⬆️ This is Ms. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, talking about me.
John, my parents grew up in Guatemala, and immigrated to the US while my mother was pregnant with me. They did janitorial work in exchange for cheaper rent, and we regularly volunteered at the food pantry or soup kitchen.
I was just seven years old when I started asking people experiencing homelessness about their stories. I was just out of high school when I realized how important elected officials were to our communities, and when I realized that they weren't doing enough to actually help.
Now, as the White House Press Secretary announces that I'll be the first Latina to represent the Midwest, I can't help but think about the people that I did it for.
Because while I did it for my younger self, and I did it for my family, I ultimately did it for the biggest reason of all: my community.
I wanted the Latino community in the Midwest to have an elected official they could relate to. I wanted Latina girls and young women to have a role model, someone strong enough to stand for what's right.
Above all, I wanted to show communities that there are good elected officials, ones that will listen to you, and fight for what you need.
John, our communities are my top priority. But I can't push for a better Illinois without your help. It only takes 30 seconds to join Team Delia – can I count on your support?
