursuing truth, rooting out extremism, holding those responsible for the insurrection to account, and most importantly, reinvigorating trust in the foundations of our democratic institutions. 

Every member of Congress takes an oath to defend our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The majority of my Republican colleagues - even those who may have once spoke-out against January 6th - have violated this oath. But I promise you that as long as I remain in Congress, I will do absolutely everything in my power to defend our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring justice and accountability to those responsible for January 6th, to espouse truth over lies and hate, to pass legislation to defend the right to vote for all Americans, and to continue delivering on the most important and pressing issues facing working Americans and their families. 

I hope that you will continue working with me to bend the arc of history towards justice and fight for a more perfect union. Our democracy depends on it. 

If you would like to stand with me and defend democracy through 2022 and beyond, please consider becoming a monthly contributor to my campaign. The battle for 2022 and 2024 has already begun and we need your help.

Always in your service, 

Congressman Gerry Connolly
Virginia's 11th District