You are receiving this email as one of Alexandra’s most engaged followers. If you no longer wish to receive emails or updates, please click the “unsubscribe” link below. Hi John, As many of you know, I ran a very difficult campaign for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District this past May. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted (and worked SO hard for), but we caught the eye of many Philadelphia and national politicos for how bold and brave we were to take on a long-time, deeply entrenched Philadelphia politician. My opponent never publicly acknowledged our campaign, but I knew he was shaken by how hard we ran, the number of votes we were able to accumulate, how much money we raised . . . and the fact that I came out of nowhere to challenge his congressional seat. I believe that part of his refusal to acknowledge our campaign is a result of who I am – a single young woman – and my background. The reality is we need young people from all walks of life involved in our electoral process. I was so excited to see the young voter turnout for this general election – young Democratic voter turnout is what stopped a red wave nationwide. The establishment should be harnessing that energy and using our youthful impatience to push for change. But young people also need our own representation and the establishment should be encouraging young people to step into politics – even running for elected office. This past Election Day, I went to lunch at *the* Philadelphia power lunch spot, Relish. Many of the folks there were people I’ve become friendly with since our campaign ended. When I saw my former opponent walk into the room and start greeting people, I went up to him and offered him my hand. I’m a fighter, but I’m not a sore loser. He looked at me, at my outstretched hand, and he turned his back on me and walked away. The unspoken message was loud and clear: How dare someone like me run for his seat. This sense of entitlement is so troubling, not in and of itself, but because it's a symptom of a much more deeply rooted problem in our democracy. It's what leads to voter apathy. We voters notice when politicians' campaign promises all but evaporate once election season is over. They lie to get our votes, and then don't deliver. But if we say anything – if we complain, or try to hold our elected officials accountable, if indeed we run against them in the next election? We are the problem. We are accused of "disrespect." That doesn’t sound very democratic to me. Yet you’d better believe that same core mentality – that young people disrupt plans for power – is why the GOP is talking about increasing the minimum voting age to 21. Old-school power can’t handle young civic energy. If you think young people need a voice in the future of our planet and in our democracy, contribute to our exploratory committee today. Contribute NOW Yes, I am young – but I'm not naive nor inexperienced, and I'm a fast learner. I know what it’s like to work my butt off, even when a successful outcome isn’t guaranteed. I don’t expect to have any seat handed to me – in fact, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve earned in my 29 years of life. Once in office, I’ll work every day to earn my seat and to earn the voters’ approval. But I can only get there with support from people like you. Can you please donate $10 or more to elect leaders like me who will never take the job for granted — I'll fight for all of us, every single day. For the record, I’ll always shake my opponents’ hands because I think anyone who wants to use their voice to fight – for the things they care about, the people they love, and their neighbors – should have the right to do just that. I’m getting ready to fight for Philly again. Will you stand with me? DONATE IN SUPPORT In Solidarity, Alexandra Hunt FOLLOW ALEXANDRA ON Paid for by Friends of Alexandra Hunt CONTRIBUTE Alexandra M. Hunt | P.O. Box 5615, Philadelphia, PA 19129 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!