Friend,

I wanted to take a minute and thank so many of you for the kind words in response to my last update. I also want to fill you in on what I'll be working on this summer and fall. Nothing short of democracy is at stake and I am already hard at work.

Frankly, I am tired of the media, all the talking heads, and even certain Debbie Downers in the Democratic Party continuing to predict nothing but doom and gloom for Democrats this fall. Clearly, we are facing some headwinds because of inflation, high gas prices and the history of midterm elections that have not been kind to the incumbent party. But it is time for Democrats to seize the moment and not allow others to continue to define the midterms going forward. Here’s how we do it.

First, let’s remind people of the good things that this Administration and Democrats in Congress have accomplished. They saved our economy and created more jobs per month than any President in history. They moved life back to normal after a global pandemic through an aggressive vaccination program. They rebuilt our partnerships with Allies to counter Russian aggression and threats to democracy around the world. And they pushed through a historic infrastructure bill to repair our nation’s aging infrastructure while tackling the climate crisis.

Second, we do have to understand and appreciate that people are concerned about our economy right now. Between Putin’s gas price increases, inflation and rising interest rates we have to acknowledge that folks are worried. But Joe Biden and Democrats have a plan. Republicans do not. The Administration is using every tool they can to bring down gas prices, bring down prescription drug prices and ease the supply chains to get more goods out there. The only plan that any Republican has put forth would raise taxes on just about everyone, even folks earning $50,000 or less, and that is totally unacceptable.

Third, we have to make sure the findings of the January 6th Committee are being heard. What we are seeing is that we came so close to losing our fragile democracy because of Donald Trump and the MAGA faction of the Republican Party. The good news is that in recent polls, half of Republicans approve of charges being brought against "elected officials who have attempted to overturn the results of an election". When I heard Judge Luttig, beloved by conservatives, say in the hearings “Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy,” it's clear to me that they are starting to break through.

Finally, on a candidate by candidate level, Democrats have the upper hand. Looking at places like Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia -- the GOP nominees are more extreme than they've ever been, often with tremendous baggage. Think back to the Tea Party years. The MAGA faction of the party is even more extreme now, and I believe voters will make the right choice. If we bring them the contrast, they will listen, historical headwinds or not. I know -- and you reading this email know -- that it is possible, even in states where Democrats have not won in decades, to achieve victory. We have to make this a clear choice between responsible leadership and extremism. If we can do that, we are going to win this fall.

I'm proud to have you with me as I continue this work. But I also need your help. Please consider making a donation now to help me elect Democrats across the country this fall.

There are a number of good people running in winnable races, and I'll reach out soon with individual races that I think need your attention.

Thank you for all your support.

-Doug