Dear John,

You might not know this, but I was co-chair of the Lancaster County Republican Party in the 1980s.

I was energized by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of working families, small business owners, and neighbors who needed a helping hand. It was a role I gratefully accepted because I love Nebraska, and I thought it was the best way to use my voice for good.

But when my nephew came out as gay in 1989 — and I had the audacity to love him anyway — I was ostracized by some of my fellow Republicans.

It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore. How could we claim to serve all Nebraskans, yet believe that simply loving someone of the same gender makes a person unworthy of support from their own family?

These were people I once called friends — but they turned their backs on me for refusing to turn my back on a family member.

It was then that I decided: No matter the party, and no matter the person, I would always fight with every bone in my body for every Nebraskan’s right to have a voice and to live authentically.

I changed my party affiliation because I couldn’t support the marginalization of people like my nephew. And despite the different letter behind my name, my commitment to equality before the law has remained steadfast.

Years later, when my oldest son came out, there was never a question in my mind that I would unconditionally love and celebrate the person he is. My son Taylor inspires me to work even harder for the rights of all LGBTQ+ Americans — I’m fighting as fiercely as only a mom can.

I walked away from bigotry and didn’t look back. I know I’m not the only Nebraskan who has made that journey.

I’m running for Congress to represent the current reality of our communities: Nebraskans are warm, diverse, and open-minded. It’s time we had a representative who reflects our values.

With the Special Election in 5 days, I need to ask you to stand up for equality today. Join our winning coalition to elect a Congresswoman who knows that pride always has a home in our beautiful state!

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With love and hope,

Patty Pansing Brooks