Hi there, hope that you’re doing well. 

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of joining Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and fellow Midwest Democrats in the launch of what we’re calling the Heartland Caucus. Organized around the idea that we need more Democrats from the Midwest, the Caucus will work to elevate Midwestern values and make sure that our Democratic party is thinking about how to support Heartland communities, to grow American innovation and sustain growth for this generation and generations to come. 

You may be asking yourself, what’s the importance of the Midwest? What’s the difference between a seat in western Illinois or upstate New York or eastern Washington when it comes to majority math? What I always tell people is that besides being part of our historical base (blue collar manufacturers and farmers), the battleground districts in the Midwest look like the majority of this country.

If we want to grow our Senate majority and continue to win the White House then we must learn how to win seats like IL-17. The path to real change in our country runs right through the Midwest. 

My race is slated to be one of the most competitive House races in the country. Help me send a message that Democrats refuse to cede ground in the Midwest by chipping in $5 today.

I’ve been thinking about my role in Congress for the next two years (and hopefully more). I am the climate communicator and the science communicator, but I also want to be the Midwestern communicator. 

As I said at the introductory press conference, “We represent industry, manufacturing, new ideas that move us forward. And yes the home of John Deere. We are the heartland, because we represent the heart that ensures our economy keeps beating.”

There is so much work that I want to do (and our team is already doing) around lowering costs, bringing sustainable jobs back to Central and  Northwest Illinois, investing in broadband expansion, supporting our family farmers, and taking meaningful steps to address climate change. 

But I see this role to be just as crucial: without the Midwest, and districts like mine, Democrats will not be able to hold the Senator or White House in 2024. And there's no way we can flip the House without districts like mine. 

If you'd like to support our efforts toward progress, send in a donation to help us keep this seat blue. Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/es-q1-2023

Be well and talk soon!

- Eric

Eric Sorensen is a meteorologist born and raised in Rockford, IL running for U.S. Congress. He’s seen firsthand the importance of establishing trust with the community, and he’s determined to use his expertise as a climate communicator to fight for Illinoisans on environmental justice and more in Washington. To support Eric, consider making a grassroots contribution here.

P.O. Box 1172 Moline, IL 61265 United States