Friend,

Moments ago, history was made.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson – a Black woman from a working-class family in Florida – was just confirmed to our nation’s highest court.

For over 230 years, the Supreme Court has failed to reflect the beautiful diversity of America. But now, with Judge Jackson’s historic confirmation, we have taken a large step in the right direction. This is a moment that every American should celebrate and embrace.

But the path leading up to this moment was not easy. For several days, Judge Jackson, who is more than qualified to serve as a justice, had to sit through thinly veiled political attacks. GOP senators – my opponent Marco Rubio included – sought to undermine Jackson at every turn, throwing wild accusations at her and questioning her qualifications again and again.

I’m all too familiar with these kinds of attacks. 

But despite these ugly political tactics, I keep pushing forward, driven by my mother’s instructions to “Never tire of doing good.” I persevere and press onward – just as we saw Judge Jackson do.

Friend, seeing Judge Jackson confirmed to the Supreme Court today is a moment I will never forget. So let’s continue our work to do good, and remember to never tire.

Val Demings