John,

as you probably are aware, parts of Florida are currently overwhelmed with the effects of Hurricane Ian  - a devastating and powerful storm that is projected to impact several states along the coast. I am sending this email from my phone as the only real method of communication I have until it dies. For a lot of us going through this long-lasting disaster, that will be our only way to stay in touch with our loved ones. This storm made a shift in its path, and we were stuck here at the last minute without the time or ability to evacuate.

(this is what it looks like in my community right now...)

This awful event reminds me why I decided to run for Congress here in Florida's 19th... It's because every year we hear the same disregard for the real impacts of climate change: that this storm is the “worst one yet.” It happens every season now and not enough of our elected officials are taking the threat of the climate crisis seriously.  So many are so strictly headfirst into their political goals that they forget the real impacts on the lives of Americans. Americans DIE because of this. There is no time to waste on climate action. Scientists across the world agree that we are only seeing the beginning of the worst. I’m a mother and a scientist, and my concern is for ALL of us.

I intend to take these threats very seriously, while MAGA-Republicans ignore them. Their inability to craft plans and put preparations in place are a blatant disregard for the lives of their constituents: the people in their district who are neighbors, friends, and community leaders that ALL deserve concern for their well-being.

Today, as we face the horrific after-effects of this storm, I am asking you to think about the lives at stake because of inaction on climate change. It is only going to get worse if we do not have the people in place that will do something about it.

I am humbly asking for a split donation between our campaign and No Dem Left Behind as the lives of Floridians, as well as others across the country, cannot wait on the other side to finally listen to us.

Chip in $25 Chip in $50 Chip in $100 Chip in Other Amount

I can’t express enough thanks for your support. It means the world to me and to us, and I know we can face this scary reality head-on if we are in the fight together.


- Dr. Cindy Banyai
Candidate for U.S. House Florida District 19