I want to thank everyone who signed my birthday card. It was so great to see the notes and well wishes.
As I celebrated my birthday yesterday, I looked back at some of the incredible moments I’ve experienced. I wanted to share just a few of them with you and let you know how thankful I am that you have been with me along the way.
When my parents immigrated to America, they understood the promise that America has to offer. They instilled in my brothers, my sister, and me that even on our worst day, we are blessed to live in America.
As a child, I watched the American Dream unfold before me. My parents came from India with $8 in their pocket. I watched my mom create a small business in our living room and expand it to great heights. When I was 13, I started doing the books at my mom's store. After graduating with an accounting degree and working in the corporate world, I came back to the family store and was proud to watch my mom’s business grow even more.
When I ran my first campaign at 32, I was up against the longest-serving member of the South Carolina legislature. He had been in office for nearly my entire life. I was the underdog. It took a team of incredible grassroots volunteers and supporters to help me pull off a victory. And, when I won, I immediately got to work. I spent my time in the state legislature creating government transparency, championing fiscal responsibility, and fighting for South Carolina’s veterans.
When I was 38, I was honored to take the oath of office as the first female governor of South Carolina. It’s a moment I will always cherish.
I had the privilege of fighting every day for the people of my state, whether it was signing a voter ID requirement into law, slashing the unemployment rate in half, reducing the small business tax rate, or delivering the largest transportation funding bill in two decades without raising taxes on South Carolinians.
Just after my 45th birthday, I was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the UN. I was grateful to serve our country and stand for America on the global stage. Starting on day one, I made sure countries knew there was a new America at the UN—one that would have the backs of our allies and stand up for ourselves. I was proud to push for the U.S. to move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, advocate for an end to the Iran nuclear deal, and drive negotiations to achieve the first major reform of the UN’s peace and security apparatus in decades.
When I left the United Nations, I made a promise to always stand for America. Since then, I’ve been fighting to promote conservative solutions and rallying behind freedom-loving Americans who understand the hope our country has to offer.
I’m blessed to live in America. None of these incredible experiences could have become a reality anywhere else.
As Republicans and as Americans, it’s up to us to renew that hope. Our children and grandchildren are counting on us. And together, I know we will come through for them.
Thank you for being by my side and for supporting my mission to stand for America.
Your support has been invaluable, and I’m grateful for all of the birthday wishes.
My very best,
