John, it's official.
I'm running for re-election to represent New York's 16th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.
I'm humbled to ask my neighbors in NY-16 for their vote so we can continue causing problems for the status quo and fight for the progressive values we all deserve.
I'm fired up to go back to Congress, John. Because the truth is, people like me aren't often elected to Congress.
People like me — people who are Black, people who grew up in public housing, people who've been arrested, public school educators — aren't typically given positions of influence and power.
We're not given this power, even though we're the ones closest to the pain.
For decades, white lawmakers and leaders have often excluded people who look like me from key decisions that often negatively impact us. As a result, Black and brown communities have suffered at the hands of politicians who put politics and profits over the needs of the people.
As a Black educator from New York, I've experienced the same struggles as many of those who voted for me. I grew up in public housing and experienced firsthand the result of greedy landlords and failing public housing infrastructure. I've seen first hand how gun violence affects our communities, our schools, and our children. And to this day, I myself am dealing with the crushing weight of student debt loans.
I say all of this to simply explain that I understand. And that's not something that many of our current representatives in Congress can relate to — which leads to unjust and out of touch leadership and legislation.
Delivering for NY-16 is my top priority. In just our first term, we have made strides for NY-16 and communities that look just like ours. I've dedicated 100% of my time in Congress advocating for the marginalized communities that are all too often forgotten. I truly believe that only when everyone has a voice at the table are we able to build a more compassionate community and a successful multiracial democracy.
This past year, we have watched as conservative and Republican leadership have exposed the true depths of injustice that run rampant in our government systems. And we've watched our democracy crumble as the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the sick get even sicker.
Enough is enough, John.
I am ready to continue our fight to cancel student debt loans, end the filibuster, secure voting rights and protections for all, and advance key policies like the Build Back Better agenda in its entirety.
We still have so much more work to do to fully address the racial, social, economic, and environmental inequities that exist in our communities and in our government.
As one of very few progressive leaders in Congress, I deeply recognize the gravity of our decision-making — the lives of thousands depend on our ability to find solutions to the issues we face each and every day. And unlike many representatives in Congress today, I refuse to be pressured or swayed into making compromises for my constituents.
With three challengers poised against our campaign, and a voter landscape that has shifted dramatically from the one I was elected to in 2020 due to redistricting, we cannot afford to lose our momentum or we lose our opportunity to continue fighting for change in Congress.
Thank you for your support, and I can't wait to see what changes we continue to make together.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
