John, “thank you” doesn’t even begin to express the gratitude I’m feeling right now.

There’s so much to be grateful for over the last month — from meeting so many of you at our campaign office opening in Joliet, to getting folks out to vote in the primary, to meeting our FEC fundraising goal and finishing out the quarter strong.

But as I’m sure you know, these last few weeks have been incredibly challenging as well. Just last month, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, striking down decades of progress with it — leaving myself and millions of women across the country emotionally, physically, and mentally hurting.

And on Monday, our state witnessed yet another horrific tragedy due to gun violence at the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade. My heart is heavy for our neighbors in Highland Park and throughout Lake County, and for all who have to know the pain and terror of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence.

Like so many of you, I am heartbroken, I'm angry, and I'm grieving. But John, I want you to know that I'm not giving up.

Recently, Congress passed the first major gun safety legislation in almost three decades. I truly believe that this legislation will put our nation one step closer to ending our gun violence epidemic. But this tragedy is a stark reminder that there is still a lot of work ahead of us, and we cannot stop here.

I know in my heart that together, we will get through this and not only pass more lifesaving gun safety legislation, but also protect reproductive freedom, expand affordable health care, lower costs for working families, and so much more — and it will be because of folks like you who are determined to make our country a better place for all.

Thanks to support from folks like you, we’re in a strong position to protect this seat and continue advocating for what we believe in and what we know is right. And together, I know we can accomplish anything.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for everything.

Onward,

Lauren