John,

Today is a somber anniversary for our country as we mark 2 years since insurrectionists stormed our nation’s Capitol in an attempt to upend our democracy. It also happens to coincide with my birthday, forever affecting the celebratory mood of January 6 for me and, I suspect, many others with whom I share this (now infamous) date of birth!

But John, two years later–democracy lives on.

In the time since this heartbreaking and disgraceful coup, we as a nation have learned many important lessons, one of the most poignant being that our democracy is precious – and we must do everything in our power to defend it. The tragedy of January 6, 2021, also demonstrated the unrelenting resilience of the American people and our government.

I know I am not alone in reaffirming my steadfast belief in the Rule of Law. Our democracy was founded on this guiding principle, and we have collectively shown time and time again that our nation will be governed not by mob rule, but by the will of the people.

Of course, we have our challenges. Urban problems; rural problems; and political divisiveness that makes gaps seem more like chasms. It takes strong leaders to address these problems, and I commit to being one who doesn’t ever give up. Our democracy is worth fighting for.

Bringing the insurrectionists and their enablers to justice is becoming a reality, and I am hopeful that ALL those involved will be held accountable for their actions.

We must continue to root out the violent extremism and destructiveness of those who want to tear down the best democracy the world has ever known. I believe in my heart that the people of this country, no matter what their political stripe, will see to it that nothing like the events of January 6, 2021 ever happen again.

So yes, it's no longer just my special day. I now have an obligation to share this day with the rest of the world – as a terrible reminder, but also an opportunity for us to recommit to protecting and strengthening our robust democracy for future generations.

Another anniversary – one I treasure – is that I was first sworn in as elected Attorney General on January 4, 2013, ten years ago this week. I still love this work and look forward to what we can accomplish together in the coming months. My birthday and New Year’s resolutions are to help make Oregon the safe, healthy, fair, just and equitable state we all want it to be.

Warm wishes to you and yours in what I hope will be a bright year for all Oregonians.

Ellen