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John,
I’ll be honest with you — the night before we launched this campaign over six months ago, I was petrified. I had been warned that running this race would make me a pariah in my hometown. People told me that I would lose friends and my career. They said the local political establishment would do everything they could to “crush me.” I could barely eat from the stress.
But, the next morning, as I was walking to Social Justice Park in Downtown Columbus to announce my candidacy, I kept reminding myself that if I didn’t launch this campaign, nothing would change here. And a status quo that has left so many in the 3rd district vulnerable, forgotten, and left behind would continue. I thought of the many people here in Central Ohio whose sacrifices gave me opportunities beyond my imagination. I thought of my ancestors, who took risks I cannot even comprehend, chart a path for me to follow. I knew I couldn’t let my fear prevent me from standing up — from using my current privilege and experience to start changing the political landscape to make sure everyone in the 3rd district gets a fair shot. And so, on July 1, 2019, my 36th birthday, I launched this grassroots campaign; a campaign to build power for the people, for those disconnected from the democratic process, and for every single person who has been economically undermined by bought politicians. Six months into this campaign, I can confidently tell you:
The people are with us.
1. STUDENT #MORGANIZING
Columbus is a college town. The median age in our district is just 32. The Ohio State University (where I was born) is the largest campus in the country with 51,000 students. OH-3 is also home to Ohio Dominican University, Franklin University, Capital University, Columbus College of Arts & Design and Columbus State Community College. Young people are a political force to be reckoned with here. Add to that, this district has the fourth-highest millennial population in the country. But the youngest and most dynamic people in Columbus are being ignored by our current political leadership. Often, only 10% of registered Democrats actually cast their ballots in primaries.
We’re actively working to bring communities together including young refugees, creatives, and students. This past Saturday, several high school students were out knocking on doors with me for the first time ever! Many tell me that they have no idea how the political process works. They had never heard the word “canvass” before they started following our campaign on Instagram. These moments let me know all of the work is worth it. I want young people to recognize the power they have to influence our country and, through that influence, the power to change their own futures — and that has to be a grassroots effort.
2. ENDORSEMENTS
We are very grateful to continue to receive endorsements from next generation groups who are challenging the status quo and willing to back candidates focused on the issues of our time. From The Sunrise Movement, the premier youth-led climate justice organization, to Matriarch supporting progressive, working women candidates, and even Brand New Congress backing progressive candidates running for office not simply to get elected, but also to keep Washington focused on policies that advance human rights, justice, and equality for all. These are just a few of our endorsements. These organizations don’t just bring attention to our campaign; they also highlight what we’re fighting for in OH-3: livable wages, healthcare for everyone, and climate justice.
3. MEDIA
What I’ve learned running a grassroots campaign against the political establishment is that they will do anything to keep you from reaching voters — and that includes pressuring local media to ignore your campaign. But because of people like you, with energy and passion for change, we cannot be ignored. The most recent Columbus Dispatch article has set the tone going into the new year for our campaign’s home stretch:
We’re a formidable campaign positioned to win. And we’ve got momentum.
4. FUNDRAISING
This is it. It’s crunch time. In three days, we will wrap up the last full quarter of fundraising before our primary on March 17th. We are so close to smashing our goal. We are trying to reach each of our target voters 3 times before the primary through door-knocking and digital advertisements. Though we’re a scrappy operation, grassroots strategies still require significant funds. So please, please chip in whatever you can today and share this email with 3 friends!
Let them know that they can join the more than 4,000 people who have donated to one of the most progressive political campaigns in the country in the heart of the Midwest. We have gotten this far by activating networks upon networks and we have to keep the momentum going!
Back in July I was afraid, but not anymore. And that’s thanks to you, my team, and to the people of this district, who are uniting behind us to become a force for change. Together, we are making people who have been disconnected believe again.
Together is how we will win.
Thank you!
Morgan
