Hi John,
Before tomorrow's deadline, I need your support now more than ever, but before I ask you for a contribution I want to tell you more about why we’re here and why I’m asking for your support. I want to show you why we deserve bold leadership. And why we don’t have to settle for less.
Here’s the deal: Fair redistricting has given Democrats a chance to flip the State Senate for the first time in nearly 40 years. And all the data points out that my seat is the most important one toward that path.
I would be the first pick-up for Democrats. We need two more seats after me to get to a tie. One more on top of that and we have an outright majority that can and will govern for the people. This is our chance to right the ship in Michigan and save our democracy from those who want to strip away our rights and serve special interests and Donald Trump.
From the beginning, we set out to change politics for the better — to improve Downriver, to fight for our issues, and to create change for our community. To organize our neighbors and restore trust in our government. To actually represent people.
We knew that this would not be easy. As a young teacher, when I first told political insiders and folks in the establishment that I was interested in running for State Rep, I was literally laughed at and told to wait my turn. It was a frustrating moment — but only a small hurdle on our journey. As the son of an immigrant and Latina, I know how to work harder than anyone else and defy the odds. With your help, we won the most competitive Democratic Primary in 2016 and went on to win the general election by 323 votes. I was the only Democrat to flip a seat in Michigan that year. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost six years since we shocked those in power and won.
During our time in the State House, we’ve been able to get things done for Downriver -- and also dealt with some challenging and terrifying political moments.
We’ve stood up for our schools, students, and educators and secured record school funding in the state budget.
We’ve fought for and won major infrastructure money — including negotiating the deal to build an underpass on Allen Road to stop the blocked trains.
We’ve been able to save pensions and healthcare for first responders after many Republicans tried to take those benefits away.
We’ve spoken up for unions, introduced the bill to Repeal Right to Work, and walked the picket line with workers who demanded their fair share.
We’ve led on protecting our environment and Great Lakes and pushed our communities to think differently about how we use our waterfront on the Detroit River.
We’ve fought to lower costs for our residents — including making prescription drugs more affordable and holding big corporations accountable.
We’ve stared down insurrectionists as they stormed the Michigan capitol and stood up for our democracy as they tried to overturn the results of the election in our state.
And through it all, we’ve knocked on tens of thousands of doors, solved thousands of unemployment cases for our residents, and shown up to hundreds of events in our district to listen, learn, and advocate for you.
It’s been an eventful three terms in office.
When I outline this to supporters, folks always ask me: “And you still want to do this work??”
The reality is that it is difficult to run for office and want to serve in this environment. But it is also true that this moment in history calls us to serve and put our community first if we want to have a stable and functioning democracy.
I have so much more work to do and additional problems to solve for Downriver, Wayne, and the Belleville Area. And we need your help to get to the State Senate and continue our journey of change. Our communities deserve bold leadership in Lansing.
All eyes are on our race and our numbers which will be reported this week. That’s why I wanted to give you the context before making this big ask. We’ve been through a lot together, and we have so much more to do. And I can’t do it alone.
This Sunday is our biggest fundraising deadline of the campaign, and we’re a bit short of our goal. I’m hoping to raise another $3500 from past or new grassroots supporters by midnight tomorrow. Do you think you can help?
Can you chip in $15, $25, $50 or more to help us get across the finish line?
It has been the honor of my life to do this work with you. With your support, we can continue to create change. And we will win.
In service to our democracy,
