On Sunday, I took a bold stance and became the first Presidential candidate in 50 years to advocate that we change the order of states that begin our Democratic nominating process.
 
While there has been blowback among some party faithful in Iowa and New Hampshire, folks across the country have rallied behind this simple truth—black women have empowered our Democratic victories and their voices deserve to be heard right from the beginning. 
 
I understand for many folks in both states this is a tradition that they hold very dear, and I have learned first hand that they take their role in vetting candidates seriously. But “this is how it’s always been done” isn’t ever a good reason to keep doing it. The current system does not give enough of a voice to people of color and it's long past time that we as Democrats practice what we preach and fix it.
 
 
 
To be clear, this isn’t about which candidates voters in these states may choose, or have chosen in the past. This is about who gets to do the choosing. 
 
Some of my opponents have dismissed this suggestion. I’m not surprised. If I am the only candidate who is willing to highlight this disparity and advocate for change, so be it.
 
The Democratic nominating process needs to reflect America. We can’t say that black women are the backbone of our party, then support starting our nominating process in two states with such a low representation of black folks in them. 
 
We can’t say that we are the party that will fight against voter suppression and structural racism in our political system and then turn around and effectively exclude black and brown voices from the first portion of our nominating process. 
 
During my ten months on the campaign trail, I visited Iowa and New Hampshire numerous times, and I met many wonderful people who take their duties as voters in the first in the nation contests very seriously. I appreciate how hard they work to make the best, most informed decision possible. 
 
 
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With gratitude,
Julián
Paid for by Julián for the Future
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No one like Julián Castro has ever been in the Oval Office. His grandmother immigrated here from Mexico when she was just 7 years old. She never got past the 4th grade, but she provided for her family by working as a maid and a housekeeper.

Now, her grandson is running for President of the United States. Against all odds, grassroots Democrats like YOU helped him qualify for the Democratic debates and sent him to the front of the pack of Democratic candidates.

We know we send you a lot of emails, but that’s because we’re relying on grassroots supporters to overcome our next big challenge:

Julián must be able to compete and build a movement that lasts for the long haul, and he’s not taking a cent of corporate PAC money to do it. Will you be a part of this historic campaign?


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