Oregonians — from Sellwood to SunRiver — pulled off an upset victory.
We won because Oregonians are frustrated with the divisiveness and obstruction and with politicians who are beholden to their corporate donors, and not us. We won because working people refused to give up on believing that we can protect our families, our climate, and our democracy.
We need leaders who show up and listen, who understand that people are hurting, and who get the job done.
Look, regardless of party affiliation, Oregonians want to put a roof over our heads and food on our tables. We want opportunities for our kids, and affordable healthcare for our loved ones when they’re sick. We want to feel safe in our communities, we want our kids to be safe in their schools, and don’t want our homes to burn down. We respect the labor of the hands that put food on our tables. We care about protecting our democracy and civil rights, including safe access to abortion and reproductive services. That’s the Oregon that I know.
But right now, Americans are working hard to stay afloat -- prices are going up, and wages are not keeping pace. The high cost of gas and prescription drugs decrease the food budgets of hungry families. Working people feel left behind and forgotten, overrun by the Corporate CEOs reaping the profits of their labor. The needs of working families are not being addressed. Well, no more.
By working together, by bridging our divides, and by investing in our future, we will turn fear into hope and get through this time of crisis together. We will continue to stand up and tell the truth. We will continue to fight for our civil rights. We will continue to call out corruption and challenge an establishment that is failing to meet the needs of working families.
While my name is on the ballot, this is not about me. This is about us and what we can achieve together.
I’m grateful for those who have supported and mentored me along the way -- my wife, my family, my friends, my teachers. My grandparents, who worked in a factory. And my mom, who I remember working three jobs to put food on our table.
We ran a people-centered campaign, without taking a single. corporate. dollar. I want to thank our grassroots supporters, our incredible team, our labor partners, the Working Families Party, Indivisibles, environmental groups, and so many others for coming together to fight for our future -- those who gave what they could, even when times are tight.
And I want to thank Kurt Schrader and his team for a hard-fought primary. Democrats need to see these contests as an evaluation of our ideas and as a confirmation of our values. I respect his years of service representing our state. I look forward to working together for the best interests of Oregonians.
Oregonians across the newly drawn 5th congressional district have joined together to make our voices heard, and we want our seat at the table. Shirley Chisholm once said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” Well, we’ve got our folding chairs.
Today is only the beginning. Our fight to build a government that respects and represents all of us is just getting started. Our collaboration to show what it’s like to bridge divides to get things done for all Oregonians is just getting started. Our battle to take on corruption so Washington DC works on behalf of working people–not big corporations–is just getting started. I look forward to doing this work -- with you and for you. Because when they see me in the halls of Congress, they will see you.
Thank you, Oregon. Now let’s get to work.
Jamie
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