Dear John,

The headlines over the last few weeks have Americans spinning. First the Supreme Court reverses Roe v. Wade and undercuts the EPA's authority to deal with climate change. Equally frustrating is that the Senate filibuster remains a barrier to progress on things we care about. And while the January 6 Committee exposes just how close the former President came to toppling the orderly transition of Presidential power in 2021, we must pay attention to the fact that some extreme Trump ideologists are winning Republican primaries across the country.

The stakes for November's midterm elections have never been higher. Control of the House and Senate are both on the line. States now determine the legality of abortion, transgender rights, and what can or cannot be taught in schools. The outcomes of every federal, state and local contest are critical.

I'm helping Democrats who will safeguard the things we care about. Oregon is a "blue state" now, but we must not take that for granted.

• We have three crucial House seats in play and must fight hard to elect Val Hoyle (4th Congressional District), Jamie McLeod-Skinner (5th Congressional District), and Andrea Salinas (6th Congressional District).

• It is critical we elect Tina Kotek as Oregon's next Governor.

Not to mince words: these Democratic candidates are true progressives – their opponents' agenda is to undermine the things we care about.

It's not just Congress and the governor's race. We need to fight up and down the ballot. There is a chance we could lose control of the Oregon Legislature with disastrous consequences. There are no unimportant races and our involvement at the state and local level can make a huge difference that is not always apparent.

People are asking me what they can do right now to help. This Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m., the Coordinated Campaign of the Democratic Party is having a kickoff event. The meet up location is at Tina Kotek for Oregon HQ - 525 NE Oregon St, Portland, Oregon 97232. Learn what you can do to help! Sign up here.

I hope to see you at the kickoff and on the campaign trail this summer.

Courage,

Earl

P.S. Even if you cannot make it on July 9th, please sign up to volunteer and the campaign will let you know about future opportunities. With your help we will win!